GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • Trimble Launches New Geospatial Solutions for Aerial Imaging

    Trimble announced today new additions to its aerial imaging portfolio — the Trimble AX60, a new airborne LIDAR system; and an updated version of its Inpho processing software.

    The announcement was made today at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    The Trimble AX60.
    The Trimble AX60.

    The Trimble AX60 is a versatile system that can be operated at up to 15,500 feet above ground level (AGL), which meets the requirements for aerial survey projects such as wide area mapping, corridor mapping and remote sensing. Together with integrated flight planning and analysis software tools, the platform has been specifically designed as end-to-end solution that provides enhanced mission flexibility, rapid and efficient point cloud capture, excellent resolution, in-service reliability and high-productivity workflows. The Trimble AX60 can be installed on either fixed wing or rotary aircraft.

    The AX60 has a 400-kHz laser pulse repetition rate (PRR) with a single channel downward-looking laser. An optional, fully calibrated 80-megapixel camera with forward motion compensation can be added. The camera is integrated into the sensor head package and harmonized with the laser system so that it does not need re-calibration each time the solution is fitted to an aircraft. Another key feature is Trimble’s rotating polygon mirror technology for beam deflection that can allow survey missions to be completed faster. This technology provides higher accuracy and a uniform distribution of laser points across the entire field-of-view to widen the usable swath width. Operators can reduce track overlap or duplication, or fly at higher altitudes to achieve a given resolution. Together with a high precision positioning system, integral power supplies, and an in-flight monitoring tool, the Trimble AX60 can allow operators to lower the complexity of airborne LIDAR surveys while increasing the quality of the output.

    “The performance, operational flexibility and reliability of the Trimble AX60 make it an ideal solution for aerial survey companies,” said Phil Sawarynski, business area director of Imaging Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “In addition, the Trimble AX60 has been designed as a true end-to-end solution, which includes field-proven Trimble flight planning software and Trimble Inpho analysis software. Since the hardware and software are all supplied by Trimble, operators can have confidence that the complete solution works together seamlessly, and that the flight planning and post-mission analysis suites can enable them to provide a high quality service to their customers.”

    In conjunction with the new airborne laser scanner launch, Trimble also announced its Inpho version 5.6 processing software suite. Version 5.6 now includes the UASMaster module, which has been designed for the complete processing of data acquired by remote piloted aircraft systems (RPAS/UAS). The module georeferences RPAS/UAS images and generates point clouds and othophoto mosaics that allow users to create high quality deliverables for CAD and GIS applications. The UASMaster module is fully compatible with Inpho photogrammetric software modules.

    The Trimble AX60 solution is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2014 through Trimble’s Geospatial Division distribution network. The Inpho version 5.6 and UASMaster is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2013.

  • Topcon Announces Expanded Features, Connectivity Options with Magnet v2.0

    Topcon Positioning Group announces a multitude of new features and enhanced functionality to the entire Magnet suite of connected workflow software. The Magnet suite includes solutions for the field personnel, the office designers and managing supervisors.

    The release of Magnet v2.0, a Topcon enterprise solution for the geomatics industry, provides more than 30 substantial additions or upgrades to the Enterprise, Field and Office packages. Enterprise is a cloud service designed for the supervising manager that connects the Field and Office products and provides a collaborative web-based interface to company data. Cloud-based collaboration and real-time data exchange makes Magnet a productivity enhancing solution for virtually any operation.

    Magnet v2.0 is now available.
    Magnet v2.0 is now available.

    “Magnet is the industry leader in cloud computing and real-time data exchange,” said Jason Hallett, Topcon vice president for software product management. “Now with v2.0, the total product suite has been elevated to a new level. Not only does Magnet allow for real-time collaboration between the project manager, job foreman, job site crews, office personnel, engineers and consultants, it also introduces myriad new features that will increase productivity in every aspect of every job.”

    Key new developments are expanded functionality for BIM and GIS applications.  Magnet v2.0 now has customized packages designed for building layout and high accuracy GIS application.

    A unique new feature is Hybrid Positioning technology, available in the Magnet Field solution package. It provides the option to simultaneously connect to GNSS signals and robotic measurements on a single rover pole. “This is a powerful feature that is easily managed in Magnet,” Hallett said.

    “Topcon continues to bring efficiencies in productivity by providing the ability to maintain simultaneous connections to a robot and a GPS rover when using the Hybrid Positioning module.”

    Other key features available to enhance data workflow and automation include:

    • AutoCAD 360 cloud surfing: Allows user to visualize, edit and share field projects with non-Magnet users.
    • AutoCAD Civil 3D support: Single-click ability to convert 3D line work generated in Magnet to DWG and launch seamlessly in AutoCAD Civil 3D for review or continued design, and vice versa.
    • Real-time sessions: An office user can log in and connect to any active project, select a field crew and view the field activity and data in real timeMagnet Field-enabled rovers to work from a single cellular-enabled RTK base.
    • Asset manager: Ability to show all active field assets (crews and equipment) in Map View with satellite image background.
    • Third-party file format support: Enlarged library of supported file formats of all major positioning equipment providers, and third-party vendors to Magnet.

    “With Magnet a company can manage its positioning data and field information to ensure maximum efficiency in all facets of each project. The exciting new BIM and GIS features makes it the most productive workflow solution for almost every precise positioning and mapping professional,” Hallett said.

    Magnet v2.0 is available for use with Topcon and Sokkia instruments and is available through subscription service so the user has continuous access to the latest features. Magnet Field and Office products can also be purchased for stand-alone use.

  • Arithmetica to Launch Pointfuse Modeling Engine at Intergeo

    A vector model displayed in orthographic projection.
    A vector model displayed in orthographic projection.

    Arithmetica will be demonstrating Pointfuse at Intergeo, which is being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    Pointfuse is a powerful modeling engine that has been created to give professionals a fast, precise and flexible way of turning vast point cloud data sets (whether derived from LIDAR or photogrammetry) into high-fidelity vector models, the company said.

    Replacing painstaking and costly manual modeling, Pointfuse uses advanced techniques at the interface of mathematical optimization and computational statistics to automatically and rapidly convert point clouds into accurate vector models that can then be manipulated using any industry-standard CAD system.

    Pointfuse is fully mobile compatible, and can process data from mobile scanners as easily and quickly as from terrestrial or airborne systems. Results can be output and used on standard handheld mobile devices, making it  useful for creating and viewing highly detailed models in the field.

    A point cloud image of a motorway with crash barriers extracted and highlighted by Pointfuse. Data courtesy of Blom Aerofilms Ltd.
    A point cloud image of a motorway with crash barriers extracted and highlighted by Pointfuse. Data courtesy of Blom Aerofilms Ltd.

    The software will also fully automate extraction of features from point cloud data, allowing the intelligent recognition, measurement and cataloguing of objects and built environments, and other forms of extracted knowledge.

    George Skrobanski, chief technical officer of Arithmetica, explains the significance of this development. “Achieving the automatic extraction of features from point cloud data has been the Holy Grail for the industry. Pointfuse uses its proprietary technology to provide true automation and we believe this changes the game.”

    At Intergeo, learn more at Arithmetica’s booth (Hall: 3 – Booth: D3.046).

  • Orbit GT Showcases Clearance Checker for Mobile Mapping at Intergeo

    Orbit-GT_Clearance-Checker-for-Mobile-Mapping

    Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies will be presenting the Clearance Checker for Mobile Mapping at this year’s Intergeo, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    “The Clearance Checker is an automatic detection tool that uses any mobile mapping lidar data to check clearances in height and width over any designated trajectory,” said Peter Bonne, vice president of business development and senior product manager at Orbit GT. “With the Clearance Checker, a vehicle contour of any designed size, is virtually driven through the point cloud over a chosen trajectory. Any collision or near-collision is automatically detected and listed for reporting, interpretation and subsequent actions. This tool is a must have for all rail- or tramway exploitation, oversize transport planning, and indeed every road and railroad maintenance or improvement project. This tool is an add-on to the Mobile Mapping Asset Inventory solution and is the first in a range of automated and semi-automated detection tools to be made available in shortly.”

  • GIS 2go for Offline Maps to Be Demonstrated at Intergeo

    Disy_GIS2go_3_Tablet_Anzeige-Intergeo

    Disy Informationssysteme GmbH will present GIS 2go at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany. GIS 2go transfers maps from ArcGIS Desktop to an iPad or Android tablet. With the associated app, users can access their own maps without a network connection while they are on the road.

    Intergeo is the world’s largest conference and trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management. From October 8-10, visitors to stand D1.045 in hall 1 can experience GIS 2go live and meet with experts and developers in person.

    GIS 2go allows maps to be taken along with the user, from Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop to a tablet (iPad or Android). With the GIS 2go Add-in, the data selection, the map export and the re-import are controlled via the cloud in ArcGIS Desktop. On the tablet, the “Cadenza Mobile GIS 2go App” allows access to the maps with all feature data — be it with or without a network connection. Even graphic notes and media created on the go are taken over into ArcGIS Desktop.

    On the tablet, users can move interactively on the map; display feature attributes; add points, lines and areas with the graphic notebook; or track via GPS; augment the map with photos and audio/video clips or simply use text to comment on it. The information recorded remotely will be imported later into ArcGIS Desktop and taken over into the data storage.

  • JRC 3D Reconstructor for UAV Integration Displayed at Intergeo

    In step with the path of the latest technologies in three dimensional laser scanning and photogrammetry, Gexcel Srl has released the new version of JRC 3D Reconstructor 2.9.1 with a special focus on UAV and drone platforms.

    Gexcel Srl is attending Intergeo, taking place this week in Essen, Germany. Gexcel is using the event to introduce new 3D software tools and solutions focusing on the most recent release of the JRC 3D Reconstructor software for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and drone platforms.

    UAVs and drones can quickly and cheaply capture georeferenced high-resolution images, Gexcel said. Third-party software typically produces GeoTIFF global images and 3D point clouds of the investigated area. These ingredients can be easily managed in JRC 3D Reconstructor to merge the GeoTIFF global image color over the point cloud and produce a 3D HR texturized point cloud and 3D HR texturized mesh models, Gexcel said.

    Using JRC 3D Reconstructor, all the volume calculations, cross sections, cut and fill, crests and toes, and isolines can be created with a greater accuracy, because of real color state processing. This new feature emphasizes the importance that JRC 3D Reconstructor gives to the color information. It is considered as a most powerful tool for detailed geotechnical and geological investigations.

    For a video, go to https://vimeo.com/75386387.

    Gexcel Srl also announced the launch of its new Point Cloud Streaming Service based on a web application. The service allows to upload point clouds generated using Gexcel R3 or the new Gexcel R3 streaming software to a remote server. Gexcel R3 can import data directly from the most common point cloud data formats, E57 included. Massive point clouds loaded in the service servers can be visualized and navigated in Chrome or Firefox using a standard 64-bit PC.

    The service is designed to improve the ability of users to visualize the results of 3D laser scanning surveys with collaborators, clients and web community. The 3D point clouds can be also customized to include proprietary company logos and project banners.

  • Bluesky Announces International Expansion at Intergeo 2013

    Bluesky_Intergeo_WUsing an airborne mapping system, aerial surveying company Bluesky is expanding its international operations. The integrated system, developed by Optech, includes a LiDAR and fully integrated thermal sensor and high-resolution camera.

    Bluesky is exhibiting at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    Already proven in the UK the system, thought to be a world first, has already been successfully deployed in Northern Europe with additional projects proposed in Central Europe and the Middle East. The Bluesky system combines the Orion M300 LiDAR, CS-LW640 Long Wave Infrared thermal sensor and a CS-10000 RGB camera.

    “The integrated Optech system has been very successfully used for many projects in the UK and the results have provided our customers with the highest quality data as well as economic advantages due to the simultaneous capture of multiple data types,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky International. “We are now in a position to offer these advantages to potential customers around the world.”

    “Bluesky is the perfect example of an organization with the talent and vision to take full advantage of the unique capabilities of the latest Optech sensors. In addition, we are pleased that the ultra-compact and modular design of the system has made it portable and easy to install for them, further supporting Bluesky in their ambitious plans to expand their operations beyond the UK,” added Bill Sharp, Marketing Manager at Optech, Inc.

    The Optech solution used by Bluesky includes an Orion M300 LiDAR (Light Imaging Detection and Ranging) system; which uses aircraft mounted lasers to accurately determine the distance between the sensor and the ground or other targets such as buildings and vegetation. Specifically designed to offer a cost effective, high performance solution at mid altitudes, the Orion M300 is ideally suited for applications such as infrastructure modelling and environmental monitoring, including flood risk analysis and forestry management.

    The Optech CS-LW640 sensor records thermal infrared measurements and has already generated impressive results for recent projects. In upcoming projects it will be used for identifying heat loss from buildings, pipeline monitoring and forestry analysis. Like the CS-10000, it can be used simultaneously with the LiDAR or independently to fit the end user requirements. In addition to capturing thermal images of the target sites, the CS-LW640 camera can be mounted simultaneously with the other two sensors, providing customers with a wealth of coincident information for their area of interest; a complete solution, including highly efficient automated data processing, resulting in substantial acquisition savings.

  • Compass4Colorado Offers GIS Info to Aid Colorado Flood Recovery

    Compass4ColoradoLogoThe Compass family of geospatial companies has established Compass4Colorado, a collaborative effort to make high-tech GIS and mapping capabilities available at no or low cost to organizations involved in the recovery activities related to the devastating Colorado floods. Free flood-mapping webinars and workshops will be offered starting in October.

    Compass4Colorado offers mapping software, integration services, training and expertise at no charge and equipment rentals at significantly reduced rates to public- and private-sector organizations engaged in flood assessment and recovery. The Compass4Colorado campaign will remain active through March 31, 2014, with support from four additional Colorado companies – Trimble Navigation of Westminster, Laser Technology of Centennial, DigitalGlobe of Longmont, GeoSpatial Experts of Thornton – and Esri of Redlands, California.

    “Companies, utilities, and government agencies across Colorado and Nebraska are faced with assessing the full extent of flood damage as recovery begins,” said W. Brant Howard, Founder and Chairman of CompassTools. “We believe that geospatial technologies, especially mobile field data collection, can help this assessment phase proceed more quickly and accurately so the impacted communities can rebuild sooner.”

    Before the flood waters had begun to recede, the Compass companies were taking urgent calls from local municipalities and utilities that needed to survey high-water lines, delineate inundation zones, and photo-map damaged assets. CompassTools found that many organizations requesting assistance with assessment activities had some in-house GPS or GIS capabilities, but they required software upgrades, equipment integration or personnel training to deploy them effectively.

    “If a Colorado or Nebraska organization in the flood-affected areas doesn’t have GPS or GIS mapping capability, we will make sure they get it,” said Howard. “If they already have the technology, we’re going to make sure they can use it.”

    The Compass family of companies, CompassTools, CompassCom and CompassData, are authorized distributors of products and services for Trimble, Laser Technology, DigitalGlobe, GeoSpatial Experts, and Silver Business Partners of Esri.

    With support from these organizations, Compass4Colorado includes, but is not limited to, the following offerings at no charge:

    • Webinar (Oct. 7) and workshops (Oct. 17/Nov. 12) dedicated to field data collection techniques to support assessment and recovery efforts
    • One-year subscription with configuration service for Trimble Terraflex mobile data collection software
    • Configuration of TrimbleConnect for water/waste water inspection leveraging Esri ArcGIS Server
    • Integration of Laser Technology laser rangefinders into GPS data collection workflow
    • Integration of FEMA inspection workflow on mobile devices
    • Esri ArcPad and ArcMobile configuration and support
    • Three-month subscription to GeoSpatial Experts GeoJot+ photo-mapping application
    • Ground control points to support CompassData processing of DigitalGlobe flood imagery

    In addition, Compass4Colorado will offer reduced rates on the following:

    • Trimble GPS and Laser Technology laser range finder equipment
    • Field inspection and assessment services
    • Precision orthorectified DigitalGlobe imagery

    For a complete listing of all Compass4Colorado offerings and terms, visit www.Compass4Colorado.com.

  • Quantum Spatial Formed through Merger of AeroMetric, Photo Science, and WSI

    QSI_Belly_Flooded_Fields_2

    Aero-Metric, Inc. has entered into definitive agreements to acquire two providers of geospatial services and solutions — Photo Science, Inc. (Photo Science) and Watershed Sciences, Inc. (WSI) — to form Quantum Spatial. Quantum Spatial bills itself as the largest provider of location-based tools, analytics and data in North America.

    Quantum Spatial delivers professional services and solutions for clients across all industry verticals with specialized expertise in energy, transportation, utilities, environmental, mining, national security, federal agencies, state and local government, and commercial applications. Quantum Spatial plans to invest significantly to enhance its solutions, as well as expand its newly launched family of GeoApps, a suite of cloud-based, enterprise-wide, operational solutions.

    As a result of this merger, Quantum Spatial’s domestic and international clients will benefit from enhanced capabilities and solutions, the company said, as well as accelerated research and development through significant investments to create new solutions that will address the evolving challenges faced by each end market. Clients will also have complete access to the creativity and knowledge of the firms’ expanded core capabilities and resources.

    Additionally, Quantum Spatial has named Patrick Olson, the CEO of AeroMetric, the new Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Spatial. G. Michael Ritchie, president and CEO of Photo Science, will serve as the COO of Quantum Spatial. Matt Boyd and Russ Faux, former Co-CEO’s of WSI, will serve on the Executive Committee of Quantum Spatial and will lead the Solutions Applications effort across all industries.

    “I am excited to be part of the creation of Quantum Spatial and the ability to provide unmatched solutions, knowledge and scale to our clients,” said Patrick Olson. “We look forward to continuing to expand our mission of providing on-target geospatial solutions, utilizing the in-depth knowledge and expertise of the industry’s largest professional and technical staff. The added capabilities and geographic reach created by this merger will better position us to address the critical needs and priorities of our clients’ ever changing requirements across all of our markets.”

    Michael Ritchie noted, “Together, we are uniquely positioned to provide the market with the most comprehensive set of geospatial solutions available in the Americas and to greatly increase our unique tools and applications through collaboration and increased research and development. ”

    “The increased societal use of spatial data is spawning disruptive new technologies, continual innovation, and altered competitive pressure,” said Matt Boyd, Co-CEO of WSI. “These factors combine to create radical change and new opportunities. Clients want advanced analytics and answers now. Quantum Spatial will lead and accelerate this transformation.”

    Russ Faux added, ”This merger represents a strategic move that capitalizes on the collective resources, expertise, and experience of all three firms to advance the global geospatial market place. As Quantum Spatial, we are excited to expand upon our service offerings while continuing to maintain the personalized service and spirit of collaboration that our clients have come to expect and appreciate.”

    The company’s consolidation will be seamless, the company said.

  • Oregon Tech Offers Online Courses in Geomatics

    Unknown-1The Geomatics Department at the Oregon Institute of Technology announces that beginning September 30, selected Geomatics courses in Surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be offered online. These courses are designed for the working professional that desires formal education to advance in their career. All courses are fully accredited and transferable to the Geomatics degree.

    The GIS courses are being taught by John Ritter, and the Surveying courses will be led by Mitch Duryea, PLS. Ritter and Professor Duryea are both faculty at the Oregon Tech campus in Klamath Falls.

    Currently recognized as the regional center for excellence for Geomatics in the Northwest and listed as one of the six best Land Surveying schools, Oregon Tech combines theory, problem-solving, and field work in a computer-intensive curriculum that prepares students for employment and licensure as Professional Land Surveyors.

    Oregon Tech is the only university in the Northwest to offer a four-year degree in Geomatics that is fully-accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The department offers instruction using state-of-the-art technology, and Oregon Tech Geomatics graduates remain highly sought after by industry. Over 95 percent of students who graduate from Oregon Tech with a Geomatics degree are hired upon or before graduation.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the architecture and engineering occupations group which includes surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians is one of the top 10 occupational groups projected to have the fastest growth in employment between 2002 and 2012. Salary levels are expected to rise as demand for qualified professionals in these fields grows.

    “We’re excited to expand our program online,” said Geomatics professor and Professional Land Surveyor, Mitch Duryea. “This offers us even more ability to reach students who are unable to attend our Klamath Falls or Wilsonville campus. At this time, we have 3-4 courses available online each term and have plans to add additional courses in the future.”

    For more information about Geomatics online, contact Mitch Duryea, PLS.

  • Avenza Launches PDF Maps App 2.0 on iOS

    Avenza Systems, Inc., developer of cartographic software — such as MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager geospatial tools for Adobe Photoshop — announced the launch of PDF Maps app 2.0 for iOS devices.

    The enhanced version incorporates suggestions from consumers that currently use the geospatial PDF and GeoTIFF reader on Apple iOS for travel, outdoor activities or business purposes out in the field. Based on the needs of its primary consumers, PDF Maps app 2.0 provides iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users the ability to track speed and elevation in real time, and import and export data more succinctly.

    The PDF Maps app takes advantage of geospatial technology that allows travelers to view and measure real-world locations and attributes. Paired together with mobile devices that utilize GPS, such as an iPhone, the PDF Maps app provides constant access to geographic locations and even points of interest without the risk of losing reception due to cell tower proximity — making it the ultimate travel accessory for any activity in areas where Internet bandwidth is not available or while roaming outside one’s data zone, Avenza said. Features include:

    • Tracking real-time movement with GPS which includes noting speed and elevation statistics
    • Saving, exporting and importing tracks in KML format
    • Saving measurements to line data as well as importing and exporting lines in KML format
    • “Map Features” list for easy organization of placemarks, lines and tracks including folder enhancements
    • Improved export accuracy

    “When we first launched PDF Maps app in 2011, we knew there was a segment of digital map users that needed something more robust than the turn-by-turn digital maps that were useful in an internet-laden urban environment, and more accessible than the expensive GPS devices that could be used offline. PDF Maps app filled that gap, and since then, we’ve grown a dedicated following that understands we’ve created a tool that supports how they want to travel, work and play…offline,” said Ted Florence, President of Avenza Systems Inc. “Today, we’ve come to a point where we can take consumer feedback and refine it in a way that benefits everyone which has been an invaluable experience for us, and we’re excited to introduce the latest version of Avenza’s PDF Maps app 2.0 to the map users that have provided their own insight to help create it.”

    Avenza’s PDF Maps app expands a traveler’s choices, allowing them to access detailed geography or points of interest created by specific map publishers for use on land, sea or air. PDF Maps app 2.0 allows consumers to access information while at a destination, providing users an opportunity to make the most of their time experiencing their environment rather than searching for cell reception to access directions.

    Avenza’s vast PDF Maps app library covering maps for domestic and international travel includes more than 100,000 maps organized by state and area. All maps available through the in-app iTunes-like map store offer the following capabilities:

    • Access and load maps through in-app purchase, iTunes File Sharing, Wi-Fi or cellular network to read maps anytime
    • Access and interact with saved maps without the need for a live network connection (offline)
    • View your location on the PDF map using the built-in GPS device or via Wi-Fi triangulation
    • Find coordinate of any location in the map, including the ability to type in a coordinate to search
    • Display coordinates as Lat/Long (WGS84), Lat/Long (Map Default), Northing/Easting, or Military Grid Reference System (MGRS/United States National Grid (USNG)
    • Support for GeoTIFF files to create tiles similar to how a geospatial PDF is tiled
    • Map rendering in higher resolution
    • Overlay Google search results
    • Add waypoints and collect/record information about locations, including photos
    • Measure distances and areas
    • Open current map extents in the Maps app
    • Quickly view, zoom and pan maps using gestures (pinch, drag and flick, double tap)
    • Change pin colors, position and label names

    PDF Maps app 2.0 is available now on the iTunes App Store free of charge for personal and private use. Commerical, government and academic use licensing is available for a nominal fee.

  • Agency9 Brings 3D Gaming Effects to Web-Based GIS and Planning

    Agency9 CityPlanner, a web service for 3D visualization, has released support for 3D rendering effects such as real time shadow mapping, ambient occlusion, atmospheric scattering and god rays. These effects, traditionally only seen in high-end video games, elevate even the most simple 3D-model and city model to an astounding visually level and enables shadow studies for planners, Agency9 said.

    CityPlanner is a tool for intelligent 3D-GIS visualization with the combination of a powerful 3D engine and support for traditional GIS data sources and standards such as KMZ, WMS, GeoTiff, ESRI Shape and more.

    Agency9 CityPlanner is a web-based service for 3D visualization of projects within urban development, infrastructure and energy. CityPlanner provides 3D web planning tools for widespread access and collaboration. It is created for urban planners, communicators, consultants and GIS technicians to create, share and publish project and spatial information from a normal web browser. CityPlanner is used by municipalities internationally in their daily work with master and local planning, also involving stakeholders and citizens in the planning process by enabling web publishing of 3D plan visualisations.

    “We are very pleased to announce these exciting features that continue to strengthen the position of Agency9 CityPlanner as the premier 3D visualisation tool for the web. CityPlanner is continuously evolving by being developed in close cooperation with the users to ensure that the product supports their workflows and requirements without compromising user experience and usability,” said Johan Göransson, Product manager.

    Atmospheric scattering and god rays:

    Atmospheric scattering and god rays

    Real time shadows & Ambient Occlusion:

    Real time shadows & Ambient Occlusion