GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • DigitalGlobe Makes Available 30-cm Satellite Imagery to Customers

    DigitalGlobe-satellite-imagery-W

    DigitalGlobe is making available its 30-cm satellite imagery products. Access to the high-resolution commercial satellite imagery captured by DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite will improve decision making, enable more efficient operations, and enhance a variety of applications for customers in the civil government, defense and intelligence, energy, mining and global development sectors.

    In addition, many customers who previously relied on aerial imagery can now benefit from the improved economics, global availability, and faster refresh rate that DigitalGlobe can provide with its 30-cm satellite imagery, the company said. Imagery of this resolution was previously only available from aerial platforms, which are difficult, costly, or impossible to access in many parts of the world.

    DigitalGlobe’s 30-cm imagery products are also a rapid and affordable alternative in locations where aerial imagery is readily available. New imagery orders can be delivered on timescales of days or weeks, as opposed to months, in many cases, and customers can also have access to a rapidly growing volume of available 30-cm archive imagery.

    The suitability of 30-cm satellite imagery for aerial imaging applications is confirmed by the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS), which is used by the imaging community to define and measure the quality of images and performance of imaging systems. DigitalGlobe’s 30-cm imagery achieves a rating of NIIRS 5.7, meaning it can resolve objects on the ground such as above-ground utility lines in a residential neighborhood, manhole covers, building vents, fire hydrants, and individual seams on locomotives.

    “DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite data is the highest quality satellite photo data that PhotoSat has ever processed,” said Gerry Mitchell, president of PhotoSat, a satellite elevation mapping provider for energy, mining and engineering firms. “In one test, an elevation mapping grid extracted from stereo WorldView-3 satellite photos matched a highly accurate LiDAR elevation grid to better than 15 cm in elevation. This result takes satellite elevation mapping into the engineering design and construction markets and directly competes with LiDAR and high-resolution air photo mapping for applications like flood plain monitoring.”

    The DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 commercial imaging satellite is capable of collecting imagery with 30-cm ground sample distance — five times the detail of the company’s nearest competitor. The satellite also features unique shortwave infrared (SWIR) capabilities that will enable new applications such as seeing through smoke and haze, identifying minerals and manmade materials, and assessing the health of crops and vegetation.

    The SWIR imagery that the satellite collects has never before been available to commercial customers with this level of spatial and spectral resolution, and it will provide unique value to users in the energy and mining industries, as well as others, DigitalGlobe said. DigitalGlobe also launched a beta program for 7.5 m SWIR imagery, working with partners, customers and users to explore new uses for this capability.

    “Companies should be exploiting the competitive advantages of the WorldView-3 data to look for potential ore-related alteration that will have been missed by the previous satellites used for alteration mapping,” said Dan Taranik, managing director of Exploration Mapping Group, a service provider to the global mineral exploration industry. “Detailed inspection of remote areas on the peripheries of alluvium or younger volcanics would be a competitive advantage that could help reveal concealed deposits.”

  • U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Geospatial Data Act

    United States Senators Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and John Warner, D-VA, have introduced the bipartisan Geospatial Data Act in the U.S. Congress.

    “The federal government wastes vast amounts of taxpayer dollars by not properly managing and coordinating our federal investments in geospatial data,” Sen. Hatch said in a press release. “This common-sense legislation will improve coordination, reduce duplication and promote data transparency.”

    “Geospatial data has endless possibilities for transforming both the private and public sectors — from helping local governments develop emergency preparedness plans to fueling the creation of apps that let you find parking spots, restaurants, and even homes for sale based on where you’re standing,” said Sen. Warner. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data but some very basic questions about how and where agencies are already investing in this data can’t be answered. Our bill would bring transparency and accountability to the collection of this data and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted on duplicative efforts.”

    The federal government has recognized the need to organize and coordinate the collection and management of geospatial data since at least 1990, when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) most recently revised Circular A-16 to establish the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and to promote the coordinated use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data nationwide. Unfortunately, the progress made over the last two decades has been inadequate, according to a statement by Sen. Hatch. “The federal government needs to improve management of geospatial data across the board,” the statement said.

    The Geospatial Data Act is designed to codify and strengthen OMB Circular A-16 and require federal agencies to implement international consensus standards, assist in eliminating duplication, avoid redundant expenditures, accelerate the development of electronic government to meet the needs and expectations of citizens and agency programmatic mandates, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public management.

    Additionally, the bill is intended to provide a clear definition for geospatial data and metadata, will require an accounting of the costs associated with the acquisition or creation of geospatial data, and will improve government transparency and availability to public information.

    In February, the Government Accountability Office published its third report on the issue, titled “Geospatial Data: Progress Needed on Identifying Expenditures, Building and Utilizing a Data Infrastructure, and Reducing Duplicative Efforts.” The report outlines the intrinsic value of geospatial data, and recommended various measures for better coordination of geospatial activities.

    The leaders of national geospatial organizations applauded the bill. “People believe that the United States of America has a robust system of maps and digital data. We don’t, but we should,” said Shelby D. Johnson, president of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC). “The federal government was never given the tools to do the job right. This act is a good step toward solving the problems, and our members strongly support it. We also applaud Senator Hatch and Senator Warner for their foresight in dealing with this problem.”

    “GIS data is an important tool for counties when it comes to making land use decisions, maintaining infrastructure, and responding to emergencies,” said Matthew Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties. “We support this bill because counties need accurate, modern mapping data to perform key duties and deliver services to their residents. We commend Senators Hatch and Warner for introducing this legislation and urge their colleagues to join them in supporting it.”

  • Nat Geo to Offer Trail Maps on Avenza PDF Maps App

    Joshua-National-Park_800

    On the 100th anniversary of National Geographic’s Cartographic Division, National Geographic Maps will make available hundreds of maps from its Trails Illustrated line through Avenza Systems Inc.’s PDF Maps app.

    The addition of these outdoor recreation maps in North America augments the PDF Maps app digital map database by incorporating trail maps. It also increases National Geographic Maps’ reach within the mobile consumer market, giving more consumers access to the Trails Illustrated line. Trail maps from many of America’s national parks have already been uploaded to the app, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion and Great Smoky Mountains.

    With many Ranger Districts throughout the country discontinuing visitor services, Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides an alternative for outdoor enthusiasts planning a trip in remote areas where Internet service is not always available to stream detailed map content. Using National Geographic’s line of detailed recreation maps, PDF Maps app users can purchase, download and save maps on GPS-enabled devices such as Android- and iOS-based phones and tablets. Park visitors can use the app to find and mark location directly on the downloaded National Geographic map. Features include location tagging, dropping waypoints/pinpoints on points of interest, attaching images and notes, and tracking routes, distance and elevation — all while offline.

    John-Muir-Trail“National Geographic has a century-long history of creating accurate, detailed maps used by travelers, explorers and map lovers across the globe. Today’s technologies allow us to continue that history in the digital realm, expanding the ways consumers can acquire and use our maps,” said Daniel Ortiz, vice president and general manager, National Geographic Maps. “As we celebrate 100 years of National Geographic mapmaking, we are excited to bring the popular Trails Illustrated map line to Avenza’s PDF Map app users.”

    Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides constant access to geographic information and points of interest, with additional interactive tools such as measuring, place marking and location tagging. PDF Maps operates without the risk of lost reception due to cell tower proximity. It does not rely on an Internet connection.

    “Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides the ability for anyone to share map-related information by documenting locations with customized notes, photos and descriptions,” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems Inc. “This expands the utility of a map beyond location guidance, as it is also a tool to share experiences and locales. We continue to strengthen our community of map publishers while further advancing the mapping tools consumers demand, and we look forward to seeing how the industry evolves in an ever-mobile community.”

    Avenza’s PDF Maps app is available now on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store, free of charge for personal use, with a Windows version coming soon. National Geographic maps can be accessed via the PDF Maps in-app store. Pricing of each map is set by the publisher, and free maps remain free to users through the PDF Maps app in-app store.

  • 1Spatial Named in ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’

    1Spatial plc, a spatial big data company, was acknowledged for the second year running in the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) research report as one of “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.”

    1Spatial provides the software and services to manage spatial big data, working with users and creators of geospatial databases to help them collect, manage, plan, maintain, publish and interpret location-specific information. Its clients include national mapping agencies, land registries, utility and telecommunications companies, and government departments including emergency services, defense and census bureaus.

    To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria. These included being UK based, having a turnover of between £6-250 million in the last 12 months, and having a minimum of three years in operation. Companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings. 

    The LSE research report examined in detail the opportunities and challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises and looked at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

  • Fugro Upgrades EZ-FRISK Seismic Hazard Analysis Software

    Fugro has released an upgrade to its EZ-FRISK package — seismic hazard analysis software used by consultants and academics. The new upgrade includes the Next Generation West 2 ground motion prediction models, and improved user interface along with software fixes.

    By early 2015, the software will incorporate the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2014 National Seismic Hazard Maps for the continental U.S., with the exception of California, and will include the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF) version 2. Fugro provides UCERF version 3 ground motion reports for California as an independent consulting service.

    The EZ-FRISK single site probabilistic and deterministic tool enables engineers and geoscientists to study seismic hazards in an easy and flexible manner. As with earlier releases, EZ-FRISK has modules for probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA/DSHA) (with globally available regional seismic source models and a database of ground motion prediction models); spectral matching (adjusting an accelerogram to match a target response spectrum, while preserving realistic time-dependent characteristics of the ground motion); and site response (calculating the ground motion at the surface given a bedrock ground motion and the layers of soil and rock that overlay the bedrock at the site).

    EZ-FRISK can quickly create design ground motions for engineering purposes that use earthquake modeling and statistical analysis to accurately reflect the desired level of safety, provide realistic time-dependent behavior, and consider site-specific soil and rock layering.

    The model was developed using a regional grand inversion process. The outputs are in the form of participation rates, rather than individual faults with defined slip rate or segmentation models. Instead faults are assigned magnitude frequency distributions that include participation of adjoining faults based on over 200,000 rupture scenarios.

    “Fugro continues to extend its legacy of developing state-of-the-art software for the industry. We listen to our clients, and our engineers and geoscientists work closely with them to ensure that we provide the necessary tools for performing seismic hazard analyses worldwide,” said Recep Yilmaz, president of Fugro Consultants.

  • Fugro Upgrades EZ-FRISK Seismic Hazard Analysis Software

    Fugro has released an upgrade to its EZ-FRISK package — seismic hazard analysis software used by consultants and academics. The new upgrade includes the Next Generation West 2 ground motion prediction models, and improved user interface along with software fixes.

    By early 2015, the software will incorporate the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2014 National Seismic Hazard Maps for the continental U.S., with the exception of California, and will include the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF) version 2. Fugro provides UCERF version 3 ground motion reports for California as an independent consulting service.

    The EZ-FRISK single site probabilistic and deterministic tool enables engineers and geoscientists to study seismic hazards in an easy and flexible manner. As with earlier releases, EZ-FRISK has modules for probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA/DSHA) (with globally available regional seismic source models and a database of ground motion prediction models); spectral matching (adjusting an accelerogram to match a target response spectrum, while preserving realistic time-dependent characteristics of the ground motion); and site response (calculating the ground motion at the surface given a bedrock ground motion and the layers of soil and rock that overlay the bedrock at the site).

    EZ-FRISK can quickly create design ground motions for engineering purposes that use earthquake modeling and statistical analysis to accurately reflect the desired level of safety, provide realistic time-dependent behavior, and consider site-specific soil and rock layering.

    The model was developed using a regional grand inversion process. The outputs are in the form of participation rates, rather than individual faults with defined slip rate or segmentation models. Instead faults are assigned magnitude frequency distributions that include participation of adjoining faults based on over 200,000 rupture scenarios.

    “Fugro continues to extend its legacy of developing state-of-the-art software for the industry. We listen to our clients, and our engineers and geoscientists work closely with them to ensure that we provide the necessary tools for performing seismic hazard analyses worldwide,” said Recep Yilmaz, president of Fugro Consultants.

  • Blaze Terra Extension Enables Access to WAMI

    Eternix Ltd., provider of software for GIS visualization and editing in 3D, has released its first WAMI extension, enabling Blaze Terra users to access WAMI data through cloud-based services. WAMI — Wide Area Motion Imagery — is an advanced sensor-based technology that has been gaining popularity since its adoption by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OCG).

    Blaze Terra’s advanced GIS environment allows real-time decision makers working with WAMI to yield optimal insights and results at comfort and speed. Instant overlay of WAMI data with digital elevation models (DEM) or any other geospatial data, such as 3D models, raster or shape files, ensures a comprehensive user experience. In addition, a set of WAMI specific features, such as playback control and feature tracking, use WAMI’s inherent video qualities.

    “We believe that Blaze Terra’s high-end capabilities open a whole set of new opportunities for GIS professionals working with WAMI,” said Daniel Zeitlin, CTO at Eternix Ltd. “Vital application of WAMI occurs in areas where real-time decision making is key. Blaze Terra’s fast processing speed and holistic approach make it the ideal choice for such real-time applications.”

     

  • GEO Business 2015 Releases Conference Program

    GEO Business 2015, which takes place at the Business Design Centre in London from May 27-28, has released its conference program.

    More than 170 abstracts were received from authors representing 28 countries — an increase of 55 percent on the previous show.

     “With such incredible industry support, we are delighted to present a programme which reflects the vibrancy of technology in the geospatial sector,” Conference Chairman Graham Mills (Chairman of Technics Group and President of The Survey Association) said. “In fact, with so much innovation within the industry, the committee felt the need to introduce two new sessions this year, making a total of 16 sessions with a variety of presentations in each.” 

    An informative keynote address opens the show each day, including a presentation on the first day from Andrew McNaughton, technical director from HS2 (the UK’s proposed new high speed rail line). Day Two opens to a presentation about the “BIM Toolkit and Digital Plan of Work Project” by Dr Stephen Hamil, director of design and innovation at National Building Specification, UK.

    One of the new sessions is on “Emerging and Developing Technologies,” focusing on the future of geospatial technology. Topics include wearable GIS tools by Jaak Laineste, founder of Nutiteq; the future of maps by Gary Gale, founder of Malstow Geospatial; and the evolution of geospatial technology by Lee Braybrooke, marketing manager at Trimble. The other new session, “Is Your Asset Management Fit for the 21st Century?”, looks at how geospatial solutions can be used to support the management of assets in a variety of different situations.

    Other highlights of the program include a talk by Andrew Thompson, director of Savills (UK), about the role of geospatial professionals in the resolution of development neighbor disputes, following an increased parliamentary interest in the subject for new legislation.

    In a session on specifications and standards, Chris Preston, a senior engineer with Network Rail, will be discussing attitudes to risk and risk mitigation, including affordable solutions to control risk associated with geospatial data capture. In the same session, David Andrews, geospatial imaging officer at English Heritage, will be presenting English Heritage’s new edition of Metric Survey for Specifications, which is due to be released in May. The new version reflects changes in technology, including digital cameras, motion software and unmanned aerial platforms, as well as BIM. The session will be of interest to all those in the commercial sector who work on cultural heritage projects.

    With BIM sweeping through businesses, the programme includes two sessions on the subject. On Day One, Tim Wood, Global Business Architect at Arup, will be “joining the dots between GIS and BIM” as he talks about Arup’s role in regenerating Croydon, a city in the UK.  Similarly, Fred Mills, founding director of The B1M, will deliver a topical paper explaining the opportunities and benefits of mass BIM adoption on the second day of the conference.

    Another important talk on the subject of data comes from John Carpenter, director of Strategy and Planning at Ordnance Survey, who will provide insight into how geospatial data has been maintained at Ordnance Survey and how there is a need for new initiatives to extend the reach and impact for the next generation of stakeholders. On a similar subject, Adam Iwaniak, president of the Wroclaw Institute for Spatial Information and Artificial Intelligence, will present information about a recent project to develop the GeoMedia Semantic Toolkit, which is able to create and integrate linked data, making it possible to deliver geospatial knowledge in the Linked Data Web.

    For more information on the conference, visit www.GeoBusinessShow.com.

  • EuroGeographics, EuroSDR to Join on European Spatial Research

    EuroGeographics and EuroSDR have announced that they will work together to provide a framework for European spatial data research and development.

    The cooperation agreement will further the development of the EuroSDR Research Plan and the activities of the EuroGeographics Knowledge Exchange Networks. As a result, members of both not-for-profit organizations will benefit from greater opportunities for professional development. They will also be able to take part in joint projects and hand over tasks more appropriate to the other organisation’s expertise.

    “We have a common interest in carrying out and applying relevant research and developments in the field of geographic information and spatial data infrastructures,” said Ingrid Vanden Berghe, president of EuroGeographics, the membership association of the European National Mapping, Land Registry and Cadastral Authorities.

    “With rapid technological advances generated by a digital information society, the time from research via development to operation has never been faster. This agreement will ensure our members remain up to date with and understand the possibilities presented by new technologies and methodologies so they can react more quickly to user demands.”

    Martin Salzmann, president of EuroSDR, which links national mapping, land registry and cadastral authorities with research institutes and universities in Europe, added: “Achieving synergy in our activities benefits both our members and society by strengthening research and development, sharing results of common interest and making these operational. At the same time, we will foster and stimulate a vibrant research community with which to capitalise on future technologies and to be responsive to user demands. By working together we also avoid the risks of duplication of work between us and our member organisations.”

    EuroGeographics and EuroSDR are both committed to supporting wide range of initiatives that will benefit people across Europe, the companies said. These include the European Spatial Data Infrastructure, Copernicus, Galileo, Horizon2020, European Location Framework and the European Digital Single Market.

  • SuperPad GIS App to Receive NTRIP Solution

    SuperPad_NTRIPGIS software provider Supergeo will release an NTRIP solution on SuperPad, its Windows Mobile GIS app, for high-accuracy field data collection and geospatial workflow enhancement.

    SuperPad is a feature-rich mobile GIS application for field-based personnel to collect, edit, display and measure spatial data. The flexible development environment and customized extensions enable users to create a custom platform. SuperPad supports synchronizing data with an enterprise’s server to improve efficiency.

    SuperPad version 3.3 will support an NTRIP solution with RTK technology. Real-time kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation, one of the latest and widely used technologies within the field of differential GNSS, significantly enhances the precision of the positioning data. RTK positioning can raise accuracy to the centimeter-level.

    With the NTRIP solution, SuperPad is not only be capable of handling post-process DGNSS workflow, but also allows users to connect to network RTK service providers with NTRIP protocol, such as a virtual reference station RTK service provider or private station services. Its operations for turning on the module and quick-to-use settings will save surveyors time, while supporting GNSS receivers from makers such as  u-blox, Hemisphere GNSS and NovAtel.

    Progress of the SuperPad NTRIP Extension is also visualized as a condition monitoring informer on the map intuitively. Users looking for high accuracy or precision status with the RTK correction will find more details about the fixing mode and GNSS information presented clearly with the renewed GPS Status pages.

    A free trial of SuperPad can be downloaded here. A webinar about SuperPad is available here.

  • Trimble VRS Now Service Now Available in Australia, Oregon

    Trimble VRS Now coverage in Australia.
    Trimble VRS Now coverage in Australia.

    Trimble, together with its distribution partner Ultimate Positioning Group (UPG), announced the availability of Trimble VRS Now correction service in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

    Trimble is also now offering the Trimble VRS Now correction service in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

    The commercial subscription service provides surveyors, civil engineers, geospatial professionals and other industry specialists in these areas with instant access to real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS corrections without the need for a base station.

    Using both GPS and GLONASS constellations, the Trimble service delivers centimeter-level RTK corrections customized for each GNSS receiver’s location anywhere in the network via cellular communications. The Trimble VRS Now service supplies accurate, reliable and easy-to-use GNSS positioning for a variety of applications including surveying, urban planning, urban and rural construction, environmental monitoring, resource and territory management, disaster prevention and relief and scientific research, Trimble said.

    “The addition of VRS Now to Trimble’s current portfolio of corrections technologies and services in Australia highlights our ability to meet any accuracy, delivery, availability and financial consideration across a variety of applications and markets,” said John Sprivulis, business area director of Trimble’s Positioning Services Division in the Asia Pacific. “Trimble is effectively creating a national positioning infrastructure to meet Australia’s future needs.”

    Trimble VRS Now in Australia is a continuation of Trimble’s focus on providing solutions that enable customers to increase productivity by simplifying access to high-precision accuracy around the world. Similar VRS Now services are operating in parts of the U.S. and Europe.

    In addition, the Australian VRS Now service supports the Trimble Pivot Field Mobile App, which provides up-to-the-minute information on the VRS Now system status for users in the region.

    Because OmniSTAR CORS service in the area is being phased out, existing Australian users will be automatically transitioned to the Trimble VRS Now service, which provides easy access to high accuracy and reliable positioning within the network coverage area.

    Service in Australia and Oregon is a continuation of Trimble’s focus on providing solutions that enable customers to increase productivity by simplifying access to high-precision positioning around the world. Similar VRS Now services are operating in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and parts of Europe.

  • Trimble VRS Now Service Now Available in Australia, Oregon

    Trimble VRS Now coverage in Australia.
    Trimble VRS Now coverage in Australia.

    Trimble, together with its distribution partner Ultimate Positioning Group (UPG), announced the availability of Trimble VRS Now correction service in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

    Trimble is also now offering the Trimble VRS Now correction service in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

    The commercial subscription service provides surveyors, civil engineers, geospatial professionals and other industry specialists in these areas with instant access to real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS corrections without the need for a base station.

    Using both GPS and GLONASS constellations, the Trimble service delivers centimeter-level RTK corrections customized for each GNSS receiver’s location anywhere in the network via cellular communications. The Trimble VRS Now service supplies accurate, reliable and easy-to-use GNSS positioning for a variety of applications including surveying, urban planning, urban and rural construction, environmental monitoring, resource and territory management, disaster prevention and relief and scientific research, Trimble said.

    “The addition of VRS Now to Trimble’s current portfolio of corrections technologies and services in Australia highlights our ability to meet any accuracy, delivery, availability and financial consideration across a variety of applications and markets,” said John Sprivulis, business area director of Trimble’s Positioning Services Division in the Asia Pacific. “Trimble is effectively creating a national positioning infrastructure to meet Australia’s future needs.”

    Trimble VRS Now in Australia is a continuation of Trimble’s focus on providing solutions that enable customers to increase productivity by simplifying access to high-precision accuracy around the world. Similar VRS Now services are operating in parts of the U.S. and Europe.

    In addition, the Australian VRS Now service supports the Trimble Pivot Field Mobile App, which provides up-to-the-minute information on the VRS Now system status for users in the region.

    Because OmniSTAR CORS service in the area is being phased out, existing Australian users will be automatically transitioned to the Trimble VRS Now service, which provides easy access to high accuracy and reliable positioning within the network coverage area.

    Service in Australia and Oregon is a continuation of Trimble’s focus on providing solutions that enable customers to increase productivity by simplifying access to high-precision positioning around the world. Similar VRS Now services are operating in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and parts of Europe.