GPS World

Tag: Esri

  • Esri book details Native American perspective on GIS

    esri-tribal-GIS-bookA new book from Esri, “Tribal GIS: Supporting Native American Decision-Making,” tells the stories of how Native American tribes use geographic information system (GIS) technology to help manage and govern their sovereign nations.

    According to Esri, the book, in its second edition, details how dozens of tribal governments have used GIS for a number of projects, including conserving and protecting the environment, monitoring and managing infrastructure and natural resources, preserving history and culture, studying health issues and planning how to use ancestral lands. Tribes have also used GIS to conduct road inventories, manage and protect archaeological sites, plan economic development projects, and analyze and visualize health data.

    “GIS has become a common platform for problem solving by helping tribes organize and analyze data, as well as collaborate and communicate on countless issues,” said Esri President Jack Dangermond in the book’s foreword.

    The book also contains a chapter on new applications of GIS, which describes how tribal governments are taking advantage of the latest geospatial technology, including Web GIS, 3D GIS, Esri Story Maps apps and ready-to-use field data collection apps.

    Most of the stories are told by the Chickasaw Nation, the Navajo Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

  • Hurricane Irma prep gets boost from Esri resource catalog

    Hurricane Irma prep gets boost from Esri resource catalog

    Esri has published a Hurricane Irma Resource Catalog in advance of the Category 4 hurricane cutting through the Caribbean islands on its path toward Florida.

    The catalog features read-to-use applications compiled by the Esri Disaster Response Program (EDRP). EDRP is an around-the-clock service that helps with monitoring events online, discovering useful content, augmenting software and obtaining assistance from Esri experts.

    To see the track of the hurricane, Esri provides its hurricane map.

    Resources include:

    • Hurricane Public Information Map (PIM)
    • Hurricane Impact Summary
    • Hurricane Force Wind Impact Summary
    • Storm Surge and Flooding
    • Storm Surge Inundation
    • Hurricane Evacuation Zones
    • Waze Alerts – Hurricane Irma
    • Florida 511 – Real-Time Traffic Information
    • Hurricane Irma Photo Story Map
    • Airport and Port Status
    • NOAA Real-Time Coastal Observations
    • Florida Division of Emergency Management Open Data
    Waze alerts light up Florida highways as people evacuate. (Image: Esri)

  • Esri releases second book on GIS technology

    esri-the-arcGIS-book-second-editionEsri released a new book, “The ArcGIS Book: 10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where,” as well as a companion website.

    According to Esri, the book provides mapmakers with the know-how and hands-on experience to practice “The Science of Where.” In addition, the accompanying website offers information and interactive education resources needed to use web-based geographic information system (GIS) technology to create maps, work with apps, create and use authoritative data, conduct spatial analysis and more.

    The book is available in print, as an interactive PDF and online. It explains how to use Esri’s ArcGIS platform to manage and analyze data and then visualize and share that information in maps to gain location-based insight, the company said. The book’s chapters cover web mapping, ready-to-use apps, story maps, 3-D GIS, spatial analysis, imagery and the Internet of Things, as well as curated content from Esri’s Living Atlas of the World.

    In addition, the online and PDF versions of The ArcGIS Book are interactive with 10 Learn ArcGIS lessons and links to 250 online maps and apps from Esri and the worldwide ArcGIS community. According to Esri, it also includes a variety of electronic learning resources, including software downloads, videos, case studies, story maps, e-books, open data sites, the Living Atlas of the World and more.

    “It’s a multimedia experience,” said Christian Harder, the writer at Esri who co-edited the book with Clint Brown, Esri director of product engineering. “Every graphic and image in the electronic versions of the book comes to life in the interactive versions. This makes it an excellent starting point for people to learn about GIS or communicate to their friends and colleagues what GIS is all about.”

  • Launchpad: OEM, survey and mapping, transportation, UAVs

    Launchpad: OEM, survey and mapping, transportation, UAVs

    OEM

    Narrowband cellular chipset

    With integrated GNSS

    The ALT1250 narrowband CAT-M1 and NB1 (NB-IoT) chipset includes GNSS functionality. Its extreme level of integration eliminates the need for most external components required to design a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module. Less than 100 x 100 square millimeters, the ALT1250 module features support for both Release 13 standards — CAT-M1 and NB1. It includes a wideband RF front end supporting unlimited combinations of LTE bands within a single hardware design; a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework; an internal application MCU subsystem; and packaging that enables standard, low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

    Altair Semiconductor, www.altair-semi.com

    Grandmaster clock

    Carrier-grade, packet-based timing and synchronization

    Hardware on the TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock has been updated to support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and multi-GNSS constellations to ensure better reception and higher security in a wide variety of telecommunications network applications. Looking forward to mobile infrastructure with LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and 5G services, support for IPv6 and alternate GNSS constellations is rising in importance for deploying a robust, secure and future-proof synchronization network. The device offers multiple constellations in accordance with the directives in certain countries to remove sole dependency on GPS. Support for GLONASS and Galileo also makes systems more robust and secure to certain GNSS vulnerabilities. The TimeProvider 5000 provides redundant hardware, user-configurable PTP profiles and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) support with optical small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules.

    Microsemi Corporation, www.microsemi.com

    Post-processing board

    Designed for effective data collection, management

    The Precis-BX316R is a GNSS Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) board for accurate positioning. It supports raw measurement output from two antennas: GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2 and BeiDou B1/B2 from the primary antenna and GPS L1/L2 from the second antenna. The SD card on board (up to 32 GB) makes it convenient for users to collect data for post processing. Working with GNSS antennas, it can output stable measurement in challenging conditions. Integrated with versatile interfaces and connectors, Precis-BX316R aims to facilitate applications such as precision navigation, precision agriculture, surveying and UAV, and enforcing effective GNSS data management.

    Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

    GNSS module

    Integrated module eases embedded designs

    The u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with integrated antenna is housed in a 15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3 millimeter package. It can be embedded in small devices that require location information, such as asset tracking and telematics systems, and generic automotive after-market applications. The module offers simultaneous reception of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The combination of an integrated wide-band antenna along with the module’s SAW filter and low-noise amplifier (LNA) architecture ensures that the SAM-M8Q receiver delivers robust performance in the presence of high-frequency signals from other electronic equipment that can cause interference, such as cellular modems.

    u-blox, www.u-blox.com

    Dual-band antenna

    Tight pre-filter protects against high-level cell signals

    The TW3892 is a through-hole mount dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna. It employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology and is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 plus L-band correction services (1213MHz to 1261MHz + 1525MHz to 1610MHz). The TW3892 is a precisely tuned antenna with a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

    Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

    Multi-constellation board

    Protection against jamming interference

    The credit-card sized AsteRx-m2 offers all-in-view multi-frequency, multi-constellation tracking and centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) position accuracy for low power. It can receive TerraStar satellite-based correction signals for precise point positioning (PPP). The board features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation system that can suppress a wide variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to complex wideband and pulsed jammers. The RF spectrum can be viewed in real time in both time and frequency domains.

    Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

    Test suite

    For in-vehicle and V2V connectivity

    Spirent’s TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments – Dedicated Short-Range Communications) conformance test solution includes a set of tests required for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) certification. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC consists of four different protocol conformance test suites as per the USDOT Certification Operating Council (COC) conformance test specifications. It enables full test automation, includes frameworks for individual adaptation, and it is extensible with many plug-ins to meet constantly changing development requirements. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC is targeted at companies supplying or testing WAVE-DSRC ITS technology.

    Spirent Communications, www.spirent.com

    Survey & Mapping

    GNSS receiver

    Multi-frequency, multi-application and multi-use

    The SP90m GNSS receiver is a powerful, highly versatile, ultra-rugged and reliable GNSS positioning solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications. Integrated communications options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF radio and cellular modem as well as two MSS L-band channels to receive Trimble RTX correction services. The SP90m can be used as a base station, campaign receiver, continuously operating reference station (CORS), real-time kinematic (RTK) or Trimble RTX rover, or be integrated on-board a machine. The receiver uses all available GNSS signals to deliver fast and reliable positions in real time, and allows the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading or relative positioning determination without a secondary GNSS receiver. It features an internal removable battery, internal memory and optional accessory kits for specific applications.

    Spectra Precision, www.spectraprecision.com

    Field-to-office software

    For total stations, robotics and GNSS rover systems

    GeoPro Field provides a graphical user interface designed to collect field measurements for land surveying and construction activities. GeoPro Field is a tool to collect and import measurement data into design and drafting software, increasing productivity with CAD functionality in the field. It is compatible with various software workflows, and point files are easily exported to third-party software. Sokkia GeoPro Office is the office-processing complement to the field software — designed to clean, process, and analyze field data into its easiest-to-use form. The office software can also be expanded with an optional 3D and road design module, for further versatility to design roads with the processed field measurements.

    Sokkia, www.sokkia.com

    RTK base and rover

    Ready for highway and site construction

    Hemisphere GNSS’ C321 GNSS Smart Antenna is designed for heavy highway and site construction. When paired with SiteMetrix Site Management software, the multi-frequency, multi-GNSS C321 antenna can be used as an all-in-one construction base and rover site controller. The C321 combines the Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies. The ruggedized antenna is designed for the most challenging environments and meets IP67-standard requirements. Powered by Athena GNSS engine, the C321 provides best-in-class, centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena performs with long baselines in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation. The C321 ships pre-configured to test-drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas L-band corrections service. C321 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the C321 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

    Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

    RTK GNSS tablet

    Centimeter-level positioning

    Toughpad is Panasonic’s newest professional-grade notebook, specifically designed for precision agriculture, machine control and robotic guidance applications in harsh environments and conditions. Embedded in the tablet is a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module delivering high integrity and precision in demanding applications worldwide. First tested for collecting snow in Hokkaido, Japan, the Toughpad tablet uses Panasonic’s own satellite positioning technology combining a satellite radio receiver module, wireless WAN, and a single-band real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver connected to an external antenna. The system enables high-precision positioning down to centimeter level in open-sky conditions.

    Panasonic, www.panasonic.com
    u-blox, www.u-blox.com

    Mobile app

    Aids in understanding the oceans

    Esri has released an Ecological Marine Units (EMU) app for mobile devices. The app provides a new way to measure marine environments on a 3D interactive map for more cost-effective fishery planning and informed conservation. It is a resource for scientists, educators, governments and industries seeking accessible information and imagery about the ocean’s long-term physical and nutrient properties. The EMU app puts data such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen from 52 million locations throughout the world’s oceans at any user’s fingertips. This data informs how livable marine environments are for ocean-dwelling species as well as the overall health of the ecosystem. The app is free from the App Store and Google Play.

    Esri, www.esri.com

    Post-processing software

    Delivers CAD drawings from ground-penetrating radar data

    DX Office Vision is a utility post-processing software for mapping ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data from the field into a CAD drawing. It allows even non-experienced users to obtain professional 3D CAD drawings and visualize the detected underground utilities in a simple way. The intuitive interface enables users to filter, select, identify and make annotations of the located targets. With DX Office Vision, post-processing for all ground-penetrating data requires no add-on or third-party software.

    Leica Geosystems, www.leica-geosystems.com

    Transportation

    Infotainment testing

    For the connected-car market

    Averna has entered a strategic partnership with M3 Systems to distribute their StellaNGC GNSS Simulator on VST NI platforms for the infotainment segment of the automotive market. M3 Systems’ GNSS simulator, based on National Instruments’ Vector Signal Transceiver (NI VST), will now be available as part of Averna’s AST-1000 platform, extending its capability to navigation and GNSS testing. Launched in July 2016, the AST-1000 is an RF solution designed for radio, navigation, video and connectivity testing. Also based on the NI VST, the software-defined AST-1000 supports infotainment RF signals, including AM/FM, DAB, RDS, HD Radio and Sirius/XM as well as GNSS navigation. The combination provides a comprehensive solution and enables applications for testing infotainment systems.

    Averna, www.averna.com

    LTE automotive-grade module

    Optimized for connected cars

    The LE940A9 automotive-grade module is designed to support LTE Advanced Category 9 (Cat 9) networks. The series offers three multi-band, multi-mode variants — including voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) — and is optimized for automobile manufacturers to deploy next-generation connected-car technology in world markets. The LE940A9 delivers 450 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds with extremely low latency and advanced security. The xE940A9 40×40 mm LGA form factor nests with the 34x40mm Telit xE920 automotive module family, offering flexibility for the OEM or tier-one integrator. It powers the entire connected-car platform, supporting current needs while including advanced features that enable future integration of upcoming services. The module can run in-vehicle applications inside a secure processing environment from the built-in application processor, storage and memory. Automotive application programs can run entirely and securely on the module itself, protected by advanced cyber-security capabilities.

    Telit, www.telit.com

    Reference design

    Nine antennas including four LTE, two Wi-Fi, GNSS, SDARS and DSRC

    The Axiom is a reference design for a low-profile, compact multiple-antenna solution for the next generation of connected cars. The Axiom reference design helps automobile manufacturers more quickly advance antenna configurations that work for their particular make and model. As many as 18 antennas are needed to power the next-generation connected car, including multiple cellular antennas for network connectivity; Wi-Fi for hotspot connectivity; GNSS for navigation, emergency call systems and other location-based technologies; satellite radio (SDARS); AM/FM antennas; radar antennas for object detection; Bluetooth antennas for smartphones and other devices, and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) antennas for vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure applications.

    Taoglas, www.taoglas.com

    Ground robotics

    Ruggedized module based on military design principles

    The Duro is a ruggedized version of Swift Navigation’s Piksi Multi dual-frequency RTK GNSS receiver. Built for outdoor operations, Duro combines a rugged enclosure with centimeter-accurate positioning. Leveraging design principles typically used in military hardware, the GNSS sensor is protected against weather, moisture, vibration, dust, water immersion and unexpected circumstances that can occur in outdoor long-term deployments. It is ready to connect out of the box. Primary industries for this product include robotics, precision agriculture, mapping, military, outdoor industrial and maritime.

    Swift Navigation, www.swiftnav.com
    Carnegie Robotics, www.carnegierobotics.com

    UAV

    GPS-INS for drones

    Now in beta mode for summer release

    The μINS is a precision miniature GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS-INS) designed to provide high-quality direction, position and velocity data for drones and robotic applications. It uses a u-blox L1 GPS receiver. Advanced algorithms fuse output from micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors, magnetometers, barometric pressure, and a high-sensitivity GPS (GNSS) receiver to deliver fast, accurate and reliable attitude, velocity and position even in the most dynamic environments. Sensor calibration, standard on all units, minimizes undesirable effects of manufactured variation and maximizes sensor performance. Features include GPS UTC time synchronization; an inertial measurement unit with comprehensive calibration for bias, scale factor and cross-axis alignment; –40°C to 85°C temperature compensation; a measurement of 15.6 x 12.5 x 6.3 millimeters; and a weight of 2 grams.

    Inertial Sense, www.inertialsense.com

    UAV helicopter

    Designed for high-altitude flight

    The Scout B-330 UAV helicopter is built with a payload capacity of up to 50 kg. (110 pounds), flight endurance of at least three hours, and the capability of flying at high altitudes (up to 3,000 meters above sea level) in a typical mission scenario. This includes a full autonomous take-off sequence, a mission flight at variable speed, and a landing sequence. The Scout B-330 is specifically designed for lidar-based powerline mapping missions. It pairs with Riegl airborne and unmanned lidar sensors such as the Riegl VP-1 Helicopter Pod, the Riegl VUX-1UAV lightweight UAV laser scanner, and the Riegl VUX-1LR lightweight, long-range airborne laser scanner.

    Aeroscout, www.aeroscout.ch

    Situational awareness

    Certifiable application for unmanned traffic management

    The IRIS UAS Airspace Situational Awareness application meets the requirements of the DO-278A Assurance standard for Air Traffic Management systems, providing a certifiable option to monitor drones and airspace. By anticipating the regulatory requirements for airspace visualization with Unmanned Traffic Management or UTM, the IRIS display will be a regulatory-approved component increasing the safety of commercial drone flight operations — especially when operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The application had its genesis in supporting military UAV flight operations and was developed to help operators safely pilot UAVs in BVLOS operations. It was also used by regional airspace UTM managers to monitor the operations of multiple drones simultaneously. The DO-278A standard is used by certification authorities such as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada.

    Kongsberg Geospatial, www.kongsberggeospatial.com

    Precision pointing gimbal

    Better than 0.3-degree accuracy, plug-and-play

    The miniature Epsilon series of gyro-stabilized gimbals now have a precision geo-pointing feature. The feature, Precision Geo-Lock, combines a GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) with dedicated software algorithms and payload operator software. Precision Geo-Lock provides the user with highly accurate target geo-location, range-to-target, as well as Geo-Lock functionality and moving map user interface. It incorporates VectorNav’s VN-200, which offers a high-level of performance in a form factor small enough to be integrated directly into the optical bench of the gimbal. Precision Geo-Lock provides better than 0.3-degree accuracy and is plug-and-play, so the customer can install the Epsilon gimbal and get accurate results on any platform and in a high-vibration environment.

    Octopus ISR Systems, www.octopus.uavfactory.com
    VectorNav Technologies, www.vectornav.com

  • Here there be dragons: GIS explores the unknown

    Here there be dragons. That phrase (or a variation of it) was used by early mapmakers to designate the unknown — and alert sailors to the danger of traveling into uncharted waters.

    I’ve always admired explorers who dared to push the boundaries of the known world. We’ve moved from the Age of Exploration to the Age of Information, but exploration continues on frontiers big and small.

    Today, of course, most people think of the world as having been mapped. They can simply call up Google maps on their smartphone and see not only the world, but their town, their street and their house — in representational cartography (traditional map), satellite imagery, or even street-view imagery.

    Professionals in geographic information systems (GIS) know better. The world is still a mystery in uncounted areas. For one thing, it’s not static: Volcanoes form new land masses, storms change coastlines, the sea-level is rising. For another, there’s more to exploration than a basic map.

    That’s where the GIS professional takes center stage, assessing an area beyond what is already known, using a variety of tools to collect and analyze data. As Esri defines it, a GIS lets us “visualize, question, analyze and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns and trends. GIS benefits organizations of all sizes and in almost every industry.” A software-based profession, GIS experts use GPS, GNSS and inertial to gather data, which is where this magazine comes in.

    At GPS World, we share GIS developments in our Mapping Market Watch, Mapping Launchpad and at geospatial-solutions.com.

  • ‘Maps Are Alive’: Highlights from the Esri UC plenary

    Esri President Jack Dangermond describes the value of GIS at the plenary session of the Esri UC.

    “Maps are alive,” declared Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president, on the plenary stage at the world’s largest GIS event. The 38th annual Esri User Conference is taking place July 10–14 at the San Diego Convention Center.

    We are on the cusp of a data and information explosion, Dangermond explained while introducing the conference theme “The Science of Where.”

    “We are about to launch in to a different scale,” he predicted. GIS is changing rapidly with numerous new information streams and advances in real-time data, and maps are central to understanding our changing world. GIS provides a platform for managing, analyzing and applying that data and information, he said.

    His advice? “Share, collaborate. Communicate so we collectively can learn all bout world. Let’s take our work collectively to scale.”

    GIS is vital to understanding developments in numerous areas: population growth, climate change, social changes, natural disasters and political polarization, to name a few. “We have to do everything we can to better understand and form collaborations to address these areas,” he said.

    “Today’s businesses and governments require new ways of thinking,” said Dangermond. “Our users are leading the charge, using mapping and analytics to empower digital transformation, accelerate understanding of big data, and democratize technology. It is an inspiration to see how so many different organizations are applying the science of geography and the technology of GIS to gain insight into their data and reveal hidden patterns and spatial relationships.”

    Dangermond presented numerous examples of organizations using GIS in new ways. For instance, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has created an “energyshed” map similar to a watershed map. An orchard is using GIS and GPS tracking to collect data on cherry picking. The Democratic Republic of Congo is making use of crowdsourcing to generate maps.

    Story Maps are aiding what Dangermond calls “geo-journalism,” telling stories about new developments in virtually every field.

    A screenshot of “Washington's Ice Age Floods” story map from the Washington Geological Survey.
    A screenshot of “Washington’s Ice Age Floods” story map from the Washington Geological Survey.

    Dangermond also presented the following awards:

    • Ice Age Floods, by the Washington Geological Survey, won Best Story Map.
    • The GIS Digital Transformation Award went to Abu Dhabi, which “has taken GIS to new frontiers” in every government agency with every citizen, Dangermond said.
    • The Enterprise GIS Award went to the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for maintaining the largest GIS database in the world, with daily updates and a user-friendly portal.
    • The President’s Award, chosen personally by Dangermond, was given to the United Parcel Service (UPS), which saves up to $400 million a year with its location-enabled Orion system. It puts the ability to update maps in the hands of supervisors, who constantly are optimizing routes. Now deployed in the U.S., the Orion system is going worldwide.

    Other speakers and their topics at the first-day plenary included:

    • Renowned author and theoretical physicist Geoffrey West — His book Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies, explores dynamic growth and the challenges of achieving that growth sustainably.
    • Oakland County, Michigan — Making government services more cost-effective
    • Chesapeake Conservancy — Analyzing imagery and sensor data to protect watershed areas
    • Taylor Shellfish Farms — Transforming the family-run business by implementing cloud GIS solutions so staff can perform spatial data collection in the field
    • Severe Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), Calgary, Canada — Powering real-time decision support systems to improve emergency services
    • Smart Dubai — Empowering one of the smart cities of the future with citizen engagement and smart growth
    • Walt Disney Animation Studios — Behind the scenes of Zootopia.
  • ‘Maps are alive’: Highlights from the Esri UC plenary

    ‘Maps are alive’: Highlights from the Esri UC plenary

    GIS provides the means for users to apply “the Science of Where” everywhere, according to Esri President Jack Dangermond. (Photo: Esri)

    “Maps are alive,” declared Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president, on the plenary stage at the world’s largest GIS event. The 38th annual Esri User Conference is taking place July 10–14 at the San Diego Convention Center.

    We are on the cusp of a data and information explosion, Dangermond explained while introducing the conference theme “The Science of Where.”

    Esri President Jack Dangermond describes the value of GIS at the plenary session of the Esri UC. (Photo: GPS World)

    “We are about to launch in to a different scale,” he predicted. GIS is changing rapidly with numerous new information streams and advances in real-time data, and maps are central to understanding our changing world. GIS provides a platform for managing, analyzing and applying that data and information, he said.

    His advice? “Share, collaborate. Communicate so we collectively can learn all bout world. Let’s take our work collectively to scale.”

    GIS is vital to understanding developments in numerous areas: population growth, climate change, social changes, natural disasters and political polarization, to name a few. “We have to do everything we can to better understand and form collaborations to address these areas,” he said.

    “Today’s businesses and governments require new ways of thinking,” said Dangermond. “Our users are leading the charge, using mapping and analytics to empower digital transformation, accelerate understanding of big data, and democratize technology. It is an inspiration to see how so many different organizations are applying the science of geography and the technology of GIS to gain insight into their data and reveal hidden patterns and spatial relationships.”

    Dangermond presented numerous examples of organizations using GIS in new ways. For instance, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has created an “energyshed” map similar to a watershed map. An orchard is using GIS and GPS tracking to collect data on cherry picking. The Democratic Republic of Congo is making use of crowdsourcing to generate maps.

    Story Maps are aiding what Dangermond calls “geo-journalism,” telling stories about new developments in virtually every field.

    A screenshot of “Washington's Ice Age Floods” story map from the Washington Geological Survey.
    A screenshot of “Washington’s Ice Age Floods” story map from the Washington Geological Survey.

    Dangermond also presented the following awards:

    • Ice Age Floods, by the Washington Geological Survey, won Best Story Map.
    • The GIS Digital Transformation Award went to Abu Dhabi, which “has taken GIS to new frontiers” in every government agency with every citizen, Dangermond said.
    • The Enterprise GIS Award went to the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for maintaining the largest GIS database in the world, with daily updates and a user-friendly portal.
    • The President’s Award, chosen personally by Dangermond, was given to the United Parcel Service (UPS), which saves up to $400 million a year with its location-enabled Orion system. It puts the ability to update maps in the hands of supervisors, who constantly are optimizing routes. Now deployed in the U.S., the Orion system is going worldwide.
    UPS took home the President’s Award for innovative use of GIS. (Photo: Esri)

    Other speakers and their topics at the first-day plenary included:

    • Renowned author and theoretical physicist Geoffrey West — His book Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies, explores dynamic growth and the challenges of achieving that growth sustainably.
    • Walt Disney Animation Studios — Behind the scenes of Zootopia. (Read more here.)
    • Oakland County, Michigan — Making government services more cost-effective
    • Chesapeake Conservancy — Analyzing imagery and sensor data to protect watershed areas
    • Taylor Shellfish Farms — Transforming the family-run business by implementing cloud GIS solutions so staff can perform spatial data collection in the field
    • Severe Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), Calgary, Canada — Powering real-time decision support systems to improve emergency services
    • Smart Dubai — Empowering one of the smart cities of the future with citizen engagement and smart growth.

  • ArcGIS Pro 2.0 offers innovations, streamlined workflows

    ArcGIS Pro 2.0, Esri’s next-generation desktop geographic information system (GIS), is now available. This latest version provides more highly requested workflows and features new innovations.

    It is also more tightly integrated with the rest of the ArcGIS platform, so that users can complete more of their workflows solely in ArcGIS Pro.

    Jack Dangermond, Esri president, introduced major features of the upgrade at the Esri User Conference plenary July 10. The Esri User Conference takes place in San Diego July 10-14. Several focused sessions at the conference will explore the updates to ArGIS Pro.

    Highlights of ArcGIS Pro 2.0 include the following.

    Workflows

    The user’s favorite workflows are now easier and more powerful in ArcGIS Pro 2.0. Users can perform more complete workflows solely in ArcGIS Pro, such as map creation and data management.

    • Create more effective and meaningful maps with annotation and grids.
    • Getting started with new ArcGIS Pro projects has vastly improved with Favorites.
    • Modify topology properties directly in ArcGIS Pro.
    • Enhanced traverse tool improves COGO workflows.
    • Highly requested context menu options for importing and exporting data included in the Catalog pane.
    Users of ArcGIS Pro can now create map notes in 3D in a scene.
    Users of ArcGIS Pro can now create map notes in 3D in a scene.

    Innovations

    ArcGIS Pro 2.0 features the following innovations.

    • Explore 3D landscapes with new 3D navigation controls, and sync the views of 3D and 2D maps.
    • Layouts are more useful and powerful with embeddable dynamic interactive charts.
    • Improvements to 3D drawing including feature drawing by camera distance and enhanced lighting of 3D objects make 3D visualizations even better.
    • Analytics improvements with fill-missing-values tools and enhanced spacetime cubes.
    • Get more done with new geoprocessing tools.

    ArcGIS Platform Integration

    ArcGIS Pro 2.0 works better with the rest of the ArcGIS platform, including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise and Esri’s library of ready-to-use apps. Cross-platform workflows are now easier and more powerful than ever.

    • Enhancements for editing and interacting with the geodatabase in the ArcGIS Pro 2.0 SDK.
    • Consume native OGC Web Feature Service (WFS) Services directly in ArcGIS Pro.
    • Sync with feature layers that reference data registered in Portal for ArcGIS 10.5.1.
    • Vertical coordinate systems are included when sharing web scenes and web scene layers.
    • Continue to work in ArcGIS Pro while packaging operations complete in the background.

    Get the full details on what’s new in ArcGIS Pro 2.0.

  • GPS World reports live from the 2017 Esri User Conference

    GPS World reports live from the 2017 Esri User Conference

    The 2017 Esri User Conference, the mecca of geographic information systems (GIS) in the U.S., is taking place July 10-14 in San Diego, California. This year, the theme is “The Science of Where.”

    The conference is designed to give attendees practical advice and hands-on experience with GIS tools from Esri and other companies, as well as share ideas and best practices for improving our world through maps.

    The event encompasses 16,000 GIS users, managers and developers; 300 moderated sessions; 450 hours of technical training; and 300 software vendors.

    GPS World/Geospatial Solutions staff is on site, so check this page for news, photos and videos live from the show. Also follow us on Twitter at @GSS_NCM and @GPSWorld.

    The Expo Hall at the Esri User Conference. (Photo: T. Cozzens)
    A wall in the SDCC lobby is dedicated to tracking the upcoming full eclipse across the U.S. (Photo: T. Cozzens)

    NEWS

    Esri UC: How CityEngine powered Disney’s Zootopia

    ‘Maps are alive’: Highlights from the Esri UC plenary

    ArcGIS Pro 2.0 offers innovations, streamlined workflows

    Esri CityEngine 2017 designed for efficient urban planning

    ArcGIS Web AppBuilder receives major widget updates (7/5)

    PHOTOS

    VIDEOS

  • Esri CityEngine 2017 designed for efficient urban planning

    Esri CityEngine 2017 designed for efficient urban planning

    Esri has released Esri CityEngine 2017 with a variety of new features.

    This latest version of Esri’s 3D modeling software offers new features that let planners and architects compare different scenarios and visualize them with dashboards to view how each would affect the same geographic area — all in real time.

    Image: Esri
    Image: Esri

    With the updates available in the new version of CityEngine, users can make changes to specific features — such as adjusting the size of windows or adding a balcony — in a model without affecting the entire structure.

    Before this, planners would have to create two entirely different projects to understand the consequences of a proposed building’s design variations.

    “With this release of CityEngine, we focused on the needs of urban planners, designers and architects,” said Pascal Mueller, director of Esri R&D Center Zurich AG, where CityEngine is developed. “We are proud to introduce a groundbreaking new-tool concept for the scenario-based planning in a 3D application.

    The software team also implemented long-awaited user requests such as measurement tools and computer-generated architecture (CGA) neighborhood queries, Mueller said. Also, the graphical user interface has been completely revamped with a fresh, modern look and improved ease of use.

    The new CityEngine also introduces procedurally generated 3D city content. This means that planners can automatically create unique design features on buildings without manually rendering them. This feature saves time that urban planners and architects would otherwise spend generating details themselves.

    “Smart cities of the future will be designed more transparently, and the design process will engage citizens,” said Dominik Tarolli, head of 3D geodesign business at Esri. “With CityEngine 2017, smart city scenes can be created in minutes and shared via the web or Esri’s ArcGIS 360 VR app in a single click.”

    The latest version of CityEngine is available for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. A free 30-day trial with full export capabilities can be downloaded.

  • Avineon launches portal to highlight Esri’s Utility Network in ArcGIS

    Avineon Inc. has launched a new portion of the Avineon Innovation Lab dedicated to articles, white papers and videos highlighting the impact of Esri’s Network Management System in the ArcGIS Platform. Avineon is a provider of geospatial, information technology and engineering support services.

    The new section focuses on Avineon’s contributions, expertise and partnership with Esri on the next evolution of GIS Network Management: the Utility Network.

    Part of the ArcGIS platform, the Utility Network is available on any device.
    Part of the ArcGIS platform, the Utility Network is available on any device.

    GIS services and solutions have been a part of Avineon’s success for the last 25 years, which is keeping pace with evolving technology and the impact GIS has on companies in the utility and telecommunications industries.

    The Utility Network lets users create, manage, and share electric, water, wastewater, gas, district heating, and telecommunications asset data. The beta release of the Utility Network comes with base data models for electric, gas and water networks.

    The technology is capable of supporting other networks — such as district heating, telecommunication and wastewater — but, for now, users need to build their own data models or rely on partners. Esri will provide base data models in some of these areas in later releases.

    “Avineon has been a valuable partner and contributor to Esri’s Utility Network throughout the early adopter program, providing valuable feedback to our product teams,” commented Bill Meehan, Director of Utility Solutions for Esri. “The resulting Network Management System in the ArcGIS Platform will support utility and telecommunication companies as they execute their business plans for innovation, digital transition and transformation, sustainability, and smart ecosystems (smart grid, smart buildings, smart transportation, smart cities, etc.). We believe Avineon’s partnership with Esri and offerings like Avineon’s Head Start program, as well as observations into the practical applications of the Utility Network, through their Innovation Lab, will help industries understand the strategic and tactical pathway to maximize the value of their GIS now and into the future.”

    Joel Campbell, Avineon’s vice president of Commercial Systems, added, “As an Esri business partner, it is exciting to support our customers and contribute to Esri’s vision of the ArcGIS Platform. These new capabilities serve as the foundation for delivering a new generation of business applications leveraging web and services patterns as well as evolved network management capabilities. We at Avineon look forward to utilizing our Innovation Lab as an outlet to share the lessons learned, best practices, and case studies around the newest evolution of GIS and its impact on the utility and telecommunication industries.”

  • Esri and Idaho National Laboratory sign cyber security CRADA

    Organizations work together to fight cyber attacks with innovations to visualize threats.

    Esri and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to collaboratively research and create prototype concepts with a specific focus on location intelligence solutions for the protection of critical infrastructure and critical missions.

    The work will also estimate the impacts on critical infrastructure caused by exploited cyber vulnerabilities and targeted attacks.

    Esri provides geospatial analysis and visualization capabilities across infrastructure industries like water, electric, oil and transportation, as well as in support of federal, state and local governments charged with the mission of protecting those industries.

    These capabilities, combined with INL’s knowledge and capabilities for securing these systems from physical and cybersecurity threats, make this cooperative research and development effort truly unique in addressing crucial gaps in cyber/physical analysis and situational awareness technologies.

    INL is the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development, working in energy, national security, science, and the environment. Esri and INL have worked together for more than three years.

    “We are looking forward to working closely with INL in this capacity,” said Brian Biesecker, technical director, Esri intelligence community. “As the government continues to embrace new technologies, CRADAs provide a great way for private and public partnerships to continue moving our country forward.”