Tag: GIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2, 2014
OmniEarth Completes Acquisition of IRISmaps

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

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

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

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

September 2, 2014
Intel Showcases Standalone 3G Modem for the Internet of Things
Intel has commercially launched the XMM 6255 modem to provide a wireless solution for the billions of “smart” and connected devices that are expected in the coming years. At about 300 square millimeters, Intel says it is the world’s smallest standalone 3G modem, designed for networked sensors and other Internet of Things applications such as wearables, security devices and industrial equipment.

The XMM 6255 features the SMARTI UE2p transceiver, which is based on the new Intel Power Transceiver technology, a design that combines transmit and receive functionality with a fully integrated power amplifier and power management on a single chip. This design approach reduces XMM 6255’s component requirements, resulting in a smaller modem that helps manufacturers minimize their build of material costs. It also protects the radio from overheating, voltage peaks and damage under tough usage conditions, which is important for safety monitors and other critical IoT devices.

Additionally, the XMM 6255 modem features a radio architecture that enables it to perform exceptionally well in challenging real-world situations, including:
- Low signal network coverage: The XMM 6255 modem provides reliable communication when it comes to transmitting information in low signal zones like a parking garage or a home basement.
- Small-sized devices: Devices with a small form factor like a smartwatch or a sensor may not have enough space for a normal-sized 3G antenna, which can affect connectivity quality and reliability. The XMM 6255 modem is specially designed for such devices and delivers great 3G connectivity even with small volume antennas not meeting conventional mobile phone quality standards.
The integration of the power amplifier and transceiver in this modem simplifies the design and minimizes device development costs, which means developers can launch more products more quickly, and in a more cost-effective manner.

The XMM 6255 is available in the u-blox SARA-U2 module and Intel expects to have additional partnerships in the coming months.

For more product information, download the brochure.
August 27, 2014
GeCo in the Rockies Combines Two Geospatial Conferences

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

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

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

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

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

Other Conference Highlights

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

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

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

Learn more at the conference website.

August 27, 2014
GeCo in the Rockies Combines Two Geospatial Conferences

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

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

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

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

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

Other Conference Highlights

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

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

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

Learn more at the conference website.

August 27, 2014
Students Create California Climate Change Map

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

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

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

View the map here.

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

August 25, 2014
Grasshopper3 Vision Camera Launched for Scientific Imaging

Point Grey, a designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-performance digital cameras, has added a 4.1-megapixel global shutter CCD to the Grasshopper3 family of high-quality, high-resolution USB 3.0 cameras.

The new Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-41S4 models are based on color and monochrome versions of the Sony ICX808, a 1/1.8-inch global shutter EXview HAD CCD II sensor featuring 3.1 micron square pixels , and capable of 2048 x 2048 pixel resolution at 18 FPS. The Sony ICX808 EXview HAD CCD II sensor provides excellent quantum efficiency of over 72% and its unique square aspect ratio makes it ideal for scientific applications such as microscopy and ophthalmology, and industrial applications such as AOI and electronics inspection, Point Grey said.

Like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras, the Grasshopper3 uses a proprietary USB 3.0 link layer and frame buffer-based architecture for optimal performance and reliability. The Grasshopper3 uses an advanced image processing pipeline to enable look up table, gamma correction, pixel binning and USB3 Vision support.

“We are excited to expand our Grasshopper3 USB3 Vision camera lineup with the latest sensor technology,” said Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “Applications such as ophthalmology rely on a square aspect ratio and will therefore benefit from the full resolution of the GS3-U3-41S4 camera.”

August 25, 2014
Everbridge Adds Mobile, GIS Enhancements to Unified Critical Communication Suite
Everbridge has launched a Summer Release of its Unified Critical Communication Suite with new mobile, GIS, and expanded alerting enhancements that enable Everbridge customers to deliver unified critical communications and situational intelligence within the context of their recipient’s needs, roles, and locations.

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

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

Additional upgrades to the summer release include:

PrecisionGIS: Everbridge’s rich GIS functionality now includes three new map-based targeting capabilities:
- Geofencing: This new feature enables users to draw simple or multiple complex polygons to define boundaries and control the behavior of addresses located inside or outside the “fence.”
- Custom Base Maps: Everbridge supports commercial mapping applications, including Google, Bing and ESRI, and now enables organizations to overcome existing gaps with commercial maps by customizing the base map used within the Everbridge suite. The base maps can include the geographical or infrastructure information users need to make more informed decisions when preparing and targeting a message.
- Point-Address Geo-Coding: Users can now manage and provision all addresses down to the parcel level to ensure the data is accurate and precise enough for critical communications. This enables an advanced level of custom and granular geocoding capabilities beyond what is available via commercial geo-coding applications.
Rich Text Formatting: The Everbridge suite provides enhanced rich text formatting support for email, enabling users to send the right message to the right contact path. Users can now deliver full-featured, unique messages, including entire web pages without modification, optimized for Phone, SMS, Email, and Push Notification contact paths.

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

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

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

“The new enhancements to our summer release reflect our continuing commitment to product investment and innovation,” said Imad Mouline, CTO of Everbridge. “Our customers are confronted daily with new challenges and opportunities related to mobility, business continuity, emergency notification, secure messaging, and more. We will continue to evolve our suite to meet these challenges—unifying critical communications across modalities and devices on a global scale.”
August 22, 2014
Trimble Enhances Cloud-based Software for Smart Water Infrastructure
Trimble has introduced the latest version of its smart water infrastructure mapping and work management software — Trimble Connect version 1.8. The latest release of the cloud-based, geographic information system (GIS)-centric software includes a suite of applications that allow water, wastewater and stormwater utilities to visualize and efficiently manage their network maintenance and data collection activities.

Trimble Connect 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. Offered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription, the solution allows users to monitor asset operating conditions, manage leak repairs, reduce non-revenue water, deploy and inspect smart meters, lower potential threats to safety and health due to contamination and adhere to regulators’ reporting guidelines and requirements. Trimble Connect version 1.8 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 field workflows and eliminate paper-based maps.

Trimble Connect utilizes the latest Esri ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Server, Mobile and ArcGIS Online basemap services. The software is designed to automate a variety of specific water and wastewater industry workflows through individual “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.

In addition to the standard core apps, Trimble Connect version 1.8 includes:
- Full offline mobile support including GIS data for Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and Windows 7/8 platforms
- Esri ArcGIS Online (AGOL) support to create and share Web Maps using data collected in Trimble Connect
- Work management support for single and multi-asset work orders on all supported platforms
- Enhanced workflows for asset inspection and condition assessment
- Embedded business rules to define failed inspections or ones that need review
- Enhanced workflows for asset mapping and data collection
- Support for the Trimble Geo 7 series rugged mapping handheld and integrated Laser Rangefinder
- Standard dashboards with each of the core apps
August 22, 2014
KEYW Unveils Aeroptic Aerial Mapping System at National Guard Conference

The KEYW Holding Corporation’s subsidiary, KEYW Corporation, will formally unveil the Aeroptic Mapping System August 22-25 at the 2014 National Guard Association (NGAUS) Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. With a 10-year legacy of mapping around the globe, Aeroptic is a fully integrated airborne solution that provides high-resolution, wide-area map data for both civilian and military applications.

“Aeroptic is a commercially available mapping system that supports every mission in which the National Guard engages, ranging from incident assessment and disaster response in Domestic Operations (DOMOPS) to reconnaissance and situational awareness on the OCONUS battlefield,” said Kevin Gunde, executive vice president, Surveillance and Exploration Systems. “Aeroptic can be deployed on a variety of fixed- and rotor-wing platforms, including the National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk.”

KEYW developed the Aeroptic solution with image quality, positional accuracy and ease of use in mind. The system integrates a full-color electro-optical (EO) camera, GPS/IMU, and user-friendly geo-processing software based on non-proprietary open standards. The system is compact, light-weight and ruggedized for deployment in harsh environments.

The rapid-refresh EO camera captures imagery of extraordinary quality by employing advanced noise reduction, image sharpening algorithms and high-end lenses with innovative configurations, the company said. The interchangeable lenses offer multiple focal length options that enable the Aeroptic camera to acquire high-resolution visible-band imagery with sub-meter geo-positional accuracy from varying flight altitudes without surveyed ground control points.

Aeroptic offers the option of processing imagery in the air or on the ground, producing unclassified, wide-area ortho-mosaic maps in near real time. Generated imagery products are ready for immediate ingest into standard commercial viewing tools and GIS packages.

“No expertise in GIS or cartography is needed to make full use of the Aeroptic system,” said Kevin Gunde, executive vice president, Surveillance and Exploration Systems. “With just eight hours of training, the typical user can produce content-rich image maps ready for distribution within minutes after acquisition.”

KEYW will be discussing the Aeroptic Mapping System and its many mission applications in booth #512 at the NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition being held August 22-25, 2014, in Chicago’s McCormick Place.

August 22, 2014
Quarryman Laser Scanner Offers Speedy Rockface Profiling

The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro 3D laser scanner system uses innovative technology to help optimize blasting and increase the profitability of quarrying operations, according to Renishaw. The system, which also helps to improve safety, was launched at the Hillhead 2014 Tradeshow, held June 24-26 in Buxton, UK.

Quarryman has offered on-site systems for quarries for more than 20 years, improving safety and allowing quarry managers to modify processes simply and swiftly, the company said. The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro is optimized for speed of operation in tough environments, with swift set-up, programming, scanning and data processing, and offers significant benefits over previous models.

New viewing and editing software is quicker to operate, easier to integrate with other mapping software, and includes filtering and data processing functionalities. The sun-readable screen is larger than on previous models, for better visibility, and is now in full color. Data is saved to a USB, rather than a flashcard, for ease of data transfer and larger file capacity.

A GPS mount is built into the handle for quick positioning and easy mapping of point-cloud data to other quarry maps using coordinates, and auto date and time stamping help operators find files, without needing to enter details.

A new Li-ion battery is lighter, provides a greater scan time, and issues a warning when power is low. It also shuts down automatically if not recharged, retaining data for operators to retrieve later. The system’s operating temperature range and processing power have also been increased.

“Customers using the new Quarryman Pro alongside Renishaw’s Boretrak system will see a significant competitive advantage,” said Martin Carr, Business Manager, Mining Systems. “Quite simply, they will access accurate data more quickly, in a wider range of conditions, and be more easily able to export data to other mining software packages. In 20 years of working with quarries, including some of the world’s largest and most competitive global quarrying companies, Quarryman Pro is the best product we have developed, and marks the beginning of a new era for laser scanning systems for the mining and quarrying sectors.”

“The new Quarryman Pro is the first system developed, engineered and manufactured by Renishaw, and customers now have one of the world’s leading engineering technology companies behind the support and service of every unit sold,” said Will Lee, Director and General Manager of Renishaw’s Spatial Measurement Division.

August 20, 2014
Esri Story Map Tracks Ebola Outbreaks from 1976 to Today

Esri is making available an interactive Ebola Outbreaks story map. Users can explore the first known contact with the disease in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and every outbreak since then, including the ongoing crises in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

The story map includes basic statistics about each outbreak, and reports from different agencies, all accessed directly from within the map. The map appears below:

August 18, 2014