GPS World

Tag: GIS

  • TomTom MultiNet-R Speeds Maps to the Market

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

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

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

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

    For more information, visit www.tomtom.com.

  • Scene Sharp Technologies Introduces Fuze Go MS Sharp 2.1

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Satellite Images Shed Light on Impact of Syrian Conflict

    Syria-remote-sensing-night-light

    The ongoing Syrian crisis, which broke out in April 2011, has been a severe humanitarian disaster, with more than 190,000 deaths since the start of the conflict. However, evaluating the ongoing crisis in Syria is challenging, because reliable and comprehensive witness reports are hard to gather in a warzone. Therefore, satellite images, as one of the few sources of objective information, are potentially of great importance.

    In their recent study published in International Journal of Remote Sensing, Xi Li and Deren Li analyzed the effect of the Syrian crisis on levels of night-time light as a means of evaluating and monitoring the conflict. By comparing the levels of light in March 2011 and February 2014 (see Figure 1), they found that in all of the provinces, the levels of night-time light had declined sharply following the breakout of the conflict. Indeed, in most provinces, the level of night-time light decreased by more than 60 percent.

    Notably, the authors also found that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from each province showed a linear correlation with the level of night-light loss. This relationship between the number of displaced persons and the drop in night-time light levels may allow for the quantitative estimation of the number of IDPs from other areas of conflict, such as Iraq, where the activities of Islamic State are causing significant civil unrest.

    To find out more, access the full article online, free of charge.

  • Group on Earth Observations Convenes 11th Plenary

    Under the theme “Taking the Pulse of the Planet,” 275 members of the GEO community from more than 45 countries will chart the next steps in creating and implementing a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) during the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Eleventh Plenary Session. The session will be held November 12-14 in Geneva, Switzerland.

    A highlight of the conference will be announcement of the winners of the GEO Appathon, a global app development competition built on the 80-million-plus resources available through GEOSS. The Appathon attracted 250 competitors from 50 countries, and will generate easy-to-use decision tools for mobile devices and computers.

    GEO’s mandate is to harness the power of Earth observations from sources across the globe to provide more and better information to leaders in government, industry, and civil society confronting fundamental decisions affecting people and societies worldwide. One key GEO initiative that will be highlighted during the meeting is developing a comprehensive system to monitor the availability and quality of fresh water, in partnership with the World Health Organization, the UN Environmental Programme and other UN agencies as part of the UN Sustainable Development agenda.

    GEO is leading the creation of an Africa-wide technological and human infrastructure so decision makers have the capacity to access and use Earth observations in making key decisions. To strengthen agricultural activity and reduce market volatility, GEO is coordinating the assessment of growing conditions of the world’s major crops through a combination of regional expertise, ground observations and analysis of meteorological and satellite data.

    GEO is a voluntary partnership of governments and organizations that envisions “a future wherein decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations and information.” Members include 94 nations and the European Commission and 77 participating organizations comprised of international bodies with a mandate in Earth observations.

    GEO’s agenda spans nine Societal Benefit Areas, including agriculture, biodiversity, climate, disasters, ecosystems, energy, health, water and weather.

  • Trimble Launches Leap, a GNSS Bluetooth Device

    The Trimble Leap, also shown with a smartphone.
    The Trimble Leap, also shown with a smartphone.

    Trimble is making available the Trimble Leap, a Trimble RTX compatible GNSS Bluetooth device. When enabled with the ViewPoint RTX correction service, Leap delivers submeter accuracy directly to the Terrain Navigator Pro (TNP) Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The TNP Mobile app allows users to collect markers, tracks and geo-stamped photos in the field, and then sync all the GNSS data into the Terrain Navigator Pro office software.

    The TNP Mobile app enables users to:

    • Display and navigate routes created in TNP desktop.
    • Collect field data such as markers, tracks, photos, videos and audio clips.
    • Near real-time sync between phone and TNP map software via WiFi or cellular data connection.
    • View data on topo, aerial, and street maps downloaded to phone for offline use. Terrain Navigator Pro offers 1-meter aerial photos for the 48 contiguous United States. The seamless USGS topo graphic maps are based off 1:24K, 1:100K, 1:250K map scales. Alaska is 1:63K and 1:250K.
    • Access a compass and other geo-information such as lat/long, elevation, and direction on phone.
    • Collect data offline. The TNP mobile app uses the GPS built into the smartphones, so users can collect field data in areas without a cellular or data signal.

    Trimble Leap is compact and portable, weighing 9.5 ounces. It snaps to a smartphone or tablet to use as a handheld, can be mounted on a monopole or tripod, or can be magnet mounted to a vehicle. Leap has 16 hours of battery life and uses Bluetooth communication to connect to smart devices for ease of use and flexibility. An onboard micro SD card stores the GNSS observables data for use in the field or the office.

    A micro USB port can provide power to Trimble Leap for continuous fixed-mount applications, or it can be used with battery-booster products to extend field work. Trimble Leap is charged by a standard cell phone vehicle accessory charger, a USB connection to a PC, or from a USB AC adapter.

    Based on Trimble RTX (Real Time eXtended) technology, ViewPoint RTX delivers better than 1 meter horizontal accuracy 95 percent of the time without the use of a traditional RTK base station or virtual reference station network. ViewPoint RTX is delivered into the TNP Mobile app via cellular data network and is available nearly anywhere in the world.

    “Trimble Leap enhances the Terrain Navigator Pro solution by adding a simple way to collect submeter accurate geolocation data with standard Android or iOS devices. Adding accuracy to TNP’s robust field-to-office data collection solution provides a value-add where low-resolution collection is not sufficient. Trimble Leap with TNP Mobile is configured and operational in minutes with little training,” said Larry Fox, business area manager for Terrain Navigator Pro.

    Terrain Navigator Pro integrates powerful desktop mapping software, a cloud connected mobile data collection platform (compatible with GPS-enabled iOS and Android devices) and a robust Web portal. TNP users can plan projects in the office, collect data in the field and access projects from the Web—simultaneously. Geo-referenced data such as tracks, waypoints, photographs and video can be shared, updated in near real-time and displayed on the included topographic, aerial/satellite or street base maps.

  • Trimble Releases SketchUp 2015 for Intuitive Information Modeling Process

    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp
    Trimble V10 Export to SketchUp.

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

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

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

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

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

    Fast, Flexible and Powerful

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

    More Easy-to-Use Tools

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

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

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

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

  • Carlson GIS360 for Android Gives 3D Views on Site

    Carlson GIS360 Android app.
    Carlson GIS360 Android app.

    Carlson GIS360 for Android, new from Carlson Software and Carlson EMEA, is a mobile field GIS-GPS tool that uses both GIS and surveying technologies for field data collection. The app is designed to be easy to learn and easy to use, Carlson said.

    “Taking advantage of the graphics processing power of Android devices, GIS360 now includes an innovative 3D viewer so the user can see data and models in 3D on site,” said David Loescher, Carlson U.K. sales director and director of GIS360 development.

    In addition to allowing field crews to navigate maps and collect and report data in the field, GIS360 provides the data and fully rendered models of mines, earthworks and pipe networks that can be viewed in 3D. The software’s Siteview function uses the Android devices’ built-in GPS, compass and gyros to give the user the view of the site in front of him.

    Carlson GIS360 provides a wireless connection to any map server of choice, so users are never without a map. This saves considerable time and effort as field crews can verify that all of the data collected is accurate before leaving the site, Carlson said. No costly site revisits are necessary and no office work is needed.

    The software’s cloud options provide backup for users’ data, enabling it to be shared between field and office in real time. GIS360 goes beyond positioning with a range of tools for mobile workforce management, GPS data collection, tracking and asset maintenance.

    On an Android tablet or smartphone, Carlson GIS360 for Android can take GIS data anywhere. The built-in GPS and compass instantly calculate what the user is looking at and then displays the data automatically.

    “The GIS360 development team set out to make the collection of asset information easier and more efficient by combining the power of GIS360 with affordable Android devices,” added Loescher. “The result not only saves a lot of field time, but also makes the process far easier for everyone concerned.”

  • Trimble’s Smart Water Software Adds GNSS for 3D Accuracy

    Trimble has introduced the latest version of its smart water infrastructure mapping and work management cloud software — Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9.

    The latest release of the geographic information system (GIS) centric software-as-a-service (SaaS) adds real-time, high-accuracy centimeter-level horizontal and vertical GNSS accuracy for capturing 3D asset positions. The new release includes a suite of applications that allow water, wastewater and stormwater utilities to accurately locate, inventory and visualize their infrastructure assets and increase operations and maintenance efficiency.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble Connect for Water cloud software leverages Trimble’s GNSS rugged mobile devices and Esri’s GIS technologies to accurately map, locate and assess the condition of critical infrastructure assets, allowing utilities to keep their field infrastructure data up-to-date and accurate.

    The new release now supports Trimble’s Geo 7 Centimeter Edition rugged handheld, integrating 3D mapping into utility field workflows and enabling mobile workers to precisely locate and map the horizontal position and elevation of buried infrastructure.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9 can be configured and deployed quickly on a variety of Trimble and non-Trimble mobile devices, laptops, tablets and smartphones, including Apple iPads, iPhones, Android, Windows and Windows Mobile devices to automate fieldwork and eliminate paper-based maps.

    Trimble Connect uses the latest Esri ArcGIS for Server, Mobile and ArcGIS Online basemap services. The software is designed to automate a variety of specific water, wastewater and stormwater industry workflows through individual pre-configured “apps” offered within the product and as part of a subscription.

    The new version provides standard core apps including Map Book, Manhole Inspector, Leak Repair, Hydrant Inspector, Valve Inspector, Meter Changeout, Incident Repair, Water Mapper, Wastewater Mapper and Stormwater Mapper. In addition, an optional partner app developed for American Flow Control (AFC) hydrant and valve data collection, “AFC Mapper,” can be purchased from AFC and their distributors for use with Trimble rugged handhelds.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9:

    • Offers centimeter-level real-time GNSS accuracy to improve the quality and accuracy of the utility’s GIS data to precisely locate hard to find assets.
    • Allows capturing accurate vertical elevations in real-time. Combined with horizontal precision, the solution provides high-accuracy GIS data that can be used to measure pipeline slopes, perform flow analysis and generate 3D and hydraulic models.
    • Supports the Trimble Geo 7 Centimeter edition with an integrated laser rangefinder.
    • Offers pre-configured Water, Wastewater and Stormwater mapping apps, allowing utilities to quickly start mapping network infrastructure and updating their asset data.
    • Provides the capability to export data in a variety of formats including Esri File Geodatabase, Shapefiles and MS Excel, which allows users to update the utility’s enterprise GIS or visualize and analyze the collected data using third-party systems.

    Trimble Connect for Water version 1.9 is expected to be available in December 2014 from Trimble’s Water Division and its authorized distribution partners.

  • Trimble Updates Aerial Imaging Application

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 3

    Trimble has added enhancements to its Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 application to make it more robust, intuitive and easier to use. Part of the Trimble Access field software suite of applications, the Aerial Imaging application is a software tool used with the Trimble Tablet Rugged PC for planning aerial missions, performing pre-flight checks, and monitoring flights for the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Rover.

    The software enhancements include a full redesign of the user interface for a streamlined workflow, and major upgrades to flight design and control. These improvements provide greater flight planning flexibility in applications such as boundary and topographic surveying, mining assessment and exploration, heavy construction modeling and much more.

    The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 enhanced user interface enables Trimble UX5 pilots to prepare a flight in minutes and quickly begin collecting data, such as orthophotos, point clouds or surface models. The full interface redesign simplifies the user experience for flight planning by using a step-by-step, tabular navigation to guide the user through the flight process from planning to completion.

    Project management is also easier with new project overview thumbnails and detailed project properties. These interface enhancements are designed to save time in the field, and provide users with an optimal flight planning and monitoring experience.

    The new Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 functionality optimizes flight times and enables corridor mapping along rivers, roads, and railways that have areas not connected to each other. Pilots can now import multiple map layers, such as georeferenced background maps, ground control point locations, and areas of interest. The software also enables users to fly irregular shaped areas, cover multiple areas and heights in a single flight, and plan multiple takeoff and landing locations. Once a plan has been established, users can perform flight simulations to confirm the flight plan, give a demonstration to clients and aviation authorities, and export the flight plan to a KML file to check terrain clearances. These new enhancements benefit pilots by saving time in flight planning, increasing safety, and meeting requirements of their mission through customized planning before takeoff, Trimble said.

    New features with in flight control build an additional level of viewing options and safety for landing when air traffic or weather conditions suddenly change. Pilots can now check flight settings, view or hide map layers, adjust landing properties, select an alternative landing, and execute pre-programmed interventions while the system is in-flight.

    “Delivering the premium UAV experience for trained geospatial professionals means we need to have the most advanced flight planning and inflight control capabilities to offer, and Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2.0 shows our commitment to doing just that,” said Phil Sawarynski, business area director of Imaging Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “Our customers can feel confident that we are committed to providing tools to streamline flight operations and automate capabilities for safe and successful use of their Trimble UAV systems.”

    Trimble Access Aerial Imaging 2

  • Trimble Improves Geospatial Data Collection on Geo 7X Handhelds

    The Trimble Geo 7 series are rugged, high-accuracy GNSS handhelds.
    The Trimble Geo 7 series are rugged, high-accuracy GNSS handhelds.

    Trimble’s RTX technology-based correction services — Trimble CenterPoint RTX, Trimble RangePoint RTX, and the new Trimble ViewPoint RTX — will be available for Trimble Geo 7X handhelds. Trimble made the announcement at Trimble Dimensions.

    Trimble RTX technology provides compatible GNSS receivers with correction services that significantly improve accuracy and reliability in obtaining positions worldwide. Geospatial professionals now have more flexibility to achieve the accuracy required by their highly mobile workflows in real-time, without being tied to a base station or local VRS network, Trimble said.

    Available worldwide through an IP connection where cellular communication is available, Trimble RTX offers geospatial professionals flexibility in where and when they are able to work. Operational efficiency and productivity in the field is improved by delivering real-time DGNSS corrections directly to the Trimble Geo 7X handheld. Field challenges, such as obstructed satellites and inaccessible locations, are also minimized with Trimble Floodlight and Trimble Flightwave technology options for the Trimble Geo7X.

    The handheld solution is designed for a variety of industries — such as utility companies, municipalities, and environmental management agencies — in which workers are highly mobile and require a reliable, flexible data-collection and asset management solution.

    “We have eliminated the complexities of managing multiple correction sources across a large geographically dispersed project or organization,” said Alain Samaha, business area director of GIS and Software for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “By offering RTX-based correction services, we simplify their work and deliver the accuracy that our customers require.”

    A choice of RTX correction services ranging from 4 centimeters to submeter-level horizontal accuracies is available. Customers can choose the appropriate Geo 7X handheld configuration with the RTX-based correction service that meets the accuracy level and capability required for their job.

  • Swinglet CAM Used to Map Lava Flow in Hawaii

    A high-resolution aerial photo captured by the senseFly swinglet CAM over an advancing flow breakout heading towards Pāhoa, Hawai‘i, on October 22.
    A high-resolution aerial photo captured by the senseFly swinglet CAM over an advancing flow breakout heading towards Pāhoa, Hawai‘i, on October 22.

    Using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera, a team from the University of Hawaii is mapping the active lava flow front of the Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island.

    On October 22, a flight team from the UH Hilo Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization (SDAV) Laboratory used a senseFly swinglet CAM professional GIS drone to map the active flow front. The high-resolution still images captured by an RGB camera payload were then merged into a full orthomosaic for use by Civil Defense emergency planners. The flight was a collaborative partnership with Hawaii County Civil Defense and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

    As of October 29, the lava flow is headed toward the town of Pāhoa in the district of Puna, threatening to cut off the main highway and other access roads, isolating an area of about 10,000 residents from the rest of the island. The flow is advancing at 10 yards an hour and is 280 yards from Pahoa Village Road.

    The researchers plan to fly again and continue supporting relief operations with quick aerial assessments when needed. Sensefly representatives are closely monitoring and supporting the team’s mapping relief effort and are ready with additional equipment as needed.

    The UH Hilo flight team includes Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, SDAV cyber computer programming analyst; and Arthur Cunningham, consultant for aeronautical science.

    “The lava flow has already impacted the lives of many residents in Puna,” Perroy said. “Our UAV support can provide quick and accurate information to emergency responders.”

    The team closely monitored the flight performance of the swinglet CAM UAV as it traveled over the lava and noted minor turbulence as it crossed the thermally dynamic environment. A county helicopter provided support with an air observer on board from the UAV team during flight operations.

    The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office of the Federal Aviation Administration worked closely with the Hilo research team on approval of their Certificate of Authorization. The flights are in direct support of disaster-relief operations in the area, and the FAA and flight team worked together to make sure all safety concerns were met.

    The lava flow advances directly behind researchers (from left) Matt Patrick and Frank Trusdell, geologists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Asia Addlesberger, GIS specialist with the County of Hawai‘i; Tim Orr, head geologist at HVO; and UH Hilo researchers Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, cyber computer programming analyst; and Jonathan Price, associate professor of geography.
    The lava flow advances directly behind researchers (from left) Matt Patrick and Frank Trusdell, geologists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Asia Addlesberger, GIS specialist with the County of Hawai‘i; Tim Orr, head geologist at HVO; and UH Hilo researchers Ryan Perroy, assistant professor of geography and environmental science; Nicolas Turner, cyber computer programming analyst; and Jonathan Price, associate professor of geography.

     

  • LandWorks Adds Digital Parcel Polygon Data to Online Offerings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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