Tag: GIS mapping

GIS helps telecom industry meet new demands

Image: nadla/E+/Getty Images

By Akshita Pacholi
Allied Market Research

With advantages provided by geographic information systems (GIS), the demand for GIS in the telecom industry has increased in recent years. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the global telecom market is anticipated to garner $3.27 million by 2023.

GIS has fortified the telecom industry by reducing costs and augmenting capital planning. GIS mapping can improve outage prediction, resource management and infrastructure determination.

GIS also can help the emerging economies for independent energy, efficient infrastructure, and enhanced communication systems. GIS provides imagery, geocoding, modeling, routing and the required data for these applications.

GIS is rising in popularity as it eases access to critical sources of business intelligence.

Impacts in the telecom industry

GIS mapping supports telecom companies with factors such as enhanced customer service with location data and imagery, efficient resource dispatch, and prompt sharing of location data. This enables telecom industries to track locations and have a better understanding of service layout.

GIS mapping lets companies know the geospatial relationships of their facilities, resources and ground features, and provide faster and more effective customer service.

GIS also helps identify faulty circuits. It can help model the solution online and offer best-case scenarios, resulting in improved operations and enhanced customer service.

GIS mapping also helps the sales and service team understand their targets by tracking multiple layers of geospatial data and providing insight into the customer base.

Information on network structure

Almost every telecom company focuses on offering effective, functioning networks, along with network monitoring, testing of network elements, maintenance and customer services. The real-time network structure offered by GIS solutions enhances these monitoring and service activities.

With GIS, networks get instant access to information such as customers’ history and rank, current network structure, signal quality in precise demography, and any need for maintenance or restoration of services. Moreover, GIS makes the services more reliable and fast.

GIS solutions are also beneficial for determining market demand for future estimations. GIS offers a better understanding of the relationship between customers’ topographical presence and companies’ marketing operations. It helps companies identify networking issues and easily reach customers, along with offering information on other issues.

With its precise geography, GIS helps telecom companies meet service demand and develop budgets for promotional activities and marketing campaigns.

Enhancing telecom services

With computers and mobile devices a necessity for most of us, many telecoms want to expand to provide services in rural areas — a major reason for their adoption of GIS.

Another motivator is the surge in demand for augmented reality and virtual reality, part of the increase in the adoption of GIS for mobile and broadband services.

Smart Cities. GIS provides a platform that works with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, networks, databases, fault management system and wireless location. The demand for growth also depends on the rise in demand for satellite images by companies that provide maps and an increase in government spending to develop and build smart cities.

Moreover, the rising use of technology, the internet, and other digital platforms in rural areas has sparked companies to expand their services.

With companies focusing on broad network coverage, greater connectivity and emerging innovations such as 5G, the field of mobile telecommunications technology is anticipating opportunities to expand market growth.

Akshita Pacholi has a master’s degree in English literature and is working as a content writer with Allied Market Research.

September 22, 2020
Laser Technology offers improved rangefinder with compass
Laser Technology Inc. (LTI), manufacturer of professional-grade laser rangefinders, has released its improved TruPulse 360 laser, which features LTI’s TruVector 360° Compass Technology.

The rangefinder has numerous measurement capabilities. According to the company, it can measure slope distance, inclination and azimuth; instantly calculate horizontal and vertical distances; and calculate 3D missing line values.

The enhanced device offers 33 percent increased distance accuracy, 25 percent better target acquisition and a higher azimuth accuracy of 0.5° root mean squared (RMS).

“Given its limitless angle and tilt capabilities, the TruPulse 360 is extremely popular for GPS/GNSS offset mapping processes,” said Eric Miller, president of Laser Technology Inc. “The laser’s flexibility enables users to record offsets and attribute data of multiple features from a single location, making data collection quicker, easier and even safer in potentially hazardous situations.”

The new TruPulse 360 continues LTI’s mission of providing cutting-edge laser measurement solutions in an easy-to-use way, and this model represents an accumulation of more than a decade of work.

In 2007, the TruPulse 360 integrated LTI’s exclusive TruVector 360° Compass Technology, which was developed from the company’s stand-alone MapStar compass module. The combination of an integrated compass, inclinometer and distance laser gave measurement professionals the best possible azimuth accuracy — and mapping-grade precision — no matter the angle it was shot in, the company said.

Features

Photo: LTI

This latest version of the TruPulse 360, with an even more accurate electronic compass integrated into the laser, continues to deliver added value for the modern measurement professional. Uses include forestry, utilities, construction and GIS mapping.

In addition to its increased range and azimuth accuracy and Bluetooth-enabled communication, the TruPulse 360 features:
- Reflectorless technology that enables data capture to any surface type;
- advanced targeting modes to achieve accurate, repeatable results of the intended target;
- seven-power superior optics technology that displays all measured and calculated solutions; and
- Smart technology that recognizes adverse measurement conditions and prompts recalibration.
“By integrating our great compass technology into this already groundbreaking device, no other laser on the market can match the performance of the TruPulse 360,” Miller said. “And with our continuous commitment to making user-driven enhancements, the TruPulse 360 stands on its own as the best measurement and mapping laser rangefinder out there.”
August 22, 2018
Trimble MX9 mapping system designed for surveying, engineering, GIS

Trimble has released its MX9 mobile mapping solution for large-scale scanning and mapping missions.

The Trimble MX9 combines a vehicle-mounted mobile lidar system, multi-camera imaging and field software for efficient, precise and high-volume data capture for a broad range of mobile mapping applications such as road surveys, topographic mapping, 3D modeling and asset management.

The Trimble MX9 captures dense point-cloud data along with 360-degree immersive georeferenced imagery using a spherical camera, GNSS/INS technology and dual-head laser scanning sensors.

The system’s innovative and lightweight design facilitates easy installation and setup on a variety of vehicles. Spatial data can be captured at highway speeds from inside the vehicle for safe operation in transportation corridors.

The intuitive, browser-based field software, accessible via most tablets or any notebook, enables operators to quickly establish and conduct data-acquisition missions, monitor the status of the system, and assess the quality of the acquired data in real time.

“The Trimble MX9 is our next-generation mobile mapping system, focused on simple operation and integrated workflows for a new generation of users and applications,” said Ron Bisio, vice president of Trimble Geospatial. “We believe there’s a tremendous potential for a system that offers high-quality performance, simple installation and easy operation.

“Being able to capture high-fidelity and survey-grade data for a whole project site, a complete city or even a statewide road-network allows our customers to use mobile mapping data for a variety of surveying, engineering and mapping applications.”

The Trimble MX9 is designed for applications including transportation infrastructure planning, as-built surveying, GIS mapping and asset management. Survey and engineering professionals can analyze road cross-sections, perform clearance inspections, conduct topographic mapping, and also use the data for machine control.

Mapping professionals can utilize the same data for city mapping and planning, inventory mapping and 3D modeling of buildings and linework.

Complete integration with Trimble office software allows users to seamlessly process the acquired data and generate deliverables for a wide variety of applications. Tools are available for survey and engineering applications as well as deriving and publishing GIS and asset management deliverables.

Users can also easily export their data for use with third-party software.

The Trimble MX9 is available for virtual or live demonstrations, depending on customer location, beginning in April. The MX9 system includes a roof rack. Optional accessories such as a GNSS azimuth measurement system (GAMS) or a distance measurement instrument (DMI) are available.

February 5, 2018
New speaker, technologies on July 28 GIS field data collection webinar
Date: Thursday, July 28, 2016
Time: 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT
Sponsor: Laser Technology

A new speaker and a new mapping technology have joined the line-up for next Thursday’s (July 28) free webinar, “Laser Rangefinders, Lidar, Cameras and More: Other Sensors Integrated with GNSS for Special Mapping Requirements.” Survey and mapping consultant Eric Gakstatter will speak on the use of digital cameras, laser rangefinders, and lidar.

Eric Gakstatter
He joins Joakim Rydell, author of the magazine’s July cover story, “See Into the Smoke with Inertial,” and Paul Adkins, global communications manager for Laser Tech, Inc. Overall, the panelists will present valuable business and technical information to increase workflow efficiency with smart devices, apps, rangefinders and cameras, and to keep attendees on the forefront of new GIS field data collection methods.

Field data collection and mapping is booming in many industrial, business, defense and other organizational workflows. The demand for accuracy and data richness constantly increases, and the frontiers for mapping and navigation are steadily pushing outward through all types of obstructed environments — or inward. These new positioning challenges are met by a range of sensors complementing GNSS: laser range-finders, inertial measurement units, cameras of various kinds and more.

Practitioners and researchers in these industries will find this GPS World webinar material profitable:
- Survey and Defense
- Mining and Construction
- GIS Mappping and GPS Mapping
- Forestry and Natural Resource Management
- Utilities and Telecommunications
Speakers:

Joakim Rydell
Senior Scientist, Swedish Defense Research Agency

“Inertial Navigation and Dense Distance Measurements from a Range Camera”

A prototype for soldiers and first responders in dangerous environments integrates inertial navigation with near-infrared images and dense distance measurements from a range camera using active illumination. This produces real-time results on a tablet computer. Experiments demonstrate that the system provides good positioning and mapping performance in a range of indoor environments, including darkness and smoke.

Paul Adkins
Global Marketing Communications Manager, Laser Technology, Inc.

“GIS Field Data Collection Using Smart Devices “

Learn how to increase GIS field data collection workflow efficiency utilizing smart devices (BYOD), internal GPS and apps with compact total station laser rangefinders. Also, using the camera function on the smart devices and/or laser.

Eric Gakstatter
Contributing Editor, GPS World, Geospatial Solutions

Gakstatter is a contributing editor for the Geospatial Solutions Monthly e-newsletter, an e-newsletter focused on geospatial technologies. He owns and operates his own drone or UAV. Following 10 years of work experience within the GPS/GNSS industry, since 2000, he’s been a power user of GPS/GNSS technology as well as a consultant with capital management companies; federal, state and local government agencies; and private companies on the application and/or development of GPS technology. Since 2006, he’s been a contributing editor to GPS World magazine and the Geospatial Solutions website.

Moderator:

Alan Cameron
Editor-In-Chief, GPS World

Cameron is editor-in-chief and publisher of GPS World magazine, where he has worked since 2000. He also writes the monthly GNSS System Design e-newsletter and the Wide Awake blog.
June 30, 2016
First responder UAS video: Affordable geolocation and spatial indexing

When I entered the civilian part of my GIS career as the GIS manager for the Atlanta Regional Commission, I tried to get first responders interested in GIS. Of course, in the early ’90s we were happy to be able to accurately draw points, lines and polygons on a piece of paper. Soon we had the luxury of ortho imagery as a backdrop for our GIS data, but I still couldn’t build a lot of enthusiasm among those first responders.

That changed completely when we started using metric oblique imagery provided by Pictometry. I realized that since we live in an oblique/3D world many non-GIS users had real difficulty visualizing objects or locations using two-dimension visualizations such as drawings, blueprints, maps or even ortho imagery.

By contrast, oblique views made visualization much easier for the vast majority of non-GIS users, and use of oblique imagery coupled with GIS tools exploded. Since then, many of us have been searching for faster, easier and cheaper ways to collect oblique imagery and video, and build 3D models.

For more than a decade, major defense contractors developed leading-edge systems to capture and exploit aerial imagery and video. Although effective, as one would expect of new custom technology, the systems were very expensive and out of reach for most local government agencies. Remote GeoSystems seems to have developed a system that leverages current technology to provide capabilities that may address some of those needs at a reasonable price.

Remote GeoSystems is in the business of capturing, displaying and managing “georeferenced” video and imagery. The company has designed and built high-end geospatial video recording systems for full motion video (FMV) and GIS mapping software primarily aimed at regulatory compliance of energy corridors, grids and critical infrastructure inspection applications.

Fortunately, my UAV is a DJI Inspire 1. I chose the Inspire because of its reputation, and because it seems to be the best combination of features needed for first-responder work at a prosumer price (about $3,500). The Inspire can record up to 4K video/12-mp stills, has a 94-degree field of view so there is no wide angle “fish-eye” distortion typical of an action camera, and has “Lightbridge” technology that permits positive control up to 3 miles and the ability to stream live 720p video (now 1080p) back to the ground controller.

The controller can feed large-screen video for command center group viewing via an HDMI output. Most important, the Inspire records GPS position data and altitude along with the video/imagery stream. (The DJI Phantom 3 Pro is a cheaper alternative that also records telemetry data, but if one upgrades to a 4K camera and the Lightbridge transmitter/receiver, the price approaches the integrated Inspire 1 price.)

An .srt file.

Since I’m always leery of marketing pieces and company demos, I wanted to try the system myself, and Remote Geo was happy to oblige. My first hands-on test was very satisfying. The LineVision software downloaded, unpacked and loaded quickly with no problems. I then recorded some aerial video of our condo building on Lake Guntersville near Huntsville, Alabama. I chose this building because it was convenient, safe to fly and a multi-story building in the open.

In addition to recording the video, one needs to turn on the DJI Inspire metadata recording to generate the .srt file. This is done in the DJI application “General Settings/Camera” by toggling “Video Caption” on. The .srt file was initially designed to provide altitude and location data as on-screen captions, but the data can be used as needed for other purposes.

When done with the flight and recording, transfer the video file and .srt file to your computer. Make sure the video file .mov/.mp4 and .srt file are in the same folder. Open LineVision and you will see an ArcGIS window. From the pull-down menu, load the video and you will instantly see the video play in a separate window with red position dots on the ArcMap view. As the video plays, the dot associated with the location of the UAV will turn yellow. If you click on any dot, the video will jump to that location/position on the video.

Here are screen captures of LineVision showing the ArcGIS view of an ortho image with red dots illustrating the path of the UAV:

LiveVision screen capture.

Another LineVision screen capture.

Closeup showing the UAV track detail.

One advantage of LineVision for first responders is that it is a complete package with ArcGIS embedded, all for a price well below $1,500. There is no need for a separate ArcMap license. Additionally, although LineVision Esri ArcGIS can display GIS data from online sources, if you have GIS data for your location loaded on your computer the system will operate in a disconnected remote environment. These sample screengrabs don’t do the system and video justice, since I recorded at 1080p rather than 4K. My laptop, this website and the reader’s playback equipment limit accurate playback of 4K content, so I did my work at 1080p.

I can envision a disaster-response scenario where the response team arrives on site, launches a UAV, and starts recording the scene. The captured video could then be loaded, viewed, indexed and cataloged with GIS data overlays on a laptop all in a matter of minutes, even in a disconnected environment. Hours, days or months later, finding the right video clip for analysis or forensics should be significantly easier and faster.

With the explosion of UAV hardware and software, it’s going to be an exciting year as new smaller, cheaper and more capable systems hit the market. Remote GeoSystems is working with UAV manufacturers to make LineVision capability available for many of the newcomers.

Leveraging UAV and LineVision capability, Skyline has worked with Remote GeoSystems to bring yet another capability: rapid 3D model creation. Taking appropriate geo-located frames of the video, Skyline uses its PhotoMesh software to build fully metric 3D models in short order. The full capability of this system and its 3D viewer TerraExplorer is so extensive that I will cover it in a future column, after this month’s ESRI Federal Users’ Conference. If you see me at the UC Feb. 24-25, please stop me and say hello.

Media: Remote GeoSystems

February 4, 2016
Esri Showcases Smart Cities Concept at eMerge Americas

Geospatial Solutions’ and GPS World‘s Art Kalinski reports from eMerge Americas, held May 4-5 in Miami. Esri demonstrated its Smart Cities concept at the trade show.

June 1, 2015