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Tag: GIS software

  • Trimble Positions Optimizes Data Integrity for GIS Professionals

    The Trimble Positions software workflow.
    The Trimble Positions software workflow.

    Trimble announced today a new version of its Trimble Positions software suite. This new version includes automated workflows to streamline data collection and increase productivity for GIS professionals in a variety of industries such as utility companies, environmental management agencies and municipalities.

    With Trimble Positions, GIS professionals benefit from increased productivity through a streamlined and integrated workflow for managing GNSS data collection. Trimble Positions is a collection of Esri software extensions that provide high-accuracy capabilities on the Trimble GeoExplorer, Juno, and Yuma series of field handheld computers, and on Trimble Pro series receivers. Positions software enables high-accuracy GNSS collection on Trimble devices while using familiar Esri workflows to ensure data integrity. New automated workflows in the software further simplify data processing and management, Trimble said.

    TrimblePositionsOverviewThe latest version of Trimble Positions includes:

    • Automated Session Processor: Optimizes easier, faster GNSS session data processing with a stand-alone tool to perform automated check-in, postprocessing and feature updates.
    • Project Wizard: Saves time and avoids errors by guiding users through a step-by-step project set-up featuring streamlined administration screens.
    • ArcGIS Online Hosted Features Services: Gives users the ability to select ArcGIS Online hosted feature services as a data source allowing them to directly pull their project data from ArcGIS Online into their field collection projects.
    • Trimble Enhanced GPS Device Support: Positions software is now compatible with the Trimble Juno 5 enhanced GPS handheld and Yuma 2 enhanced GPS rugged tablet for increased choice of device and accuracy level that can be achieved.
    • Mean Sea Level Heights: Provides greater flexibility by including an option to utilize a geoid model for measuring heights, in addition to the existing ellipsoid model option.
    • Integration with TerraFlex Software: Saves time by streamlining data transfer between TerraFlex mobile data collection software and ArcGIS for Desktop. This feature integrates the TerraFlex Desktop add-in with the Trimble Positions Desktop add-in to remove the need for separate installations. In addition, fast and easy interoperability is enabled through TerraFlex projects support in the Positions project wizard.
    • Support for Trimble RTX technology-enabled Geo 7X handhelds: Provides autonomous, real-time submeter positioning in cellular environments with access to Trimble RTX services for Geo 7X users.

    “Our customers expect high-quality data, and we need to give them the most efficient means of collecting and managing that data too,” said Alain Samaha, business area director of GIS and Software for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “Trimble Positions software was specifically developed to meet the needs of our customer that utilize Trimble GNSS devices and Esri workflows. We understand our customers have different requirements and the Trimble Positions solution delivers to meet their needs.”

    The Trimble Positions Desktop Add-In, Mobile Extension, Mobile Project Center and Session Processor are available now through Trimble’s authorized GIS Distribution Channel. The Trimble Positions ArcPad Extension is expected to be available in mid-January 2015.

  • MicroSurvey CAD 2015 Update Released

    MicroSurvey has released MicroSurvey CAD 2015, a major update to its desktop survey and design program for land surveyors and civil engineers.

    The latest release is powered by the all-new IntelliCAD 8 engine and is the first 64-bit version of MicroSurvey CAD. According to Brian Sloman, development manager at MicroSurvey, “The 64-bit architecture allows MicroSurvey CAD 2015 to access and use more system resources, and in a more efficient manner, unlocking the incredible potential of a modern workstation. With the 64-bit version of MicroSurvey CAD 2015, users will experience faster and smoother drafting and calculation operations, and can work with larger drawings and more points.”

    MicroSurvey CAD 2015 can read and write the latest .dwg files for compatibility with AutoCAD 2015 and has improved object enablers for drawings from Civil 3D. It also includes several new capabilities driven by requests submitted by users through MicroSurvey’s online feature request system. For example,  layer filters and layer states have been integrated directly into the IntelliCAD Explorer; a dynamic licensing system makes it easy to switch product levels; the AutoMAP Library, which controls how points and figures are presented, has been enhanced with new capabilities; bearings and azimuths of lines can now be instantly viewed in alternate reference systems; the point clusters tool lets you draw exaggerated error vectors for visually comparing coordinate changes between design and as-built points or during deformation studies; additional point cloud data formats are supported; and much more. (Watch the videos here.)

    MicroSurvey CAD is compatible with field data from all major total stations and data collectors and is fully compatible with AutoCAD. It includes complete survey drafting, COGO, DTM, traversing, volumes, contouring, point cloud manipulation and data collection interfacing. No plug-ins or modules are necessary. In addition to the 64-bit version, a 32-bit version of the software is also available.

    To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

  • Topcon Provides Software Add-on for Autodesk Integration

    Topcon Positioning has launched an eXchange software solution add-on for AutoCAD Civil 3D civil engineering design software. It is designed to save time by converting AutoCAD Civil 3D design data into files compatible with Topcon 3D construction solutions as well as the MAGNET software system.

    “Topcon eXchange enables construction site model designers and CAD experts to remain comfortable within their Autodesk software environments,” said Jason Hallett, vice president of global product management.  “Once design data is ready to be sent to an active project site, Topcon eXchange simply converts the Civil 3D design information — even complex road designs with defined corridors — into Topcon standard file formats, such as MJF (MAGNET Field job) for land surveying and construction layout, and TP3 (3D Topcon Project File) for machine control systems.

    “For years, the MAGNET system of software solutions has proven that easy and secure connectivity leads to measureable productivity and the new Topcon eXchange add-on is no different. After installation, users are offered the ability to log in to their own private and secure cloud-based company account from within Civil 3D, providing access to all of the project-related data that they have stored in MAGNET Enterprise,” said Hallett.

    The Topcon eXchange add-on is designed to provide a workflow for office staff to export original 3D design data for upload to the Topcon cloud.

    “Topcon eXchange bridges the geo-centric data between Autodesk’s Civil 3D and Topcon mobile workforce applications,” Hallett said.

  • Is Severe Weather Coming Your Way? Check Out Esri’s Map

    Esri-severe-weather-map-W

    Esri is offering a Severe Weather Public Information Map that charts instances of severe weather throughout the United States and Canada. Weather events tracked include snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, hail storms, wind storms, and short-term weather warnings issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    The map features live feed layers. Users can click on reports and warnings to receive information about the specific location and read a short description about the issue. Radar is provided by AccuWeather and Environment Canada as part of the Esri Disaster Response Program.

  • Trimble Introduces New Solution for Interior Wall Layout

    Trimble is now offering Spectra Precision QML800 QuickMark Layout, a new solution that automates the layout of interior points and walls. The QML800 allows drywall and interior contractors to quickly and efficiently lay out points for interior building construction.

    With QML800, two lasers create a bright visible “X” directly on the point for easy, quick marking. The lasers are controlled by the mobile application running on with an Android tablet that stores the point files. When a point is selected, the lasers position the “X” at that point in less than 5 seconds. For brightest conditions, a laser pointer accessory easily aids in finding the laser beams.

    “The interior drywall contractor faces many challenges and complexities regarding scheduling, trade conflicts and layout accuracy. They need better tools and technologies that provide a quicker method of layout than tape measures,” said Mike Bank, general manager of Trimble’s Precision Tools business. “The QML800 is an affordable solution that addresses these challenges and automates the interior wall layout process.”

    On the jobsite, there are many potential causes for errors. The QML800 laser accuracy is typically 1/8 inch (3 mm), easily meeting most jobsite requirements. Misinterpreting drawings and tape measure reading errors are eliminated. Because each point is laid out independently, compounding errors from one bad point to another is eliminated. Complicated shapes, arcs and curves are now easy to layout. Multiple methods of simple point file creation are possible including CAD freeware, Excel spreadsheets and manual entry. Points can also be entered directly on the tablet at the jobsite as needed.

    The QML800 is designed to be used by layout crews without a surveying background. The tablet is intuitive with the normal swipe, scroll and enlarge functions. Compared to the traditional drawing and tape measure process, the QML800 saves labor, reduces errors and increases productivity. The solution is fast, accurate and easy to use.

    The Spectra Precision QML800 is expected to be available late November through the Spectra Precision global dealer network.

  • Interactive Senate Maps Seek to Explain International Issues

    The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is offering a new webpage with a variety of interactive international maps using GIS technology.

    From showcasing maps reflecting worldwide GDP growth rates and unemployment rates, to highlighting Freedom House’s annual country–by–country report on political rights and civil liberties, the newly launched feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website helps visually tell important global stories and trends, the committee said.

    “As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I want to find different ways to engage the public in key foreign policy issues, and the use of GIS technology is one way to do that,” said Chairman Menendez. “These dynamic maps help bring a new dimension to understanding international issues in a quick and visual way. From relaunching the committee’s website, to establishing a committee twitterfeed, and now utilizing this mapping technology, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is reaching out to broader and more diverse audiences to increase engagement on international issues.”

    The chairman’s maps were created using Esri’s Senate Analytical Mapping System, a product provided free–of–charge to congressional offices to conduct research and showcase trends using geospatial data visualizations.

    A screengrab of the new map feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.
    A screengrab of the new map feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.

  • LizardTech Updates Educational Licensing Program

    LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing digital content, is offering its complete product line to the students and faculty of higher education institutions for use in a research and teaching environment. Included in the program are the latest versions of GeoExpress, Express Server, LiDAR Compressor, and GeoGofer.

    To promote research and learning, LizardTech has included GeoExpress 9 in the educational licensing program. GeoExpress is a tool for compressing, manipulating, and viewing geospatial imagery. LizardTech has also included Express Server 9, an image server that students and faculty can use to share geospatial imagery with other researchers and students around the world. Because LizardTech software was designed with integration in mind, students can streamline their workflow by exporting imagery from GeoExpress directly to Express Server, LizardTech said.

    The educational licensing program also includes LiDAR Compressor, which turns giant point-cloud datasets into efficient MrSID files, and GeoGofer, the newest addition to the LizardTech product line. GeoGofer is LizardTech’s new organizational tool which includes search and filter features to simplify the process of finding and accessing imagery.

    Universities, schools, and research programs can get access to one of the two education bundles offered by the educational licensing program. The first educational license bundle includes one Express Server 9 license, one LiDAR compressor license, five GeoGofer licenses, and three GeoExpress 9 floating licenses with a three terabyte network data cartridge. With this bundle, the first year of support and maintenance is required and costs $1,999. From the second year onward, the annual support and maintenance fee will be $1,999 for each year.

    The second LizardTech educational license bundle includes one Express Server 9 license, two LiDAR Compressor licenses, 10 GeoGofer licenses, and 10 GeoExpress 9 floating licenses with one 10 terabyte network cartridge. The first year of support and maintenance is required and costs $2,999. From the second year onward, the annual support and maintenance fee will be $2,999 for each year.

    The software is provided at no cost to educational institutions as a right-to-use license. The license is valid for one year from the date that support was purchased and will be renewed on an annual basis upon receipt of payment for technical support and maintenance.

    “LizardTech realizes the importance of supporting academic institutions in their training of the next generation of geospatial professionals,” said Jon Skiffington, LizardTech’s director of product management. “By providing our entire geospatial line of products LizardTech is giving students and faculty the latest tools to compress and manipulate massive geospatial imagery and distribute it via the Internet to any device.”

    To learn more visit the educational licensing program page.

  • TomTom MultiNet-R Speeds Maps to the Market

    TomTom is making available MultiNet-R, a new map format for business customers. MultiNet-R offers TomTom customers accurate and up-to-date maps that can be quickly integrated into their products, the company said.

    “With MultiNet-R, we leverage the strength of our new transactional mapmaking platform to bring customers the next generation in maps: real-time maps,” said Charles Cautley, managing director of TomTom Maps. “TomTom can now deliver high-quality map updates faster than any other mapmaker on the market. This combination of speed and quality ensures the best end user experience.”

    MultiNet-R delivers rich content and coverage in a database model that features stable IDs and seamed content layers for easy compilation, according to TomTom. Additionally, MultiNet-R can power incremental map updates, enabling maps to be kept up-to-date without the need to install a full map update.  The global, full-feature MultiNet-R will be released monthly in 2015 and weekly in 2016.

    TomTom said it has perfected a highly efficient hybrid approach to mapmaking that optimizes professional methods with community input from hundreds of millions of users who actively share map changes, resulting in a map that is accurate and up-to-date.

    For more information, visit www.tomtom.com.

  • Scene Sharp Technologies Introduces Fuze Go MS Sharp 2.1

    Scene Sharp Technologies Inc. has launched Fuze Go MS Sharp Release 2.1, which can pansharpen up to 30 bands of satellite image data consistently and accurately without losing information, according to the company.

    The multi-band, lossless pansharpening product makes Fuze Go MS Sharp the software of choice for processing advanced visible and non-visible image data from WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 satellites, the company said. A 15-day trial is available.

    Fuze Go MS Sharp 2.1 was developed in response to extensive customer input regarding technical features as well as the functional experience for the user. It automates the image fusion process by adjusting to sensor and seasonal variations in each individual satellite image data set. This eliminates manual labor or the need to switch algorithms to find one that works for a given data set. The result is a faster workflow process that reduces production costs and provides more critical information for decision making.

    Release 2.1 is a universal image processing tool in the sense that input files can include the most common data formats, such as TIFF (.tif), Erdas Imagine (.img) or ENVI (.hdr) (.dat). Output files can be converted to one of these alternate formats easily allowing the technologist to move between image-processing workflow systems.

    The new MS Sharp release is available as an annual subscription for a single computer license or as a three- or six-person floating system license. Batch processing and integration into value added products are custom options that are also available. MS Sharp is available as a plug-in for ENVI 5.0, 5.1 and 5.2, or as a stand-alone product.

    “Fuze Go MS Sharp Release 2.1 is ideal for organizations that have satellite image data and need software to automate their workflow,” said Ian Lucas, Scene Sharp Technologies CEO. “The ability to process any number of bands means adding more information for analytics so you can get more value out of the image data you are purchasing.”

  • Trimble Releases SketchUp 2015 for Intuitive Information Modeling Process

    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp
    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp.

    Trimble has released SketchUp 2015, the latest version of its 3D modeling software for architects, engineers, design and construction professionals. The release marks Trimble’s second update to the SketchUp software this year and underscores the company’s continued focus on enhancing the platform to make SketchUp faster, more user-friendly and reliable, Trimble said.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    With a SketchUp user community expanding by more 30 million unique activations in the past year, enhancements to SketchUp 2015 have been designed to deepen and enrich the user experience, while keeping it intuitive. New features make it easier and faster to create, access, share and collaborate on 2D drawings and 3D models, Trimble said.

    SketchUp 2015 offers 64-bit support for Windows or Mac, while IFC file import capabilities allows back-and-forth sharing of IFC files between SketchUp Pro and any other application.

    “For the second release of SketchUp this year, we set out to make enhancements to the platform that might seem simple, but go a long way toward making SketchUp more enjoyable and impactful for our user community,” said John Bacus, director of SketchUp product management at Trimble. “For example, as interoperability continues to be the cornerstone of collaboration among architecture, engineering and construction professionals, the IFC file import is an important addition because it opens up the options for professionals to participate in the information modeling process, sharing files with ease, regardless of the software program.”

    Fast, Flexible and Powerful

    • 64-bit Support: In addition to continued support for 32-bit systems, SketchUp Pro 2015 is available in a 64-bit version for Windows and Mac. Trimble also now offers cross-platform support for all licenses, along with cloud-based license management and checkout capabilities for network licenses.
    • IFC Import: In addition to export, SketchUp Pro users can now share models between Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and apply industry standard types that stay with the model as it travels with SketchUp 2015’s new IFC file import.
    • Ruby API and Extension Warehouse Enhancements: A variety of improvements to SketchUp’s Ruby API (application programming interface) and to the Extension Warehouse of SketchUp plug-ins and add-ons makes it easier than ever for developers to build and share great new tools. Developers can now access and modify information modeling classifications via the Ruby API.
    • Faster Core: Models render faster with core modeling performance improvements including faster explode, intersect and Fast Styles.

    More Easy-to-Use Tools

    • Professional Drafting: Using SketchUp’s LayOut 2D drawing and documentation tool, users can manage drawings more easily and display more data from their information models, applying object classifications in SketchUp and easily accessing that info in LayOut using an enhanced annotation tool.  
    • Modeling Tools: With the addition of a 3-point Arc tool, users can now draw arced edges four different ways. A new Rotated Rectangle tool allows for drawing precise rectangles unbound by default axes.
    • Expanded 3D Warehouse: New models of popular brand-name building products are added to 3D Warehouse every day, greatly expanding SketchUp’s free content offering. With over 2.5 million models, 3D Warehouse offers SketchUp users a vast array of free models to choose from. A new “Likes” feature lets users tell the world when they’ve found a great model.  

    SketchUp 2015 also facilitates collaboration with data and files from other Trimble products.

    • As a “Trimble Connected” product, SketchUp Pro 2015 leverages the new Trimble Connect collaboration environment for design, engineering and construction projects. Based on recently acquired Gehry Technologies’ GTeam™ software, Trimble Connect enables teams to access and manage project data via a cloud platform. A Trimble Connect extension is available in the Extension Warehouse.
    • SketchUp Pro 2015 also supports 3D CAD and BIM services for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors through the new Trimble MEPdesigner for SketchUp platform, which enables contractors to quickly and easily migrate from a 2D to 3D work environment.  
    • Calibrated panoramic photos can be loaded directly into SketchUp 2015 from the Trimble V10 Imaging Rover to quickly model as-built conditions.

    Every SketchUp 2015 download starts with a 30-day trial of Pro features. Pro licenses can be used on a Mac or a PC.

  • LandWorks Adds Digital Parcel Polygon Data to Online Offerings

    LandWorks, Inc., a developer land management solutions, has added individual parcel polygons to its cloud-based offering of GIS-ready map products. Clients can now search, purchase and download digital parcel data sets with related attributes directly from the LandWorks website — in orders as small as a single parcel — at a cost of $2 per parcel.

    LandWorks developed the online parcel purchase application for industries and professions that need up-to-date surface land ownership information in their GIS. Some of the sectors already taking advantage of LandWorks’ online offerings include utilities, oil and gas, pipelines, real estate, banking, departments of transportation, renewable energy and mining.

    “The main benefits of buying parcel data from the LandWorks website are affordability and instant access,” said LandWorks President Jerry Bramwell. “Until now, digital map users had to order parcel polygon products by the county and then wait two to three weeks for delivery.”

    On the LandWorks website, there is no minimum or maximum purchase limit. The customer simply logs onto the parcel data page and searches for the desired parcel or parcels. The user may graphically select the desired parcels by searching and clicking on a map display or by uploading a spreadsheet containing the county tax parcel ID numbers.

    “The online database accessed through the LandWorks website contains parcel data for most of the United States,” said Bramwell. “This data comes from county assessor files or is manually digitized from paper plats and is updated quarterly.”

    The LandWorks site keeps track of desired parcels during the search process. When the user is ready, the website reports the number of parcels that have been selected and their total cost calculated at $2 per parcel. The user can add or delete parcels as desired. The user then decides to purchase the parcel polygons in either NAD 27 or NAD 83 map datum. Prior to purchase, the site gives the user the option of receiving the digital data sets in Esri shapefile or file geodatabase format. Each parcel polygon is delivered with key attributes — parcel number, parcel address, owner name/address, and official legal description.

    The digital parcel polygons come ready for download directly into Esri ArcGIS software as well as other popular mapping systems such as IHS Petra, IHS Kingdom and LMKR GeoGraphix.

  • ArcGIS Runtime SDK for the Microsoft .NET Framework Now Available

    Esri has released the first commercial version of ArcGIS Runtime SDK for the Microsoft .NET Framework. This software development kit (SDK) joins Esri’s line of Runtime products, including iOS, Mac OS X, Android, Java, Qt, and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET has been built as a new, shared API across native app platforms promoted by Microsoft.

    Using the new ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET, developers can integrate ArcGIS into Windows apps for desktop and mobile platforms. The SDK includes a wide range of online or offline mapping functionality including editing, routing, geocoding, spatial analysis, and data visualization.

    Windows Store apps are new types of apps that run on Windows 8.1 devices and emphasize streamlined content with a consistent, touch-friendly user experience. Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 8.1 support a shared development experience to build universal apps on a common Windows Runtime. ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET lets developers use XAML and C# to embed ArcGIS capabilities into location-aware, universal apps for the latest Windows devices.

    To get an app to market quickly, developers can use the same development and deployment model across all the Esri ArcGIS Runtime SDKs with unified licensing. Download any of the Runtime SDKs at no cost and get access to Basic and Standard functionality for development and testing purposes. To deploy an app for offline use, applications must be licensed at the Standard level.

    WPF developers also can migrate new and existing applications created with ArcGIS Runtime SDK for WPF to the new ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET.

    For more information on ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET or to get started, visit developers.arcgis.com.