GPS World

Tag: GIS software

  • Bluesky creates Microsoft UltraMap for aerial photomap production

    5-cm OrthoVista of RICOH Arena in Coventry.
    5-cm OrthoVista of RICOH Arena in Coventry.

    UK aerial mapping company Bluesky has reduced the time taken to process the terabytes of data captured by more than 75 percent, which will speed the production of aerial photography.

    Following a major research project, the team at Bluesky’s Leicestershire production facility has implemented an UltraMap system from Microsoft, which has allowed for the introduction of a continuous, uninterrupted processing workflow. By investing in an entirely new workflow, Bluesky has also improved the quality of the aerial images, reducing “building lean” and image distortion, and the accuracy of its digital height models.

    Bluesky’s investment in software follows the recent purchase of two UltraCam Eagle cameras, also from Microsoft, and the introduction of new flying practices.

    Bluesky has recently secured a number of high-profile contracts, including a multimillion pound contract for the supply of geographic data to Central Government organizations awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and a four-year contract to supply the national mapping agency for Great Britain, Ordnance Survey.

    Earlier this year, Bluesky announced plans and commenced data capture for the first high-resolution aerial survey of the whole of the Republic of Ireland, and will also create digital surface models and terrain models.

    “2015 has been a phenomenal year in terms of data volumes to be processed,” said Bluesky’s Technical Director James Eddy. “We have introduced new flying methods, we have secured a number of large contracts and we are actively pursuing our own ambitious flying program. This has meant the volume of raw data to be processed is unprecedented.”

    Microsoft UltraMap is an end-to-end photogrammetric workflow system that provides highly automated processing capabilities, allowing Bluesky to rapidly generate quality data products from UltraCam cameras. The improved workflow is designed to process huge amounts of data in the shortest possible time with the highest degree of automation, supported by guided manual interaction, quality control tools and powerful visualization.

    “In order to process the many terabytes of data produced in a flying season — for example, we are looking at over a trillion DSM (digital surface model) points alone — the UltraMap system is just one component of a complex system,” continued Eddy. “We have also invested significantly in hardware, including an array of multi core processors, our network infrastructure, a robust backup system, internally produced software to increase and improve QA and improve productivity, and of course, perhaps most importantly, skilled and experienced staff.

    “We now believe we operate one of the most advanced aerial imaging processing facilities in the UK, if not the world and we have the capacity to handle our largest-ever projects.”

  • ENVI 5.3 adds lidar analysis

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    The latest release of ENVI software, version 5.3, adds significant lidar point cloud analysis and visualization capabilities that previously were only available in the ENVI lidar software package. The Harris Corporation software offers users a single software interface to work with hyper-spectral, multi-spectral, panchromatic and lidar data.

    The out-of-the-box functionality includes 3D point-cloud visualization, derived terrain product generation (such as digital elevation models) and lidar analytics such as viewshed line-of-sight calculation.

    For users who need point-cloud or terrain products in an area where collecting lidar is not feasible or is too expensive, the ENVI Photogrammetry Module is able to generate synthetic 3D point clouds from stereo optical imagery to take advantage of existing imagery archives.

    The dimension of time can be critical for a thorough geospatial analysis of an area, and the new ENVI release has added enhancements to the Spatio-Temporal analysis toolset. Spatio-Temporal analysis visualizes change and derives statistics from data over time, enabling users to observe events of the past to better predict upcoming activities.

    New additions were also added to the ENVITask system, a relatively new method for performing discrete bits of image processing programmatically through the ENVI object-based API. This programmatic approach to image processing can save time because users can chain together multiple ENVITasks, allowing the output from one ENVITask to become the input to the next. There are now 138 ENVITasks available in the ENVI API.

  • Avenza launches PDF Maps affiliate program

    Avenza Systems Inc., a developer of cartographic software — such as MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager geospatial tools for Adobe Photoshop — has launched its affiliate program for PDF Maps, its consumer and enterprise mobile map app.

    Any retailer or business, including both online and physical stores, blogs, portals and information sites, can now earn revenue by promoting and selling maps directly to its customers using affiliate links on websites or by using signage with QR codes. Each map sale conducted in this manner will earn the affiliate a share of the revenue.

    The PDF Maps Affiliate program is free to join with no application or setup fees or ongoing costs. Existing PDF Maps Store vendors can opt-in to the affiliate program and earn commission in addition to their normal revenue share.

    “This is a great opportunity for Avenza to increase our marketing efforts and broaden our brand awareness of the PDF Maps platform,” said sales and marketing director, Doug Smith.

    “We are currently working with a number of key map publishers and brands to roll out the affiliate program, and the interest and excitement we’ve seen so far is significant. There has been substantial growth in the use of the PDF Maps app not only as an outdoor recreation tool, but also as a solution for travelers, business people, enterprises and professionals,” Smith said.

    Because of this, examples of affiliate businesses include but are not limited to, outdoor recreation stores, hotels, car rental companies, book stores, and even bloggers,” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems. “Moreover, the PDF Maps Affiliate program seeks to embrace and connect brick and mortar retailers  that cater to outdoor recreation and whose customers may be interested in maps — to the digital economy, instead of excluding them as has been done in the past with music, books and videos.”

    Retailers and businesses interested in joining the affiliate program can sign up for free and can get in contact with the PDF Maps team.

    The PDF Maps app is available now on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store free of charge for personal recreational use. A Windows version is in public beta release. Commercial, government and academic use licensing is available for a nominal annual fee. Pricing of each map is set by the publisher and free maps remain free to users through the PDF Maps in-app store. Commercial use licensing starts at US$49 per year and drops on a per-device basis as deployment numbers increase.

  • MicroSurvey CAD 2016 features new capabilities

    MicroSurvey Software has released MicroSurvey CAD 2016, the newest generation of its desktop survey and design program for land surveyors and civil engineers. Powered by a new IntelliCAD 8.1a engine and enhanced with a suite of new point-cloud management tools, the software makes high-impact drafting and design fast and intuitive, the company said.

    MicroSurvey2016Users on multi-core computers will experience up to 300 percent faster performance compared to previous versions, which substantially improves productivity. Navigation has been enhanced through a new ribbon interface with high-resolution icons that provide easy access to frequently used tools. The newest version of the software is also able to open and export DGN files, handle annotation scaling, and publish drawings as DWF/DWFX, PNG and JPG files.

    Point Clouds. The new release includes significant enhancements for working with point clouds. The Ultimate and Studio versions of the software are now powered by the same point-cloud engine that drives Leica Cyclone and CloudWorx software, making it possible to directly import Leica Cyclone and Leica JetStream databases using Cyclone dialogs.

    Users can view panoramic photographs captured by the laser scanner and snap to points directly from the photographs in a TruSpace window. Point-cloud data is now displayed directly within the CAD model space.

    MicroSurvey CAD is compatible with field data from all major total stations and data collectors and is fully compatible with AutoCAD; 64-bit and 32-bit versions are available.

  • Harris collaborates with Boundless for open-source geospatial technology

     

    HarrisBoundless_PRpic-W

    Harris Corporation has expanded a collaboration with Boundless to further extend its capabilities in open-source geospatial technology. This partnership makes it easier and more cost-effective for customers to access, manage and share the huge amount of location-based data available from devices, sensors and satellites, the companies said.

    Most recently, Harris has developed a geospatial data warehouse called One Object One Time (1O1T), which eliminates redundant data and stores the most current representation of geospatial objects such as a lighthouse or communications tower. This capability ensures data currency and significantly reduces the time required for processing and delivering content and products compared with traditional methods.

    Harris is using 1O1T to provide content management services and create high-quality data and products for use by a wide variety of government and commercial customers.

    Boundless’ OpenGeo Suite is an open-source enterprise geospatial software bundle. It expands Harris’ existing offerings like 1O1T. Boundless experts support and consult around the implementation of OpenGeo Suite components including GeoServer, PostGIS, Open Layers and QGIS.

    “We like Boundless’ savvy and nimble approach to providing open-source geospatial software and services,” said Tim Ellis, director of Harris’ IntelliEarth geospatial business. “This is a very productive collaboration for both companies and most important, our customers.”

    “Harris provides top-notch, responsive products for some of the most important geospatial initiatives in the world,” said Boundless CEO Andy Dearing. “Together, we are extending the possibilities of the open-source geospatial platform.”

  • GeoSage enhances software to analyze Landsat-8 imagery

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    GeoSage’s software tool, Spectral Transformer for Landsat-8 Imagery, has been enhanced to include new functions towards automated image feature extraction.

    The changes are built upon the existing tool, so with two button clicks, a user is able to rapidly perform image-band combinations, image stretching and image pan-sharpening, and produce colorful, detail-rich imagery composites at 30m and 15m resolutions.

    New functions include:

    • one-button click for automated NDVI calculation, with 3 types of outputs.
    • one-button click for automated extraction of surface water areas, with 3 types of outputs.
    • generic function to calculate 56 normalized difference image feature indices, with 3 types of outputs.
    • generic function to calculate 56 band ratios, with 3 types of outputs.

    The 3 types of outputs are automatically generated by the software. Each is a single-band GeoTIFF file, ready to be displayed in Windows Photo Viewer, GIS and remote sensing software, or Google Earth Pro.

    • First output: 32-bit Float data type, useful for further analyses.
    • Second output: 8-bit Byte data type, a unique colour palette is applied.
    • Third output: 8-bit Byte data type, a binary image to show classified features after a user-defined threshold is applied.

    This Landsat-8 image analysis software tool targets geospatial professionals, K-12 students, as well as the general public. It is very easy to use, productive and saves time. To test the new functions, a trial version is available. Updated software user guide and new application demos are also provided.

  • New Esri book teaches principles of map design

    A new Esri book guides mapmakers through the process of designing visually pleasing and easily understandable maps.
    A new Esri book guides mapmakers through the process of designing visually pleasing and easily understandable maps.

    More emphasis today needs to be placed on map design, especially on the web, according to Esri president Jack Dangermond. “We need to spend more time designing maps and not just producing them,” Dangermond said at a recent geodesign conference.

    Cartographer Cynthia A. Brewer’s new edition of Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, published by Esri, will guide mapmakers through the process of designing visually pleasing and easily understandable maps. “This book helps you develop the graphic skills you need for mapmaking,” said Brewer, a professor and head of the geography department at Pennsylvania State University.

    In writing the book, Brewer drew on 30 years of experience teaching and working in map design. The book focuses on the basics of cartography, including layout design; working with basemaps, legends, scales, and projections; selecting colors and type; and customizing symbols. In this second edition, Brewer has added a chapter on publishing and sharing maps and devotes a section to her ColorBrewer application, an online color selection tool that any mapmaker can use. ColorBrewer is now part of the new Esri ArcGIS Pro application.

    The large selection of color maps included in the book prove to be very instructional, with examples of poor or mediocre maps being compared to well-designed maps. For example, there are two maps of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, located in the United States and Canada. One map is what Brewer calls “excessively decorated,” with a huge scale bar, illegible typeface, and other elements that distract from the map. The second map, meant to showcase vegetation types, is simple and designed to make the most important information stand out.

    Brewer has been a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University for 21 years, teaching introductory cartography and other map design courses. She has written four books, including Designed Maps: A Sourcebook for GIS Users, which complemented her 2005 edition of Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users.

    Brewer also is an affiliate faculty member at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS). She has done consulting work with the National Park Service, the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Cancer Institute, the National Center for Health Statistics and Esri. She won the Henry Gannett Award for Exceptional Contributions to Topographic Mapping from the USGS in 2013.

    A video about the book is available to watch at esriurl.com/designingbettermaps.

    Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users is available in print (ISBN: 9781589484405, 250 pages, $59.99), or as an e-book (ISBN: 9781589484375, 250 pages, $49.99). The book is available at online retailers worldwide, at esri.com/esripress, or by calling 1-800-447-9778. Outside the United States, visit esri.com/esripressorders for complete ordering options, or visit esri.com/distributors to contact your local Esri distributor. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

  • Esri, Microsoft join on location, spatial services

    Esri Inc. is working with Microsoft to integrate location services and spatial analytics to the Microsoft Azure IoT (Internet of Things) Suite.

    The collaboration will rapidly enable IoT scenarios by offering customers and partners a set of highly capable platform services as ready-to-use, preconfigured solutions. The forthcoming integrated offering is the next step in Microsoft’s and

    Esri’s long-standing alliance to spatially enable the enterprise, Esri said in a press release.

    Smart city concepts and innovations in the automotive industry are examples of how data from many sources increases understanding. Governments and businesses use that data to improve safety features, reduce air pollution, and mitigate traffic congestion.

  • Recreating Singapore in 3D

    Scope of Project: The 3D mapping project encompasses all of Singapore — more than 700 square kilometers.
    Scope of Project: The 3D mapping project encompasses all of Singapore — more than 700 square kilometers.

    The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is engaged in a 3D mapping initiative to create and maintain a high-resolution survey-accurate 3D national map. Denmark and Switzerland have national 3D maps, and Hong Kong has mapped its central business district.

    3D virtual environments support city planning, decision-making and risk management. SLA’s project involves capturing vast amounts of data and creating 2D and 3D datasets in several formats. The project began in April 2014 with airborne data capture and modeling; the modeling of buildings is expected to be completed this month. Mobile data capturing and road modeling is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

    The 3D models of buildings and road infrastructure are being created from high-quality images and laser-scanning data. The 3D data is stored in the open information model CityGML, which allows for 3D spatial analysis, simulation and visualization.
    The project has employed multiple rapid mapping technologies such as oblique imagery, airborne laser scanning, mobile laser scanning and terrestrial scanning, resulting in more than 500 terabytes of data in multiple formats.

    Using Bentley Map software, the project team created, maintained and disseminated 3D information directly from the Oracle Spatial database platflorm. In November, Bentley Systems awarded the 3D mapping project the 2015 Be Inspired Award for Innovation in Government.

    Building Level of Detail 2: The Singapore project will model up to LOD2.The five levels of detail (LOD) in CityGML are LoD0 (terrain model), LoD1 (block models with no roof structures), LoD2 (explicit roof structures), LoD3 (detailed architectural models) and LoD4 (interior modeling).
    Building Level of Detail 2: The Singapore project will model up to LOD2.The five levels of detail (LOD) in CityGML are LoD0 (terrain model), LoD1 (block models with no roof structures), LoD2 (explicit roof structures), LoD3 (detailed architectural models) and LoD4 (interior modeling).

  • Patent awarded to PDF3D for 3D point cloud processing

    pdf3d-main-logo_214x73Visual Technology Services, owner of the PDF3D brand, has received a patent for point cloud simplification, supporting large point cloud reduction and report generation implementations in the PDF3D software systems, the company announced in a news release. The Grant of Patent GB2521452 for Point Cloud Simplification was awarded by the United Kingdom’s Intellectual Property Office, and the technology is used for geospatial environmental survey, laser scanning and civil engineering.

    “With the expanding use of terrestrial, UAV and airborne lidar, the volume of acquired 3D point cloud data is expanding rapidly,” said Ian Curington, CEO and co-author of the new patent. “Encoding point clouds into 3D PDF requires simplification to allow collaborative communication and email distribution. The granting of this critical patent strengthens our position as leader in 3D technical publishing technology using the 3D PDF standard.”

    The patent covers methods used to reduce the number of samples in a large 3D point cloud, which results in optimum sample selection, minimizing distortions and preserving most feature relevant subsets of the original samples or by representative new point locations and attributes. The method achieves accuracy with computational expense compared to previous methods, the company said. The software implementation of this method is currently licensed to laser scanner manufacturers, 3D point cloud processing system vendors and to commercial survey companies.

    “The company’s intellectual property strategy is very well aligned with commercial software license activities,” said Ian Bingham and Vicki Salmon, the founding partners of IP Asset LLP. “The IP strategy is closely following agile and responsive R&D as the 3D PDF use cases expand into new vertical markets. We look forward to further news of the growing PDF3D patent portfolio.”

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use SimActive’s Correlator3D

    SimActive’s Correlator3D has been selected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create 3D datasets of vegetation for input into biophysical models. The software will also support generation of urban landcover maps for the agency’s GIS, EnviroAtlas.

    “Correlator3D has been serving governments globally, encompassing a wide spectrum of requirements,” said Philippe Simard, president of SimActive. “We are proud to be working with the EPA and supporting their environmental mandate.”

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

  • Jane Goodall launches Tapestry of Hope interactive map

    TapestryofHope-Goodall

    Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute have launched the Tapestry of Hope, an interactive online tool to visualize the thousands of projects led by young people around the globe who are protecting the environment.

    As world leaders struggle to make progress in Paris for the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Goodall, spreading her message of hope for our world, is calling on each of us to take action ourselves to protect our natural world.

    Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, Goodall, through her Roots & Shoots program, has inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the globe to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment. Together, these individual actions weave together a story of impact — a narrative of change for what Goodall has come to call the Tapestry of Hope.

    The launch of Tapestry of Hope reflects a snapshot of the projects young leaders have led in the past several years through Roots & Shoots,” said Erin Viera, associate vice­ president of Roots & Shoots. “Moving forward, the map will be a critical tool to document, manage, visualize and share the actions and impacts of Roots & Shoots projects that are making a positive difference for the environment, animals and people. The map will continue to grow and populate with the launch of each new Roots & Shoots community project that young people continue to pioneer around the world.”

    “Esri and the Jane Goodall Institute have collaborated on conservation programs across Africa for more than 10 years now. These projects have included applications ranging from using geospatial technologies for chimpanzee behavior research in Gombe to supporting the development and implementation of conservation action plans and improving village land use using geodesign and community mapping across East Africa and Congo basin,” said Lilian Pintea, the Jane Goodall Institute’s vice­president of conservation science.

    Esri technology that powers the mapping behind JGI’s conservation work forms the basis of the Tapestry of Hope. The map connects the work of young people around the world with other young people who are passionately making the world we all share a better place through local projects.

    In addition to documenting and visualizing the work of young people around the world, the Tapestry of Hope map serves to further Goodall’s message of hope. It brings together the critical observations, creative ideas and clever solutions of thousands of passionate young minds all working to make a difference in the world. It is designed to represent and inspire a global movement of change showing that young people care about the future of the world they are inheriting, and are taking action.