Tag: geospatial

Global trends in the mapping industry during the pandemic

Photo: SimActive

By Philippe Simard, Ph.D.
President, SimActive Inc.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainties to all businesses, and the mapping industry has been no exception.

Slowdowns were observed during the first few months of 2020 as lockdowns were gradually enforced in Asia, then Europe, and finally the Americas.

As expected, projects were delayed during that initial period as companies were reorganizing their operations to allow for remote work.

Once that transition was overcome, a great number of projects resumed, and the geospatial field has been gradually coming back to normal since then. That can be explained by different factors, including, for example, several governments accelerating infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy.

A lot of mapping firms have turned the pandemic into an opportunity to improve their processes. Slower times allow reviewing production workflows and assessing bottlenecks. Once identified, new hardware and software solutions can be evaluated to optimize production.

Interestingly, the resulting investments into new solutions has been significant. Companies are seeing a quick payoff as their workload is rapidly accelerating, leading to an increase in their bottom line.

Overall, the mapping industry was able to rapidly adjust to the new reality caused by the pandemic. The changes that are being made in performing projects not only allow us to minimize risks in the short term, but also to increase profitability in the longer term.

SimActive is the developer of Correlator3D software, a patented end-to-end photogrammetry solution for the generation of high-quality geospatial data from satellite and aerial imagery, including drones. Correlator3D performs aerial triangulation (AT) and produces dense digital surface models (DSM), digital terrain models (DTM), point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models and vectorized 3D features.

Powered by GPU technology and multi-core CPUs, Correlator3D ensures high processing speed to support rapid production of large datasets.

SimActive has been selling Correlator3D to leading mapping firms and government organizations around the world, offering cutting-edge photogrammetry software backed by exceptional customer support.

September 22, 2020
Comment sought on OGC API standard for geospatial web processing

New process simplifies task of computational geospatial processing accessible via web services

The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) seeks public comment on a new draft OGC API standard: OGC API – Processes – Part 1: Core. Comments are due by Oct. 19.

The draft OGC API – Processes Standard specifies a Web API that enables the execution of computing processes and the retrieval of metadata describing their purpose and functionality. For example, these processes could combine raster, vector, coverage and/or point cloud data with well-defined algorithms to produce new raster, vector, coverage and/or point cloud information.

The draft OGC API – Processes Standard builds on the Web Processing Service (WPS) 2.0 standard and defines the processing standards to communicate in a RESTful manner using JSON encodings. This API is a newer and more modern way of programming and interacting with resources over the web while allowing better integration into existing software packages.

In many cases, location data, including data from sensors, must be processed before the information can be effectively used. OGC API – Processes, just like the OGC WPS Interface Standard, provides a standard interface that simplifies the task of making simple or complex computational geospatial processing services accessible via web services.

Such services include well-known processes found in GIS software as well as specialized processes for 2D/3D/4D modeling and simulation. The API also makes it easy for developers to implement microservices that can handle location data.

The draft OGC API – Processes Standard provides a similarly robust, interoperable, and versatile protocol for process execution across the Web. OGC API – Processes supports both immediate processing for computational tasks that take little time and asynchronous processing for more complex and time-consuming tasks.

As with other OGC APIs, OGC API – Processes consists of optional parts that each provide extra functionality. This specification, Part 1: Core, is intended to be a minimal useful API for the execution of processes from the geospatial domain. There are no constraints on the types of processes that can be published through the API. Examples of processes that have been demonstrated during the development of the draft API standard include routing, contour generation, buffering, coverage processing and several others. The API is therefore expected to be applicable to several domains.

The candidate OGC API – Processes – Part 1: Core standard is available for review and comment on the OGC Portal. Comments are due by October 19, 2020, and should be submitted via the method outlined on the OGC API – Processes – Part 1: Core draft Standard’s public comment request page.

September 22, 2020
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
Brandt acquires Sokkia Canada from Topcon

Effective July 2, the Brandt Group of Companies successfully acquired the assets of Ontario-based Sokkia Canada in a deal with owner Topcon Positioning Systems.

The acquisition, which directly affects the Ontario and Quebec markets, makes Brandt the exclusive dealer for Sokkia optical survey instruments, accessories and parts for the Canadian market.

The news signals Brandt’s entry into Central Canada’s geopositioning technology market and is the latest in a growing list of acquisitions and dealer agreements made by the Regina, SK-based company since its purchase of Ontario/Quebec/Newfoundland and Labrador John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer Nortrax in late 2019.

“Expanding our Sokkia offering into Ontario and Quebec has been a high priority for Brandt,” said Brandt CEO Shaun Semple. “Central Canada is an important new market for us and we are 100% committed to delivering exceptional value for the survey, engineering and construction industry here. This addition is a big step forward for us.”

The survey-focused Sokkia brand has a 100-year history and is owned and marketed by Topcon Positioning Systems, a U.S.-based division of Japanese precision equipment manufacturer Topcon Corporation.

The Sokkia product lineup will be distributed and supported through the company’s Brandt Positioning Technology division and includes total stations, GNSS receivers, data collectors, digital levels and a full complement of field accessories.

The move will consolidate Sokkia distribution for the first time under one banner and will further establish the Brandt’s position as a premier privately-held Canadian company.

The Brandt Group of Companies — headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada — is comprised of Brandt Agricultural Products, Brandt Engineered Products, Brandt Equipment Solutions, Brandt Road Rail, Brandt Positioning Technology, Brandt Truck Rigging & Trailers, Brandt Finance, Brandt Developments Ltd., Brandt Road Technology, Brandt Mineral Technology and Brandt Tractor Ltd. (the world’s largest privately owned John Deere Construction & Forestry equipment dealer.)

Brandt has more than 100 locations in Canada and the U.S., more than 3,400 employees, and a growing international customer base. It serves the construction, forestry, agriculture, rail, mining, steel and energy industries.

July 20, 2020
CHC Navigation introduces BB4 UAV and AlphaUni lidar combination

Lidar series paired with professional drone provides multi-platform, high-accuracy 3D laser scanning for geospatial and mapping professionals

CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has launched the multi-rotor BB4 drone and AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar.

Photo: CHCNAV

The combination of the AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar and BB4 UAV solutions creates a comprehensive and versatile range for 3D mapping and geospatial data acquisition in land, air and marine applications.

“The purchase of a 3D mobile mapping system is too often constrained to a specific purpose, such as airborne or ground survey,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHCNAV. “A lot of our customers expressed the need to have a professional lidar solution that can be used in different scenarios, offering optimal adaptability to their current and future needs.

“With our AlphaUni series, we are now introducing an innovative response with a multi-platform lidar system that can be used with an aerial or marine drone, on a vehicle or carried as a backpack,” Zhao said. “In addition, the long flight autonomy of our new BB4 UAV allows missions over large areas in a single flight for exceptional productivity.”

AlphaUni lidar series

Photo: CHCNAV

The new AlphaUni series enhances CHCNAV’s Alpha Mobile Mapping family with a light, versatile long-range laser scanner systems available on the high-end market.

The series provides optimized data sets powered by advanced GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) sensors and long-range Riegl scanners.

AlphaUni’s design adapts to a variety of applications and can be installed on a variety of platforms, including multi-rotor UAV, fixed-wing vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) UAV, vehicles, rail trolleys, backpacks, boats and more.

BB4 UAV

The BB4 UAV is a high-end multi-rotor drone optimized for the CHCNAV AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar series. Its modular design simplifies deployment in just a few minutes.

Its 7-kg payload breaks the capacity barrier, and more than 45 minutes of flight time increases the airborne lidar survey ability.

The redundant CHCNAV and DJI inertial measurement unit (IMU) and GNSS units provide reliable centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, meeting the demand for high accuracy in the geospatial and mapping industry.

June 23, 2020
New GNSS correction service launched for Australia

Australia-based Position Partners has launched MiRTK, an open architecture corrections service for GNSS equipment.

Internet-enabled, MiRTK offers an alternative to UHF radio correction services for high-accuracy GNSS. Unlike UHF radios, MiRTK is not limited by range from the GNSS base station and does not require line of sight with the survey rover or machine.

MiRTK uses a small modem that slides onto the accessory slot of the tripod and connects to the base station via a single cable.

A subscription service is available in locations with the Telstra network, mainly continental Australia.

MiRTK is designed for accurate GNSS positioning in the construction, mining and geospatial industries. It is compatible with all brands and models of GNSS from manufacturers including Topcon, Trimble, Leica Geosystems, Sokkia, Hemisphere and more.

“Until now, users that rely on high-precision GNSS for applications such as surveying and machine control had no option but to use UHF radios or a network RTK solution,” said Cameron Waters, geospatial business manager at Position Partners.

“Anyone that’s had to rely on UHF radio frequencies will have experienced problems, including interference, range limitations, costly licensing and severe penalties for breaching licensing laws. MiRTK offers an alternative that is refreshingly simple: no repeaters, no line of sight issues and no complex licensing,” he added.

The Galaxy lithium mine in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia. (Photo: jasonbennee/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

Another benefit, according to Waters, is the ability to utilise a single correction protocol across all GNSS equipment on site. This dramatically reduces complexity and potential connectivity issues. “MiRTK uses NTRIP and a user selectable format such as RTCM3 or CMR, that can be used universally regardless of the brand or model of equipment,” he said. “Users enjoy full speed, full constellation connectivity without the complex radio settings, baud rates, bandwidth or scrambling problems that you get when trying to utilize different GNSS systems with UHF radios.”

To set up the unit, users simply connect the modem to the base station, power the modem on and MiRTK will work for up to 20 hours continuously without charge. Each unit can connect with up to 10 devices such as survey rovers or machine systems as standard, with unlimited potential to scale up connections as required.

“The future of UHF is limited with lower bandwidth, higher density areas, increased governance, rising costs and little flexibility,” Waters said. “MiRTK gives customers a new approach to receive reliable correction data in a simple and hassle-free way, whilst utilizing their existing GNSS hardware.”

June 17, 2020
GEO Business 2020 postponed again because of COVID-19

GEO Business 2020 has been postponed again because of COVID-19. The show, originally rescheduled to take place Sept. 24-25, has been rescheduled to take place May 19-20, 2021. It will still take place at ExCeL London.

According to organizers, the GEO Business show connects the data holders and processors with the people who benefit from the applications and insight which geospatial information provides.

“We appreciate how important GEO Business is for you, your business and the whole profession,” GEO Business said in a statement. “And we’re very sorry to disappoint you and the thousands of others who were planning on visiting this year. However, the safety of our visitors, speakers and exhibitors remains our priority.”

The 2021 event will now take place alongside Digital Construction Week, an event dedicated to digital construction, engineering, design, manufacturing and operation.

“Whilst both will remain separate shows, they will in effect create one much larger technology event for the sector,” GEO Business added.

Check out more COVID-19-related trade show and conference updates here.

May 27, 2020
Trimble Dimensions 2020 canceled because of COVID-19

The 2020 Trimble Dimensions conference has been canceled because of COVID-19.

According to the company, Trimble Dimensions is the signature event for Trimble’s global user community spanning agriculture, construction, geospatial, transportation, utilities and more. The show highlights technology and how it transforms the way professionals work to achieve success.

“Unfortunately, the overwhelming concerns and ongoing impact of COVID-19 inhibit our ability to deliver a conference that meets the high standards of safety and excellence our attendees expect and deserve,” Trimble said in a press release.

The event was scheduled to take place Nov. 2-4 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Trimble Dimensions is a biennial event.

Check out more show updates here.

May 1, 2020
Estonian Railways selects Hexagon to automate and digitize operations

Railway solutions power asset management and infrastructure maintenance

Estonian Railways Ltd., a state-owned company responsible for Estonia’s railway administration, has selected Hexagon’s Geospatial division to implement a transportation system that will automate and digitize the railway’s infrastructure maintenance, construction and traffic management processes.

The combined asset management system and geographic information system (GIS) platform will help the company’s 700-plus employees efficiently manage assets and workflows.

Powered by Hexagon’s GeoTrAMS, a web-based system for tram and light-rail infrastructure, and GeoMedia, a flexible GIS management platform, Estonia Railway will be able to visualize assets on a map while integrating with other companies and external systems.

Hexagon’s state-of-the-art registry will serve multiple information systems and users at the same time, centralizing the use of asset and spatial data while avoiding data duplication and ensuring that users have access to the most up-to-date information.

“As a company, we are in a unique situation of simultaneously implementing Hexagon-specific spatial data modules for rail infrastructure management and Microsoft’s ERP for asset management, gathering and digitizing different fragmented data, unifying different workflows and applying new data management principles,” said Maia Sokk, innovation manager at Estonian Railways. “Based on our strategic goals for the next four years, we are significantly modernizing our traffic management systems. Implementing Hexagon’s technologies is an important link in this ambitious plan.”

Prior to selecting Hexagon, Estonian Railways used a fragmented system of disparate software applications to manage assets and infrastructure across its 750 miles of railroad, 129 platforms and 60 stations. With the new solution in place, Estonia Railway will be able to improve operational efficiency and transparency, better control expenses connected to the infrastructure and streamline administrative tasks.

“Estonian Railways is forward-thinking in its use of location intelligence for managing infrastructure and operations,” said Mladen Stojic, president of Hexagon’s Geospatial division. “We are excited to deliver an integrated solution that will help the railway effectively monitor and maintain its assets while also ensuring successful management of rail traffic, construction projects and services.”

Estonian Railways has been responsible for ensuring the smooth operation, management and maintenance of the country’s railway infrastructure since 1870.

Learn more about how Hexagon helps organizations close the gap between the geospatial and operational worlds with its transportation solutions.

Photo: joyt /iStock / Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images

April 28, 2020
Esri User Conference goes virtual because of COVID-19
The Esri User Conference, which usually takes place in San Diego in July, will this year be held virtually.

“As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, we are making the decision to move the 2020 Esri User Conference in San Diego to a virtual format. This is a great disappointment to me personally, as I know it will be for many of you,” Esri CEO Jack Dangermond told those planning to attend in an April 22 e-mail.

The following is an outline of Esri’s current plan, with more information available in the Esri UC FAQs:
- The event will take place July 13–15, 2020.
- The plenary session, technical workshops and Esri Showcase will be virtual, featuring many demonstrations and live discussions during the conference.
- There will be many opportunities for networking, collaboration and real-time interaction with Esri experts and staff.
- User presentations and the map gallery will be featured digitally.
- A library of recorded sessions and demos will be created and kept available as an ongoing resource.
- Registration will be complimentary for all Esri customers who are current on their maintenance or subscription.
Dangermond also asked for ideas and suggestions solicited through a survey by April 29.

“Forty years ago this month, we had our first User Conference in Redlands, California, with only a handful of participants,” Dangermond wrote. “While initially no one was quite sure of what the outcome would be, the event started an ongoing tradition where Esri and our users would come together, share our work, learn and create a community of common interests.

“That first meeting on the Esri campus provided the groundwork for the annual event at which thousands of professionals from every corner of the globe meet one another, share inspiring examples of work and learn from each other’s experiences.

“While we can’t replicate the experience of being together in person, we will do our best to create an amazing event that will continue to move you and our community forward. One of the benefits of going with a virtual format will be that organizations will be able to send an unlimited number of attendees.”

Photo: GPS World Staff
April 22, 2020
New Topcon Talks aimed at professionals at home during COVID-19
Photo: Topcon

New series of free webinars for construction, geopositioning and agriculture facilitate learning

Topcon Positioning Group is launching a free webinar program for the construction, geopositioning and agricultural sectors, exploring key topics affecting the industry and providing the latest updates and project management solutions.

The Topcon Talks series, consisting of numerous informative webinars, has been created in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide those working from home with valuable educational resources, while maintaining steady communication with Topcon customers, dealers and the wider industry.

The webinars will focus on a range of topics such as improving productivity using digital construction workflows, overcoming barriers to technology adoption, and more practical how-to sessions for customers and dealers on specific Topcon solutions.

The webinars will be delivered by a range of Topcon experts, with input from several other industry specialists, and cover a multitude of topics including:
- Always One Step Ahead – an overview of Topcon’s latest product developments, market focuses and acquisitions
- State of the Industry series – looking at the barriers to technology adoption in construction, such as attracting talent and bridging the skills gap
- Detailed technical sessions showcasing latest hardware, software and web services to get the most out of Topcon solutions
The content series is live on the site, with new sessions taking place regularly over the coming weeks. All sessions are free to attend, and those wanting to participate will first need to register on the Topcon website.

“Everyday life has changed very quickly, and businesses across the world are having to adapt. At Topcon, we are working tirelessly to help the industry weather this storm. We’re aware that at this time, the majority of people are working from home, and we want to continue to support our customers and colleagues as much as possible,” said Ron Oberlander, vice president of global professional services at Topcon Positioning Group. “That’s why we’ve developed this webinar series — to provide an opportunity for continued professional development so that professionals can remain as productive as possible during this challenging time and be in the best position possible to accelerate the industry’s recovery when we come out the other side.”

The webinars are also recorded and uploaded to the site once complete, so those who are unable to attend the session can access the content in their own time.
April 9, 2020
Komatsu partners with Cesium on Smart Construction solutions

Screenshot: Cesium

Cesium’s 3D technology will power smart construction dashboard to make construction safer, more efficient and more profitable

Komatsu has officially announced an incoming suite of the company’s Smart Construction solutions, which will include the 3D visualization power and geospatial accuracy of Cesium, a platform to visualize, analyze and share 3D data.

“Together, Komatsu and Cesium are bringing a new era of innovation to the construction industry,” said Rod Schrader, Chairman and CEO of Komatsu’s North American operations. “As experts in 3D data visualization, computer graphics and open-source software, Cesium’s technology will help power our Smart Construction Dashboard.”

Komatsu made the announcement at ConExpo 2020, held in Las Vegas.

As the key strategic partner for 3D data visualization, Cesium built the company’s Smart Construction dashboard. The dashboard enables users to monitor a construction site from anywhere in the world, see how it changes over time and compare architectural plans with real-world data.

It is compatible with different types of data — collected from sensors on individual construction machines, drone surveys, or computer generated files like BIM/CAD models — allowing users to visualize them all in a single scene within a web browser, as well as calculate precise measurements for cut and fill, slope, contours and more.

As Komatsu noted today, the worldwide construction industry is on the cusp of rapid change and innovation driven by technology. Collecting data from people and machines — and connecting all of it across an open platform — optimizes processes and delivers insights that will enable customers to make data-driven decisions.

Komatsu chose to partner with Cesium because of its powerful 3D visualization engine and accuracy in tying data to precise locations on the globe. Cesium’s ability to keep millimeter-level accuracy while tracking satellites in complex orbits was important to attain the level of precision Komatsu’s Smart Construction initiative demands.

“We believe in Komatsu’s vision to create construction sites that are safer and more efficient through Smart Construction.” said Cesium CEO Patrick Cozzi. “We are proud that visualization and analytics with the hallmark precision of Cesium will provide technology for the industry’s digital transformation.”

March 13, 2020