Tag: GIS software

  • u-blox Launches Wi-Fi / Bluetooth ‘Internet of Things’ Module

    u-blox' ODIN-W160, a rugged multiradio module.
    u-blox’ ODIN-W160, a rugged multiradio module.

    u-blox has announced the ODIN-W160, a rugged multiradio module for demanding industrial, vehicle, medical, and security applications.

    “u-blox’ compact ODIN-W160 module is perfect for small sensor applications in rugged environments, where faultless operation 24/7 is a requirement,” says Herbert Blaser, vice president of short-range radio at u-blox. “With this module, u‑blox customers can shorten their product development cycle significantly by integrating a robust, certified communication solution in their IoT applications.”

    ODIN-W160 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz (U-NII bands 1, 2, 2e, 3), as well as dual-mode Bluetooth v4.0, which includes Bluetooth low-energy and classic Bluetooth (Bluetooth “Smart Ready”).

    The host-based module is designed for a long life cycle, which makes it ideal for infrastructure, building, and automotive implementations. In addition, it extends battery life operation due to its ultra-low power consumption.

    Together with the open-source Linux host driver, the 15 x 22 x 3 mm module minimizes development time to implement short range wireless communications in end-devices. Also, no trimming or tuning is required during manufacturing of customer end-devices, since ODIN-W160 has pre-calibrated radio parameters and MAC address stored in on-board EEPROM.

    ODIN-W160 is in a castellated package, improving visual inspection of end-devices, and comes with a u.fl antenna connector for a wide selection of certified antennas.

    It provides modular radio type approvals for Europe, USA, and Canada (R&TTE, FCC, IC), EMC certification, and Bluetooth qualification.

    u-blox will be at CTIA 2014 / Super Mobility Week in Las Vegas September 9-11,  at Stand 5229, 7611-A. u-blox will also be speaking about solutions for the Internet of Things on September 9, 12.00–12.15 at the Sands Expo — MobileCON Show Floor, stage 3.

  • OmniEarth Completes Acquisition of IRISmaps

    On August 29, OmniEarth completed its acquisition of IRISmaps, Inc., in a stock-for-stock transaction. IRIS provides customized, cloud-based solutions that integrate Earth imagery with geospatial and business data to enable organizations to access information, analyze it, and take action to solve business problems quickly and effectively. The combined companies will be led by OmniEarth CEO, Lars Dyrud.

    “We’re very excited about bringing IRIS into our team. The capabilities they bring will enable OmniEarth to deliver our value-added data stream to subscribers as soon as our constellation goes live,” Dyrud said. “IRIS also brings a portfolio of off-the-shelf products that provide the customer focused analytics platform that is crucial for turning data into insight.”

    IRIS’ portfolio includes asset and environmental monitoring products that have been deployed at major agriculture and energy companies, and in the public sector. Dyrud sees this as a natural fit for OmniEarth, which is focusing its initial business offerings on underserved markets like agriculture and energy.

    With the IRIS acquisition, OmniEarth will be well-positioned to deliver solutions that will inform all phases of energy exploration and development, Dyrud said. Specifically, the company plans to continue IRIS’ energy portfolio products, such as high-consequence area monitoring and thermal steam cycle analysis, as well as establish new ones that combine the talents of the IRIS software developers with rich data fusion and analytics enabled by the planned OmniEarth constellation.

  • GeCo in the Rockies Combines Two Geospatial Conferences

    GeCo in the Rockies — a combined conference of GIS in the Rockies and GeCo West — will be held September 22-26 in Grand Junction, Colorado.

    Two full days of presentations and workshops will showcase the projects, applications, and solutions of geospatial professionals. A special Technology Panel showcases innovators and leaders in the field, who will address “The Future of GIS.”

    LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, will exhibit at the conference and prsesent a workshop titled “Compressed Data Workflow in a GIS Environment” on September 23, hosted by LizardTech’s Regional Territory Manager Genie Hays.

    In the workshop, Hays will introduce the MrSID file format, which provides a complete geospatial workflow, from data acquisition, to access and delivery on desktop and mobile devices. She will demonstrate how to use MrSID files for imagery and LiDAR in industry tools. Her demonstrations of industry tools will include ArcMap, AutoCAD, Global Mapper, Q-GIS, GeoServer, Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer Online, Trimble devices, UAV data samples, and more.

    “We are really excited to share with the GeCo attendees how they can make the most of MrSID data using common industry programs and applications,” Hays said.

    Other Conference Highlights

    The keynote speaker is the founder of What3Words, who will discuss the creation of a universal address system based on words rather than numbers. Also, GeCoX is a premier kick-off event highlighting short, focused talks about the changing technology landscape.

    Esri will provide a hands-on Learning Lab, with an introduction to ArcGIS software in a variety of self-paced training sessions.

    A networking social provides an opportunity to meet the leading businesses in the geospatial industry and learn more about the changing tools, software, hardware, and solutions, and a Student and Career Exploration Breakfast provides an interactive session with education and industry experts to learn, which personal and technical GIS skills are in demand for today’s GIS employee. The breakfast is open to all students for free.

    Learn more at the conference website.

     

  • GeCo in the Rockies Combines Two Geospatial Conferences

    GeCo in the Rockies — a combined conference of GIS in the Rockies and GeCo West — will be held September 22-26 in Grand Junction, Colorado.

    Two full days of presentations and workshops will showcase the projects, applications, and solutions of geospatial professionals. A special Technology Panel showcases innovators and leaders in the field, who will address “The Future of GIS.”

    LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, will exhibit at the conference and prsesent a workshop titled “Compressed Data Workflow in a GIS Environment” on September 23, hosted by LizardTech’s Regional Territory Manager Genie Hays.

    In the workshop, Hays will introduce the MrSID file format, which provides a complete geospatial workflow, from data acquisition, to access and delivery on desktop and mobile devices. She will demonstrate how to use MrSID files for imagery and LiDAR in industry tools. Her demonstrations of industry tools will include ArcMap, AutoCAD, Global Mapper, Q-GIS, GeoServer, Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer Online, Trimble devices, UAV data samples, and more.

    “We are really excited to share with the GeCo attendees how they can make the most of MrSID data using common industry programs and applications,” Hays said.

    Other Conference Highlights

    The keynote speaker is the founder of What3Words, who will discuss the creation of a universal address system based on words rather than numbers. Also, GeCoX is a premier kick-off event highlighting short, focused talks about the changing technology landscape.

    Esri will provide a hands-on Learning Lab, with an introduction to ArcGIS software in a variety of self-paced training sessions.

    A networking social provides an opportunity to meet the leading businesses in the geospatial industry and learn more about the changing tools, software, hardware, and solutions, and a Student and Career Exploration Breakfast provides an interactive session with education and industry experts to learn, which personal and technical GIS skills are in demand for today’s GIS employee. The breakfast is open to all students for free.

    Learn more at the conference website.

     

  • Students Create California Climate Change Map

    A group of Stanford University students has created a story map to show how forces of global change are manifested locally throughout California.

    The map was created to inform the public, businesses and policymakers about the human dimensions of environmental change. By clicking a datapoint on the map, a narrative is revealed. Categories include climate disruption, population change, biodiversity loss, pollutants, and invasives & diseases.in the creation o

    The students were led by graduate student instructors Alexis Mychajliw and Melissa Kemp under the guidance of Professor Elizabeth Hadly.

    View the map here.

    Geo-Map-CA-ClimateChange

    View the map here. this map. Last updated 8/2014.

  • Everbridge Adds Mobile, GIS Enhancements to Unified Critical Communication Suite

    Everbridge has launched a Summer Release of its Unified Critical Communication Suite with new mobile, GIS, and expanded alerting enhancements that enable Everbridge customers to deliver unified critical communications and situational intelligence within the context of their recipient’s needs, roles, and locations.

    As enterprise mobility, BYOD, and other unified communications drivers continue to converge in an increasingly global, yet unpredictable world, organizations deploy Everbridge’s Unified Critical Communication Suite to respond and collaborate during both emergency and operational incidents, the company said.

    The latest release expands upon the recently launched spring release, offering new features designed to unify multi-modal, critical communications for diverse industries, including corporations, state and local government, healthcare, financial services, and higher education. The summer release includes new updates to Everbridge’s recently unveiled IT Alerting solution — specifically designed for IT Operations teams to improve communications and collaboration during incidents, resolving issues faster, and maximizing IT system uptime.

    Additional upgrades to the summer release include:

    PrecisionGIS: Everbridge’s rich GIS functionality now includes three new map-based targeting capabilities:

    • Geofencing: This new feature enables users to draw simple or multiple complex polygons to define boundaries and control the behavior of addresses located inside or outside the “fence.”
    • Custom Base Maps: Everbridge supports commercial mapping applications, including Google, Bing and ESRI, and now enables organizations to overcome existing gaps with commercial maps by customizing the base map used within the Everbridge suite. The base maps can include the geographical or infrastructure information users need to make more informed decisions when preparing and targeting a message.
    • Point-Address Geo-Coding: Users can now manage and provision all addresses down to the parcel level to ensure the data is accurate and precise enough for critical communications. This enables an advanced level of custom and granular geocoding capabilities beyond what is available via commercial geo-coding applications.

    Rich Text Formatting: The Everbridge suite provides enhanced rich text formatting support for email, enabling users to send the right message to the right contact path. Users can now deliver full-featured, unique messages, including entire web pages without modification, optimized for Phone, SMS, Email, and Push Notification contact paths.

    Mobile Enhancements: New mobile device registration simplifies user access and improves Mobile Member opt-in. New enhancements also include “silent mode” override for Android mobile devices to ensure that critical messages get delivered at all times.

    On-the-Go Alerting: This new partner functionality enables users to create and transmit customized alert messages directly from an iPad application. Users can draw affected areas directly on a map, while sending and receiving notifications through IPAWS communications channels.

    On-Call Scheduling: Everbridge now provides robust on-call scheduling to automate outreach to on-call teams with rotating coverage or complex shift changes. Seamlessly integrated with Everbridge notifications, on-call scheduling eliminates the need for manual call lists and handwritten calendars.

    “The new enhancements to our summer release reflect our continuing commitment to product investment and innovation,” said Imad Mouline, CTO of Everbridge. “Our customers are confronted daily with new challenges and opportunities related to mobility, business continuity, emergency notification, secure messaging, and more. We will continue to evolve our suite to meet these challenges—unifying critical communications across modalities and devices on a global scale.”

  • New STAR*NET Tools Make Least Squares Adjustment Faster, Easier

    STAR*NET 8.1
    STAR*NET 8.1

    MicroSurvey Software released STAR*NET 8.1, a new version of the least squares network adjustment suite. With a multitude of new and improved tools, the software makes least squares adjustment even faster and easier, MicroSurvey Software said.

    Several highly requested features have been added based on feedback received directly from STAR*NET users. All network plot display options are now customizable in an intuitive grid view that allows users to control the visibility, color, linetype and size of each network element to graphically differentiate conventional, GPS, and leveling observations. Directional linetypes indicate the direction and number of observations between each network station, and intuitive mouse controls allow for smooth zooming and panning in the network plot.

    Additionally, a new .PRISM inline command lets users apply a correction for measurements that were collected with an incorrect prism offset setting. Support for Google Maps and Google Earth allows users to view and export network stations and connections in popular mapping formats, and a new Level Loop Tolerance Check allows users to instantly verify the vertical closure of level loops or traverses.

    Other changes include:

    • A new Online Updater that makes it easier for users to stay current with the latest STAR*NET updates.
    • A new Data File Monitor that checks for any changes made by an external program to a loaded data file and prompts users to reload files from disk if needed.
    • Improved file references for easy access to corresponding data files directly from the listing.
    • Direct access to all conversion utilities through the Import menu, with help buttons for guidance.
    • Improved MicroSurvey FieldGenius Support, including the ability to convert COGO measurements from raw files as bearing measurement records and to read GPS offset measurements from raw files.
    • Improved Carlson SurvCE Support, including the ability to average shots in multiple sets, convert resection observations as direction sets, and import point descriptions with each vector.
    • Improved Leica DBX Support, including the ability to export all set observations or average set observations for any sets collected with either the Sets of Angles or Traverse applications, export stakeout observations as measurement records, and export check shot deltas as comment records.

    “We’ve created several powerful new productivity tools and wanted to make these immediately available to STAR*NET users,” said Brian Sloman, desktop products manager at MicroSurvey. “The flexible and independent control of conventional, GPS, and leveling data in the network plot, including the new directional arrows which indicate both the direction and number of observations for each network connection, can help you visually identify regions with lower redundancy without having to analyze the listing file. The new .PRISM inline command lets you correct distances without having to make potentially thousands of tedious calculations and manual edits, and the level loop tolerance check lets you immediately confirm whether or not your level loops or traverses fall within the maximum allowable tolerances for a desired standard of accuracy.  Toss in the ability to view your data in Google Earth and Google Maps, and it al all adds up to a faster and easier least squares analysis.”

    STAR*NET 8.1 is a free upgrade for any STAR*NET users who have a valid Maintenance Subscription and Support Plan. A STAR*NET upgrade tour is available at https://www.youtube.com/microsurvey. To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

     

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

  • Esri Offers Interactive Pro Football Hall of Fame Map

    Esri’s updated Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees map is now available.

    Organized by decade, the interactive map lets users explore inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame from the initial class in 1963 to this year’s seven inductees. Users can see where each gridiron great is from and explore biographical information from the Pro Football Hall of Fame about each inductee.

  • Supergeo Hosts Free Online GIS Courses

    Supergeo is providing free online GIS web courses to support real-world case application of GIS technologies. The courses will introduce GIS software on various platforms, from basic to advanced. Through the courses, users can gain geospatial knowledge and  a comprehensive understanding of SuperGIS software operations and applications.

    Supergeo is dedicated to providing total GIS solutions for worldwide users and enabling personnel in diverse domains to apply spatial technologies on various platforms, including desktop, server, mobile devices, and web services. The courses will cover:

    • Desktop GIS: the use and application of SuperGIS Desktop and extensions, analysis functions in SuperGIS Toolkit, and image data processing.
    • Server GIS: Publishing map services and customizing JavaScript map website with SuperGIS Server, the applications of Mobile SDK, and so on.
    • Mobile GIS: Collecting spatial data with smart devices, recording GPS tracklog, viewing waypoints with Augmented Reality in SuperSurv (for iOS), and more.

    For more information, visit the Supergeo Developer Network website or contact [email protected]

  • Epson Launches Next-Generation Large-Format Color Printers

    SureColor-T-Series-Family-W

    Epson America has introduced its next-generation family of large-format color printers — the Epson SureColor T3270, T5270, T7270, T5270D, and T7270D. Available in both single- and now dual-roll models, the SureColor T-Series features the Epson PrecisionCore TFP print head and Epson UltraChrome XD pigment ink to provide technical, corporate and marketing professionals an unprecedented combination of precision, performance and brilliance, the company said. The new line will be available in September.

    “The next-generation of SureColor T-Series printers were designed based on direct feedback from customers who demand cost-effective, versatile and scalable printing solutions,” said Timothy Check, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “The new SureColor T-Series printers not only meet the specific requirements of today’s engineering and scientific professionals, they incorporate the latest in printing technology to create accurate large-format prints well-suited for a variety of projects and applications, ranging from CAD drawings and GIS maps to corporate graphics and retail posters.”

    The Epson SureColor T-Series delivers extreme line accuracy with resolutions up to 2880 x 1440 dpi at incredibly fast speeds — producing a presentation quality D-size plot in as little as 25 seconds, the company said. For increased efficiency, the SureColor T-Series single-roll printers use a horizontal catch basket for enhanced output stacking, while the dual-roll printers feature a high-capacity catch basket for quick retrieval and reduced sorting time.

    In addition, the SureColor T-Series 36- and 44-inch printer models offer an optional multifunction (MFP) module, enabling PC-free full-color scan and copy capabilities — up to 36-inches wide — at best-in-class speeds for added convenience. In addition, ergonomic design with intuitive copy and scan-to-share capabilities ensures seamless integration to maximize workflow performance, Epson said.

    The SureColor T-Series is comprised of five printer models, offering varying performance and feature sets to accommodate a range of printing needs:

    SureColor-T-Series-table-W

    The SureColor T3270, T5270, T7270, T5270D, and T7270D offer a range of value-added features that help lower total cost of ownership and increase productivity, including:

    • Three printer widths: The SureColor T-Series features maximum print widths of 24, 36, and 44 inches, with minimal floor space requirements to fit virtually anywhere.
    • Optional multifunction MFP: An optional upgrade for 36- and 44-inch single- and dual-roll T-Series models, the PC-free MFP Scanner leverages Epson’s REALOID image processing engine to produce crisp color D-size copies in under 40 seconds, and best-in-class color scan speeds up to 6.0 inches per second — maximizing productivity.
    • Epson UltraChrome XD ink: Epson pigmented ink delivers brilliant color and crisp lines on virtually any paper type, as well as truly archival and extremely smudge and water-resistant output; the SureColor T-Series printers are designed to be used exclusively with these specially-formulated inks, and not with other brands of cartridges or inks.
    • Varied ink capacities: To maximize efficiency and keep printing costs low, each of the five ink colors — cyan, magenta, yellow, photo black, and matte black — are available in 110 ml, 350 ml and high-capacity 700 ml cartridge sizes, which can be used interchangeably to accommodate a range of printing needs; all cartridges are front-loading for easy access.
    • Epson PrecisionCore TFP print head: Offers high-performance and consistency for accurate plotting with high-precision line detail and minimum line widths as thin as 0.018 mm, along with variable size ink droplet technology for remarkable photographic print quality
    • Current and future-ready print language: Epson Precision XD printer language sets a new standard for high-performance, high-resolution printing, compatible with today’s latest applications and workflow software
    • Optional internal print server: An internal 320GB print server boosts workgroup productivity by quickly transferring print jobs to free-up workstations; adds print queue management, as well as print job save and reprint functionality.
    • Optional True Adobe Postscript 3 hardware engine: Fastest in-class postscript engine enables direct and hot-folder batch printing and support for secure PDF printing; includes the optional internal print server hardware.
    • Control panel: Full color LCD panel with simple button layout provides quick access to printer features and controls, as well as an intuitive help system for most frequent tasks
    • Professional media handling: Supports virtually any media type in roll or cut-sheet, from plain bond paper to 1.5 mm thick posterboard, for use with a wide variety of print applications.
  • Esri Launches Global Disaster Resilience App Challenge

    Esri and the United Nations are working hard to help communities build resilience to impending twenty-first century disasters. Esri’s Global Disaster Resilience App Challenge is born from the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) campaign “Making Cities Resilient: My City is Getting Ready,” and supports the UN secretary-general’s efforts to accelerate actions that build resilience to climate change. Participating developers will create map tools that help communities see, understand, and prepare for a variety of disasters.

    “This partnership with Esri can help bridge the gap between aspiration and implementation,” said Margareta Wahlström, the head of UNISDR. “It puts the latest science and technology at the disposal of those who have joined the Making Cities Resilient campaign.”

    UNISDR launched the Making Cities Resilient campaign to improve land use and urban planning for more than 1,800 participating cities worldwide. These communities have committed to observe UNISDR resiliency recommendations. Esri is collaborating with UNISDR on the initiative and giving these cities access to its developer technology. Esri invites the developer community to lend a hand and use the ArcGIS platform developer tools.

    Esri launched the Global Disaster Resilience App Challenge to help local, regional, and national governments find the tools they need to reach their goals to become resilient. Developers will build apps relevant to UNISDR’s 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient. Esri will present a $10,000 award each for the best professional/scientific app and the best consumer/public-facing app. Winners will be announced in mid-September, one week before the Climate Summit to be convened by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on September 23.

     

  • Scene Sharp Unveils Fuze Go Plugin for ENVI at Esri User Conference

    Scene Sharp USA has introduced its Fuze Go Plugin for ENVI this week at the Esri User Conference in San Diego. The plugin gives ENVI software users access to Fuze Go MS Sharp, an automated multispectral image fusion software that can simultaneously fuse up to 30 spectral bands of data from inside the ENVI geospatial processing package.

    “The Exelis ENVI software is widely known for its multi- and hyperspectral image processing capabilities and is an ideal platform for geospatial information users to access the automated Fuze Go MS Sharp image fusion software,” said Ian Lucas, President and CEO of Scene Sharp Technologies Incorporated.

    Scene Sharp is demonstrating the Fuze Go plugin along with the full line of Fuze Go software products in booth #410 at the Esri User Conference being held July 14-18 in San Diego.

    The plugin gives users the option of accessing the Fuze Go MS Sharp software either within the ENVI workflow or outside of it so that fusion can be performed as a stand-alone application. This frees up the ENVI software license for other image processing activities. No GIS or image processing experience is needed to utilize the Fuze Go tools.

    Fuze Go is a fully automated technology that enables users to quickly and easily fuse data sets to add color to non-colorized satellite and aerial imagery with just a few mouse clicks. One of its most common applications is pan-sharpening. By colorizing image data, GIS users can visualize and extract richer information content from remotely sensed data to make better informed decisions.

    Also at the 2014 Esri UC, Scene Sharp USA is demonstrating the processing capabilities in its Fuze Go SAR Sharp application, which was designed for more effective exploitation of data captured by satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors. Fuze Go SAR Sharp fuses gray-scale radar data with optical multispectral bands to colorize the SAR data set. The Dynamic Reader allows pre-process on-the-fly viewing of SAR imagery with real-time adjustment of color intensity being added to the scene.

    Fuze Go MS Sharp and SAR Sharp are available for purchase for an annual license fee. Batch processing versions of the software packages are also offered to perform automatic fusion of multiple optical or SAR scenes.