GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • Carlson GIS360 for Android Gives 3D Views on Site

    Carlson GIS360 Android app.
    Carlson GIS360 Android app.

    Carlson GIS360 for Android, new from Carlson Software and Carlson EMEA, is a mobile field GIS-GPS tool that uses both GIS and surveying technologies for field data collection. The app is designed to be easy to learn and easy to use, Carlson said.

    “Taking advantage of the graphics processing power of Android devices, GIS360 now includes an innovative 3D viewer so the user can see data and models in 3D on site,” said David Loescher, Carlson U.K. sales director and director of GIS360 development.

    In addition to allowing field crews to navigate maps and collect and report data in the field, GIS360 provides the data and fully rendered models of mines, earthworks and pipe networks that can be viewed in 3D. The software’s Siteview function uses the Android devices’ built-in GPS, compass and gyros to give the user the view of the site in front of him.

    Carlson GIS360 provides a wireless connection to any map server of choice, so users are never without a map. This saves considerable time and effort as field crews can verify that all of the data collected is accurate before leaving the site, Carlson said. No costly site revisits are necessary and no office work is needed.

    The software’s cloud options provide backup for users’ data, enabling it to be shared between field and office in real time. GIS360 goes beyond positioning with a range of tools for mobile workforce management, GPS data collection, tracking and asset maintenance.

    On an Android tablet or smartphone, Carlson GIS360 for Android can take GIS data anywhere. The built-in GPS and compass instantly calculate what the user is looking at and then displays the data automatically.

    “The GIS360 development team set out to make the collection of asset information easier and more efficient by combining the power of GIS360 with affordable Android devices,” added Loescher. “The result not only saves a lot of field time, but also makes the process far easier for everyone concerned.”

  • Trimble’s Smart Water Software Adds GNSS for 3D Accuracy

    Trimble has introduced the latest version of its smart water infrastructure mapping and work management cloud software — Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9.

    The latest release of the geographic information system (GIS) centric software-as-a-service (SaaS) adds real-time, high-accuracy centimeter-level horizontal and vertical GNSS accuracy for capturing 3D asset positions. The new release includes a suite of applications that allow water, wastewater and stormwater utilities to accurately locate, inventory and visualize their infrastructure assets and increase operations and maintenance efficiency.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble Connect for Water cloud software leverages Trimble’s GNSS rugged mobile devices and Esri’s GIS technologies to accurately map, locate and assess the condition of critical infrastructure assets, allowing utilities to keep their field infrastructure data up-to-date and accurate.

    The new release now supports Trimble’s Geo 7 Centimeter Edition rugged handheld, integrating 3D mapping into utility field workflows and enabling mobile workers to precisely locate and map the horizontal position and elevation of buried infrastructure.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9 can be configured and deployed quickly on a variety of Trimble and non-Trimble mobile devices, laptops, tablets and smartphones, including Apple iPads, iPhones, Android, Windows and Windows Mobile devices to automate fieldwork and eliminate paper-based maps.

    Trimble Connect uses the latest Esri ArcGIS for Server, Mobile and ArcGIS Online basemap services. The software is designed to automate a variety of specific water, wastewater and stormwater industry workflows through individual pre-configured “apps” offered within the product and as part of a subscription.

    The new version provides standard core apps including Map Book, Manhole Inspector, Leak Repair, Hydrant Inspector, Valve Inspector, Meter Changeout, Incident Repair, Water Mapper, Wastewater Mapper and Stormwater Mapper. In addition, an optional partner app developed for American Flow Control (AFC) hydrant and valve data collection, “AFC Mapper,” can be purchased from AFC and their distributors for use with Trimble rugged handhelds.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9:

    • Offers centimeter-level real-time GNSS accuracy to improve the quality and accuracy of the utility’s GIS data to precisely locate hard to find assets.
    • Allows capturing accurate vertical elevations in real-time. Combined with horizontal precision, the solution provides high-accuracy GIS data that can be used to measure pipeline slopes, perform flow analysis and generate 3D and hydraulic models.
    • Supports the Trimble Geo 7 Centimeter edition with an integrated laser rangefinder.
    • Offers pre-configured Water, Wastewater and Stormwater mapping apps, allowing utilities to quickly start mapping network infrastructure and updating their asset data.
    • Provides the capability to export data in a variety of formats including Esri File Geodatabase, Shapefiles and MS Excel, which allows users to update the utility’s enterprise GIS or visualize and analyze the collected data using third-party systems.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9 is expected to be available in December 2014 from Trimble’s Water Division and its authorized distribution partners.

  • Trimble Updates Aerial Imaging Application

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 3

    Trimble has added enhancements to its Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 application to make it more robust, intuitive and easier to use. Part of the Trimble Access field software suite of applications, the Aerial Imaging application is a software tool used with the Trimble Tablet Rugged PC for planning aerial missions, performing pre-flight checks, and monitoring flights for the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Rover.

    The software enhancements include a full redesign of the user interface for a streamlined workflow, and major upgrades to flight design and control. These improvements provide greater flight planning flexibility in applications such as boundary and topographic surveying, mining assessment and exploration, heavy construction modeling and much more.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 enhanced user interface enables Trimble UX5 pilots to prepare a flight in minutes and quickly begin collecting data, such as orthophotos, point clouds or surface models. The full interface redesign simplifies the user experience for flight planning by using a step-by-step, tabular navigation to guide the user through the flight process from planning to completion.

    Project management is also easier with new project overview thumbnails and detailed project properties. These interface enhancements are designed to save time in the field, and provide users with an optimal flight planning and monitoring experience.

    The new Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 functionality optimizes flight times and enables corridor mapping along rivers, roads, and railways that have areas not connected to each other. Pilots can now import multiple map layers, such as georeferenced background maps, ground control point locations, and areas of interest. The software also enables users to fly irregular shaped areas, cover multiple areas and heights in a single flight, and plan multiple takeoff and landing locations. Once a plan has been established, users can perform flight simulations to confirm the flight plan, give a demonstration to clients and aviation authorities, and export the flight plan to a KML file to check terrain clearances. These new enhancements benefit pilots by saving time in flight planning, increasing safety, and meeting requirements of their mission through customized planning before takeoff, Trimble said.

    New features with in flight control build an additional level of viewing options and safety for landing when air traffic or weather conditions suddenly change. Pilots can now check flight settings, view or hide map layers, adjust landing properties, select an alternative landing, and execute pre-programmed interventions while the system is in-flight.

    “Delivering the premium UAV experience for trained geospatial professionals means we need to have the most advanced flight planning and inflight control capabilities to offer, and Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 shows our commitment to doing just that,” said Phil Sawarynski, business area director of Imaging Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “Our customers can feel confident that we are committed to providing tools to streamline flight operations and automate capabilities for safe and successful use of their Trimble UAV systems.”

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2

  • Trimble Improves Geospatial Data Collection on Geo 7X Handhelds

    The Trimble Geo 7 series are rugged, high-accuracy GNSS handhelds.
    The Trimble Geo 7 series are rugged, high-accuracy GNSS handhelds.

    Trimble’s RTX technology-based correction services — Trimble CenterPoint RTX, Trimble RangePoint RTX, and the new Trimble ViewPoint RTX — will be available for Trimble Geo 7X handhelds. Trimble made the announcement at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble RTX technology provides compatible GNSS receivers with correction services that significantly improve accuracy and reliability in obtaining positions worldwide. Geospatial professionals now have more flexibility to achieve the accuracy required by their highly mobile workflows in real-time, without being tied to a base station or local VRS network, Trimble said.

    Available worldwide through an IP connection where cellular communication is available, Trimble RTX offers geospatial professionals flexibility in where and when they are able to work. Operational efficiency and productivity in the field is improved by delivering real-time DGNSS corrections directly to the Trimble Geo 7X handheld. Field challenges, such as obstructed satellites and inaccessible locations, are also minimized with Trimble Floodlight and Trimble Flightwave technology options for the Trimble Geo7X.

    The handheld solution is designed for a variety of industries — such as utility companies, municipalities, and environmental management agencies — in which workers are highly mobile and require a reliable, flexible data-collection and asset management solution.

    “We have eliminated the complexities of managing multiple correction sources across a large geographically dispersed project or organization,” said Alain Samaha, business area director of GIS and Software for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “By offering RTX-based correction services, we simplify their work and deliver the accuracy that our customers require.”

    A choice of RTX correction services ranging from 4 centimeters to submeter-level horizontal accuracies is available. Customers can choose the appropriate Geo 7X handheld configuration with the RTX-based correction service that meets the accuracy level and capability required for their job.

  • Swinglet CAM Used to Map Lava Flow in Hawaii

    A high-resolution aerial photo captured by the senseFly swinglet CAM over an advancing flow breakout heading towards Pāhoa, Hawai‘i, on October 22.
    A high-resolution aerial photo captured by the senseFly swinglet CAM over an advancing flow breakout heading towards Pāhoa, Hawai‘i, on October 22.

    Using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera, a team from the University of Hawaii is mapping the active lava flow front of the Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island.

    On October 22, a flight team from the UH Hilo Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization (SDAV) Laboratory used a senseFly swinglet CAM professional GIS drone to map the active flow front. The high-resolution still images captured by an RGB camera payload were then merged into a full orthomosaic for use by Civil Defense emergency planners. The flight was a collaborative partnership with Hawaii County Civil Defense and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

    As of October 29, the lava flow is headed toward the town of Pāhoa in the district of Puna, threatening to cut off the main highway and other access roads, isolating an area of about 10,000 residents from the rest of the island. The flow is advancing at 10 yards an hour and is 280 yards from Pahoa Village Road.

    The researchers plan to fly again and continue supporting relief operations with quick aerial assessments when needed. Sensefly representatives are closely monitoring and supporting the team’s mapping relief effort and are ready with additional equipment as needed.

    The UH Hilo flight team includes Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, SDAV cyber computer programming analyst; and Arthur Cunningham, consultant for aeronautical science.

    “The lava flow has already impacted the lives of many residents in Puna,” Perroy said. “Our UAV support can provide quick and accurate information to emergency responders.”

    The team closely monitored the flight performance of the swinglet CAM UAV as it traveled over the lava and noted minor turbulence as it crossed the thermally dynamic environment. A county helicopter provided support with an air observer on board from the UAV team during flight operations.

    The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office of the Federal Aviation Administration worked closely with the Hilo research team on approval of their Certificate of Authorization. The flights are in direct support of disaster-relief operations in the area, and the FAA and flight team worked together to make sure all safety concerns were met.

    The lava flow advances directly behind researchers (from left) Matt Patrick and Frank Trusdell, geologists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Asia Addlesberger, GIS specialist with the County of Hawai‘i; Tim Orr, head geologist at HVO; and UH Hilo researchers Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, cyber computer programming analyst; and Jonathan Price, associate professor of geography.
    The lava flow advances directly behind researchers (from left) Matt Patrick and Frank Trusdell, geologists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Asia Addlesberger, GIS specialist with the County of Hawai‘i; Tim Orr, head geologist at HVO; and UH Hilo researchers Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, cyber computer programming analyst; and Jonathan Price, associate professor of geography.

     

  • LandWorks Adds Digital Parcel Polygon Data to Online Offerings

    LandWorks, Inc., a developer land management solutions, has added individual parcel polygons to its cloud-based offering of GIS-ready map products. Clients can now search, purchase and download digital parcel data sets with related attributes directly from the LandWorks website — in orders as small as a single parcel — at a cost of $2 per parcel.

    LandWorks developed the online parcel purchase application for industries and professions that need up-to-date surface land ownership information in their GIS. Some of the sectors already taking advantage of LandWorks’ online offerings include utilities, oil and gas, pipelines, real estate, banking, departments of transportation, renewable energy and mining.

    “The main benefits of buying parcel data from the LandWorks website are affordability and instant access,” said LandWorks President Jerry Bramwell. “Until now, digital map users had to order parcel polygon products by the county and then wait two to three weeks for delivery.”

    On the LandWorks website, there is no minimum or maximum purchase limit. The customer simply logs onto the parcel data page and searches for the desired parcel or parcels. The user may graphically select the desired parcels by searching and clicking on a map display or by uploading a spreadsheet containing the county tax parcel ID numbers.

    “The online database accessed through the LandWorks website contains parcel data for most of the United States,” said Bramwell. “This data comes from county assessor files or is manually digitized from paper plats and is updated quarterly.”

    The LandWorks site keeps track of desired parcels during the search process. When the user is ready, the website reports the number of parcels that have been selected and their total cost calculated at $2 per parcel. The user can add or delete parcels as desired. The user then decides to purchase the parcel polygons in either NAD 27 or NAD 83 map datum. Prior to purchase, the site gives the user the option of receiving the digital data sets in Esri shapefile or file geodatabase format. Each parcel polygon is delivered with key attributes — parcel number, parcel address, owner name/address, and official legal description.

    The digital parcel polygons come ready for download directly into Esri ArcGIS software as well as other popular mapping systems such as IHS Petra, IHS Kingdom and LMKR GeoGraphix.

  • ArcGIS Runtime SDK for the Microsoft .NET Framework Now Available

    Esri has released the first commercial version of ArcGIS Runtime SDK for the Microsoft .NET Framework. This software development kit (SDK) joins Esri’s line of Runtime products, including iOS, Mac OS X, Android, Java, Qt, and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET has been built as a new, shared API across native app platforms promoted by Microsoft.

    Using the new ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET, developers can integrate ArcGIS into Windows apps for desktop and mobile platforms. The SDK includes a wide range of online or offline mapping functionality including editing, routing, geocoding, spatial analysis, and data visualization.

    Windows Store apps are new types of apps that run on Windows 8.1 devices and emphasize streamlined content with a consistent, touch-friendly user experience. Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 8.1 support a shared development experience to build universal apps on a common Windows Runtime. ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET lets developers use XAML and C# to embed ArcGIS capabilities into location-aware, universal apps for the latest Windows devices.

    To get an app to market quickly, developers can use the same development and deployment model across all the Esri ArcGIS Runtime SDKs with unified licensing. Download any of the Runtime SDKs at no cost and get access to Basic and Standard functionality for development and testing purposes. To deploy an app for offline use, applications must be licensed at the Standard level.

    WPF developers also can migrate new and existing applications created with ArcGIS Runtime SDK for WPF to the new ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET.

    For more information on ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET or to get started, visit developers.arcgis.com.

  • NGA Creates Website to Support Ebola Relief Efforts

    Ebola_Map

    The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency made available October 23 a public-facing website to assist U.S. and international relief efforts to combat the spread of the Ebola virus disease, providing unprecedented online access to its unclassified geospatial intelligence in support of lead federal agencies and partners.

    NGA’s efforts add important value to the support offered by other organizations, including the All Partners Access Network, which provides community spaces and collaborative tools to the Department of Defense and mission partners to leverage information to effectively plan, train and respond to mission objectives.

    “The dynamic site provided by NGA allows the agency to automatically federate its geospatial content, which then is used by organizations such as APAN for mission-related efforts,” said agency Director Robert Cardillo.

    NGA’s role in the Ebola crisis has been in step with many other global events that have required the agency’s disaster support, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The
    agency’s focus on unclassified support to the crisis allows its content to be available with no caveats or limits in distribution.

    The large number of non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, involved in the relief effort requires NGA take a different approach to disseminating unclassified information so the people who need NGA’s information on the crisis, have it.

    The dynamic site uses Esri’s ArcGIS Platform hosted in the cloud by Amazon Web Services, both publically available services. The site features various base maps that provide foundational context for users, who will then have the ability to visually overlay public NGA data, as well as ingest open-source data. NGA’s data can provide logistical information relevant to the situation on the ground affected by the Ebola crisis.

    NGA’s first exposure of data includes geospatial layers relevant to the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, including cultural places and structures, and communication, electric power and ground transportation infrastructure. For example, Ebola cases by province and
    locations of emergency treatment units will be visually accessible for users to ascertain the distance from a certain airfield to the closest emergency treatment unit.

  • NGA Awards Harris Corp. $770M in Mapping Contracts

    Harris Corporation has been awarded a potential $770 million in indefinite delivery/requirements contracts for up to five years to provide geospatial data services for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

    Under Foundation GEOINT Content Management (FGCM) contracts, Harris will create high-quality data and products of the Pacific, North America, South America, and Africa regions of the world for use by the U.S. intelligence community and military. FGCM will contribute to and maintain a comprehensive, geospatially accurate map of the world that can be accessed quickly as intelligence, operational, and crisis needs arise.

    Harris will use its One Feature One Time database, which automatically eliminates data redundancy and stores the most current representation of each geospatial feature. This capability ensures data currency and significantly reduces the time required for processing and delivery of products compared with traditional methods.

    “Our unique solution provides improved accuracy, reduced production costs and significantly faster turn-around of geospatial products and content,” said Bill Gattle, vice president and general manager, National Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems. “This major win continues our legacy of providing high quality, responsive geospatial products to the intelligence and military communities.”

  • zLense Offers Real-Time 3D Depth Mapping for Broadcasts

    zLense3-W

    zLense, a specialist provider of virtual production platforms to the film, production, broadcast and gaming industries, is offering a depth-mapping camera that captures 3D data and scenery in real-time and adds a 3D layer to the footage. The camera is optimized for broadcasters and film productions.

    The technology processes space information, making new and real three-dimensional compositing methods possible, enabling production teams to create 3D effects and use state-of-the-art CGI in live TV or pre-recorded transmissions, with no special studio set up.

    With the zLense Virtual Production platform, directors can produce simulated and augmented reality worlds, generating and combining dynamic virtual reality (VR) and augmented (AR) effects in live studio or outside broadcast transmissions. The depth-sensing technology allows for a full 360-degree freedom of camera movement and gives presenters and anchormen greater liberty of performance. Directors can combine dolly, jib arm and handheld shots as presenters move within, interact with and control the virtual environment and, in the near future, using only natural gestures and motions. zLense1

    “We’re poised to shake up the Virtual Studio world by putting affordable high-quality real-time CGI into the hands of broadcasters,” said Bruno Gyorgy, President of zLense. “This unique world-leading technology changes the face of TV broadcasting as we know it, giving producers and program directors access to CGI tools and techniques that transform the audience viewing experience.”

    Doing away with the need for expensive match-moving work, the zLense platform dramatically speeds up the 3D compositing process, making it possible for directors to mix CGI and live action shots in real-time pre-visualization and take the production values of their studio and OB live transmissions to a new level. The solution is quick to install, requires just a single operator, and is operable in almost any studio lighting.

    “With minimal expense and no special studio modifications, local and regional TV channels can use this technology to enhance their news and weather graphics programs — unleashing live augmented reality, interactive simulations and visualizations that make the delivery of infographics exciting, enticing and totally immersive for viewers,” he continued.

    The zLense Virtual Production platform combines depth-sensing technology and image-processing in a standalone camera rig that captures the 3D scene and camera movement. The matte box sensor unit, which can be mounted on almost any camera rig, removes the need for external tracking devices or markers, while the platform’s built-in rendering engine cuts the cost and complexity of using visual effects in live and pre-recorded TV productions. The zLense Virtual Production platform can be used alongside other, pre-existing, rendering engines, VR systems and tracking technologies.

    The VFX real-time capabilities enabled by the platform include:

    • Volumetric effects
    • Additional motion and depth blur
    • Shadows and reflections to create convincing state-of-the-art visual appearances
    • Dynamic relighting
    • Realistic 3D distortions
    • Creation of a fully interactive virtual environment with interactive physical particle simulation
    • Wide shot and in-depth compositions with full body figures
    • Real-time Z-map and 3D models of the picture.

  • OGC Calls for Participation in Major Interoperability Testbed

    The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has issued a Request for Quotation/Call for Participation (RFP/CFP)in the OGC Testbed 11 Interoperability Testbed.

    Testbed 11 sponsors have documented interoperability requirements and objectives for this testbed activity. Organizations selected to participate in Testbed 11 will develop solutions based on the sponsors’ use cases, requirements and scenarios, which are described in detail in the CFP. Participants’ solutions will implement existing OGC standards as well as new prototype interface and encoding specifications introduced or developed in Testbed 11. Prototype specifications may ultimately become OGC standards, revisions to existing OGC standards, or best practices for using OGC standards.

    Testbed 11 sponsors include:

    • European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)
    • Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)
    • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
    • UAE Ministry of Interior Abu Dhabi Police GIS Center for Security (UAE ADP-GIS SC)
    • UK Defense Science and Technology Lab (UK-DSTL)
    • US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
    • US Geological Survey (USGS)

    The RFQ/CFP and information about Testbed 11 are available online. Responses are due by 5 p.m. EST on November 21, 2014.

    Testbed 11 focuses on spatial communication requirements that emerge when a population is displaced due to coastal inundation. Testbed participants addressing requirements in this scenario will attempt to meet these goals:

    • Advance OGC Architecture with respect to REST and SOAP design patterns for synchronization of geodata across data stores, as well as storage and synchronization of geodata in GeoPackages;
    • Evaluate approaches to JSON and GeoJSON encodings as well as vector data and image streaming in the OGC standards framework;
    • Integration of high-resolution simulation models into geospatial infrastructures
    • Advance use of Linked Data and Semantic Enabling of OGC Web Services, with a special focus on Hydrographic Data;
    • Advance use of OGC Catalog Services;
    • Advance use of spatially enabled Social Media data;
    • Advance use of a common symbology that can be used to share common operational pictures in an international environment;
    • Advance compliance tests for the OGC Web Feature Service and Catalog 3.0 Service interface standards;
    • In Aviation, advance a Digital NOTAM validation service and enrichment service and advance use of Aviation Feature Schema (AFX). Also develop guidance on using geometrical constraints in the Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Rules (SBVR) (an Object Management Group standard).

    Those testbed goals sort into these technology threads:

    • Cross-Community Interoperability (CCI) Thread
    • Urban-Climate Resilience (UCR) Thread
    • Geospatial Enhancements for NIEM (Geo4NIEM)

    This cutting edge technology work has enormous potential for testbed stakeholders — both technology users and the technology providers — and for the world at large. The return on the shared investment in spatial standards is extraordinary, much like the return on the original shared investments in http and html. Technology providers who participate in the testbed gain market exposure, market intelligence, and a chance to quickly take advantage of the business opportunities that arise with the introduction of new standards and associated technical capabilities.

    If you want to learn more about this opportunity, please contact  Lew Leinenweber , Director Interoperability Programs ([email protected]). See http://www.opengeospatial.org/ogc/programs/ip for more information about the 15-year-old OGC Interoperability Program in which OGC testbeds, pilot projects and interoperability experiments are organized, planned and managed.

    The OGC is an international geospatial standards consortium of more than 495 companies, government agencies, research organizations, and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available standards. OGC standards support interoperable solutions that “geo-enable” the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT.

  • Esri Launches Direct Relief 1 Million Health Workers Map

    One-million-healthcare-workers-map

    Esri has launched a story map for the One Million Community Health Workers Campaign, which aims to expand and accelerate community health-worker programs in sub-Saharan African countries. With the use of the latest communications technology and diagnostic testing materials, these frontline workers link the rural poor to the broader healthcare system of doctors, nurses, hospitals and clinics.

    The map was designed to be a constantly evolving tool, regularly updated with information submitted by organizations deploying community health workers across sub-Saharan Africa. The map is refreshed every month as new data becomes available. The date of the data refresh can be found in the legend.