GPS World

Tag: GIS

  • Dude Solutions Purchases GIS Provider Mobile311

    Dude Solutions Inc., a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of operations management solutions, has acquired Mobile311, a GIS and mobile mapping solution provider. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    The Mobile311 acquisition allows Dude Solutions to address the growing requirements of state and local governments, particularly those with public works needs, as well as universities and other entities that manage spatial and distributed assets, Dude Solutions said. Dude Solutions will now offer a comprehensive web-based and mobile operations solution that enables these organizations to more effectively manage both their facilities as well as assets at-large.

    “Mobile311 has built a powerful, patent-pending GIS and mobile application that aids in spatial and linear asset management — along with a growing client base,” said Kent Hudson, CEO of Dude Solutions, Inc. “Previously, spatial asset management software has been reserved for the largest cities and counties and, with this acquisition, Dude Solutions is democratizing GIS technology for any size local government client as it has with cloud-based facility management solutions.”

    Dude Solutions will offer Mobile311 GIS tools that extend the power of Dude Solutions’ offerings into clients’ spatial asset management programs. Mobile311 clients will have access to Dude Solutions’ innovations and product delivery and support. The platform allows mobile workers to access work orders and other critical geographic data in the field while giving supervisors additional reporting and analytical insights for increased efficiency.

    “There is a growing movement to utilize the power of mobile to better manage the complexities of operational asset management. With this acquisition, together we can provide the very best mobile GIS and mapping product in the market combined with Dude Solutions world-class delivery and support,” said Chuck Wright, president of Mobile311. “Building on our collective knowledge base of the operational must-haves for success, the combined organization will be a powerhouse in the marketplace.”

    Mobile311 is Dude Solutions’ second acquisition since it announced a growth investment of up to $100 million from Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm focused on growth investing, in February 2014. The Mobile311 team has joined Dude Solutions and will now operate from Dude Solutions’ headquarters in Cary, N.C. In March, Dude Solutions acquired Windmill Software.

  • Epson Unveils 17-Inch Wide Professional Printer

    The Epson SureColor P800 printer.
    The Epson SureColor P800 printer.

    Epson has announced the SureColor P800 printer, which it says represents a new benchmark in photographic print quality. Designed for professional use, the SureColor P800 is a full 17-inch wide borderless printer with Epson MicroPiezo AMC printhead technology. Leveraging an all-new Epson UltraChrome HD eight-color pigment ink set, the SureColor P800 is capable of producing the next generation of color and black-and-white prints, Epson said.

    “We understand how important it is for our printers to produce exceptional output that not only accurately conveys a photographer’s vision, but also delivers on the promise of longevity,” said Larry Kaufman, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “The SureColor P800 redefines the 17-inch photographic printing market, providing robust photo, fine art and canvas media handling capabilities, all focused on delivering stunning exhibition-quality prints that stand the test of time.”

    The SureColor P800 features advanced media handling, including a sheet feeder for photo or matte media, and a front-in and front-out paper path for printing on thicker fine art papers and poster board. An optional 17-inch wide roll paper adapter is ideal for canvas and longer print lengths of up to 10 feet for creating panoramas. Along with individual 80 ml high-capacity ink cartridges, the SureColor P800 is designed for professional use at home or in the studio.

    Details on the SureColor P800
    The SureColor P800 offers these features:

    • UltraChrome HD Ink: Pigment ink technology delivers outstanding color with improved black density and print permanence.
    • Professional Features: Advanced black-and-white print mode for professional-level neutral or toned black-and-white prints.
    • True Productivity with High-Capacity Ink Cartridges: Nine 80 ml ink cartridges with auto-switching photo and matte black ink.
    • Advanced Media Handling up to 17-Inches Wide: Print on fine art and roll papers and create panoramas more than 10 feet long; front-in and front-out paper path for media and poster board up to 1.5 mm thick and optional rear-mounted 2 or 3-inch core roll feeders.
    • Modern Case Design: Professional look and feel; compact printer design optimized for desktop placement.
    • Connectivity: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wireless N, Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print support.

    The SureColor P800 will be available for purchase in June through authorized resellers; pricing follows:

    Epson SureColor P800

    $1,295.00 MSRP

    Optional Roll Paper Adapter

    $199.95 MSRP

    UltraChrome HD 80 ml Ink Cartridge

    $59.95 MSRP

    The printer is supported by a one-year, whole-unit-exchange, limited warranty plan, and specialized technical support staff.

     

  • New Point Cloud Capability Featured in SimActive V6.1

    SimActive Inc., a developer of photogrammetry software, has released Correlator3D version 6.1, now with point cloud generation.

    The new feature builds on SimActive’s autocorrelation techniques using the GPU. Point clouds are generated in parallel with digital surface models (DSMs), with virtually no added processing time. As with previous versions, digital terrain models (DTMs) can also be automatically extracted in a matter of seconds.

    “Although the DSM remains the de-facto deliverable for all mapping projects, an increase in interest from our UAV users led to the added functionality,” said Louis Simard, CTO of SimActive. “This further solidifies Correlator3D as a one-stop solution.”

    For a demonstration, sign up for the next SimActive Webinar, or send an email to [email protected].

     

  • FAA Summary Grants Speed UAS Exemptions

    The “summary grant” process the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) used last week to issue 30 Section 333 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) exemptions is an example of how the agency is using a flexible regulatory approach to accommodate this rapidly evolving technology, according to a news statement from the FAA.

    The new approach will speed up Section 333 exemption approvals for many commercial UAS operators, the FAA said. Section 333 is the part of the 2012 FAA reauthorization law that lets the Secretary of Transportation determine if certain low-risk UAS operations can be authorized before finalizing the small UAS proposed rule published in February.

    Although the FAA still reviews each Section 333 petition individually, the agency can issue a summary grant when it finds it has already granted a previous exemption similar to the new request. Summary grants are far more efficient because the FAA doesn’t need to repeat the analysis performed for the original exemption on which they are based. Summary grants are a tool the FAA can use in all exemption areas, not just UAS. 

    The FAA’s experience in reviewing the Section 333 petitions shows they generally fall into two categories: film/television production and aerial data collection. Most exemptions in these categories will likely be handled through the summary grant process. For unique requests, the agency will still publish the petition in the Federal Register for public comment and will conduct a detailed analysis.

    The FAA also made two other changes to the Section 333 exemption process last week:

    • The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a recreational or sport pilot certificate. Previously, Section 333 operators were required to have at least a private pilot certificate. The newly added certificates are easier to obtain, and therefore less costly, than a private pilot certificate.
    • A third-class medical certificate is no longer required. Now, a Section 333 operator only needs a valid driver’s license to satisfy the medical requirement. This change is consistent with the agency’s approach for sport pilot certificate holders, who may fly light sport aircraft with a driver’s license and no FAA medical certificate.  

    For more information on the FAA and UAS, go to http://www.faa.gov/uas

    Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), applauded the change. “For months, AUVSI has advocated for a more streamlined process for Section 333 exemptions that will help more industries realize the benefits of UAS technology,” Wynne said. ” The FAA’s new summary grant process is a step in the right direction that cuts through the red tape while making it easier for operators to fly UAS. We applaud the agency for lifting unnecessary restrictions and enabling more commercial uses of the technology in a safe and responsible manner.”

  • DJI Unveils Phantom 3 UAV with Improved Imagery

    The Phantom 3 in flight at a press event.
    The Phantom 3 in flight at a press event.

    DJI has launched a new drone in its Phantom series. The Phantom 3 comes in two variations, Professional and Advanced, both of which provide greater control and creative options than the popular Phantom 2. On April 8, DJI held three simultaneous events in London, Munich, and New York to mark the release of the Phantom 3.

    Both Phantom 3 versions feature the strongest professional control features DJI has developed so far. Using DJI’s Visual Positioning system, the Phantom 3 can hold its positioning indoors without GPS and can easily take off and land with the push of a button. With Vision Positioning technology, visual and ultrasonic sensors scan the ground beneath the Phantom 3 for patterns, enabling it to identify its position and move accurately.

    DJI’s Lightbridge technology is also integrated, enabling control at up to 1.2 miles (2 km) away and a live HD video stream from the camera with almost no latency.

    “In developing the next generation Phantom, DJI remained committed to providing a top-tier flight experience in one easy-to-use platform,” said DJI CEO Frank Wang. “We pride ourselves in creating a flying camera that fits in a backpack and can be ready to take professional quality videos from the sky in less than a minute.”

    The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, while the Phantom 3 Advanced records at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. These cameras are stabilized using 3-axis gimbals to keep the video smooth regardless of flight or wind conditions.

    Both models shoot 12-megapixel photos using a 94-degree FOV, distortion-free lens, and a high-quality, 1/2.3-inch sensor that is more sensitive to light than the sensor in previous Phantom 2 Vision models.

    All camera settings — including ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation — can be set using both the DJI Pilot app and the physical controls on the remote controllers. The DJI Pilot app also features a Phantom 3 flight simulator for virtually practicing aerial maneuvers, and a Director feature, which automatically edits the best shots from flights into short videos that can be shared immediately after landing. The upgraded app also allows pilots to livestream their flights to YouTube.

    “Pilots, whether they are journalists, extreme athletes, or global travelers — will not just be able to share aerial videos of where they were, but will also be able to send a YouTube link to their friends and colleagues to show them the aerial perspectives of where they are right now,” said DJI’s San Francisco General Manager Eric Cheng. “This has tremendous potential for changing the way we share experiences with one another.”

    Phantom-3

    Phantom-3

  • Esri Offers Webinar on ArcGis for Utility Assets

    Esri offers a standard set of templates that include maps, apps, and tools that support water, electric, gas and telecommunication industry workflows. To learn how to use these templates, tune in to the Esri live training seminar Utility Asset Inspection Using ArcGIS on April 16 at 9 a.m./11 a.m. and 3 p.m. PDT.

    Users will learn how to configure the templates based on their own content, and then deploy them to support common inspection workflows.

    After viewing the seminar, users will understand how to

    • Organize your content for field inspections.
    • Collect inspection information while in the field.
    • Summarize inspection results for reporting.

    GIS managers and analysts who use ArcGIS software and need to learn how to prepare, collect, and summarize inspection information will find this seminar useful.

    Participants will need a broadband Internet connection and an Esri account to watch the live training seminar. Esri accounts can be created at esri.com/lts. click Login at the top right, and register name and e-mail address.

     

  • Hexagon Geosystems Releases More Airborne Imagery

    Hexagon-imagery

    The Hexagon Imagery Program, or HxIP, has released captured airborne imagery for approximately 25 percent of the U.S. with various regions of Canada and Europe. As more content partners join the HxIP in 2015, program coverage is rapidly increasing with full coverage of the coterminous U.S. expected by the end of the year.

    Launched in June 2014, the HxIP streams valuable geospatial content and delivers professional-grade airborne images captured with Leica Geosystems’ airborne sensors, including enhanced-resolution, four-band orthos, streamable and rasterised point clouds, and stereo imagery, through two service categories:

    • Basemap offers cached background maps of current 30 centimeter orthorectified imagery that will be updated on a regular basis.
    • Multispectral Imagery supports image analysis and exploration activities with 30-centimeter, four-band orthorectified imagery and related digital surface models (DSM).

    Imagery for a full 11 states plus portions of six other states in the U.S. have been provided in the HxIP as part of its airborne imagery offerings from the 2014 flying season. Portions of Canada and Europe are also available in the recent release.

    “We’re pleased to have met our 2014 program goal, providing access to quality and consistent airborne imagery for thousands of clients around the globe,” said John Welter, president of Leica Geosystems Geospatial Solutions Division and director of the HxIP. “We are well on our way of realizing our 2015 goals with collection currently underway in Europe and North America.” 

    The HxIP airborne imagery content is available through the cloud via multiple content service providers:

    Through a distribution partnership with Esri in February, the 2014 collection is now available to even more users on Esri’s ArcGIS Marketplace.   

    “Serving HxIP via Esri’s ArcGIS Marketplace gives geospatial professionals another choice in accessing the most current and accurate geospatial imagery available,” said Juergen Dold, president of Hexagon Geosystems. “The focus of our new partnership is to provide imagery in a simple and efficient way across a wide array of professional consumers.”

    This vision was reinforced by Esri Director of Imagery Lawrie Jordan. “Leica Geosystems is recognized globally as providing the highest quality and most accurate airborne imagery available, and Esri is delighted to offer this content to GIS professionals through our ArcGIS Marketplace,” Jordan said.

  • Report Examines Geospatial Analysis for Defense, Security

    A new report by Visiongain examines geospatial data analysis for defense and homeland security — a world market worth $9.7 billion in 2014. The report, “Governmental Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Solutions Market 2014-2024: Digital Mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Cloud-Based Geo-Analytics & Geo-Data Exploitation for Defence & Homeland Security” is being offered by Reportbuyer.com.

    Advances in technologies such as cloud and 3D modeling — together with increased availability of high-quality, high-accuracy geospatial data, especially from space-based remote sensing satellites — are propelling the market for governmental GEOINT solutions, Reportbuyer.com said.

    “The coming decade will see governments around the world scrambling to acquire GEOINT capabilities on increasingly higher scales, to ensure they stay on top in the ‘information superiority’ race,”  Reportbuyer.com said in a press release. “At the moment, outside the U.S. this is a relatively young market, at the very beginning of a period of large international expansion over the next ten years.”

    According to Reportbuyer.com, geospatial information exploitation technology is one of the vital enablers and defining aspects of 21st century defense, intelligence and homeland security capabilities and operations. In a digital age where the vast majority of data has a location and time, GIS and GEOINT systems provide the means to reference it geographically.

    “In this visual context, complex dynamics, patterns and relationships can be revealed, analyzed and understood in a completely new way,” Reportbuyer.com said. “This takes ‘situational awareness’ to an entirely different level, and enables an unprecedented and powerful new type of analysis: geospatial analysis. A key part of this overall capability is a new generation of tools for advanced digital mapping and modeling, which extend the applications of GIS beyond intelligence, C2 (command and control) and the achievement of information superiority into areas like resource management, mission simulation, and down to individual soldiers.”

    The 300-page report provides market forecasts and analysis for GEOINT solutions, 2014-2024, and sales value projections of the market with essential information on the technologies, GEOINT organizations and competitors. The report is available at Reportbuyer.com.

  • Tischler Named Director of National Geospatial Program

    Michael Tischler, new director of the USGS National Geospatial Program.
    Michael Tischler, new director of the USGS National Geospatial Program.

    The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has selected Michael Tischler to be the director of the National Geospatial Program (NGP).

    Tischler begins his new post today. Tischler was most recently associate technical director of the Engineering Research and Development Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    The NGP provides leadership for USGS geospatial coordination, production and service activities. It engages partners to develop standards and produce consistent and accurate data through its National Map Liaisons. Operational support is provided by the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center. These and other NGP activities that are essential to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) are managed as a unified portfolio that benefits geospatial information users throughout the nation.

    Tischler’s accomplishments include managing the research for a $30 million broad-based research portfolio with both domestic and international applications. He has held a number of positions, from a research scientist collecting, analyzing, and processing geospatial data, to acting technical director, responsible for strategic planning and program implementation for a diverse portfolio of geospatial research projects.

    In his most recent role as associate technical director, he defined cutting-edge research projects that affect the direction of geospatial science and how geospatial data is used throughout the U.S. Army, the USGS said.

    “We are excited to have Mike to be part of the USGS mapping and geospatial community,” said Kevin Gallagher, associate director for Core Science Systems. “Mike has the background, insight, and energy to move the Program boldly into the future while still respecting the agency’s legacy for mapping excellence.”

    “Being selected to direct the National Geospatial Program is a tremendous honor, and I am both proud and humbled to join the USGS family in this role,” said Tischler. “The valuable services provided by this program are made possible by a dedicated team across the country, of which I am truly privileged to be part.”

    “The NGP has the responsibility to provide accurate, accessible, available, and authoritative geospatial data to the public and key partners while continually leveraging and adapting to evolving technologies,” Tischler continued. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work toward these goals alongside the talented, devoted NGP team and its partners, while engaging with the mapping community to both lead and shape the future direction of the program.”

    Tischler holds a master of science in soil and water science and a bachelor of science in soil science and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Earth systems and geoinformation sciences at George Mason University.

    “I would also like to thank Pam Haverland for serving as the acting director for the National Geospatial Program,” Gallagher said. “Over the past six months, Pam has provided caring and visionary leadership all while completing the SES Candidate Development Program and working in the USGS Budget Office as required, at the same time. She will be sorely missed!”

  • FAA Unmanned Aircraft Manager to Speak at MAPPS Conference

    Jim Williams, manager for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) office, will be the keynote speaker at the MAPPS National Surveying, Mapping and Geospatial Conference, scheduled for April 13-16 in Crystal City (Arlington),Va.

    Williams will speak at a luncheon on April 14. He’ll address the recently published notice of proposed rulemaking issued by his office in FAA, including regulations and policies that will affect surveying and mapping firms that want to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and UAS in the commercial market.

    “MAPPS has worked with Mr. Williams and his staff for several years to assure that business and societal benefits of using UAV/UAS for aerial surveying, mapping and imagery are recognized and empowered in FAA policy,” said John Palatiello, MAPPS executive director. “UAV/UAS technology is the future of the mapping, surveying and geospatial profession. It is imperative that geospatial firms have the ability to operate UAV/UAS.  Mr. Williams understands this, and his office’s policies have reflected his understanding of our community as an important stakeholder.” 

    “We’re honored to have Mr. Williams join us at the conference. We look forward to hearing how he sees the future of UAV/UAS and how it will effect the business and professional practice of surveying and mapping,” said Curtis Sumner, National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) executive director. “His addition to the conference strengthens an already outstanding program.”

    Full registration for the conference is required for admission to the keynote luncheon.

  • Mapmechanics Offers Scalable Digital Mapping for Africa

    GIS map provider Mapmechanics has boosted the number of African countries for which it offers HERE vector (scalable) map data.

    HERE mapping from Mapmechanics consists of street-level vector map and includes major highways, main roads and also some minor roads and city streets, and is useful for route planning, drive-time analysis, vehicle tracking and geo-demographics. A key feature of the data is that its structure is consistent across many countries, enabling users to adopt the same analytical and display strategies from one country to another.

    The new African countries added to the Mapmechanics portfolio are Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of the Congo, São Tome and Principe.

    Because it is in a standard and widely recognized format, the mapping lends itself well to use with other data such as traffic speed and density where this is available. It can also be used for techniques such as reverse geocoding (finding a location by its coordinates).

    The mapping also enables users to add a sense of place to activities such as geo-demographic studies, store location analysis, leaflet distribution territories or depot management, and ensures that users can overlay just the features they need on shaded maps.

    Mapmechanics already offers HERE mapping for many of the more prominent African countries, including for instance Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Tunisia. Altogether around two dozen African countries are now covered, and more will be added in future.

    HERE mapping is just one of a wide range of mapping products offered by Mapmechanics for the UK and the world, all of which can be obtained directly from the company or through its transactional website.

  • CycloMedia Launches Street Smart Application for ArcGIS

    CycloMedia

    CycloMedia Technology and Esri have expanded their business relationship to deliver high-definition, street-view imagery via ArcGIS Marketplace.

    In efforts to leverage each other’s expertise in government, transportation and utilities markets, CycloMedia developed the Street Smart web application. Customers who have purchased CycloMedia’s HDstreet level imagery can utilize an ArcGIS-compatible application for viewing and analysis. Users can now visualize and edit their data from a street-view perspective with the goal of enhancing their GIS database while reducing costly field-based collection practices, CycloMedia said.

    CycloMedia began capturing its 100-megapixel HD-Cycloramas for customers in January 2015. With Street Smart, users can overlay their own GIS data layers, precisely capture location, record dimension measurements and edit attributes all from within a street-view perspective. Links to “information-tagged” images can be shared among ArcGIS Online subscribers within the enterprise and pictures shared with the wider community.

    “CycloMedia’s Street Smart app allows customers to visualize and share information about the built environment from a new perspective,” said Joe Astroth, CEO of CycloMedia USA. “Street-level imagery adds a new dimension to a GIS database by enabling the overlay and measurement of geographic features directly inside our HD Cycloramas.”

    Through Esri’sArcGIS Marketplace, geospatial professionals can learn about CycloMedia’s products and services, request new data collection and add comments and feedback to help improve the user experience.