GPS World

Tag: GIS

  • Safe Software Adds Support For ArcGIS 10.1 and AutoCAD Map 3D 2013

    Safe Software announced the release of FME 2012 Service Pack 3 (SP3), which features compatibility with Esri’s newly released ArcGIS 10.1 and support of Autodesk’s 2013 version of AutoCAD Map 3D. FME 2012 SP3’s timely support of the latest versions of these industry-leading programs ensures that FME users can upgrade without issues or delays.

     

    According to the announcement, FME 2012 SP3 allows users dependent on both FME and ArcGIS to upgrade to the newest version of Esri’s software without having to worry about losing functionality of either program. The update will also provide access to several new features including Windows 64bit support for more Geodatabase formats and the ability to write out LAS files produced in FME for use within ArcGIS.

    Safe says it continues to assist AutoCAD Map 3D users through its support of the newly released FDO 3.7 in FME 2012 SP3. This allows the AutoCAD Map 3D 2013 user to directly read and display dozens of FME-supported formats.

    “As with every new version, this latest release of FME demonstrates our commitment to supporting the latest technologies as quickly as possible so that our customers always have access to the most advanced spatial data applications,” says Dale Lutz, Vice President of Development at Safe Software.

    Safe reports that it maintains comprehensive format compatibility and FME remains backwards compatible for users of earlier versions of ArcGIS and FDO. To download FME 2012 SP3 visit www.safe.com/downloads. 

  • Esri Acquires ArcPad Developer Maptel

    Esri announced that it has acquired Maptel, the developer of Esri-branded ArcPad and a mobile application development company based in Melbourne, Australia. The addition of Maptel, who has been the developer for Esri’s ArcPad software for several years, will strengthen Esri’s field data collection capabilities and its overall mobile platform.

    “We have worked side-by-side with Esri for many years,” said Elvin Slavik, lead developer and co-founder, Maptel. “We look forward to growing our relationship, and we are excited about delivering reliable geospatial solutions that empower mobile crews and their organizations.”

    “Maptel’s proven talent and experience in mobile application development will be a valuable asset to Esri,” said Euan Cameron, CTO of Apps and Runtime development, Esri. “Merging our teams will help us better serve ArcPad users and advance our entire range of mobile solutions.”

    According to the announcement, Maptel staff will supplement Esri’s global development team from their existing facilities in Melbourne, Australia. They will continue to develop and support ArcPad with a focus on enhancing integration with the ArcGIS system.

  • Trimble Expands Its Positions Software to Streamline Esri Workflows for Mapping and GIS Applications

    Trimble introduced today the Trimble Positions Mobile extension — a new streamlined choice for integrating Trimble’s GNSS professional field solutions and data verification into the Esri ArcGIS for Windows Mobile environment.

    The Trimble Positions software was first introduced as a development kit to Trimble’s GIS developer community in late 2011. Today, the software suite has expanded to provide a streamlined option for users who wish to work directly with Esri’s ArcGIS for Windows Mobile technology.

    “Now, common Trimble and Esri users have a streamlined workflow between their Trimble devices and the Esri mobile software environment,” said Daniel Wallace, general manager of Trimble’s GIS Data Collection Division. “Because all data is verified and validated before it reaches Esri’s Enterprise GIS, each update adds value, making the geodatabase more reliable and more useful.”

    Using Trimble GNSS receivers, field workers can collect reliable GNSS data for all feature geometries while leveraging the high performance features of Trimble handhelds such as Trimble Floodlight for better productivity in tough GNSS environments. Data can be automatically posted to the enterprise server from the field where Trimble Positions Desktop add-in is used to process and validate the data coming in from field crews. Office administrators can easily check for new sessions, differentially correct the data, and verify that the data meets accuracy requirements before updating the enterprise database at the touch of button, Trimble said.

    This release adds real time and postprocessed corrections support for Trimble’s market-leading GNSS receivers, including the Trimble GeoExplorer, Juno, Nomad and Pro series receivers and is available to order now through authorized Trimble Mapping and GIS resellers. For more information, visit www.trimble.com/positions.

  • GeoEye Signs Two New Seven-Figure GeoEye-1 Imagery Contracts

    GeoEye, Inc. announced that it recently signed seven-figure agreements with two international partners in the Middle East and Asia for both the renewal and expanded use of GeoEye imagery products.

    According to the announcement, the Middle East affiliate has signed a new agreement for access to GeoEye-1 sub half-meter imagery, which is the highest resolution commercial imagery available globally. This affiliate has had an ongoing agreement with GeoEye for IKONOS satellite imagery collection and distribution since 2000. The agreement with the government customer in Asia renewed their access to GeoEye-1’s highly precise imagery products. This customer has had an agreement in place for GeoEye-1 satellite imagery collection since 2009. Both partners have indicated they will integrate GeoEye-1’s high-resolution imagery with their own systems to support regional security and peace missions.

    “Both the Mideast Regional Affiliate and the Asian government customer have been trusted and valued partners for many years,” said Paolo Colombi, GeoEye’s vice president of International Sales. “We appreciate the extension of our partnerships and the expansion of our global footprint that these agreements represent. We look forward to supporting our partners’ mission critical requirements by delivering superior-quality location intelligence regarding these highly sensitive and dynamic regions of the world.”

  • Golden Software Releases Surfer 11

    Golden Software, Inc. announces the release of Surfer 11, a powerful, user-friendly software package which accurately transforms data into presentation-ready maps.

    According to the announcement, Surfer 11 offers twelve different gridding methods, including Kriging with variograms, to convert irregularly spaced XYZ data into a uniform grid. Display a grid or digital elevation model in one of eight fully customizable 2D and 3D map types: contour, watershed, image, shaded relief, 1-grid and 2-grid vector, 3D wireframe, and 3D surface maps. Enhance the display by adding post, classed post and base maps. Contour and 3D maps generated with Surfer are known for their clarity, vibrancy and accuracy.

    Golden Software reports that one of the most popular new features in Surfer 11 is the ability to create watershed maps. Users can now load a grid file to create a watershed map and display catchment basins and stream lines based on the Z data in the grid file.

    In addition to creating watershed maps, users can now load and label base maps with attributes. This has been a top request from current users. Load features into Surfer with attributes, label the features with the attributes, edit the attributes, and export the feature and attribute information together to a new file.

    Golden Software reports that three other time-saving upgrades to Surfer 11 are automatic profiles, interactively measuring distance and area, and locking the position of an item on the page. Users can now simply draw a line on a map and a topographical profile is automatically created! Users can also measure lengths and areas by drawing a line or polygon on a map. The length and area measurements are displayed and updated immediately as the user is drawing the item. Locking the position of an item on the page allows users to create their project with the confidence that their maps, legends and items will stay in the exact same spot that they are laid out.

    Comments from Surfer 11 Beta Testers:

    “Surfer 11 is great, with many long-desired improvements” – John Vanderlaan, President / Geophysicist, Prism Geoimaging, Inc.

    “I fell out of my chair when I read that you can lock object positions!!!!! Love it. Thank you so much” – William E. Steinhart III, Senior Geophysicist Project Manager, Enviroscan, Inc.

  • SuperGeo Releases Super GIS Server 3.1 Value Edition

    SuperGeo released SuperGIS Server 3.1, a comprehensive and server-based GIS that enables organizations to create, manage, integrate and publish a variety of spatial data, images and GIS abilities over the Internet and apply to desktop, mobile and web applications. It allows enterprises to build ideal workflow and improve decision making and productivity.

    According to the announcement, the newly updated SuperGIS Server 3.1 Value Edition provides a new SuperGIS Server Manager so that administrators are allowed to publish and manage GIS services through web browsers. Additionally, SuperGIS Server 3.1 Value Edition adds Web Map Tile Service (WMTS).

    To improve the efficiency of spatial data management, SuperGIS Server 3.1 provides users with SuperGIS Server Map Cache Tool to produce cache maps and maintain map services. Meanwhile, SuperGIS Server 3.1 also improves the integration with open GIS resources and can combine the network analysis abilities of SuperGIS Network Server 3, allowing the administrators to have a more flexible server framework.

  • GeoSpatial Experts Unveils Android Version of GeoJot App

    GeoSpatial Experts released the Android version of its popular GeoJot app for mobile devices. In addition, the GeoJot mobile app and its companion PC-based GPS-Photo Link software have been enhanced to offer automatic wireless data transfer via the cloud, easier attribute collection, and more flexible reporting functions.

    “Used together, GPS-Photo Link and GeoJot comprise an end-to-end system that takes users from field data collection to generating final reports in one seamless process,” said GeoSpatial Experts President Rick Bobbitt.
    According to the announcement, GeoJot apps for Android are available for purchase from the Google Play store. GeoJot for the Apple iPhone and iPad may be purchased from the Apple App Store. GeoSpatial Experts will work with customers directly for larger enterprise licenses of GeoJot and GPS-Photo Link.
    “We are excited to be offering GeoJot for Android, which we created in response to the many Android users who were looking for a simple data collection tool for their field teams,” said Bobbitt.  “Feedback from over 100 beta testers has also helped us to further improve GeoJot on both operating systems making it even more robust and easier to use – particularly for large field teams.”
    In addition to expanding into the Android operating system, GeoSpatial Experts has added to following upgrades GeoJot and GPS-Photo Link:
    • Automatic Data Transfer Using the Cloud — Automatically push photos up to Dropbox as they are taken. Data can then be downloaded on a PC for processing in GPS-Photo Link.
    • Advanced Features for Data Management – New advanced data management features include the ability to select the size of the photos being captured and the ability to create specific storage folders automatically using attributes collected in the field.
    • Barcode/QR Code Reading — Available exclusively for the GeoJot Android version is the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes and save them as attribute values.
    • Attribute List (Form) Creation on the PC– GeoJot users may now compose attribute lists (forms) on their personal computers in GPS-Photo Link rather than on the mobile device. Lists can be locked, specific items can be required, and lists can be emailed to field teams.
    • Review and Improve Data– Through the attribute editor in GPS-Photo Link, QA and QC field data before adding it into spatial and relational database systems.
    • Custom Printed Report Formatting — GPS-Photo Link customers can now further customize the format and presentation of photographs and attributes included in printed reports. Now, one, four or eight photos can be printed on one page with attribute information.

  • Esri Releases ArcGIS for Maritime to Promote Better Chart Production and Data Management

    Esri announced it has released a new solution to support users in port management, maritime transport, coastal management, offshore energy, nautical chart production, and maritime defense. ArcGIS for Maritime: Charting and ArcGIS for Maritime: Bathymetry are part of the ArcGIS system and enable users to create, manage, and share maritime-related data and metadata. Together, these solutions provide a comprehensive geospatial platform for nautical chart production and bathymetric data management.

    “ArcGIS for Maritime will save time and money for organizations that use bathymetric and nautical data,” said Timothy Kearns, maritime program manager, Esri. “In conjunction with Esri partner Quality Positioning Systems [QPS], this solution provides the market with the only end-to-end capability from collecting sensor data to publishing it in the cloud.”

    According to the announcement, ArcGIS for Maritime: Charting (previously Esri Nautical Solution) improves, standardizes, and increases data and workflow management by allowing nautical data to be captured, maintained, and managed in a centralized database. Users can produce electronic, paper, raster, and custom charts as well as integrate their nautical data with other spatial information. Sharing with other groups, including the public, is one of the many advantages of this approach. ArcGIS for Maritime: Charting provides the ability to do the following:

    • Manage data and products in both enterprise and desktop environments
    • Integrate with other spatial information to create custom charts for a variety of industries
    • Publish data and metadata internally or to the public through web services

    ArcGIS for Maritime: Bathymetry solves challenges traditionally found in the hydrographic community such as the creation of nonstandard metadata and data duplication that leads to massive amounts of stored data. Now, bathymetric data and metadata can be indexed, searched, and modeled for more efficient management. ArcGIS for Maritime: Bathymetry allows organizations to do the following:

    • Visualize bathymetric data by querying and filtering entire data holdings on the fly based on metadata and spatial location
    • Compose multiple datasets into a seamless bathymetric surface model in real time without data duplication
    • Harness the power of GIS technology for analysis, production, and sharing

  • TerraGo Acquires Geosemble Technologies

    TerraGo Technologies Inc. has acquired the complementary software products and technologies of Manhattan Beach, CA-based Geosemble Technologies Inc. Terms between the privately held companies were not disclosed. Both firms are In-Q-Tel portfolio companies.

    According to the announcement, Geosemble’s flagship product, GeoXray automates the process of discovering, geospatially visualizing, monitoring and sharing relevant unstructured information from any source. The software mines and processes content from news, blogs and social media and analyzes data by place, time and topic. GeoXray decreases the amount of time analysts spend sifting through big data and produces more germane information specific to an area of interest. The solution, which is used by a number of intelligence agencies, frees analysts to spend more time on quality analysis and enables better collaboration with peers, decision makers and field personnel.

    TerraGo reports that the strategic acquisition of Geosemble builds on TerraGo’s growing geospatial intelligence applications and reports expertise. The combined companies’ solutions will now enable users to selectively discover relevant spatial content; compose dynamic, interactive geospatial intelligence applications and reports; and collaborate in online and disconnected environments. The new TerraGo suite of solutions will facilitate enhanced situational awareness and actionable intelligence for better planning, improved decision making and faster response.

    Founded in December of 2004, TerraGo reported that Geosemble is a spin-off from the University of Southern California (USC). Its founders are computer science faculty members and originally developed the company’s core artificial intelligence and geospatial data analysis algorithms at USC. The technology has since been strengthened and refined to apply to a range of government and commercial user needs focused on automatically discovering and integrating information into satellite and aerial imagery and maps. The Geosemble business and technical team will be brought into TerraGo as the Geosemble solutions group, and the office in Manhattan Beach will be expanded to accommodate additional engineering staff as well as support resources to serve TerraGo’s growing West Coast customer base. Both firms are In-Q-Tel portfolio companies. 

    “The strategic acquisition of Geosemble will enable our customers to discover, visualize, monitor and share geospatial intelligence relevant to their operations and areas of interest,” said TerraGo Pres. and CEO Rick Cobb. “We warmly welcome our new colleagues to the TerraGo team, which, as always, remains committed to our tradition of product innovation and dedication to customer success.”

    “This union is a perfect fit for Geosemble since TerraGo brings valuable distribution, implementation and customer support capability to Geosemble’s products, in addition to TerraGo’s own valuable suite of complementary technology. The combined resources of our companies will enable us to further develop advanced geospatial intelligence solutions for our existing defense and intelligence customers as well as others in crisis management, public safety and a wide range of commercial businesses,” said Andre Doumitt, former Geosemble CEO and now TerraGo vice president of business development for Geosemble solutions.

  • Esri Acquires Location Analytics Developer GeoIQ

    Esri announced that GeoIQ, a small geo-location company based in Arlington, Virginia, will be joining their organization. The addition of GeoIQ’s team will strengthen Esri’s capabilities in the areas of user experience design, web development and cloud-based applications.

    "We are excited to join the Esri family, integrating our technology and extending the Esri platform,” says Sean Gorman, founder of GeoIQ.  “Esri’s approach to ‘GIS for Everyone’ is transformational in the industry and is very closely aligned with GeoIQ’s vision, so we are extremely excited about working together.” 

    “We believe this will help us supplement our capabilities in delivering simple geospatial solutions for our customers around the world as well as the rapidly growing web developer and content delivery communities,” said Jack Dangermond, president, Esri.

    According to the announcement, GeoIQ staff will join Esri at a new software development center located in Washington, D.C. and extend the ArcGIS platform with special emphasis on federal government clients in the areas of self-service mapping, analytics, big data, content streaming and social media. This center will also support web developers that are focusing on geo-enabling their web solutions with Esri’s geospatial platform. Existing GeoIQ users will continue to be supported. 

  • Google Lowers Pricing and Simplified Limits with Google Maps API

    In it's developers blog, Google announced that it will lower API usage fees and simplifying limits for both Styled and regular maps. According to the announcement:

     

    • Changes to pricing. While the Maps API remains free for the vast majority of sites, some developers were worried about the potential costs. In response, we have lowered the online price from US $4 per 1,000 map loads to 50¢ per 1,000 map loads.
    • Simplified limits. We’re eliminating the previous distinction between Styled Maps and regular unstyled maps. The same usage limits and pricing now apply to applications using Styled Maps and the default Google Maps style.

    Google reports they're beginning to monitor Maps API usage starting today, June 22, 2012, and based on current usage, fees will only apply to the top 0.35% of sites regularly exceeding the published limits of 25,000 map loads every day for 90 consecutive days. The application of these limits is not automated, so if your site consistently uses more than the free maps allowance we’ll contact you to discuss your options. Your map will not stop working due to a sudden surge in popularity.

    We hope the changes we’re announcing today will help you continue to deliver the most innovative maps experience to your users. If you have any questions or concerns please post to the Google Maps API forums or contact the Google Maps API for Business Sales team using this form. We look forward to helping you build great Maps applications for many years to come.

    Posted by Thor Mitchell, Product Manager, Google Maps API

  • Esri Releases ArcGIS for Windows Mobile 3.0

    Esri announced the release of ArcGIS for Windows Mobile 3.0 and its availability for download from the Esri Customer Care site.

    According to the announcement, with a new name and a new version number, ArcGIS for Windows Mobile 3.0 includes significant enhancements and improvements to the user experience, architecture and deployment of mobile solutions.
     
     
    Here are a just a few highlights of 3.0:
     
    Creating and Managing Field Projects
     
    • Simplified Project Management – with the 3.0 release you can include mobile caches, basemaps and project extensions inside the mobile projects you create. So all you need to do is pull or push the project to your device and it will unpack and manage the offline data content as well as any and all extensions.
    • Project and Service Validation – the Mobile Project Center includes a validation framework that will ensure the integrity of your field projects by detecting, notifying and recommending changes before you publish out to your field workers.
    • Qualify Map Layers for Synchronization – 3.0 simplifies the way you synchronize changes between the client and server. You can fully qualify the behavior of map layers inside of the project so your field workers need not worry about the details of synchronizing edits/changes.

    Using the ArcGIS Application (Windows Mobile)

    • GPS – the integration and use of GPS has improved considerably. First time install walks you through a process of configuring GPS for use with your device, now you can view GPS position info on top of the map using the GPS info bar, navigate to a feature using a GPS compass, auto-populate GPS information when creating new features, and create new features using a simplified collection process (single shot GPS collection).
    • Attachments – now you can attach media to your features. Using Geodatabase Attachments you can capture many photos per feature and you can attach other media types to features that are both editable and read-only (pdfs, docs, videos, etc). Attachments are fully supported for offline use on your device and special consideration is taken during the synchronization process as well.
    • Feature Editing – now you can update the location of existing features and in a field-savvy way! Explore new workflows for data capture/editing with the ability to extend a line or replace the portion of a feature using GPS.
    • Auto-populate and user identity – with 3.0 you can greatly simplify the collection of attributes by automatically populating values such as GPS information, the user identity and date/time of capture, and more.
    According to the ArcGIS Resource Center Blog, ArcGIS for Windows Mobile 3.0 is a really big release and there is a lot to discuss. Look for more articles on focused enhancements, workflow improvements and more coming soon. For a list of what is new, check out the documentation available on the Resource Center.