Tag: Geospatial Solutions

Cesium adds global layer of 3D buildings

Cesium users now have access to Cesium OSM Buildings, a global base layer of more than 350 million 3D buildings.

Cesium OSM Buildings expands the suite of Cesium Global Base Layers including worldwide terrain, aerial imagery and streetmaps already available on Cesium ion.

“As digital twins and urban mapping gain momentum in 3D geospatial, we are excited to offer a global layer of 3D buildings that can be easily visualized, styled and analyzed in an efficient and interoperable manner using 3D Tiles,” said Cesium CEO Patrick Cozzi. “Cesium OSM Buildings will help geospatial developers innovate by giving urban context to 3D applications for a broad range of use cases.”

Take a tour of Cesium OSM Buildings.

Cesium OSM Buildings are built for efficient visualization and are streamable to any device thanks to 3D Tiles, the OGC open standard developed by Cesium to stream massive 3D geospatial datasets. Adherence to open standards means the buildings can be used in any compatible viewer, including Cesium’s free open-source offering, CesiumJS.

Seattle’s Space Needle. (Image: Cesium)

“Cesium OSM Buildings will be useful for everyone from builders sharing planned construction projects, to government agencies seeking tools for planning, training, and simulation,” said Kevin Ring, lead developer on the project.

Cesium OSM Buildings are derived from OpenStreetMap, a community-driven mapping project that welcomes anyone to improve the dataset. Buildings are also regularly updated, firmly clamped to terrain, and are individually selectable and styleable.

“Thanks to the OpenStreetMap project, most cities contain rich metadata that is useful for on-the-fly styling, like highlighting hospitals in a certain color or filtering buildings by the year they were constructed,” Ring said.

Cesium OSM Buildings is included in every Cesium ion subscription.

Cesium is a complete platform that makes the world’s ever-growing collection of real-world 3D data more useful and accessible by enabling the creation of applications that visualize, analyze and share this data – all from your browser.

Rooted in the aerospace industry, Cesium was built to track satellites orbiting the Earth with sub-millimeter accuracy. Cesium continues to aggressively develop and enhance the platform for a range of customers in government agencies, startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.

July 22, 2020
UP42 partners with Vultus for precision ag solutions

Photo: UP42

UP42 has partnered with Vultus, which specializes in precision farming technologies.

According to UP42, its customers can now use Vultus Fertilization Zoning Maps algorithms to fine-tune crop management — with more agricultural technologies coming soon.

Founded in 2016 in Lund, Sweden, Vultus AB provides a geospatial infrastructure for precision farming. Vultus analyzes Earth observation satellite data with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to give farmers insights into the health of crops within small sections of their fields, enabling them to apply fertilizers variably across the field.

“Growers reduce nitrogen-based fertilizer use by up to one third while increasing yield by three to five percent with the Vultus technology,” said Robert Schmitt, Vultus CEO. “This results in lower operating costs and significantly less environmental harm.”

Fertilization Zoning Maps — the first in a series of proprietary algorithms Vultus brings to UP42 as a partner — shows farmers which parts of their fields need more or less fertilizer. Fertilization Zoning Maps divide fields into five zones that are classified according to the variable fertilization rate the soil requires, Vultus said.

By partnering with Vultus, UP42 also brings precision farming technologies to the users of its geospatial developer platform and marketplace for Earth observation data and analytics. With the addition of Vultus technologies, UP42 customers can now pick and choose combinations of data and processing algorithms for their area of interest and retrieve results on a single scalable platform.

“We’re very happy to announce a new partnership with Vultus, an emerging leader in the agritech industry,” said Sean Wiid, UP42 CEO. “Our partnership is a key step towards providing UP42 users with a simplified way of building precision agriculture solutions. We look forward to launching new capabilities and supporting the agritech industry together.”

July 21, 2020
National Governors Association, Esri release updated COVID-19 map

Photo: MyImages_Micha/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

The National Governors Association has partnered with Esri to publish a comprehensive update to its interactive COVID-19 State and Territory Action Tracker.

According to the association, the interactive mapping-based app shows how jurisdictions have taken actions to reopen certain business sectors by issuing statewide orders. It also shows how jurisdictions are undertaking regional-based approaches or implementing statewide orders with authorization for localities to place additional restrictions.

The map also allows users to explore public health actions governors have taken during the pandemic, including statewide stay-at-home orders, limits on gatherings, state employee travel restrictions, quarantine orders for interstate travel and more.

The map, which is updated on a daily basis, features data collected from states and territories. The data is based on an evaluation of state executive orders, directives, guidance, legal and non-legal documents, and news sources, the National Governors Association said.

July 15, 2020
URISA accepting applications for Vanguard Cabinet

The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is now accepting applications for its Vanguard Cabinet.

The Vanguard Cabinet is an advisory board made up of passionate, young geospatial professionals who strive to engage young practitioners, increase their numbers in the organization and better understand the concerns facing these future leaders of the geospatial community. The board consists of members that are 35 years of age or younger.

The cabinet’s mission is to collaborate with URISA’s board of directors and URISA committees in creating and promoting programs and policies that will benefit young professionals, as well as enhance overall innovation, collaboration, networking and professional development opportunities.

Cabinet members are selected through an application process, with a review by the URISA Leadership Development Committee. Those who apply must submit a letter of reference from a colleague, supervisor, mentor or instructor; a resumé; and a completed online application form.

The application process will close on July 20.

June 18, 2020
Mapping tool helps LA County residents find food resources

Screenshot: FoodFinder

The non-profit 211 LA County and Slingshot Aerospace have unveiled an online mapping tool that allows users to quickly identify and locate more than 2,000 food resources within the county during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

211 LA County is a non-profit organization providing the official information and referral source for health and human services in LA County. Slingshot Aerospace is a situational intelligence platform company,

The customized tool, called 211 LA FoodFinder, is powered by Slingshot Earth and is the biggest and only food map that allows LA residents to search for resources by location and view services specific to seniors, children and others, enabling individuals to find aid near them faster. Resources within the FoodFinder are free, with the exception of those with suggested donations or delivery service fees.

LA County residents will be able to identify different types of available food resources, such as child nutrition, meal services, groceries/food pantries, senior food needs and government food benefits programs.

The platform also provides location details, hours of operation and contact information for each of the services. 211 LA County is currently experiencing a tenfold increase in website traffic related to food resources compared to pre-COVID timeframes.

The organization anticipates the robust application to service nearly 30,000 LA County constituents over the next quarter, many of which may not have prior experience with food assistance.

“Food resources are the biggest need people are contacting us about since the COVID-19 pandemic hit LA County,” said Maribel Marin, executive director, 211 LA County. “With so many people out of work, the need for food is going to get progressively more intense, but people shouldn’t worry because there are lots of resources and ways to access them. Our custom Slingshot Earth food locator provides our community with a one-stop-shop for food resource information, helping to provide peace of mind to those who need food assistance during this unprecedented time.”

211 LA County’s customized Slingshot Earth mapping tool aggregates food resources and service data from multiple public and private sources so that individuals have the right information, at the right time, all in one place. The data is verified and updated regularly to ensure that Los Angeles County residents have the most up to date information as guidelines and offerings continue to evolve.

“This work to help 211 LA County provide critical food service information in our community is so meaningful to us because we are driven by a vision to create a safer, more sustainable world,” said Mel Stricklan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Slingshot Aerospace. “Our business was founded on the idea that information is power, especially in complex situations. The COVID-19 pandemic is uncharted territory for all of us, and we are happy to do our small part in navigating these tough times by providing essential information to those who need it most.”

June 11, 2020
SimActive releases Correlator3D version 8.5

Version 8.5 of SimActive’s Correlator3D mapping software allows users to share and visualize projects in the cloud. (Photo: SimActive)

SimActive has launched version 8.5 of its Correlator3D mapping software. According to the company, this new version users to share and visualize projects in the cloud. More specifically, results can be exported to the cloud directly from the software interface, and shareable links are automatically created for online visualization.

Version 8.5 also features tools for the calibration and processing of multispectral imagery. Calibrated reflectance panels and sun sensors can be used to produce reflectance maps, with multispectral bands perfectly registered, the company said.

“Our software attracts a variety of clients, with a wide range of needs,” said Louis Simard, CTO at SimActive. “This new version brings advantages to customers having data exploitation requirements such as online viewing, and to users processing imagery from highly sophisticated sensors.”

SimActive, founded in 2003 and based in Montreal, Quebec, develops photogrammetry software. Its Correlator3D software, is a patented, end-to-end photogrammetry solution for the generation of high-quality geospatial data from satellite and aerial imagery.

June 9, 2020
Bentley Systems acquires voice-based field automation provider

Bentley Systems has acquired NoteVault, a voice-based field automation provider for construction management. This acquisition expands Bentley’s Synchro digital construction environment with mobile field applications to track and manage labor, materials and equipment.

According to Bentley Systems, these comprehensive offerings further extend the value of digital twins across construction management, enabling projects to combine immersive 4D models of the construction progress with detailed up-to-date reports on resource expenditures.

NoteVault’s SaaS solution is deployed via mobile devices, offering natural language automated speech-to-text, augmented with automated machine learning, and human transcription to ensure accuracy. Because NoteVault has been engineered specifically for construction site mobile field reporting, it recognizes construction-specific language for accurate transcription, and enables automated translation so non-native English speakers can submit daily reports more easily using their native language.

With NoteVault on their mobile devices, construction professionals can help synchronize status reporting effortlessly while saving time and money, reducing the risk of contractual disputes, Bentley Systems added.

“Digital twins continue to transform the way projects are delivered and operated,” said Dustin Parkman, vice president, project delivery, Bentley Systems. “Inherent in every digital twin is a stream of continuously updated data, and for construction, automating the semantic interpretation of field reports can now be one of the richest sources of live project information. With the addition of NoteVault’s market-leading resource tracking capabilities, the Synchro 4D construction environment delivers the most comprehensive construction digital twin solution available. We are excited to continue advancing the scope of construction digital twins.”

June 4, 2020
SPH Engineering releases bathymetric drone solution

SPH Engineering has launched a product designed to conduct bathymetric surveys of inland and coastal water.

The system — an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integrated with an echo sounder — is time- and cost-efficient, the company said. It is suitable for mapping, measuring and inspecting tasks as well as environmental monitoring.

The system allows field workers to collect data with high accuracy quickly. It is easily transported, quickly deployed and twice as cost-efficient as traditional methods.

The UAV/echo sounder system can be operated in hard to reach locations, and unsafe or hazardous environments. Locations not reachable by foot or that are dangerous for a human (steep coasts, mining pits, contaminated waters, terrain obstacles, etc.) as well as waters of ponds, lakes, and canals can be reached by the drone.

“Since autumn 2018 we have been getting bathymetry-related requests,” said Lexey Dobrovolskiy, CTO of SPH Engineering. “Analyzing about 150 inquiries, we have come to the conclusion that a drone-based solution could open a new business opportunity for drone service companies to do bathymetry surveys of coastal and inland water, especially those for industrial needs.

“Compared with a standard approach using a boat or an unmanned surface vehicle, a drone could save a lot for its user,” Dobrovolskiy said. “An echo sounder itself could be integrated into a client’s drone with no need to purchase additional equipment. Moreover, it is small and easy to transport and operate. At the same time, such research method guarantees data accuracy and employee safety.”

May 26, 2020
Touch GIS app introduces digital clinometer tool for geologists

The new digital clinometer and attitude attribute type available in Touch GIS. (Image: Touch GIS)

Touch GIS has introduced a digital clinometer tool to assist field geologists in recording strike and dip readings.

Version 1.3 of the app also features a new “attitude” attribute type, which makes it easy to record and display these readings on the map.

“We’ve been testing these new features with a number of field geologists, and we’re excited to finally be launching it broadly,” said Joe Wilson, head of products at Touch GIS. “While Touch GIS is valuable for a wide variety of field data collection, we’ve found that it’s especially popular with geologists.”

As more and more field work is being done on mobile devices, it’s important to integrate them onto a single platform for collecting and sharing field data. Touch GIS has a mission to provide the most robust data collection featureset for mobile field mapping.

Touch GIS also features powerful file support for industry-standard types, offline mapping capabilities, and accurate drawing tools for points, lines and polygons.

Touch GIS has a free tier that allows users to explore a majority of its features. Premium subscribers can cache maps for offline use and export collected data.

The app is available free for download on the Apple Store.

May 20, 2020
More than 1,500 jurisdictions using GeoComm GIS Data Hub

GeoComm’s GIS Data Hub is being used by more than 1,500 jurisdictions across the country as a part of their public safety GIS data management processes. The GeoComm Data Hub allows users to measure progress toward development and maintaining public safety grade GIS.

According to the company, the system quickly validates GIS data and related data against industry standards, as well as provides GIS data insights through quality control and reporting processes. The system allows GIS data organizers to work in their native data schemas and, upon submission, transform disparate GIS datasets into a common schema.

In addition, it aggregates multiple GIS datasets into a seamless coverage area, prepares map packages for provisioning to 911 applications, and leverages and extends the current Esri GIS data environment.

“GIS Data Hub is an integral part of our monthly processes,” said Vanessa Feagins, GIS supervisor, Denco Area 911 District. “It creates a central location for cities (with GIS departments) in our district to submit their GIS data which is then returned to our office as a single dataset. GIS Data Hub helps our office and our partner agencies identify possible errors in our datasets, which helps our district prepare for next generation 911 deployment. This would have been a difficult task without GIS Data Hub.”

Founded in 1995, GeoComm provides county governments with turnkey emergency 911 development services.

May 14, 2020
Geospatial Solutions coverage of COVID-19

Photo: NicoElNino/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Geospatial Solutions and GPS World are offering the latest news and updates concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as it affects the geospatial, mapping and GNSS/PNT industries. Read a message from GPS World here.

NEWS

• GMV leads development of ESA COVID-19 Space Hunting Platformy (7/20/20)
• How is COVID-19 affecting you? Take part in our survey (4/22/20)
• US small business loans a challenge due to COVID-19 (4/20/20)
• Plans to reopen after COVID-19 vary widely (4/20/20)
• Airbus to produce 3D-printed visors in fight against COVID-19 (4/17/20)
• Galileo Masters 2020 open for submissions (4/16/20)
• Martek Marine launches COVID-19 tests for crew changes (4/15/20)
• Robotic Research innovates to help fight COVID-19 (4/15/20)
• New Topcon Talks aimed at professionals at home during COVID-19 (4/9/20)
• Coronavirus delays GPS III SV03 launch until June (4/8/20)
• Schriever stays operational despite COVID-19 (4/3/20)
• PCTEL terminates share repurchase program (4/2/20)
• U.S. Space Force accepts control of GPS III SV02 amidst global pandemic (4/1/20)
• Testing suspended on Galileo Batch 3 satellites (3/30/20)
• GPS tracking shows critical truck deliveries continue despite COVID-19 (3/26/20)
• China adds to BeiDou as satnav service helps fight coronavirus (3/10/20)

Mapping & geospatial

• Esri offers COVID-19 resources for nonprofits (5/8/20)
• GIS tool provides updates on open businesses amid COVID-19 (4/22/20)
• NSGIC issues joint statement on value of GIS during COVID-19 pandemic (4/17/20)
• How to prepare and organize a fleet during the COVID-19 pandemic (4/13/20)
• Dashboard graphs those working from home during COVID-19 (4/10/20)
• Georgia county provides grocery store app for residents (4/8/20)
• Esri releases resources for businesses during COVID-19 (4/3/20)
• Esri to provide mapping resources to WHO Member States (4/1/20)
• Analysis of satellite imagery shows reduced NO2 in China, Italy (3/23/20)
• Esri supports John Hopkins COVID-19 Design Challenge (3/27/20)
• Genasys releases COVID-19 interactive map layer service (3/19/20)
• Esri ArcGIS map tracks global coronavirus cases (3/13/20)

Mobile apps & location intelligence

• WGIC: Geospatial analytics at forefront of COVID-19 fight (4/27/20)
• Traxens offers smart-container tracking to manage COVID-19 supplies (4/21/20)
• Radius Telematics sees spike in vehicle theft during coronavirus crisis (4/15/20)
• GPS tracking need not sit out COVID-19 because of privacy laws (4/8/20)
• Esri to provide US school data during COVID-19 pandemic (4/8/20)
• InnerSpace location platform supports public safety, COVID-19 response (4/1/20)
• Sewio helps fight COVID-19 with ‘smart quarantining’ (4/1/20)
• European GNSS Agency provides list of COVID-19 apps (3/30/20)
• 19 countries track mobile location to fight COVID-19 (3/26/20)
• Coronavirus and location: Is there a line? (3/23/20)
• WHO Health Alert brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp (3/21/20)
• COVID-19: Israel’s citizens now tracked by their smartphones (3/19/20)
• Oxford University explores feasibility of coronavirus tracing mobile app (3/18/20)

UAVs

• Draganfly conducts pandemic drone tests in US (4/21/20)
• AUVSI report: Demand growing for expanded drone operations (4/21/20)
• UAVOS completes tests for drone delivery of humanitarian relief (4/17/20)
• Kazakhstan uses drones to patrol capital during COVID-19 lockdown (4/9/20)
• Drone Delivery Canada asks for COVID-19 use cases (3/30/20)
• DJI joins with firefighting provider Rosenbauer on digital emergency response (3/30/20)
• ARPAS-UK coordinates COVID-19 drone capability task force (3/30/20)
• Pandemic drones to monitor, detect those with COVID-19 (3/26/20)
• China fights coronavirus with delivery drones (3/6/20)
• Xag creates fund for drones disinfection program to fight coronavirus (2/11/20)

Show updates

• Esri User Conference goes virtual because of COVID-19 (4/22/20)
• 3 more conferences postponed due to COVID-19 (4/20/20)
• ION 2020 Joint Navigation Conference rescheduled over COVID-19 concerns (4/9/20)
• 36th Space Symposium rescheduled due to COVID-19 (4/9/20)
• GEO Business 2020 rescheduled amid coronavirus concerns (3/18/20)
• IEEE/ION PLANS Conference canceled due to COVID-19 concerns (3/13/20)
• AUVSI Xponential show postponed until August (3/13/20)
• Munich Satellite Navigation Summit canceled due to coronavirus (3/10/20)
• Mobile World Congress 2020 canceled due to coronavirus concerns (2/12/20)

Features

• Seen & Heard: Drones and robots fight coronavirus (3/5/20)
• Coronavirus, organ transport top medical drone uses (2/19/20)

May 14, 2020
SDSN Trends releases gridded population data report

Report cover: SDSN Trends

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN) Trends (Thematic Research Network on Data and Statistics) has released a new report, titled “Leaving No One Off the Map: A Guide for Gridded Population Data for Sustainable Development.”

According to SDSN Trends, gridded population data have emerged as an important resource for delivering actionable data in challenging circumstances, including in disaster response and health and infectious disease monitoring. Gridded population maps distribute data using grid cells, combining census results with additional information, such as geospatial data from satellites.

The report presents an overview, analysis and recommendations for the use of gridded population datasets in a wide range of application areas, from health an infectious disease monitoring and disaster response to determining sea-level rise and future water availability.

The report compares seven gridded population datasets from the POPGRID Data Collaborative and presents an intercomparison assessment of the use of different datasets and their varying outputs. It also addresses misconceptions and offers nine guiding criteria to aid users in their selection process.

Trends is an initiative of and is governed by SDSN. Trends collaborates closely with SDSN’s network, including by seeking opportunities to work with its regional and national networks on local data action solutions and other projects.

Check out the full report here.

May 13, 2020