DigitalGlobe has received a third customer commitment for direct access capacity on the WorldView-4 satellite, bringing the total in commitments for both WorldView-3 and WorldView-4 to $335 million. The WorldView-4 satellite will provide 30-cm imagery, the highest resolution commercially available, to international defense and intelligence customers.
WorldView-4 is scheduled to launch in September and begin commercial operations of gathering digital imagery in early 2017. DigitalGlobe is a global provider of commercial high-resolution Earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions.
Artist’s depiction of the WorldView-4 satellite (previously named GeoEye-2). Photo: Digital Globe
Since the end of the third quarter of 2015, DigitalGlobe has received contracts and letters of intent from international defense and intelligence customers totaling $335 million for capacity on WorldView-3 and WorldView-4, representing $38 million of incremental annual revenue starting in 2017.
DigitalGlobe accelerated the launch of WorldView-4 to meet strong international demand for the world’s highest resolution commercial satellite imagery, and these pre-launch commitments ensure that the satellite will begin generating revenue in early 2017.
Approximately 60 percent of this potential future revenue is under firm contract. While there is no assurance that revenue reflected in the letters of intent will turn into contracts, this has historically been the case.
WorldView-4 revenue is expected to start to be recognized in the first quarter of 2017.
“The fact that we have this level of commitment from multiple international customers — more than half in the form of firm contracted revenue — this far in advance of the WorldView-4 launch is unprecedented,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, DigitalGlobe president and chief executive officer. “It is a testament to the unique value of our resolution and accuracy and our long history of performance with these customers who rely on us for the safety and security of their nations.”
With the most advanced constellation of satellites in orbit, DigitalGlobe is investing in the best technology to meet the growing needs of its customers. The company has been upgrading the ground stations of its Direct Access Program customers to a common architecture to fulfill the demand for rapid access to the entire DigitalGlobe constellation and offer more imaging opportunities to these customers. Four of these Constellation Direct Access Facilities are now online, with a fifth ground station expected to be upgraded in the second quarter and all facilities upgraded for full constellation access by early 2017.
“We are in discussion with many other nations interested in our high resolution, high accuracy 30 cm satellite imagery, and the launch of WorldView-4 will allow us to satisfy unmet customer demand across much of the world,” said Daniel L. Jablonsky, DigitalGlobe general counsel and general manager for International Defense & Intelligence. “The investments we are making to enhance our customers’ direct access facilities will expedite access to WorldView-4 in 2017 and allow us to provision additional access facilities with greater speed and efficiency.”
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.”
Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world, and detailed satellite information includes a skyplot tracking each visible satellite.
Eos Positioning Systems has introduced a comprehensive RTK NTRIP app for Android that works with its Arrow line of RTK GNSS receivers. An Arrow GNSS receiver combined with the NTRIP app turns an Android smartphone or tablet into a powerful data collector capable of recording 1-centimeter accurate GIS data in real-time.
“We designed Eos Tools Pro for the RTK user,” said Chief Technology Officer Jean-Yves Lauture. ”It is, by far, the most comprehensive NTRIP app for Android on the market today, turning smartphones and inexpensive Android tablets into powerful high-precision GNSS data collection devices.“
The app, named Eos Tools Pro, has user-configurable audible and visual alarms to alert the user of high PDOP, lost RTK correction, unacceptable correction age and several other important metrics. It supports all current and future constellations — GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou.
The Arrow 200 by Eos Positioning Systems.
To eliminate any confusion as to which GPS/GNSS device the user’s app is using, Eos Tools Pro features a dropdown menu so the user may select any receiver the Android device has been paired with.
“The Eos Tools Pro app enables Android devices running Esri’s Collector app on Android smartphones and tablets to collect data as accurate as 1cm when connected to an Arrow GNSS receiver,” said Esri Product Manager Jeff Shaner. “It’s a big leap forward to enable Collector to serve the high-precision GNSS user.”
Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world. Detailed satellite information such as a skyplot that plots each visible satellite, whether it’s being used or not, and signal strength bar graphs from each constellation are also displayed. Finally, a Terminal screen displays the NMEA data flowing and allows the user to send commands to the receiver.
Eos Tools Pro and Arrow receivers are targeted at high-accuracy applications like GIS; environmental; agriculture; electric, gas, water utilities; surveying; machine control; and federal, state, and local government.
Eos Positioning Systems has introduced a comprehensive RTK NTRIP app for Android that works with its Arrow line of RTK GNSS receivers. An Arrow GNSS receiver combined with the NTRIP app turns an Android smartphone or tablet into a powerful data collector capable of recording 1-centimeter accurate GIS data in real-time.
“We designed Eos Tools Pro for the RTK user,” said Chief Technology Officer Jean-Yves Lauture. “It is, by far, the most comprehensive NTRIP app for Android on the market today, turning smartphones and inexpensive Android tablets into powerful high-precision GNSS data collection devices.“
The app, named Eos Tools Pro, has user-configurable audible and visual alarms to alert the user of high PDOP, lost RTK correction, unacceptable correction age and several other important metrics. It supports all current and future constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou).
To eliminate any confusion as to which GPS/GNSS device the user’s app is using, Eos Tools Pro features a dropdown menu so the user may select any receiver the Android device has been paired with.
“The Eos Tools Pro app enables Android devices running Esri’s Collector app on Android smartphones and tablets to collect data as accurate as 1cm when connected to an Arrow GNSS receiver,” said Esri Product Manager Jeff Shaner. “It’s a big leap forward to enable Collector to serve the high-precision GNSS user.”
Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world. Detailed satellite information such as a skyplot that plots each visible satellite, whether it’s being used or not, and signal strength bar graphs from each constellation are also displayed. Finally, a Terminal screen displays the NMEA data flowing and allows the user to send commands to the receiver.
Eos Tools Pro and Arrow receivers are targeted at high-accuracy applications like GIS; environmental; agriculture; electric, gas, water utilities; surveying; machine control; and federal, state, and local government.
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 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.
3D Services is expanding its services to offer underwater 3D laser scanning in addition to standard 3D laser scanning and aerial surveying.
This new service is designed for underwater inspections. Previously, sonar technology was the main solution for underwater inspections, modeling and measurements. However, sonar does not provide the level of detail necessary for many underwater projects, the Connecticut-based company said.
3D Services is able to provide high-resolution scans and accurate 3D models of underwater structures or topography. It can instantaneously and repeatedly capture accurate data points within less than 1 mm and with a resolution of .01 mm.
The high detail provides the data needed to avoid risks and serious liability-related costs, as well as provide higher quality, more accurate data than before.
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.
Users 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.
ProDrone has announced its new Ultimate Flying Platform line featuring a static mount capable of lifting and integrating with several DLSR cameras. The company stated in a news release it will be demonstrating the new system at CES 2016 in booth No. 25417, held Jan. 6–9 in Las Vegas. The new mounts will be available for sale in Q2 2016, with new features and capabilities being added in Q3 2016.
“This marks the first time a consumer drone has been able to integrate with heavier DSLR cameras, increasing the ease and value of producing super high quality aerial photography,”ProDrone stated in the news release.
The ProDrone Byrd, best known for its unique ability to fold up to the size of an iPad for hyper portability, has now added another unique ability by introducing a static mount for DSLRs. The new mount is integrated with several Sony cameras — DSC-RX100M4, ILCE6000 and a7RII — and the RICOH GR2. The system is also available with limited operations for the Panasonic GH4, Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera BMD and the Canon 5DIII. Full integration will be available for all these cameras by Q2 2016, the company says.
“With the drone market maturing, it becomes obvious that a flying platform that integrates with the world’s best cameras is the best option for the most people,” said Joseph Haagensen, community manager for ProDrone. “A lot of people have been asking for integration with the top cameras they already use for photography. This was the basis for our Ultimate Flying Platform line that we’ll continue to expand with more cameras and stabilized gimbals. At the end of the day, the ProDrone Byrd will be the only drone anyone will need to buy.”
With each of the Sony cameras, users may view footage via the ProFlight app. The DSC-RX100M4, ILCE6000, a7RII and GR2 have the ability to take photos and video via the ProDrone controller.
ProDrone also has a new partnership program, and is seeking to expand relationships with the world’s leading camera manufacturers to develop the best solutions and options for the drone market. Camera manufacturers interested in learning more about the partnership program can contact [email protected].
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.”
The Alaska Geologic Map shows the generalized geology of the state, each color representing a different type or age of rock. (Image: USGS)
A new digital geologic map of Alaska is being released today, providing land users, managers and scientists geologic information for the evaluation of land use in relation to resource extraction, conservation, natural hazards and recreation.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map gives visual context to the abundant mineral and energy resources found throughout the state in a detailed and accessible format.
“I am pleased that Alaska now has a state-wide digital map detailing surface geologic features of this vast region of the United States that is difficult to access,” said Suzette Kimball, newly confirmed director of the USGS. “This geologic map provides important information for the mineral and energy industries for exploration and remediation strategies. It will enable resource managers and land management agencies to evaluate resources and land use, and to prepare for natural hazards, such as earthquakes.”
“The data contained in this digital map will be invaluable,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “It is a great resource and especially enhances the capacity for science-informed decision making for natural and cultural resources, interpretive programs, and visitor safety.”
“A better understanding of Alaska’s geology is vital to our state’s future. This new map makes a real contribution to our state, from the scientific work it embodies to the responsible resource production it may facilitate. Projects like this one underscore the important mission of the U.S. Geological Survey, and I’m thankful to them for completing it,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
This map is a completely new compilation, carrying the distinction of being the first 100 percent digital statewide geologic map of Alaska. It reflects the changes in our modern understanding of geology as it builds on the past. More than 750 references were used in creating the map, some as old as 1908 and others as new as 2015. As a digital map, it has multiple associated databases that allow creation of a variety of derivative maps and other products.
“This work is an important synthesis that will both increase public access to critical information and enhance the fundamental understanding of Alaska’s history, natural resources and environment,” said Mark Myers, Commissioner of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources. “I applaud the collaborative nature of this effort, including the input provided by the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, which will be useful for natural disaster preparation, resource development, land use planning and management, infrastructure and urban planning and management, education, and scientific research.”
Geologists and resource managers alike can utilize this latest geologic map of Alaska, and a lay person can enjoy the colorful patterns on the map showing the state’s geologic past and present.
More than other areas of the United States, Alaska reflects a wide range of past and current geologic environments and processes. The map sheds light on the geologic past and present. Today, geologic processes are still very important in Alaska with many active volcanoes, frequent earthquakes, receding and advancing glaciers and visible climate impacts.
“This map is the continuation of a long line of USGS maps of Alaska, reflecting ever increasing knowledge of the geology of the state,” said Frederic Wilson, USGS research geologist and lead author of the new map. “In the past, starting in 1904, geologic maps of Alaska were revised once a generation; this latest edition reflects major new mapping efforts in Alaska by the USGS and the Alaska state survey, as well as a revolution in the science of geology through the paradigm shift to plate tectonics, and the development of digital methods. Completion of this map celebrates the 200th anniversary of world’s first geologic map by William Smith of England in 1815.”
This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. (Image: USGS)
GNSS receiver maker Septentrio has announced the availability of its geographical information systems (GIS) PinPoint-GIS on the ArcGIS Marketplace.
PinPoint-GIS was developed to enable straightforward GIS data collection without the need for expensive additional software linking a GNSS receiver with the Esri ArcGIS Platform
PinPoint-GIS helps ArcGIS users make informed and timely decisions, Septentrio said. It turns GNSS data collected by Septentrio’s receivers such as the Altus NR2, Altus GeoPod and the AsteRx-U into actionable GIS data. Height and other project parameters are available directly in the ArcGIS workflow without any additional steps by the user.
Pinpoint GIS makes ArcGIS easily accessible through existing hardware — consumer commercial and ruggedized device, tablet or even smartphone — regardless of operating system. PinPoint-GIS Web makes ArcGIS available from a standard web browser or from an Android app, downloadable from Google Play.
The Android app works with Esri’s Collector for ArcGIS and provides an accuracy widget which confirms horizontal and vertical accuracy in a highly visible way. This brings the user the immediate security that the captured data meets the required accuracy in both the horizontal and vertical.
“Integrating ArcGIS functionality into PinPoint-GIS empowers ArcGIS Online users,” said Gustavo Lopez, PinPoint-GIS Product Manager. “With the click of a button, a PinPoint-GIS user can turn accurate and reliable GIS data collected from their Septentrio GNSS receiver into actionable data needed for smarter decisions, effective analysis and customized maps all within the easy-to-use ArcGIS.”
