GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • Drone Close Calls Cause Problems for Aircraft

    New data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows dozens of dangerous encounters around the country over the past six months, according to the Washington Post. Since June 1, commercial airlines, private pilots and air-traffic controllers have alerted the FAA to 25 episodes in which small drones came within a few seconds or a few feet of crashing into much larger aircraft. Many of the close calls occurred during takeoffs and landings at the nation’s busiest airports, presenting a new threat to aviation safety after decades of steady improvement in air travel.

    Portland International Airport (PDX) is one airport that has experienced a surge in near-collisions with small drones, including several close calls as reported by pilots, reports KGW-TV. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop rules for drone technology.

    According to KGW, one pilot was flying his Piper Archer II just south of downtown Portland on September 20 when a small drone buzzed by his private airplane at 3,000 feet. In another incident on July 7, a Hawker Beechcraft BE35 reported passing an unmanned aircraft while flying near PDX at 2,200 feet.

    On September 11 and September 18, Port of Portland Police were notified by federal agents that someone was flying a drone 150-200 feet above their building. The FBI building sits just one-half mile from an airport runway. According to FAA reports, air traffic controllers at PDX could see the unmanned aircraft from the tower.

    Also, FAA data shows two incidents involving drones were reported in Medford, Oregon, on September 27 and October 24.

    Watch the video news story on the KGW-TV website.

  • Is Severe Weather Coming Your Way? Check Out Esri’s Map

    Esri-severe-weather-map-W

    Esri is offering a Severe Weather Public Information Map that charts instances of severe weather throughout the United States and Canada. Weather events tracked include snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, hail storms, wind storms, and short-term weather warnings issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    The map features live feed layers. Users can click on reports and warnings to receive information about the specific location and read a short description about the issue. Radar is provided by AccuWeather and Environment Canada as part of the Esri Disaster Response Program.

  • Trimble Introduces New Solution for Interior Wall Layout

    Trimble is now offering Spectra Precision QML800 QuickMark Layout, a new solution that automates the layout of interior points and walls. The QML800 allows drywall and interior contractors to quickly and efficiently lay out points for interior building construction.

    With QML800, two lasers create a bright visible “X” directly on the point for easy, quick marking. The lasers are controlled by the mobile application running on with an Android tablet that stores the point files. When a point is selected, the lasers position the “X” at that point in less than 5 seconds. For brightest conditions, a laser pointer accessory easily aids in finding the laser beams.

    “The interior drywall contractor faces many challenges and complexities regarding scheduling, trade conflicts and layout accuracy. They need better tools and technologies that provide a quicker method of layout than tape measures,” said Mike Bank, general manager of Trimble’s Precision Tools business. “The QML800 is an affordable solution that addresses these challenges and automates the interior wall layout process.”

    On the jobsite, there are many potential causes for errors. The QML800 laser accuracy is typically 1/8 inch (3 mm), easily meeting most jobsite requirements. Misinterpreting drawings and tape measure reading errors are eliminated. Because each point is laid out independently, compounding errors from one bad point to another is eliminated. Complicated shapes, arcs and curves are now easy to layout. Multiple methods of simple point file creation are possible including CAD freeware, Excel spreadsheets and manual entry. Points can also be entered directly on the tablet at the jobsite as needed.

    The QML800 is designed to be used by layout crews without a surveying background. The tablet is intuitive with the normal swipe, scroll and enlarge functions. Compared to the traditional drawing and tape measure process, the QML800 saves labor, reduces errors and increases productivity. The solution is fast, accurate and easy to use.

    The Spectra Precision QML800 is expected to be available late November through the Spectra Precision global dealer network.

  • Interactive Senate Maps Seek to Explain International Issues

    The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is offering a new webpage with a variety of interactive international maps using GIS technology.

    From showcasing maps reflecting worldwide GDP growth rates and unemployment rates, to highlighting Freedom House’s annual country–by–country report on political rights and civil liberties, the newly launched feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website helps visually tell important global stories and trends, the committee said.

    “As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I want to find different ways to engage the public in key foreign policy issues, and the use of GIS technology is one way to do that,” said Chairman Menendez. “These dynamic maps help bring a new dimension to understanding international issues in a quick and visual way. From relaunching the committee’s website, to establishing a committee twitterfeed, and now utilizing this mapping technology, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is reaching out to broader and more diverse audiences to increase engagement on international issues.”

    The chairman’s maps were created using Esri’s Senate Analytical Mapping System, a product provided free–of–charge to congressional offices to conduct research and showcase trends using geospatial data visualizations.

    A screengrab of the new map feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.
    A screengrab of the new map feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.

  • LizardTech Updates Educational Licensing Program

    LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing digital content, is offering its complete product line to the students and faculty of higher education institutions for use in a research and teaching environment. Included in the program are the latest versions of GeoExpress, Express Server, LiDAR Compressor, and GeoGofer.

    To promote research and learning, LizardTech has included GeoExpress 9 in the educational licensing program. GeoExpress is a tool for compressing, manipulating, and viewing geospatial imagery. LizardTech has also included Express Server 9, an image server that students and faculty can use to share geospatial imagery with other researchers and students around the world. Because LizardTech software was designed with integration in mind, students can streamline their workflow by exporting imagery from GeoExpress directly to Express Server, LizardTech said.

    The educational licensing program also includes LiDAR Compressor, which turns giant point-cloud datasets into efficient MrSID files, and GeoGofer, the newest addition to the LizardTech product line. GeoGofer is LizardTech’s new organizational tool which includes search and filter features to simplify the process of finding and accessing imagery.

    Universities, schools, and research programs can get access to one of the two education bundles offered by the educational licensing program. The first educational license bundle includes one Express Server 9 license, one LiDAR compressor license, five GeoGofer licenses, and three GeoExpress 9 floating licenses with a three terabyte network data cartridge. With this bundle, the first year of support and maintenance is required and costs $1,999. From the second year onward, the annual support and maintenance fee will be $1,999 for each year.

    The second LizardTech educational license bundle includes one Express Server 9 license, two LiDAR Compressor licenses, 10 GeoGofer licenses, and 10 GeoExpress 9 floating licenses with one 10 terabyte network cartridge. The first year of support and maintenance is required and costs $2,999. From the second year onward, the annual support and maintenance fee will be $2,999 for each year.

    The software is provided at no cost to educational institutions as a right-to-use license. The license is valid for one year from the date that support was purchased and will be renewed on an annual basis upon receipt of payment for technical support and maintenance.

    “LizardTech realizes the importance of supporting academic institutions in their training of the next generation of geospatial professionals,” said Jon Skiffington, LizardTech’s director of product management. “By providing our entire geospatial line of products LizardTech is giving students and faculty the latest tools to compress and manipulate massive geospatial imagery and distribute it via the Internet to any device.”

    To learn more visit the educational licensing program page.

  • 1Spatial Launches The Little Book Of Smart Cities

    1Spatial plc, which specializes in spatial big data management, has launched The Little Book of Smart Cities, designed to provide insight into smart cities and how authoritative geospatial data is a foundation for success.

    The Little Book of Smart Cities features case studies and industry research, and explains how spatial data are fundamental to the concept of smart cities. The book details how the use of authoritative geospatial data is at the heart of a smart city. It can help city councils manage street lighting or trash-collection timetables, as well as providing the underlying information on which to build large infrastructure projects.

    “The Little Book of Smart Cities provides an insight into how authoritative spatial data benefits cities in a connected world,” commented Alison Masters, CMO, 1Spatial. “At 1Spatial we work with the users and creators of some of the largest big spatial databases to help smart city innovators solve the challenges they face. This book shines a light on spatial data and reveals how it is the very foundations on which a smart city is built.”

    1Spatial will also be showcasing 1Spatial Management Suite and Elyx GIS platform at the Smart Cities Expo, together with its consulting services, and highlighting how these can be used to help make cities smarter.

    1Spatial already has a wide offering in the arena of smart cities and has provided solutions for a number of locations, including Moorabool Shire Council in Australia and the Municipality of Schaerbeek in Belgium, which feature in The Little Book of Smart Cities. 1Spatial has a portfolio of customers across national, regional and local government, transport, utilities, land management and National Mapping Authorities.

    Han Wammes, 1Spatial Business Development Manager will be speaking in the UK Pavilion at 10.30am on Nov. 19 on the subject of “Geospatial Data: The Foundation of Smart Cities” by invitation of UK Trade and Investment. Han will look at how nearly all smart city projects have one common foundation — geospatial data. This can range from the simplest data feed to a complex, multi-partner integrated transport system.

    Smart City Expo World Congress is a benchmark in smart cities. The event introduces debate and shares pioneering approaches, highlighted by the speakers. It is a meeting point and networking opportunity for companies, government, entrepreneurs and research centers to show off their solutions, learn, share and inspire to support the development of the cities of the future.

    Pick up a copy of The Little Book of Smart Cities at Stand #F.621 and meet the 1Spatial Team. Nov. 18-20 at the Gran Via Venue, Barcelona, Spain. If you are not attending the event but would like to get your free copy of the book, visit the website.

  • TomTom MultiNet-R Speeds Maps to the Market

    TomTom is making available MultiNet-R, a new map format for business customers. MultiNet-R offers TomTom customers accurate and up-to-date maps that can be quickly integrated into their products, the company said.

    “With MultiNet-R, we leverage the strength of our new transactional mapmaking platform to bring customers the next generation in maps: real-time maps,” said Charles Cautley, managing director of TomTom Maps. “TomTom can now deliver high-quality map updates faster than any other mapmaker on the market. This combination of speed and quality ensures the best end user experience.”

    MultiNet-R delivers rich content and coverage in a database model that features stable IDs and seamed content layers for easy compilation, according to TomTom. Additionally, MultiNet-R can power incremental map updates, enabling maps to be kept up-to-date without the need to install a full map update.  The global, full-feature MultiNet-R will be released monthly in 2015 and weekly in 2016.

    TomTom said it has perfected a highly efficient hybrid approach to mapmaking that optimizes professional methods with community input from hundreds of millions of users who actively share map changes, resulting in a map that is accurate and up-to-date.

    For more information, visit www.tomtom.com.

  • Scene Sharp Technologies Introduces Fuze Go MS Sharp 2.1

    Scene Sharp Technologies Inc. has launched Fuze Go MS Sharp Release 2.1, which can pansharpen up to 30 bands of satellite image data consistently and accurately without losing information, according to the company.

    The multi-band, lossless pansharpening product makes Fuze Go MS Sharp the software of choice for processing advanced visible and non-visible image data from WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 satellites, the company said. A 15-day trial is available.

    Fuze Go MS Sharp 2.1 was developed in response to extensive customer input regarding technical features as well as the functional experience for the user. It automates the image fusion process by adjusting to sensor and seasonal variations in each individual satellite image data set. This eliminates manual labor or the need to switch algorithms to find one that works for a given data set. The result is a faster workflow process that reduces production costs and provides more critical information for decision making.

    Release 2.1 is a universal image processing tool in the sense that input files can include the most common data formats, such as TIFF (.tif), Erdas Imagine (.img) or ENVI (.hdr) (.dat). Output files can be converted to one of these alternate formats easily allowing the technologist to move between image-processing workflow systems.

    The new MS Sharp release is available as an annual subscription for a single computer license or as a three- or six-person floating system license. Batch processing and integration into value added products are custom options that are also available. MS Sharp is available as a plug-in for ENVI 5.0, 5.1 and 5.2, or as a stand-alone product.

    “Fuze Go MS Sharp Release 2.1 is ideal for organizations that have satellite image data and need software to automate their workflow,” said Ian Lucas, Scene Sharp Technologies CEO. “The ability to process any number of bands means adding more information for analytics so you can get more value out of the image data you are purchasing.”

  • Satellite Images Shed Light on Impact of Syrian Conflict

    Syria-remote-sensing-night-light

    The ongoing Syrian crisis, which broke out in April 2011, has been a severe humanitarian disaster, with more than 190,000 deaths since the start of the conflict. However, evaluating the ongoing crisis in Syria is challenging, because reliable and comprehensive witness reports are hard to gather in a warzone. Therefore, satellite images, as one of the few sources of objective information, are potentially of great importance.

    In their recent study published in International Journal of Remote Sensing, Xi Li and Deren Li analyzed the effect of the Syrian crisis on levels of night-time light as a means of evaluating and monitoring the conflict. By comparing the levels of light in March 2011 and February 2014 (see Figure 1), they found that in all of the provinces, the levels of night-time light had declined sharply following the breakout of the conflict. Indeed, in most provinces, the level of night-time light decreased by more than 60 percent.

    Notably, the authors also found that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from each province showed a linear correlation with the level of night-light loss. This relationship between the number of displaced persons and the drop in night-time light levels may allow for the quantitative estimation of the number of IDPs from other areas of conflict, such as Iraq, where the activities of Islamic State are causing significant civil unrest.

    To find out more, access the full article online, free of charge.

  • Group on Earth Observations Convenes 11th Plenary

    Under the theme “Taking the Pulse of the Planet,” 275 members of the GEO community from more than 45 countries will chart the next steps in creating and implementing a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) during the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Eleventh Plenary Session. The session will be held November 12-14 in Geneva, Switzerland.

    A highlight of the conference will be announcement of the winners of the GEO Appathon, a global app development competition built on the 80-million-plus resources available through GEOSS. The Appathon attracted 250 competitors from 50 countries, and will generate easy-to-use decision tools for mobile devices and computers.

    GEO’s mandate is to harness the power of Earth observations from sources across the globe to provide more and better information to leaders in government, industry, and civil society confronting fundamental decisions affecting people and societies worldwide. One key GEO initiative that will be highlighted during the meeting is developing a comprehensive system to monitor the availability and quality of fresh water, in partnership with the World Health Organization, the UN Environmental Programme and other UN agencies as part of the UN Sustainable Development agenda.

    GEO is leading the creation of an Africa-wide technological and human infrastructure so decision makers have the capacity to access and use Earth observations in making key decisions. To strengthen agricultural activity and reduce market volatility, GEO is coordinating the assessment of growing conditions of the world’s major crops through a combination of regional expertise, ground observations and analysis of meteorological and satellite data.

    GEO is a voluntary partnership of governments and organizations that envisions “a future wherein decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations and information.” Members include 94 nations and the European Commission and 77 participating organizations comprised of international bodies with a mandate in Earth observations.

    GEO’s agenda spans nine Societal Benefit Areas, including agriculture, biodiversity, climate, disasters, ecosystems, energy, health, water and weather.

  • Trimble Launches Leap, a GNSS Bluetooth Device

    The Trimble Leap, also shown with a smartphone.
    The Trimble Leap, also shown with a smartphone.

    Trimble is making available the Trimble Leap, a Trimble RTX compatible GNSS Bluetooth device. When enabled with the ViewPoint RTX correction service, Leap delivers submeter accuracy directly to the Terrain Navigator Pro (TNP) Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The TNP Mobile app allows users to collect markers, tracks and geo-stamped photos in the field, and then sync all the GNSS data into the Terrain Navigator Pro office software.

    The TNP Mobile app enables users to:

    • Display and navigate routes created in TNP desktop.
    • Collect field data such as markers, tracks, photos, videos and audio clips.
    • Near real-time sync between phone and TNP map software via WiFi or cellular data connection.
    • View data on topo, aerial, and street maps downloaded to phone for offline use. Terrain Navigator Pro offers 1-meter aerial photos for the 48 contiguous United States. The seamless USGS topo graphic maps are based off 1:24K, 1:100K, 1:250K map scales. Alaska is 1:63K and 1:250K.
    • Access a compass and other geo-information such as lat/long, elevation, and direction on phone.
    • Collect data offline. The TNP mobile app uses the GPS built into the smartphones, so users can collect field data in areas without a cellular or data signal.

    Trimble Leap is compact and portable, weighing 9.5 ounces. It snaps to a smartphone or tablet to use as a handheld, can be mounted on a monopole or tripod, or can be magnet mounted to a vehicle. Leap has 16 hours of battery life and uses Bluetooth communication to connect to smart devices for ease of use and flexibility. An onboard micro SD card stores the GNSS observables data for use in the field or the office.

    A micro USB port can provide power to Trimble Leap for continuous fixed-mount applications, or it can be used with battery-booster products to extend field work. Trimble Leap is charged by a standard cell phone vehicle accessory charger, a USB connection to a PC, or from a USB AC adapter.

    Based on Trimble RTX (Real Time eXtended) technology, ViewPoint RTX delivers better than 1 meter horizontal accuracy 95 percent of the time without the use of a traditional RTK base station or virtual reference station network. ViewPoint RTX is delivered into the TNP Mobile app via cellular data network and is available nearly anywhere in the world.

    “Trimble Leap enhances the Terrain Navigator Pro solution by adding a simple way to collect submeter accurate geolocation data with standard Android or iOS devices. Adding accuracy to TNP’s robust field-to-office data collection solution provides a value-add where low-resolution collection is not sufficient. Trimble Leap with TNP Mobile is configured and operational in minutes with little training,” said Larry Fox, business area manager for Terrain Navigator Pro.

    Terrain Navigator Pro integrates powerful desktop mapping software, a cloud connected mobile data collection platform (compatible with GPS-enabled iOS and Android devices) and a robust Web portal. TNP users can plan projects in the office, collect data in the field and access projects from the Web—simultaneously. Geo-referenced data such as tracks, waypoints, photographs and video can be shared, updated in near real-time and displayed on the included topographic, aerial/satellite or street base maps.

  • Trimble Releases SketchUp 2015 for Intuitive Information Modeling Process

    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp
    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp.

    Trimble has released SketchUp 2015, the latest version of its 3D modeling software for architects, engineers, design and construction professionals. The release marks Trimble’s second update to the SketchUp software this year and underscores the company’s continued focus on enhancing the platform to make SketchUp faster, more user-friendly and reliable, Trimble said.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    With a SketchUp user community expanding by more 30 million unique activations in the past year, enhancements to SketchUp 2015 have been designed to deepen and enrich the user experience, while keeping it intuitive. New features make it easier and faster to create, access, share and collaborate on 2D drawings and 3D models, Trimble said.

    SketchUp 2015 offers 64-bit support for Windows or Mac, while IFC file import capabilities allows back-and-forth sharing of IFC files between SketchUp Pro and any other application.

    “For the second release of SketchUp this year, we set out to make enhancements to the platform that might seem simple, but go a long way toward making SketchUp more enjoyable and impactful for our user community,” said John Bacus, director of SketchUp product management at Trimble. “For example, as interoperability continues to be the cornerstone of collaboration among architecture, engineering and construction professionals, the IFC file import is an important addition because it opens up the options for professionals to participate in the information modeling process, sharing files with ease, regardless of the software program.”

    Fast, Flexible and Powerful

    • 64-bit Support: In addition to continued support for 32-bit systems, SketchUp Pro 2015 is available in a 64-bit version for Windows and Mac. Trimble also now offers cross-platform support for all licenses, along with cloud-based license management and checkout capabilities for network licenses.
    • IFC Import: In addition to export, SketchUp Pro users can now share models between Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and apply industry standard types that stay with the model as it travels with SketchUp 2015’s new IFC file import.
    • Ruby API and Extension Warehouse Enhancements: A variety of improvements to SketchUp’s Ruby API (application programming interface) and to the Extension Warehouse of SketchUp plug-ins and add-ons makes it easier than ever for developers to build and share great new tools. Developers can now access and modify information modeling classifications via the Ruby API.
    • Faster Core: Models render faster with core modeling performance improvements including faster explode, intersect and Fast Styles.

    More Easy-to-Use Tools

    • Professional Drafting: Using SketchUp’s LayOut 2D drawing and documentation tool, users can manage drawings more easily and display more data from their information models, applying object classifications in SketchUp and easily accessing that info in LayOut using an enhanced annotation tool.  
    • Modeling Tools: With the addition of a 3-point Arc tool, users can now draw arced edges four different ways. A new Rotated Rectangle tool allows for drawing precise rectangles unbound by default axes.
    • Expanded 3D Warehouse: New models of popular brand-name building products are added to 3D Warehouse every day, greatly expanding SketchUp’s free content offering. With over 2.5 million models, 3D Warehouse offers SketchUp users a vast array of free models to choose from. A new “Likes” feature lets users tell the world when they’ve found a great model.  

    SketchUp 2015 also facilitates collaboration with data and files from other Trimble products.

    • As a “Trimble Connected” product, SketchUp Pro 2015 leverages the new Trimble Connect collaboration environment for design, engineering and construction projects. Based on recently acquired Gehry Technologies’ GTeam™ software, Trimble Connect enables teams to access and manage project data via a cloud platform. A Trimble Connect extension is available in the Extension Warehouse.
    • SketchUp Pro 2015 also supports 3D CAD and BIM services for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors through the new Trimble MEPdesigner for SketchUp platform, which enables contractors to quickly and easily migrate from a 2D to 3D work environment.  
    • Calibrated panoramic photos can be loaded directly into SketchUp 2015 from the Trimble V10 Imaging Rover to quickly model as-built conditions.

    Every SketchUp 2015 download starts with a 30-day trial of Pro features. Pro licenses can be used on a Mac or a PC.