GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • GeCo in the Rockies Combines Two Geospatial Conferences

    GeCo in the Rockies — a combined conference of GIS in the Rockies and GeCo West — will be held September 22-26 in Grand Junction, Colorado.

    Two full days of presentations and workshops will showcase the projects, applications, and solutions of geospatial professionals. A special Technology Panel showcases innovators and leaders in the field, who will address “The Future of GIS.”

    LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, will exhibit at the conference and prsesent a workshop titled “Compressed Data Workflow in a GIS Environment” on September 23, hosted by LizardTech’s Regional Territory Manager Genie Hays.

    In the workshop, Hays will introduce the MrSID file format, which provides a complete geospatial workflow, from data acquisition, to access and delivery on desktop and mobile devices. She will demonstrate how to use MrSID files for imagery and LiDAR in industry tools. Her demonstrations of industry tools will include ArcMap, AutoCAD, Global Mapper, Q-GIS, GeoServer, Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer Online, Trimble devices, UAV data samples, and more.

    “We are really excited to share with the GeCo attendees how they can make the most of MrSID data using common industry programs and applications,” Hays said.

    Other Conference Highlights

    The keynote speaker is the founder of What3Words, who will discuss the creation of a universal address system based on words rather than numbers. Also, GeCoX is a premier kick-off event highlighting short, focused talks about the changing technology landscape.

    Esri will provide a hands-on Learning Lab, with an introduction to ArcGIS software in a variety of self-paced training sessions.

    A networking social provides an opportunity to meet the leading businesses in the geospatial industry and learn more about the changing tools, software, hardware, and solutions, and a Student and Career Exploration Breakfast provides an interactive session with education and industry experts to learn, which personal and technical GIS skills are in demand for today’s GIS employee. The breakfast is open to all students for free.

    Learn more at the conference website.

     

  • Students Create California Climate Change Map

    A group of Stanford University students has created a story map to show how forces of global change are manifested locally throughout California.

    The map was created to inform the public, businesses and policymakers about the human dimensions of environmental change. By clicking a datapoint on the map, a narrative is revealed. Categories include climate disruption, population change, biodiversity loss, pollutants, and invasives & diseases.in the creation o

    The students were led by graduate student instructors Alexis Mychajliw and Melissa Kemp under the guidance of Professor Elizabeth Hadly.

    View the map here.

    Geo-Map-CA-ClimateChange

    View the map here. this map. Last updated 8/2014.

  • Grasshopper3 Vision Camera Launched for Scientific Imaging

    PointGrey-Grasshopper3-Camera-W

    Point Grey, a designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-performance digital cameras, has added a 4.1-megapixel global shutter CCD to the Grasshopper3 family of high-quality, high-resolution USB 3.0 cameras.

    The new Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-41S4 models are based on color and monochrome versions of the Sony ICX808, a 1/1.8-inch global shutter EXview HAD CCD II sensor featuring 3.1 micron square pixels , and capable of  2048 x 2048 pixel resolution at 18 FPS.  The Sony ICX808 EXview HAD CCD II sensor provides excellent quantum efficiency of over 72% and its unique square aspect ratio makes it ideal for scientific applications such as microscopy and ophthalmology, and industrial applications such as AOI and electronics inspection, Point Grey said.

    Like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras, the Grasshopper3 uses a proprietary USB 3.0 link layer and frame buffer-based architecture for optimal performance and reliability. The Grasshopper3 uses an advanced image processing pipeline to enable look up table, gamma correction, pixel binning and USB3 Vision support.

    “We are excited to expand our Grasshopper3 USB3 Vision camera lineup with the latest sensor technology,” said Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “Applications such as ophthalmology rely on a square aspect ratio and will therefore benefit from the full resolution of the GS3-U3-41S4 camera.”

  • Everbridge Adds Mobile, GIS Enhancements to Unified Critical Communication Suite

    Everbridge has launched a Summer Release of its Unified Critical Communication Suite with new mobile, GIS, and expanded alerting enhancements that enable Everbridge customers to deliver unified critical communications and situational intelligence within the context of their recipient’s needs, roles, and locations.

    As enterprise mobility, BYOD, and other unified communications drivers continue to converge in an increasingly global, yet unpredictable world, organizations deploy Everbridge’s Unified Critical Communication Suite to respond and collaborate during both emergency and operational incidents, the company said.

    The latest release expands upon the recently launched spring release, offering new features designed to unify multi-modal, critical communications for diverse industries, including corporations, state and local government, healthcare, financial services, and higher education. The summer release includes new updates to Everbridge’s recently unveiled IT Alerting solution — specifically designed for IT Operations teams to improve communications and collaboration during incidents, resolving issues faster, and maximizing IT system uptime.

    Additional upgrades to the summer release include:

    PrecisionGIS: Everbridge’s rich GIS functionality now includes three new map-based targeting capabilities:

    • Geofencing: This new feature enables users to draw simple or multiple complex polygons to define boundaries and control the behavior of addresses located inside or outside the “fence.”
    • Custom Base Maps: Everbridge supports commercial mapping applications, including Google, Bing and ESRI, and now enables organizations to overcome existing gaps with commercial maps by customizing the base map used within the Everbridge suite. The base maps can include the geographical or infrastructure information users need to make more informed decisions when preparing and targeting a message.
    • Point-Address Geo-Coding: Users can now manage and provision all addresses down to the parcel level to ensure the data is accurate and precise enough for critical communications. This enables an advanced level of custom and granular geocoding capabilities beyond what is available via commercial geo-coding applications.

    Rich Text Formatting: The Everbridge suite provides enhanced rich text formatting support for email, enabling users to send the right message to the right contact path. Users can now deliver full-featured, unique messages, including entire web pages without modification, optimized for Phone, SMS, Email, and Push Notification contact paths.

    Mobile Enhancements: New mobile device registration simplifies user access and improves Mobile Member opt-in. New enhancements also include “silent mode” override for Android mobile devices to ensure that critical messages get delivered at all times.

    On-the-Go Alerting: This new partner functionality enables users to create and transmit customized alert messages directly from an iPad application. Users can draw affected areas directly on a map, while sending and receiving notifications through IPAWS communications channels.

    On-Call Scheduling: Everbridge now provides robust on-call scheduling to automate outreach to on-call teams with rotating coverage or complex shift changes. Seamlessly integrated with Everbridge notifications, on-call scheduling eliminates the need for manual call lists and handwritten calendars.

    “The new enhancements to our summer release reflect our continuing commitment to product investment and innovation,” said Imad Mouline, CTO of Everbridge. “Our customers are confronted daily with new challenges and opportunities related to mobility, business continuity, emergency notification, secure messaging, and more. We will continue to evolve our suite to meet these challenges—unifying critical communications across modalities and devices on a global scale.”

  • Trimble Enhances Cloud-based Software for Smart Water Infrastructure

    Trimble has introduced the latest version of its smart water infrastructure mapping and work management software — Trimble Connect version 1.8. The latest release of the cloud-based, geographic information system (GIS)-centric software includes a suite of applications that allow water, wastewater and stormwater utilities to visualize and efficiently manage their network maintenance and data collection activities.

    Trimble Connect 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. Offered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription, the solution allows users to monitor asset operating conditions, manage leak repairs, reduce non-revenue water, deploy and inspect smart meters, lower potential threats to safety and health due to contamination and adhere to regulators’ reporting guidelines and requirements. Trimble Connect version 1.8 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 field workflows and eliminate paper-based maps.

    Trimble Connect utilizes the latest Esri ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Server, Mobile and ArcGIS Online basemap services. The software is designed to automate a variety of specific water and wastewater industry workflows through individual “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.

    In addition to the standard core apps, Trimble Connect version 1.8 includes:

    • Full offline mobile support including GIS data for Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and Windows 7/8 platforms
    • Esri ArcGIS Online (AGOL) support to create and share Web Maps using data collected in Trimble Connect
    • Work management support for single and multi-asset work orders on all supported platforms
    • Enhanced workflows for asset inspection and condition assessment
    • Embedded business rules to define failed inspections or ones that need review
    • Enhanced workflows for asset mapping and data collection
    • Support for the Trimble Geo 7 series rugged mapping handheld and integrated Laser Rangefinder
    • Standard dashboards with each of the core apps

  • KEYW Unveils Aeroptic Aerial Mapping System at National Guard Conference

    Aeroptic-law-enforcement-bostonThe KEYW Holding Corporation’s subsidiary, KEYW Corporation, will formally unveil the Aeroptic Mapping System August 22-25 at the 2014 National Guard Association (NGAUS) Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. With a 10-year legacy of mapping around the globe, Aeroptic is a fully integrated airborne solution that provides high-resolution, wide-area map data for both civilian and military applications.

    “Aeroptic is a commercially available mapping system that supports every mission in which the National Guard engages, ranging from incident assessment and disaster response in Domestic Operations (DOMOPS) to reconnaissance and situational awareness on the OCONUS battlefield,” said Kevin Gunde, executive vice president, Surveillance and Exploration Systems. “Aeroptic can be deployed on a variety of fixed- and rotor-wing platforms, including the National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk.”

    KEYW developed the Aeroptic solution with image quality, positional accuracy and ease of use in mind. The system integrates a full-color electro-optical (EO) camera, GPS/IMU, and user-friendly geo-processing software based on non-proprietary open standards. The system is compact, light-weight and ruggedized for deployment in harsh environments.

    The rapid-refresh EO camera captures imagery of extraordinary quality by employing advanced noise reduction, image sharpening algorithms and high-end lenses with innovative configurations, the company said. The interchangeable lenses offer multiple focal length options that enable the Aeroptic camera to acquire high-resolution visible-band imagery with sub-meter geo-positional accuracy from varying flight altitudes without surveyed ground control points.

    Aeroptic offers the option of processing imagery in the air or on the ground, producing unclassified, wide-area ortho-mosaic maps in near real time. Generated imagery products are ready for immediate ingest into standard commercial viewing tools and GIS packages.

    “No expertise in GIS or cartography is needed to make full use of the Aeroptic system,” said Kevin Gunde, executive vice president, Surveillance and Exploration Systems. “With just eight hours of training, the typical user can produce content-rich image maps ready for distribution within minutes after acquisition.”

    KEYW will be discussing the Aeroptic Mapping System and its many mission applications in booth #512 at the NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition being held August 22-25, 2014, in Chicago’s McCormick Place.

  • Quarryman Laser Scanner Offers Speedy Rockface Profiling

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    The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro 3D laser scanner system uses innovative technology to help optimize blasting and increase the profitability of quarrying operations, according to Renishaw. The system, which also helps to improve safety, was launched at the Hillhead 2014 Tradeshow, held June 24-26 in Buxton, UK.

    Quarryman has offered on-site systems for quarries for more than 20 years, improving safety and allowing quarry managers to modify processes simply and swiftly, the company said. The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro is optimized for speed of operation in tough environments, with swift set-up, programming, scanning and data processing, and offers significant benefits over previous models.

    New viewing and editing software is quicker to operate, easier to integrate with other mapping software, and includes filtering and data processing functionalities. The sun-readable screen is larger than on previous models, for better visibility, and is now in full color. Data is saved to a USB, rather than a flashcard, for ease of data transfer and larger file capacity.

    Quarryman_System-W

    A GPS mount is built into the handle for quick positioning and easy mapping of point-cloud data to other quarry maps using coordinates, and auto date and time stamping help operators find files, without needing to enter details.

    A new Li-ion battery is lighter, provides a greater scan time, and issues a warning when power is low. It also shuts down automatically if not recharged, retaining data for operators to retrieve later. The system’s operating temperature range and processing power have also been increased.

    “Customers using the new Quarryman Pro alongside Renishaw’s Boretrak system will see a significant competitive advantage,” said Martin Carr, Business Manager, Mining Systems. “Quite simply, they will access accurate data more quickly, in a wider range of conditions, and be more easily able to export data to other mining software packages. In 20 years of working with quarries, including some of the world’s largest and most competitive global quarrying companies, Quarryman Pro is the best product we have developed, and marks the beginning of a new era for laser scanning systems for the mining and quarrying sectors.”

    “The new Quarryman Pro is the first system developed, engineered and manufactured by Renishaw, and customers now have one of the world’s leading engineering technology companies behind the support and service of every unit sold,” said Will Lee, Director and General Manager of Renishaw’s Spatial Measurement Division.

  • Esri Story Map Tracks Ebola Outbreaks from 1976 to Today

    Esri is making available an interactive Ebola Outbreaks story map. Users can explore the first known contact with the disease in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and every outbreak since then, including the ongoing crises in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

    The story map includes basic statistics about each outbreak, and reports from different agencies, all accessed directly from within the map. The map appears below:

  • DigitalGlobe Launches WorldView-3 High-Resolution Commercial Satellite

    DigitalGlobe, a  provider of commercial high-resolution Earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions, successfully launched WorldView-3, the company’s sixth and most advanced super-spectral, high-resolution commercial satellite.

    The satellite launched August 13 on a Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

    “The successful launch of WorldView-3 extends DigitalGlobe’s commanding technological lead and will enable us to help our customers see through smoke, peer beneath the ocean’s surface, and determine the mineral and moisture content of the Earth below — all with unprecedented clarity,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, chief executive officer of DigitalGlobe.

    WorldView-3 will collect super-spectral imagery at 0.31 meter resolution — delivering five times the clarity of the company’s nearest competitor. In addition, WorldView-3 will offer the most spectral diversity available commercially, the company said, and will offer multiple shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands that allow for accurate imaging through haze, fog, dust, smoke and other air-born particulates. The satellite will also offer CAVIS — a cloud, aerosol, water vapor, ice and snow atmospheric correction instrument — which monitors the atmosphere and corrects data for an unprecedented level of consistency.

    “The unmatched abilities that WorldView-3 brings to our constellation will enable us to provide our customers with information and insight never before possible and advance our efforts to create a living digital inventory of the Earth,” Tarr said.

    The satellite and atmospheric monitoring instrument called CAVIS were built by Ball Aerospace. Exelis built the integrated, super-spectral payload consisting of a telescope, sensor and shortwave infrared system, making WorldView-3 the first commercial satellite to carry such capabilities. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle provided by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services (LMCLS) delivered the satellite into orbit.

  • New STAR*NET Tools Make Least Squares Adjustment Faster, Easier

    STAR*NET 8.1
    STAR*NET 8.1

    MicroSurvey Software released STAR*NET 8.1, a new version of the least squares network adjustment suite. With a multitude of new and improved tools, the software makes least squares adjustment even faster and easier, MicroSurvey Software said.

    Several highly requested features have been added based on feedback received directly from STAR*NET users. All network plot display options are now customizable in an intuitive grid view that allows users to control the visibility, color, linetype and size of each network element to graphically differentiate conventional, GPS, and leveling observations. Directional linetypes indicate the direction and number of observations between each network station, and intuitive mouse controls allow for smooth zooming and panning in the network plot.

    Additionally, a new .PRISM inline command lets users apply a correction for measurements that were collected with an incorrect prism offset setting. Support for Google Maps and Google Earth allows users to view and export network stations and connections in popular mapping formats, and a new Level Loop Tolerance Check allows users to instantly verify the vertical closure of level loops or traverses.

    Other changes include:

    • A new Online Updater that makes it easier for users to stay current with the latest STAR*NET updates.
    • A new Data File Monitor that checks for any changes made by an external program to a loaded data file and prompts users to reload files from disk if needed.
    • Improved file references for easy access to corresponding data files directly from the listing.
    • Direct access to all conversion utilities through the Import menu, with help buttons for guidance.
    • Improved MicroSurvey FieldGenius Support, including the ability to convert COGO measurements from raw files as bearing measurement records and to read GPS offset measurements from raw files.
    • Improved Carlson SurvCE Support, including the ability to average shots in multiple sets, convert resection observations as direction sets, and import point descriptions with each vector.
    • Improved Leica DBX Support, including the ability to export all set observations or average set observations for any sets collected with either the Sets of Angles or Traverse applications, export stakeout observations as measurement records, and export check shot deltas as comment records.

    “We’ve created several powerful new productivity tools and wanted to make these immediately available to STAR*NET users,” said Brian Sloman, desktop products manager at MicroSurvey. “The flexible and independent control of conventional, GPS, and leveling data in the network plot, including the new directional arrows which indicate both the direction and number of observations for each network connection, can help you visually identify regions with lower redundancy without having to analyze the listing file. The new .PRISM inline command lets you correct distances without having to make potentially thousands of tedious calculations and manual edits, and the level loop tolerance check lets you immediately confirm whether or not your level loops or traverses fall within the maximum allowable tolerances for a desired standard of accuracy.  Toss in the ability to view your data in Google Earth and Google Maps, and it al all adds up to a faster and easier least squares analysis.”

    STAR*NET 8.1 is a free upgrade for any STAR*NET users who have a valid Maintenance Subscription and Support Plan. A STAR*NET upgrade tour is available at https://www.youtube.com/microsurvey. To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

     

    To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

  • Esri Offers Training Seminar on Explorer for ArcGIS App

    A new app from Esri called Explorer for ArcGIS puts mobile mapping and geographic content sharing at your fingertips.

    Available right now for use on your Mac or iOS device (a version for Android is coming soon), you can use the app within your organization to find maps, locate assets and other geographic content, and share map presentations with colleagues. The interface is intuitive and requires no geographic information system (GIS) experience.

    To become familiar with the app, tune in to the Esri live training seminar Boost Productivity with Explorer for ArcGIS. The presenters will show you how to use the app and share your data with other Explorer for ArcGIS users.

    Esri.com/lts
    August 14, 2014
    9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. (PDT)

    After viewing this seminar, you will understand how to:

    • search for, discover, and explore your authoritative geographic data.
    • view asset information.
    • search for places and features in maps.
    • share your maps.
    • sketch on your maps to highlight important aspects of your data.
    • tell stories and brief stakeholders using map presentations.

    This seminar will be of interest to those who want to share their authoritative content with anyone within their organizations, including executives, managers, and knowledge workers.

    Explorer for ArcGIS is included with ArcGIS, so download the app from the Apple App Store, the Apple Mac App Store, or the ArcGIS Marketplace. Then open the app and sign in to your ArcGIS account. You will need a broadband Internet connection and an Esri Global Account to watch the live training seminar. Creating an Esri Global Account is easy and free: visit esri.com/lts, click Login, and register your name and address.

  • Proteus Offers Quick Habitat Mapping for Environmental Impacts

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    Proteus FZC, a provider of satellite-derived mapping and classification services, has launched a fast-turnaround habitat mapping solution designed specifically for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Through the service, Proteus delivers high-resolution classification maps of terrestrial areas onshore and the seafloor in shallow-water marine environments.

    “Energy and infrastructure development projects are under intense pressure to delineate fragile habitats onshore and in the coastal zone as part of their EIA submissions,” said Proteus CEO David Critchley. “The accuracy of these maps determines budget levels for environmental protection and remediation efforts.”

    The Proteus habitat mapping service can be completed in a fraction of the time and is cost effective compared with traditional mapping methods, the company said. The solution is designed for use by engineering and construction firms, environmental consultancies and government agencies involved in the development of energy infrastructure, pipelines, power stations, desalination plants, port facilities and other projects where EIAs are mandated.

    Mapping sensitive marine habitats in the coastal zone is a particularly challenging aspect of EIA preparation, explained Critchley. Divers are typically deployed to collect hundreds of ground truth points underwater, which are later used to delineate the boundaries of various habitat or land cover types on the seafloor. This process is time consuming, logistically complicated and does not provide a full picture of the sea-floor environment.

    “In addition, many marine environments are simply too dangerous or difficult for ground-truthing crews,” Critchley said. “And that can be true onshore as well.”

    For its mapping solution, Proteus obtains high-resolution multispectral imagery from commercial imaging satellites, such as DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-2 platform, which are capable of quickly capturing data anywhere in the world without the limitations of aircraft and ships. Proprietary processing techniques derive accurate land cover and seafloor classifications from the image data for generation of habitat maps.

    “For seafloor and terrestrial areas, we deliver habitat maps with horizontal accuracy of five meters,” Critchley said. “The quality and information content of these maps far exceeds those traditionally submitted with Environmental Impact Assessments, and satellite image is included in the deliverables.”

    Offshore, the habitat classification process is accurate to a depth of up to 20 meters, depending on water clarity. The minimum mapping unit varies with the client needs and resolution of satellite imagery. Satellite-derived bathymetric data is also offered as a product of the technique.

    Since 2011, Proteus has been delivering solutions for mapping and classification projects using multispectral satellite imagery. These mapping projects have been delivered for environmental, oil & gas, engineering and other coastal zone applications in Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Caribbean.