GIS software company Caliper is offering 114th Congressional Districts data for the United States for its Mapitude software. The data package is aimed at corporate legislative affairs departments, lobbyists, political consultants, political parties, and anyone else involved in political affairs.
The 114th Congressional Districts data contains a nationwide area database with boundaries of the 114th (January 2015-January 2017) Congressional Districts. It also includes demographic data from the 2010 Census and from the 2013 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates.
Country Packages
Also available are eight new 2015 Country Packages for Maptitude. The 2015 Country Packages include fourth-quarter 2014 map content. Updated map layers, such as refreshed streets and landmarks are provided for each country. In addition, postal boundaries, postcode points, and demographics are included where available. For detailed information on each Package, including those for countries not mentioned here, visit the Maptitude Included Data page.
DT Research Inc. has launched a new line of rugged tablets with the GNSS modules for surveying and mapping applications. The DT391GS, DT395GS and DT307GS rugged tablets feature integrated high-accuracy GNSS receiver modules with built-in antenna for seamless data capture, the company said.
Built to travel and provide reliable operations in the real world, the tablets are designed for field work in mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), and accurate synchronization, tracking and networking.
The DT391GS combines a 9-inch sunlight-readable, capacitive touch display with an energy-efficient Intel dual-core processor in a compact, durable package. With the high-accuracy GNSS module options (Hemisphere or Trimble), the foldable antenna, and Windows or Android operating system. The DT391GS also offers protection in demanding environments with IP65 and MIL-STD-810G ratings for dust and water, and shock and vibration resistance.
The DT395GS tablet.
The DT395GS offers a 9-inch sunlight-readable capacitive touch screen, an energy efficient Intel dual-core processor, and a choice of Windows or Android operating systems. The GNSS positioning module has u-blox GNSS module. The IP65 rating, and military-standard MILSTD-810G and MIL-STD-461F ratings, as well as wide temperature range, make the DT395GS reliable even in harsh, mission-critical environments.
The DT307GS GNSS tablet features a brilliant 7-inch capacitive touch screen and a quad-core, energy efficient processor with a built-in, high-accuracy u-blox GNSS module. The size and weight of the DT307GS make this tablet portable for long-term handling in the field, DT Research said.
The DT307GS tablet
All of the DT Research Rugged GS Tablets offer hot-swappable batteries for continuous operation, enabling real-time project efficiency between staff in the field and in the office. With wireless support for Bluetooth, 802.11, WCDMA and HSPA+ connectivity and optional GSM networking, the tablets keep staff connected from any location.
The DT391GS and DT395GS have Trusted Processing Module (TPM) encryption for security support, and a choice of Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 or 7 Professional, or Android operating system making these tablets flexible to integrate with existing applications.
An optional 5-megapixel camera offers another data capture tool to record visual information, and an optional 3G cellular data module provides data connectivity for navigation and real-time data transfer, DT Research said.
The DT391GS, DT395GS, and DT307GS are available now, form more information, contact DT Research at [email protected].
Mason, Bruce & Girard Inc. (MB&G), a natural resource consulting firm, has released version 2.0 of its mobile mapping application, MobileMap.
MB&G MobileMap provides GIS capabilities to field staff. It focuses on supporting large datasets and integrating information from diverse sources. The app provides data visualization, analysis and editing while operating in disconnected environments.
MobileMap supports an unlimited number of base maps and feature types, and allows users to quickly switch between data by turning layers on and off. Version 2.0 of MobileMap provides flexibility in how data is organized on a device, and by supporting Esri’s shapefile format, users can define the map symbology of shapefiles.
By targeting the Android platform, MobileMap takes advantage of a large range of device options as well as capabilities unique to Android such as support for MicroSD cards, which greatly enhance storage capacity while dramatically reducing data transfer speeds for large datasets.
A major component of this release is improved data sync capabilities. MobileMap leverages enterprise GIS technology from Esri by enabling seamless sync with ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online feature services. Users will always have data that is backed up and up-to-date. By establishing a Wi-Fi connection, data can be synced to a secured service. In order to provide greater control over this process, MobileMap allows users to separate sync into separate upload and download tasks.
According to MB&G, MobileMap 2.0 provides improved measurement and navigation capabilities; users can now measure both distance and area of features and can choose the appropriate map units for each parameter.
MobileMap 2.0 displays the distance and direction to any selected feature, allowing field staff to navigate to management areas, survey plots or specific assets. Another new capability is the ability to perform offline search of features. While other mapping tools use internet connections to search for relevant data, MobileMap supports the ability to search offline data to identify where particular attributes or conditions exist in the landscape. When features are discovered, they are highlighted and the map zooms to their extent. These capabilities provide field staff with a valuable tool for discovering data and locating areas of interest.
MobileMap’s data capture also has been improved. Previous versions supported GPS tracking of a travel path and the ability to define new features using GPS coordinates, or by tapping to create points or vertices in lines and polygons. Users now can collect lines and polygons by tracing the desired shape in a single motion.
Data entry has been improved by supporting additional business rules, such as range domains and required fields. Data managers can carefully specify data integrity rules using Esri data models, and MobileMap will respect and enforce those rules in the field. This functionality helps to ensure that MobileMap users will collect high quality data thereby minimizing the need for data editing back in the office.
Topcon Positioning Group has announced the latest edition of its 3D mobile mapping system. The IP-S3 is on display at the SPAR International 3D Measurement and Imaging Conference, held March 30-April 2 in Houston, Texas. The system employs the integration of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and GNSS receiver with a vehicle’s onboard electronics to offer high-density mobile digital imaging.
“The IP-S3 is more compact, lightweight, and scans at a rate of up to five times faster than previous models,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the Topcon GeoPositioning Group. “Weighing in at 39 lbs. (18 kg), it’s light enough that a single person could mount it on a car, truck or SUV without any assistance from anyone else.”
Scanning at 700,000 points-per-second, the rotating LiDAR sensor captures the 360-degree environment with 32 internal lasers. The IP-S3’s six-lens digital camera is designed to provide data-rich results with its 30 MP panoramic imagery.
The system pairs with Topcon Mobile Master Field and Office software suite to perform all post-processing functions in a single application.
“The software suite offers a complete all-in-one processing workflow, turning raw sensor data collected by the IP-S3 system into rich and precise point clouds and images,” Rihner said.
“These sessions will provide attendees and members perspectives on some of the major issues facing the profession,” said John Palatiello, MAPPS executive director, and Curtis Sumner, NSPS executive director. “Our goal from the beginning was to provide conference sessions that are distinct from what surveyors experience at their state conferences. These presentations will give conference attendees and members new insights on the geospatial profession, particularly in the commercial market.”
The speakers for Monday, April 13, are listed below, along with the session name.
Michael Anderson, POB magazine, “POB Top 100″
Bryan Baker, Leica, “What You Need to Know Before Starting Up Your Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Department”
Pam Nobles, Rob Garster, “What Is Surveying? A Discussion of Infringing Technologies”
The speakers for Wednesday, April 15, are listed below, along with the session name.
Rhonda Rushing and a panel from Berntsen Inc., “Smart Markers for the Nation’s Land & Infrastructure Assets”
Ted Naak, Certainty 3D, “Establishing Requirements, Extracting Metrics and Evaluating Quality of LiDAR Data”
Neil Sandler and a panel from xyHT magazine, “Are You Prepared for Change?”
The overall conference will serve as an umbrella to include plenary sessions, an exhibit hall, and social and networking activities designed to create synergy among the many vertical segments. It will also feature a “conference within a conference” format, in which participating organizations will hold their own meetings and sessions.
MAPPS will host its annual Federal Programs Conference April 14-15. Presentations by federal agencies, the Obama Administration and members of Congress will include briefings on programs, budgets and requirements for the acquisition of geospatial services, data and products by contract from the private sector.
NSPS will host the finals of its annual Student Competition on April 13. The 2014-15 competition will, for the first time, include not only student teams from four-year degree programs, but also teams from two-year degree programs. The NSPS annual General Membership meeting and other business meetings will be scheduled throughout the week in order to allow NSPS leadership to more fully participate in conference activities.
MAPPS and NSPS members will visit some 200 Congressmen and Senators at the U.S. Capitol, advancing a common agenda of legislative issues that serve the public and engage the surveying and mapping community.
Also on the program will be an invitation-only USGS 3DEP stakeholders meeting, a summit by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a licensed geospatial data forum by the Geospatial Management Office (GMO) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
POB (Point of Beginning) magazine is conducting a surveying and mapping market study that will rank the top 100 companies based on total geospatial revenue for 2014.
Rankings will be based on total revenue from surveying, aerial mapping, geospatial imagery, 3D modeling, BIM, GIS/IT, underground mapping and other geospatial services.
“Collaboration is key to success in the geospatial community,” said John Palatiello, MAPPS executive director. “We’re pleased POB has chosen this forum to help launch this important project.”
Collaboration: The Map of the Future will bring together associations, professional societies, companies and government agencies in the surveying, mapping and geospatial fields. The event hopes to bridge gaps between government agencies and the private sector, as well as explore different disciplines in the community. It also will prove a forum for discussions on best practices, technology, issues and policies.
The conference features a “conference within a conference” format, in which participating organizations will hold respective meetings and sessions.
“Surveyors have long relied on POB as a major source of news and information about the profession and its market study and Top 100 listing will be a significant contribution,” said Curtis W. Sumner, LS, executive director of NSPS.
That means you can’t fly drones if it’s related to business, no matter if you charge a fee or not. But, you can fly drones in the United States as a “hobbyist” as long as you adhere to certain rules (such as flying lower than 400 feet above the ground).
In a new twist, the FAA has cracked down on at least one person who posted a drone video on YouTube because YouTube generates revenue, reports the website Motherboard. Even though it appears the drone was being flown by a hobbyist for recreational purposes, it smells to the FAA like a commercial use of drone. Even though the hobbyist isn’t generating revenue from it, Google is.
Jason Hanes’ YouTube channel.
While it appears the U.S. drone community is going nuts using drones for all kinds of non-commercial and commercial purposes, despite the FAA rules, it appears there are too many violators for the FAA to chase after since enforcement notices sent by the FAA have been few and far between. In this case, safety concerns may have been the prompt. The FAA says it’s now looking further into how its safety inspectors send letters like this. Read more about the case at the Motherboard website.
Geospatial Data Interest Crosses Political Party Lines
Senator’s Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced the Geospatial Reform Act, targeted at leveraging geospatial data acquired by the U.S. federal government. This bill argues that the federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data, yet agencies aren’t required to report details of geospatial data purchased. The bill aims to change that.
“Geospatial data has endless possibilities for transforming both the private and public sectors — from helping local governments develop emergency preparedness plans to fueling the creation of apps that let you find parking spots, restaurants, and even homes for sale based on where you’re standing,” said Sen. Warner. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data but some very basic questions about how and where agencies are already investing in this data can’t be answered. Our bill would bring transparency and accountability to the collection of this data and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted on duplicative efforts.”
In what DigitalGlobe claims is a world’s first, the company began offering commercial 30-cm satellite imagery via its WorldView-3 satellite, which was launched August 13, 2014. DigitalGlobe announced that the imagery is available worldwide (with some restrictions). As part of its press release, DigitalGlobe offered the following quote from PhotoSat, a consumer of imagery.
“DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite data is the highest quality satellite photo data that PhotoSat has ever processed,” said Gerry Mitchell, President of PhotoSat, a leading satellite elevation mapping provider for energy, mining, and engineering firms. “In one test, an elevation mapping grid extracted from stereo WorldView-3 satellite photos matched a highly accurate LiDAR elevation grid to better than 15 cm in elevation. This result takes satellite elevation mapping into the engineering design and construction markets and directly competes with LiDAR and high resolution air photo mapping for applications like flood plain monitoring.”
According to DigitalGlobe, WorldView-3 is the first and only commercial imaging satellite capable of collecting imagery with 30-cm ground sample distance, and claims it is five times the detail of the company’s nearest competitor. See a sample by clicking here.
Satellite imagery is approaching aerial photogrammetry quality. I recall Lawrie Jordan, founder of ERDAS (sold to Leica) and now director of imagery at Esri, saying that eventually every square inch of the earth will be imaged constantly by satellite.
Esri and Drone Data Up until now, you haven’t heard the words “Esri” and “drone” mentioned in the same sentence very often. Last week at the Esri Developer Summit in Palm Springs, Esri provided a live map-creation demo using a small quadcopter.
Look for a follow-up article, data example and possibly a video of the event.
DigitalGlobe is making available its 30-cm satellite imagery products. Access to the high-resolution commercial satellite imagery captured by DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite will improve decision making, enable more efficient operations, and enhance a variety of applications for customers in the civil government, defense and intelligence, energy, mining and global development sectors.
In addition, many customers who previously relied on aerial imagery can now benefit from the improved economics, global availability, and faster refresh rate that DigitalGlobe can provide with its 30-cm satellite imagery, the company said. Imagery of this resolution was previously only available from aerial platforms, which are difficult, costly, or impossible to access in many parts of the world.
DigitalGlobe’s 30-cm imagery products are also a rapid and affordable alternative in locations where aerial imagery is readily available. New imagery orders can be delivered on timescales of days or weeks, as opposed to months, in many cases, and customers can also have access to a rapidly growing volume of available 30-cm archive imagery.
The suitability of 30-cm satellite imagery for aerial imaging applications is confirmed by the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS), which is used by the imaging community to define and measure the quality of images and performance of imaging systems. DigitalGlobe’s 30-cm imagery achieves a rating of NIIRS 5.7, meaning it can resolve objects on the ground such as above-ground utility lines in a residential neighborhood, manhole covers, building vents, fire hydrants, and individual seams on locomotives.
“DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite data is the highest quality satellite photo data that PhotoSat has ever processed,” said Gerry Mitchell, president of PhotoSat, a satellite elevation mapping provider for energy, mining and engineering firms. “In one test, an elevation mapping grid extracted from stereo WorldView-3 satellite photos matched a highly accurate LiDAR elevation grid to better than 15 cm in elevation. This result takes satellite elevation mapping into the engineering design and construction markets and directly competes with LiDAR and high-resolution air photo mapping for applications like flood plain monitoring.”
The DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 commercial imaging satellite is capable of collecting imagery with 30-cm ground sample distance — five times the detail of the company’s nearest competitor. The satellite also features unique shortwave infrared (SWIR) capabilities that will enable new applications such as seeing through smoke and haze, identifying minerals and manmade materials, and assessing the health of crops and vegetation.
The SWIR imagery that the satellite collects has never before been available to commercial customers with this level of spatial and spectral resolution, and it will provide unique value to users in the energy and mining industries, as well as others, DigitalGlobe said. DigitalGlobe also launched a beta program for 7.5 m SWIR imagery, working with partners, customers and users to explore new uses for this capability.
“Companies should be exploiting the competitive advantages of the WorldView-3 data to look for potential ore-related alteration that will have been missed by the previous satellites used for alteration mapping,” said Dan Taranik, managing director of Exploration Mapping Group, a service provider to the global mineral exploration industry. “Detailed inspection of remote areas on the peripheries of alluvium or younger volcanics would be a competitive advantage that could help reveal concealed deposits.”
Ride service Uber is buying mapping and search startup deCarta, reports Mashable, which said it learned of the deal from an Uber representative.
The deal was expected to close earlier this month. Uber plans to use deCarta’s technology and talent to fine-tune its products and services that rely on maps, including UberPOOL, the smartphone-based ride-sharing app.
Thirty out of 40 deCarta employees will remain with the company, including Kim Fennell, chief executive officer and president, Mashable said. deCarta will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber, but will use its own name.
Founded in 1996, deCarta is privately held, and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with international offices and distributors in Germany, China, Brazil and South Africa. deCarta is a global location-based services (LBS) technology company that provides specialized geospatial technologies for online mapping, routing, navigation, geocoding, local search and geo-data integration and processing. The company’s platform is used by high-volume LBS applications and services in the mobile, Internet, enterprise-fleet and automotive markets. Customers and technology partners include Samsung, Inrix, T-Mobile, FullPower MotionX GPS Drive, Appello, Denso, Ford, GM OnStar, Masternaut, Wireless Matrix, eMapgo, Nokia/HERE, Spot-On-Time, Telstra/Sensis, TomTom, WHERE/eBay.
In February, Uber announced a partnership with Starwood Hotel and Resorts where Starwood Preferred Guest members earn points towards free hotel stays for every dollar spent riding Uber.
United States Senators Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and John Warner, D-VA, have introduced the bipartisan Geospatial Data Act in the U.S. Congress.
“The federal government wastes vast amounts of taxpayer dollars by not properly managing and coordinating our federal investments in geospatial data,” Sen. Hatch said in a press release. “This common-sense legislation will improve coordination, reduce duplication and promote data transparency.”
“Geospatial data has endless possibilities for transforming both the private and public sectors — from helping local governments develop emergency preparedness plans to fueling the creation of apps that let you find parking spots, restaurants, and even homes for sale based on where you’re standing,” said Sen. Warner. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data but some very basic questions about how and where agencies are already investing in this data can’t be answered. Our bill would bring transparency and accountability to the collection of this data and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted on duplicative efforts.”
The federal government has recognized the need to organize and coordinate the collection and management of geospatial data since at least 1990, when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) most recently revised Circular A-16 to establish the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and to promote the coordinated use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data nationwide. Unfortunately, the progress made over the last two decades has been inadequate, according to a statement by Sen. Hatch. “The federal government needs to improve management of geospatial data across the board,” the statement said.
The Geospatial Data Act is designed to codify and strengthen OMB Circular A-16 and require federal agencies to implement international consensus standards, assist in eliminating duplication, avoid redundant expenditures, accelerate the development of electronic government to meet the needs and expectations of citizens and agency programmatic mandates, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public management.
Additionally, the bill is intended to provide a clear definition for geospatial data and metadata, will require an accounting of the costs associated with the acquisition or creation of geospatial data, and will improve government transparency and availability to public information.
The leaders of national geospatial organizations applauded the bill. “People believe that the United States of America has a robust system of maps and digital data. We don’t, but we should,” said Shelby D. Johnson, president of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC). “The federal government was never given the tools to do the job right. This act is a good step toward solving the problems, and our members strongly support it. We also applaud Senator Hatch and Senator Warner for their foresight in dealing with this problem.”
“GIS data is an important tool for counties when it comes to making land use decisions, maintaining infrastructure, and responding to emergencies,” said Matthew Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties. “We support this bill because counties need accurate, modern mapping data to perform key duties and deliver services to their residents. We commend Senators Hatch and Warner for introducing this legislation and urge their colleagues to join them in supporting it.”
On the 100th anniversary of National Geographic’s Cartographic Division, National Geographic Maps will make available hundreds of maps from its Trails Illustrated line through Avenza Systems Inc.’s PDF Maps app.
The addition of these outdoor recreation maps in North America augments the PDF Maps app digital map database by incorporating trail maps. It also increases National Geographic Maps’ reach within the mobile consumer market, giving more consumers access to the Trails Illustrated line. Trail maps from many of America’s national parks have already been uploaded to the app, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion and Great Smoky Mountains.
With many Ranger Districts throughout the country discontinuing visitor services, Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides an alternative for outdoor enthusiasts planning a trip in remote areas where Internet service is not always available to stream detailed map content. Using National Geographic’s line of detailed recreation maps, PDF Maps app users can purchase, download and save maps on GPS-enabled devices such as Android- and iOS-based phones and tablets. Park visitors can use the app to find and mark location directly on the downloaded National Geographic map. Features include location tagging, dropping waypoints/pinpoints on points of interest, attaching images and notes, and tracking routes, distance and elevation — all while offline.
“National Geographic has a century-long history of creating accurate, detailed maps used by travelers, explorers and map lovers across the globe. Today’s technologies allow us to continue that history in the digital realm, expanding the ways consumers can acquire and use our maps,” said Daniel Ortiz, vice president and general manager, National Geographic Maps. “As we celebrate 100 years of National Geographic mapmaking, we are excited to bring the popular Trails Illustrated map line to Avenza’s PDF Map app users.”
Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides constant access to geographic information and points of interest, with additional interactive tools such as measuring, place marking and location tagging. PDF Maps operates without the risk of lost reception due to cell tower proximity. It does not rely on an Internet connection.
“Avenza’s PDF Maps app provides the ability for anyone to share map-related information by documenting locations with customized notes, photos and descriptions,” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems Inc. “This expands the utility of a map beyond location guidance, as it is also a tool to share experiences and locales. We continue to strengthen our community of map publishers while further advancing the mapping tools consumers demand, and we look forward to seeing how the industry evolves in an ever-mobile community.”
Avenza’s PDF Maps app is available now on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store, free of charge for personal use, with a Windows version coming soon. National Geographic maps can be accessed via the PDF Maps in-app store. Pricing of each map is set by the publisher, and free maps remain free to users through the PDF Maps app in-app store.
1Spatial plc, a spatial big data company, was acknowledged for the second year running in the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) research report as one of “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.”
1Spatial provides the software and services to manage spatial big data, working with users and creators of geospatial databases to help them collect, manage, plan, maintain, publish and interpret location-specific information. Its clients include national mapping agencies, land registries, utility and telecommunications companies, and government departments including emergency services, defense and census bureaus.
To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria. These included being UK based, having a turnover of between £6-250 million in the last 12 months, and having a minimum of three years in operation. Companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.
The LSE research report examined in detail the opportunities and challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises and looked at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.
