GPS World

Category: Mapping

  • Geodata key to new business world, says Intergeo report

    Geodata key to new business world, says Intergeo report

    Geodata is key to the digital future and a 4.0 business world, according to a new report released at InterGeo in Hamburg, Germany. At the heart of this business vision is the networking of sensors that must have location data in order to fulfill their value.

    ausgabeThe 116-page Intergeo Report, in parallel German and English, includes sections on smart cities, public participation, autonomous driving with live mapping, and surveying on the open seas. An eight-page GNSS Update section features CEOs answering questions market focus of their GNSS products, the role of geo-referencing in the Internet of Things, the coming-of-age of precise point positioning (PPP), and the opportunities for GNSS opened up by autonomous driving.

    Access to company-specific geodata offers managers in the automotive industry a competitive ad- vantage. Apps show today’s motorists the way to the nearest electrical charging station. Soon, the same motorists will talk to their on-board computer to find a parking space. It will guide them instantly to the nearest free space. Geoinformation will then no longer just be found in the satnav but also in the integrated sensor in the road paving infrastructure and in the status reports of other road users.

    Networking Everything. The Internet of Things is taking shape and permeating all areas of life. At its center are the tiny pieces of information that assign coordinates to a parking space, a loading berth for a container ship, a screw in the shelves of a supplier’s warehouse, or the alarm system of a family home. Degrees, minutes and seconds show people the way, answer a range of questions and help make informed decisions. Geoinformation is both an asset and an essential source of information.

    Content Is King. Key companies in the geoinformation sector have naturally taken onboard the value of geoinformation. It forms the basis of their business activities. The use of geodata as added value for their products is still very new. Esri realized early in the sector that selling software is no longer sufficient on its own. Only data enables customers to harness the value of products. Cloud solutions store the mountains of data, while platforms deliver the answers.

    Such new business leading lights as AirBnB, Uber, Facebook and Google could not survive without geoinformation. It is part of increasingly intelligent systems that make users’ lives a little easier and more comfortable, optimizing processes and enabling people to operate and participate in ways that were previously impractical or impossible.

    The examples are myriad. Consider just a few. Digitally aided planning and construction in building information modeling not only streamlines processes and reduces costs, it enables public participation in planning procedures, using digital models of planned reality. Aerial surveys and data gathering by UAV, not only for traditional survey needs but for growing requirements in natural resource planning and management, infrastructure inspection and maintenance, surveillance and security, and more. Guidance systems for the blind.

    All require location data. GNSS (satnav) is the core supplier of this data, but must be augmented by other technologies in special environments.

    Releasing Geodata Pays Dividends. Managers of geodata realize they need to release it in order for it to lead them to “more” – more value, more benefits, more transparency, more importance. Geoinformation and digitization are inextricably interlinked, and this is just the beginning.

  • Firmware update for inertial Ekinox and Apogee sensors

    SBG Systems displays their full range of MEMS-based inertial sensors at InterGeo 2016, with a major firmware update for its Ekinox and Apogee product lines. The key improvements in the update include a 15% improvement on orientation and navigation data and better robustness under harsh environments. This firmware is a complete rework of existing functionalities with the addition of new features and improved configuration interface to ease device configuration.

    Performance. Up to 15% inertial navigation system (INS) performance improvement from a reworked data fusion algorithms; and improved performance using NMEA GNSS aiding.

    Ease of use. Alignment and new status flags have been added to ensure the unit reaches optimal accuracy. The unit can now compute and output on each port a full deported navigation and ship motion data. A completely reworked web interface with 3D views eases mechanical installation. Stability and reliability improvements are reported, especially while using two GNSS at the same time

    Various input and output protocols have been added. See SBG Systems website for further information.

  • Mapping system for self-driving cars developed by Nvidia and TomTom

    NVIDIA and TomTom announced they are partnering to develop artificial intelligence to create a cloud-to-car mapping system for self-driving cars.

    The work combines TomTom’s HD map coverage, which spans more than 120,000 kilometers of highways and freeways, with the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 computing platform. Together, the solution accelerates support for real-time in-vehicle localization and mapping for driving on the highway.

    “Self-driving cars require a highly accurate HD mapping system that can generate an always up-to-date HD map in the cloud,” says Rob Csongor, vice president and general manager of Automotive at NVIDIA. “DRIVE PX 2 for AutoCruise provides TomTom with a real-time, in-vehicle source for HD map updates.”

    The NVIDIA DriveWorks software development kit now integrates support for TomTom’s HD mapping environment. The open solution is available for all automakers and tier 1 suppliers developing autonomous vehicles.

  • New GPS study finds 200 gigatons of ice missing

    A new study based on GPS measurements of the Earth’s crust suggests the Greenland ice sheet is melting 7 percent faster than previously believed and may contribute more to future sea level rise than predicted, reports the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

    “We’ve underestimated the rate of ice loss by about 7.6 percent,” says Michael Bevis of The Ohio State University, one of the study’s co-authors.

    The research found that Greenland lost close to 2,700 gigatons of ice from 2003–2013, rather than the 2,500 gigatons figure that scientists previously believed. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, is an international effort that started in 2007, with contributions from the U.S., Denmark and Luxembourg.

    Over the past two decades the Greenland ice sheet has been shrinking — partly due to accelerated glacier flow and partly because of surface melt. However, scientists have not been able to pinpoint exactly how much the melting ice sheet is contributing to global sea level rise — information key to making predictions about future sea rise levels.  Part of the challenge has been a lack of on-site data.

    For this study teams of scientists spent years installing GPS devices around the  perimeter of the Greenland ice sheet to collect new data. The team discovered that the hotspot in the Earth’s mantle that feeds Iceland’s active volcanoes has been distorting data.

  • Geodetics introduces mobile mapping system with lidar, GPS

    Geodetics introduces mobile mapping system with lidar, GPS

    geo-mms-with-vlp-wGeodetics Inc.’s newest mobile mapping product, Geo-MMS, is a fully integrated lidar mapping payload for integration with unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

    The Geo-MMS includes an inertial navigation system (INS) coupled with a lidar sensor. Raw data from the integrated GPS, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and lidar sensors are recorded on the internal data-recording device and can be post-processed using Geodetics’ lidar tool software package to directly geo-reference the lidar point clouds with LAS-format output. Geo-MMS is available with a wide range of sensors.

    Geo-MMS can be used in various applications in both military and commercial industries such as precision agriculture; mining; utilities; asset management; oil; construction and infrastructure inspections; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); sense and avoid; coastal surveillance; and situational awareness.

    As a company based in the United States, Geodetics can also accommodate defense SAASM and M-code path requirements.

  • DT Research delivers rugged tablets purpose-built for industry

    DT Research has released the DT395CR and DT395GS rugged tablets. While designed for field professionals, the tablets cost less than consumer-grade tablets over the lifetime of the product, DT Research said.

    The DT395GS rugged tablet by DT Research.
    The DT395GS rugged tablet by DT Research.

    Both DT395 tablets are highly durable to withstand extreme environments, designed with fully integrated options to eliminate easily broken attachments in mission-critical scenarios, and include security, privacy and productivity settings.

    The DT395GS tablet is designed for field applications with a high-accuracy GNSS module that is compatible with existing GIS software for mapping applications and brings together the advanced workflow for GIS data capture, accurate positioning and data transmission. The u-blox M8 GNSS module is capable of concurrent reception of GPS and GLONASS for up to 2-meter accuracy.

    “Many businesses have adopted mobile tablets with the goal of increasing productivity by leveraging the versatile tablet form-factor,” said Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. “But companies within construction, field service, logistics, manufacturing and warehousing have found that consumer-grade tablets are too fragile for their environment — requiring costly repairs and replacements that introduce expensive downtime. Our new DT395 rugged tablets give vertical industries exactly what they need with high reliability and lower TCO (total cost of ownership) over the lifetime of the product.”

    According to a VDC Research study, the average annual TCO of a ruggedized tablet is 22 percent lower than the average annual TCO of a non-rugged tablet. The study found average failure rates for non-rugged tablets is 15.2 percent compared to 6.9 percent for rugged tablets. Lost productivity, as a result of mobile device failure, was a leading contributor to higher TCO for non-rugged tablets. Mobile workers lost an average of 52-80 minutes of productivity when their mobile device failed. (Source: VDC Research, “Total Cost of Ownership Models for Mobile Computing and Wireless Platforms,” Third Edition.)

    Unlike consumer-grade tablets, the DT395CR and DT395GS ruggedized tablets are designed to be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments with full HD anti-reflection outdoor viewable displays. The tablets are IP65 and MIL-STD-810G rated to withstand 4-foot drops and extreme temperatures (-4° F to 140° F), and resist water, dust and humidity.

    “We tried iPads, but they were not suited for our environment,” said Marty Phillips, director of engineering at Murray Equipment, Inc. “Our customers do millions of dollars of fertilizer loading within an eight-week window in a broad range of weather conditions. If a remote control tablet is down for even an hour, it’s a significant revenue loss. We have used DT Research rugged tablets in our automated liquid-handling facilities across the U.S. for more than three years with no downtime or repair/replacement costs. The reliability of DT Research’s rugged tablets is unmatched.”

    Both the DT395CR and DT395GS have an 8.9-inch display with 1920 x 1200 resolution and capacitive touch, and weigh 2.87 pounds. The tablets run on an Intel Atom Quad Core CPU with 4GB RAM running Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS.

    Security, privacy and productivity settings

    “Security, privacy and productivity are a growing concern in many organizations,” Helen Fanucci, GM of Americas Device IoT Experience, Microsoft. “We are pleased to see DT Research utilize the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-grade security to support mission-critical rugged tablets for customers and deliver a safer device experience, which enhances productivity for a variety of mobile scenarios in manufacturing, field service, logistics and other industries.”

    The DT395 tablets leverage advanced Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS security including Device Guard, combining hardware and software security to lock down a device so that it can only run trusted applications. The DT395 also includes lock-down features to protect against malicious users while providing a custom-defined user experience.

    Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID can pose a security issue when using consumer-grade tablets within a business environment. DT Research DT395 rugged tablets can be purpose-built with a camera privacy mode and

    preconfigured with Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi disable functions. The DT395 rugged tablets can also eliminate access to internet or social media applications to address productivity challenges.

    Customizable options

    DT Research offers customizable options for the DT395CR and DT395GS including an optimized OS and BIOS. Customers can choose to have the options below fully-integrated.

    • 3G WWAN or 4G LTE
    • 2D Barcode Scanner
    • Class 1 Bluetooth (1000 feet)
    • Camera (5 Megapixel back camera)
    • GNSS Module (u-blox M8)
    • HF/RFID 13.56MHz reader
    • HDMI-in and Ethernet port
    • Six-pin push/pull connector for EIA/RS-232/485/422, USB port and Ethernet port

  • Orbit GT launches QGIS plug-in for mobile mapping

    Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies has launched its Mobile Mapping plug-in for QGIS.

    “Every QGIS user now has access to the vast volumes of mobile mapping data,” said Peter Bonne, CEO of Orbit GT. By connecting to Publisher, the QGIS user has access to spherical imagery and point-cloud data of unlimited volume and size onto their desktop.

    With the Orbit GT plugin for QGIS, the use of native Mobile Mapping content becomes easy, the company said. Any challenge of volume and performance is tackled by the Orbit Publisher. Users can measure, copy any measurement into QGIS, and overlay QGIS features on the Mobile Mapping imagery.

  • Datumate unveils DatuFly, professional imagery app for drones

    Datumate has released a new tablet app for drone flight planning and automated, high-resolution photo-shooting. The DatuFly app saves up to 80 percent of field surveying time and eliminates follow-up site visits, according to the company.

    “DatuFly automates the entire field surveying process, while keeping field work simple and safe,” said Tal Meirzon, Datumate CEO. “Ease of use and survey-grade results makes DatuFly a valuable tool for any surveyor and drone operator. The bundle of Drone, DatuFly app and DatuGram 3D photogrammetry software forms the ideal site surveying solution for professional results.”

    A friendly, wizard-type user interface makes it easy to select the job type and the required outputs to achieve best results. The area of interest is instantly marked on the map, including complex polygons, and the drone is ready for launch.

    Flight and aerial photography, vertical or oblique, are automatic and optimized per job type, such as topography, stockpiles and roads. Mission progress is constantly monitored on the tablet screen, including flight time, distance, waypoints and the required number of batteries.

    Once a battery is exhausted, the drone automatically returns for a battery exchange and resumes flight and photo-shooting from where it left off.

    The DatuFly image-taking plan is executed based on the best-practice requirements of DatuGram 3D, Datumate’s field-to-plan software that automates surveyors’ field and office work, ensuring survey-grade accuracy, high quality and quick results.

    DatuFly is compatible with DJI drones and is available on AppStore for iPads. An Android app will be available in the Google Play store in October 2016.

  • DJI makes smartphone smarter with Osmo Mobile camera system

    DJI makes smartphone smarter with Osmo Mobile camera system

    Stabilized system turns smartphones into intelligent motion cameras

    Drone-maker DJI has launched the Osmo Mobile, an extension for smartphones that turns them into intelligent, precision camera systems.

    Using DJI’s signature three-axis gimbal stabilization and SmoothTrack™ technology, the Osmo Mobile enables smartphone users to shoot effortless, high-quality photos and videos on the go.

    DJI-Osmo-smartphohne-WIn combination with the DJI GO App, cinematic photos and videos can be live streamed or shared instantly on various social media channels. DJI’s ActiveTrack function allows users to simply tap the screen to automatically create perfectly framed shots of objects in motion. Users no longer have to choose between directing a shot or taking part in it.

    “DJI continues to revolutionize the way we capture and share memories,” said Frank Wang, DJI CEO and founder. ” The Osmo Mobile combines the best of DJI’s beloved Osmo smart stabilization technology with the robust DJI GO app. This is a breakthrough, allowing smartphone users unprecedented control of and creative possibilities for their devices.”

    The Osmo Mobile’s three-axis stabilization technology increases precision down to 0.03 degrees of accuracy. In combination with DJI’s SmoothTrack technology, which compensates for shaking and small movements, the Osmo Mobile makes it easy for anyone to capture smooth, cinematic shots.

    By using the trigger control, users can access various modes, as well as switch between the phone’s front and rear cameras. Camera settings, such as ISO, shutter speed and white balance are reachable directly onscreen.

    The Osmo Mobile is compatible with most recent smartphone models, including the iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Huawei Mate 8. It should accommodate any Android or iOS smartphone with a width between 2.31 and 3.34 inches.

    Features of the Osmo Mobile include:

    • Three-axis stabilization
    • Intelligent SmoothTrack
    • User-friendly DJI GO App with powerful functions (including ActiveTrack, Motion Time lapse, Live Stream, Panorama, Long Exposure, Camera Settings)
    • Trigger control (double-tap for re-center, triple-tap to change between front and rear-end camera, long press for locking gimbal direction)
    • Different operation modes (Standard, Portrait, Flashlight and Underslung)
    • Bluetooth connection
    • 3.5 mm Charging/Upgrade Port
    • Compatible with DJI Osmo accessories

  • Satlab Geosolutions’ RTK Handheld uses tablet or phone as display

    Satlab_SLC3Swedish-based survey and GIS equipment maker Satlab Geosolutions is offering a multi-purpose handheld that sends centimeter-level NMEA position data to the user’s tablet or smartphone.

    The SLC RTK handheld brings professional high-precision positioning in a new design concept with Bluetooth connectivity for Android, Windows and iOS Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) smart devices, according to the company.

    Alternatively, it can be used as a fixed sensor for any compatible NMEA driven positioning application.

    The design includes a mounting plate to attach the user’s tablet device so it acts as the SLC’s display. Connectivity also is available via a USB/RS232 port. With a built-in wireless modem and optional remote antenna and pole- or fixed-mount accessories, the SLC can be configured as a sensor for machine control or other mobile applications.

    SLC is flexible — it can be paired with data-collection software running on Windows, Android or iOS BLE with compatible applications. Its RTK positioning information can be used in numerous markets including land surveying, high-accuracy GIS, web-based facility management, utilities, pipelines, precise farming, hydrography, geophysics or aeronautics. With 32-GB internal memory, the SLC is also able to record RAW data to be used for post-processed applications.

    The SLC has a built-in lithium ion battery and GNSS antenna for up to 12 hours of portable operation. It includes a Telit 3.5G GSM modem for operation as an RTK base or rover, transmitting or receiving corrections from NTRIP networks or via Satlab’s free Internet RTK service. Satlab Internet RTK allows users to stream corrections via IP to any of three Satlab servers around the world; any Satlab rover device can then connect to that same IP connection to receive full GNSS constellation corrections.

    “Our new Scandinavian-designed SLC handheld is a different concept, offering RTK centimeter-level positioning at an incredible price in a flexible form factor,” commented Bjorn Agardh, CEO of Satlab. “With our simple SLC Toolbox software utility, users set up the SLC once, and it remains configured every time it’s used.”

    The SLC comes in two configurations: as a handheld in a soft case with two tablet/panel mounting plates and a charging USB cable; or bundled with external geodetic antenna, cable and pole mount.

  • Mapping the Arctic promotes international agreement

    The Arctic SDI Board, — which includes mapping executives from Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the U.S. — met June 14-16 in Anchorage, Alaska, to further develop a robust Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure.

    The Arctic SDI is a cooperation based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the eight National Mapping Agencies and is intended to ensure Arctic geospatial data is easier for users to access, validate and combine.

    Erosion and climate change along Alaska's Arctic Coast. (Photo: USGS)
    Erosion and climate change along Alaska’s Arctic Coast. (Photo: USGS)

    A spatial data infrastructure (SDI) provides tools for data distributors to ensure geospatial data is easier for users to access, validate and combine with other data. Important data sets are produced and distributed by many stakeholders — in the public and private sector — and most of it can be geographically referenced.

    “It’s important that scientists, resource managers, decision-makers and citizens can discover, access and use trusted data to conduct research, make informed decisions, and respond to emergencies in a changing Arctic,” said Kevin Gallagher, the USGS associate director for core science systems and current Arctic SDI Board chair. “The Arctic SDI initiative brings together geospatial experts and scientists in a voluntary cooperation between these country’s national mapping agencies in direct support of the priorities of the Arctic Council and other important stakeholders.”

    The Arctic SDI cooperation has built a foundation on which important strategic work is being conducted by lead countries through several working groups in alignment with the five-year Arctic SDI Strategic Plan 2015-2020 adopted last year.

    Polar bear mother and two cubs on the Beaufort Sea ice. (Photo: USGS)
    Polar bear mother and two cubs on the Beaufort Sea ice. (Photo: USGS)

    The Arctic SDI Geoportal, launched in 2014, includes a continuously updated, harmonized pan-Arctic basemap using data delivered by the individual countries and national mapping agencies. Together they are working to increase the number of national authoritative datasets available through the Geoportal. The basemap, geoportal and access to data are continually being improved.

    Additionally, an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Arctic Spatial Data Pilot, sponsored by Natural Resources Canada and the USGS is underway to test interoperability of standards, increase the inventory of available Arctic data, and advance the understanding of best practices for distribution and sharing of data by showcasing the value of a standards based, data rich environment.

    In 2009, the Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials gave unanimous formal support to the Arctic SDI initiative and while the Arctic Council represents its primary stakeholder group, the Arctic SDI is aligned with the global, regional and national geodata context, including:

    • The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM),
    • The Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS),
    • The European Commission’s Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE)
    • The U.S Federal Geographic Data Committee National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI),
      and Canada’s Spatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI).

    Additionally, the work adheres to Open Data principles, including facilitation of open and interoperable data based on OGC and ISO standards, specifications, architecture and software.

    Arctic SDI Working Groups are continuing communication and outreach with stakeholders, especially the Arctic Council Working Groups, to advance understanding of data sharing and management techniques, and best practices to improve data access and availability. This work also includes development of communication materials, user guides and a manual.

    Additionally, elevation experts from the national mapping agencies have been cooperating with the National Science Foundation and Polar Geospatial Center to provide data and expert reviews in support of a high quality Pan-Arctic Digital Elevation Model being developed in support of a U.S. Chairmanship Arctic Council Initiative.

  • NGA hackathon creates new tools for disaster response

    Hackers-2-GEOINT-WThe National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), GEO Huntsville and AEgis Technologies hosted a two-day inaugural hackathon May 2-3 at Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, dubbed #GEOHackHSV.

    Most of you are familiar with hackathons, but this one was focused on geospatial solutions for first responders with NGA’s GeoQ as a foundation. The goal was to hack unclassified geospatial datasets and open-source tools to build effective solutions for disaster response and recovery.

    The foundation – NGA’s GeoQ

    Ray Bauer, who heads up the NGA GeoQ effort, was the keynote speaker. He explained how GeoQ meets the goals set by former NGA Director Latisha Long and current Director Robert Cardillo to take advantage of open-source data, applications and most important talent. Ray explained how the growing complexity of the GEOINT world forces NGA to take advantage of every geospatial resource available while keeping their classified work secure.

    Ray stated NGA’s hackathon goals, specifically:

    “We are interested in working with participants to identify and create new, interactive and efficient ways of reading, disseminating and analyzing tons of data from disparate systems. We highly encourage leveraging open-source tools and other software solutions participants bring to the table. This hackathon is not just for those entrenched in the geo world! We’re interested in everything from new mapping interfaces, mobile solutions, lightweight and portable information dashboards, hardware integrations with commercial off-the-shelf tools like sensors and UAVs, and everything in between!

    “The intent of this event is to think outside the box and employ new tools and alternative open-source data to more efficiently and accurately send the most relevant data to emergency responders quickly. Currently there are dozens of data sets that make it difficult to quickly search and integrate into a common operational environment, particularly across the sectors: firefighter, police, hospital, dispatcher, HEMSI, air evacuation, utilities, Department of Transportation, etc. How do we share information among these groups during disaster situations such as tornadoes, hurricanes, shootings, flooding, significant traffic events, chemical spills and other potentially catastrophic events?”

    For those of you not familiar with GeoQ, there is an excellent overview produced by NGA that is on Youtube.

    GeoHuntsville hackathon goals

    Hackers-1-GEOINT-WThe pre-event announcements listed the following goal.

    Combine commercial and proprietary hardware and software solutions to create unique concepts/solutions. Specifically:

    • Solve disparate data problems among current open source data sets (i.e. overlaying multiple shape files with real-time data from multiple sources such as emergency responder software, sensors in the field, social media, e.g.).
    • Recreate more aesthetically appealing user interfaces considering numerous data sets — to include mobile solutions.
    • Suggest new solutions leveraging a subset of currently available data. (Use the data we give you, use the data you bring, use the data we don’t know about — and create a solution to a problem we don’t know exists.)
    • Integrate new solutions or disparate data into open source tools, like GeoQ.
    • Identify ways to more efficiently and accurately receive and analyze updates from the field. (This could be anything from a tool an emergency responder uses or social media resources.)
    • Come up with a way to disseminate critical information across agencies and geographic locations.

    First responder involvement

    The aspect of this hackaton that was particularly valuable was the direct involvement of numerous Huntsville first responders. Policemen and firemen were able to explain their difficulties and needs face to face with the programmers and engineers who were participating in the hackathon, so the participants were not operating in a vacuum. See my interview with the Huntsville fire chief.

    Fueled with sodas, chips and snacks, the hackers worked overnight to accomplish the goals. At stake were three prizes, including a top prize of $1,000. The prizes were not huge, but they provided some incentive including bragging rights.

    Although some results were similar to existing applications, the different approaches were still very impressive for a two-day event. You may find one or two applications worth your further investigation for integration in your systems.

    The teams

    Mobile Damage Assessment

    Micah Cleveland and Larry Wilbourn provided firefighters with a way to directly report the status of damaged structures or casualties and triage via a smartphone.

    Situational Awareness

    The team of Larry Mason, Tyler Hughes and Michael Carroll built an application displaying real-time locations of all emergency vehicles and the display of preplan floor plans and imagery to show details such as electric and gas cut offs.

    Virtual Reality GIS Display

    Jason Rade and Jason Nofki demonstrated their system of displaying GIS data and imagery using a virtual reality headset. They indicated that the next step was to display the data as augmented reality.

    OpenSensorHub

    Steve Jones demonstrated a system to display Internet of Things (IoT) devices as live links on a map to display data, imagery and video from those sources. (Steve participated in the event, but did not enter into the competition.)

    WEBEOC data to current devices

    Two team members worked a problem proposed by Madison County Emergency Management Agency. They read legacy format WEBEOC data and converted the information into more modern device data structures.

    And the winners are…

    • First Place: Mobile Damage Assessment
    • Second Place: WEBEOC data to current devices
    • Third Place: a tie between Situational Awareness and Virtual Reality GIS Display

    A few gems developed at the hackathon may be useful with your applications effort. If you need additional information regarding the hackathon and participants, contact Chris Johnson of GeoHuntsville at [email protected].