GPS World

Tag: GIS

  • DigitalGlobe Launches WorldView-3 High-Resolution Commercial Satellite

    DigitalGlobe, a  provider of commercial high-resolution Earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions, successfully launched WorldView-3, the company’s sixth and most advanced super-spectral, high-resolution commercial satellite.

    The satellite launched August 13 on a Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

    “The successful launch of WorldView-3 extends DigitalGlobe’s commanding technological lead and will enable us to help our customers see through smoke, peer beneath the ocean’s surface, and determine the mineral and moisture content of the Earth below — all with unprecedented clarity,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, chief executive officer of DigitalGlobe.

    WorldView-3 will collect super-spectral imagery at 0.31 meter resolution — delivering five times the clarity of the company’s nearest competitor. In addition, WorldView-3 will offer the most spectral diversity available commercially, the company said, and will offer multiple shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands that allow for accurate imaging through haze, fog, dust, smoke and other air-born particulates. The satellite will also offer CAVIS — a cloud, aerosol, water vapor, ice and snow atmospheric correction instrument — which monitors the atmosphere and corrects data for an unprecedented level of consistency.

    “The unmatched abilities that WorldView-3 brings to our constellation will enable us to provide our customers with information and insight never before possible and advance our efforts to create a living digital inventory of the Earth,” Tarr said.

    The satellite and atmospheric monitoring instrument called CAVIS were built by Ball Aerospace. Exelis built the integrated, super-spectral payload consisting of a telescope, sensor and shortwave infrared system, making WorldView-3 the first commercial satellite to carry such capabilities. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle provided by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services (LMCLS) delivered the satellite into orbit.

  • New STAR*NET Tools Make Least Squares Adjustment Faster, Easier

    STAR*NET 8.1
    STAR*NET 8.1

    MicroSurvey Software released STAR*NET 8.1, a new version of the least squares network adjustment suite. With a multitude of new and improved tools, the software makes least squares adjustment even faster and easier, MicroSurvey Software said.

    Several highly requested features have been added based on feedback received directly from STAR*NET users. All network plot display options are now customizable in an intuitive grid view that allows users to control the visibility, color, linetype and size of each network element to graphically differentiate conventional, GPS, and leveling observations. Directional linetypes indicate the direction and number of observations between each network station, and intuitive mouse controls allow for smooth zooming and panning in the network plot.

    Additionally, a new .PRISM inline command lets users apply a correction for measurements that were collected with an incorrect prism offset setting. Support for Google Maps and Google Earth allows users to view and export network stations and connections in popular mapping formats, and a new Level Loop Tolerance Check allows users to instantly verify the vertical closure of level loops or traverses.

    Other changes include:

    • A new Online Updater that makes it easier for users to stay current with the latest STAR*NET updates.
    • A new Data File Monitor that checks for any changes made by an external program to a loaded data file and prompts users to reload files from disk if needed.
    • Improved file references for easy access to corresponding data files directly from the listing.
    • Direct access to all conversion utilities through the Import menu, with help buttons for guidance.
    • Improved MicroSurvey FieldGenius Support, including the ability to convert COGO measurements from raw files as bearing measurement records and to read GPS offset measurements from raw files.
    • Improved Carlson SurvCE Support, including the ability to average shots in multiple sets, convert resection observations as direction sets, and import point descriptions with each vector.
    • Improved Leica DBX Support, including the ability to export all set observations or average set observations for any sets collected with either the Sets of Angles or Traverse applications, export stakeout observations as measurement records, and export check shot deltas as comment records.

    “We’ve created several powerful new productivity tools and wanted to make these immediately available to STAR*NET users,” said Brian Sloman, desktop products manager at MicroSurvey. “The flexible and independent control of conventional, GPS, and leveling data in the network plot, including the new directional arrows which indicate both the direction and number of observations for each network connection, can help you visually identify regions with lower redundancy without having to analyze the listing file. The new .PRISM inline command lets you correct distances without having to make potentially thousands of tedious calculations and manual edits, and the level loop tolerance check lets you immediately confirm whether or not your level loops or traverses fall within the maximum allowable tolerances for a desired standard of accuracy.  Toss in the ability to view your data in Google Earth and Google Maps, and it al all adds up to a faster and easier least squares analysis.”

    STAR*NET 8.1 is a free upgrade for any STAR*NET users who have a valid Maintenance Subscription and Support Plan. A STAR*NET upgrade tour is available at https://www.youtube.com/microsurvey. To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

     

    To learn more or download a free demo, visit www.microsurvey.com.

  • Esri Offers Training Seminar on Explorer for ArcGIS App

    A new app from Esri called Explorer for ArcGIS puts mobile mapping and geographic content sharing at your fingertips.

    Available right now for use on your Mac or iOS device (a version for Android is coming soon), you can use the app within your organization to find maps, locate assets and other geographic content, and share map presentations with colleagues. The interface is intuitive and requires no geographic information system (GIS) experience.

    To become familiar with the app, tune in to the Esri live training seminar Boost Productivity with Explorer for ArcGIS. The presenters will show you how to use the app and share your data with other Explorer for ArcGIS users.

    Esri.com/lts
    August 14, 2014
    9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. (PDT)

    After viewing this seminar, you will understand how to:

    • search for, discover, and explore your authoritative geographic data.
    • view asset information.
    • search for places and features in maps.
    • share your maps.
    • sketch on your maps to highlight important aspects of your data.
    • tell stories and brief stakeholders using map presentations.

    This seminar will be of interest to those who want to share their authoritative content with anyone within their organizations, including executives, managers, and knowledge workers.

    Explorer for ArcGIS is included with ArcGIS, so download the app from the Apple App Store, the Apple Mac App Store, or the ArcGIS Marketplace. Then open the app and sign in to your ArcGIS account. You will need a broadband Internet connection and an Esri Global Account to watch the live training seminar. Creating an Esri Global Account is easy and free: visit esri.com/lts, click Login, and register your name and address.

  • Proteus Offers Quick Habitat Mapping for Environmental Impacts

    Protus-offshore-EIA-O

    Proteus FZC, a provider of satellite-derived mapping and classification services, has launched a fast-turnaround habitat mapping solution designed specifically for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Through the service, Proteus delivers high-resolution classification maps of terrestrial areas onshore and the seafloor in shallow-water marine environments.

    “Energy and infrastructure development projects are under intense pressure to delineate fragile habitats onshore and in the coastal zone as part of their EIA submissions,” said Proteus CEO David Critchley. “The accuracy of these maps determines budget levels for environmental protection and remediation efforts.”

    The Proteus habitat mapping service can be completed in a fraction of the time and is cost effective compared with traditional mapping methods, the company said. The solution is designed for use by engineering and construction firms, environmental consultancies and government agencies involved in the development of energy infrastructure, pipelines, power stations, desalination plants, port facilities and other projects where EIAs are mandated.

    Mapping sensitive marine habitats in the coastal zone is a particularly challenging aspect of EIA preparation, explained Critchley. Divers are typically deployed to collect hundreds of ground truth points underwater, which are later used to delineate the boundaries of various habitat or land cover types on the seafloor. This process is time consuming, logistically complicated and does not provide a full picture of the sea-floor environment.

    “In addition, many marine environments are simply too dangerous or difficult for ground-truthing crews,” Critchley said. “And that can be true onshore as well.”

    For its mapping solution, Proteus obtains high-resolution multispectral imagery from commercial imaging satellites, such as DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-2 platform, which are capable of quickly capturing data anywhere in the world without the limitations of aircraft and ships. Proprietary processing techniques derive accurate land cover and seafloor classifications from the image data for generation of habitat maps.

    “For seafloor and terrestrial areas, we deliver habitat maps with horizontal accuracy of five meters,” Critchley said. “The quality and information content of these maps far exceeds those traditionally submitted with Environmental Impact Assessments, and satellite image is included in the deliverables.”

    Offshore, the habitat classification process is accurate to a depth of up to 20 meters, depending on water clarity. The minimum mapping unit varies with the client needs and resolution of satellite imagery. Satellite-derived bathymetric data is also offered as a product of the technique.

    Since 2011, Proteus has been delivering solutions for mapping and classification projects using multispectral satellite imagery. These mapping projects have been delivered for environmental, oil & gas, engineering and other coastal zone applications in Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Caribbean.

  • URISA 2014 Caribbean GIS Conference Details Announced

    URISA has released the program details of its Seventh Caribbean GIS Conference, taking place October 26-30 at the Santa Barbara Resort in Curacao. The conference, themed “Spatial Technologies: Fueling Economic Growth and Development” features regional conversations, pre-conference courses and workshops, comprehensive education, and opportunities to connect with experts, peers and private sector sponsors.

    Regional Conversations

    Geospatial Information High Level Meeting: Targeted at key decision makers in the industry particularly, senior personnel of international and regional bodies with responsibility for the management of geospatial data and information, senior government officials, experts on geospatial related issues in academia, members of the donor community, and private sector companies.

    General Session: The Importance of Geospatial Technology in the Caribbean: An examination of the various issues that organizations are facing in the region as well as what is the overall value proposition that geospatial technology brings to the Caribbean economy. Participants will include senior representatives from national governments, donor agencies, academia, as well as experts from the vendor/consultant community.

    Special Interest Group Roundtables: Important conversations including Geodetics, Open Source, Women in GIS, and Education.

    Preconference Courses and Workshops:

    • Getting Started with GIS
    • Caribbean Decision Support System for a Climate Resilient Marine Managed Areas Network
    • Mobile and Server GIS: Field to Finish (two-day course)
    • URISA Certified Workshop: Addressing
    • URISA Certified Workshop: GIS Return on Investment
    • ArcGIS Online
    • UAV Workshop

    Comprehensive Education:

    Nearly 50 presenters in sessions covering important topics including:

    • Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
    • Disaster Mitigation/Modeling
    • Harnessing the Power of GIS for Utility, Asset and Infrastructure Management
    • Environmental Hazards
    • GIS in Disaster Management
    • Innovations in GIS
    • National GI Policy Development & NSDI
    • Public Participation GIS
    • Public Safety, GIS for Emergency Response
    • Addressing Systems
    • Change Detection
    • Geosciences & Regional Economic Development
    • Enterprise GIS and Mobile Technologies
    • Best Practices in Today’s Digital Organization
    • Spatial Technologies for Water Resource Management
    • GIS in Public Health
    • K-12 Education
    • Using UAVs (Drones) for Aerial Imagery Acquisition

    Review the schedule here.

     

  • Topcon Announces MS AXII Measuring Station

    The Topcon MS AXII measuring station.
    The Topcon MS AXII measuring station.

    Topcon Positioning Group has released the latest edition to the MS line of high-precision total stations in the North and South American markets.  The MS AXII measuring station series is designed for precision-intensive tasks, such as monitoring, bridge construction, and other highly detailed engineering projects.

    The series includes the MS1 AXII with 1-inch angle accuracy, and the MS05 AXII with 0.5-inch angle accuracy.  “The MS1 AXII is perfect for long-distance measurement activities, while the MS05 AXII is built for high-accuracy survey and construction projects,” said Ray Kerwin, Topcon director of global surveying products.

    “The fully robotic MS AXII models are vastly superior to conventional systems that simply lock on to the nearest targets,” said Kerwin. “The MS AXII auto-collimation system allows the instruments to lock on to targets that are closest to the center view of the telescope, providing long-rage precision and accuracy even in low-light conditions.”

    Additional features include integrated Bluetooth connectivity options, durability with an IP65 rating, and TSshield technology for security and maintenance.

  • TeleCommunication Systems Adds 10 U.S. Patents Advancing LBS, Wireless, GIS/Mapping

    The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued 10 U.S. patents to TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. during the second quarter of 2014. TCS also received two foreign patents during the quarter.

    The 10 U.S. patents describe innovations in messaging, location-based services, GIS/mapping and wireless. They include the following three:

    • TCS reported in the first quarter that it was issued a Prepaid Short Messaging Services patent. In the second quarter, TCS received notice that another prepaid patent was issued to the company that will serve as one of the cornerstone patents in a monetization program that TCS is planning to launch later this year. The prepaid market has grown into a multibillion-dollar per year industry, with 86 million prepaid users comprising 27 percent of all U.S. wireless users, according to a J.P. Morgan 2013 market report. The recently issued Prepaid Short Messaging patent (U.S. 8,738,496) is a continuation of earlier TCS prepaid patents, bringing TCS’ prepaid messaging portfolio to eight, with one additional pending. Most prepaid phone systems allow users a prescribed amount of prepaid messaging and wireless call time. The ‘496 patent describes techniques for determining if a recipient’s account is sufficiently funded to receive a message. If it is not, the system prevents the delivery of messages until the recipient’s account is sufficiently funded, when follow-on messages will be delivered.
    • A geofence defines a virtual spatial boundary for creating triggers when a mobile device either enters or exits that boundary. Geofences are commonly used in child location services to alert parents when a child’s mobile device leaves the boundary of a school or park, or by enterprises to track the location of a mobile workforce or equipment. Establishing a geofence can be complicated, requiring that the user manually draw the boundary on an electronic map. The recently issued TCS patent covering a Method and System for Identifying and Defining Geofences (U.S. 8,731,813) describes techniques to simply and easily create geofences based on real-world objects or places. Using the map/navigation application on a mobile device, the user simply selects the desired location, using its pre-defined boundary to create the geofence.
    • Thousands of portable computing platforms have emerged that have the capability of directly connecting to the Internet either through a wireless wide area network (such as cellular network or campus Wi-Fi network) via a front-end built into the device (smartphone, etc.), or, via Bluetooth or other short-range wireless communication, to a wireless proxy device such as a modem or a smartphone. With various low-cost, short-range wireless devices installed in vehicles for navigation or entertainment purposes, it has become increasingly important to provide an easy and efficient method for a motor vehicle manufacturer, parent or other authority to monitor and control access to certain sites when those devices are connected to the Internet. The recently issued Remotely Provisioned Wireless Proxy patent (U.S. 8,712,408) describes techniques to create white lists (allowed URLs) and black lists (disallowed URLs) within a wireless/mobile device acting as a proxy so that access to certain sites can be controlled effectively.

    The remaining seven U.S. patents issued in the period are: Integrated, Detachable Ear Bud Device for a Wireless Phone (U.S. 8,688,174); N-Dimensional Affinity Confluencer (U.S. 8,688,087); Login Security with Short Message (U.S. 8,712,453); Intelligent Reverse Geocoding (U.S. 8,731,585); Secure Location Session Manager (U.S. 8,687,511); System and Method for Location Assurance of a Mobile Device (U.S. 8,718,673); and Wireless Network Tour Guide (U.S. 8,744,491).

  • TeleCommunication Systems Adds 10 U.S. Patents Advancing LBS, Wireless, GIS/Mapping

    The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued 10 U.S. patents to TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. during the second quarter of 2014. TCS also received two foreign patents during the quarter.

    The 10 U.S. patents describe innovations in messaging, location-based services, GIS/mapping and wireless. They include the following three:

    • TCS reported in the first quarter that it was issued a Prepaid Short Messaging Services patent. In the second quarter, TCS received notice that another prepaid patent was issued to the company that will serve as one of the cornerstone patents in a monetization program that TCS is planning to launch later this year. The prepaid market has grown into a multibillion-dollar per year industry, with 86 million prepaid users comprising 27 percent of all U.S. wireless users, according to a J.P. Morgan 2013 market report. The recently issued Prepaid Short Messaging patent (U.S. 8,738,496) is a continuation of earlier TCS prepaid patents, bringing TCS’ prepaid messaging portfolio to eight, with one additional pending. Most prepaid phone systems allow users a prescribed amount of prepaid messaging and wireless call time. The ‘496 patent describes techniques for determining if a recipient’s account is sufficiently funded to receive a message. If it is not, the system prevents the delivery of messages until the recipient’s account is sufficiently funded, when follow-on messages will be delivered.
    • A geofence defines a virtual spatial boundary for creating triggers when a mobile device either enters or exits that boundary. Geofences are commonly used in child location services to alert parents when a child’s mobile device leaves the boundary of a school or park, or by enterprises to track the location of a mobile workforce or equipment. Establishing a geofence can be complicated, requiring that the user manually draw the boundary on an electronic map. The recently issued TCS patent covering a Method and System for Identifying and Defining Geofences (U.S. 8,731,813) describes techniques to simply and easily create geofences based on real-world objects or places. Using the map/navigation application on a mobile device, the user simply selects the desired location, using its pre-defined boundary to create the geofence.
    • Thousands of portable computing platforms have emerged that have the capability of directly connecting to the Internet either through a wireless wide area network (such as cellular network or campus Wi-Fi network) via a front-end built into the device (smartphone, etc.), or, via Bluetooth or other short-range wireless communication, to a wireless proxy device such as a modem or a smartphone. With various low-cost, short-range wireless devices installed in vehicles for navigation or entertainment purposes, it has become increasingly important to provide an easy and efficient method for a motor vehicle manufacturer, parent or other authority to monitor and control access to certain sites when those devices are connected to the Internet. The recently issued Remotely Provisioned Wireless Proxy patent (U.S. 8,712,408) describes techniques to create white lists (allowed URLs) and black lists (disallowed URLs) within a wireless/mobile device acting as a proxy so that access to certain sites can be controlled effectively.

    The remaining seven U.S. patents issued in the period are: Integrated, Detachable Ear Bud Device for a Wireless Phone (U.S. 8,688,174); N-Dimensional Affinity Confluencer (U.S. 8,688,087); Login Security with Short Message (U.S. 8,712,453); Intelligent Reverse Geocoding (U.S. 8,731,585); Secure Location Session Manager (U.S. 8,687,511); System and Method for Location Assurance of a Mobile Device (U.S. 8,718,673); and Wireless Network Tour Guide (U.S. 8,744,491).

  • Esri Offers Interactive Pro Football Hall of Fame Map

    Esri’s updated Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees map is now available.

    Organized by decade, the interactive map lets users explore inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame from the initial class in 1963 to this year’s seven inductees. Users can see where each gridiron great is from and explore biographical information from the Pro Football Hall of Fame about each inductee.

  • E-book Details GIS Role in Fighting Crime

    American Sentinel University’s new e-book, GIS for Crime Analysis, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, profiles how GIS has become an effective new crime-fighting tool used by law enforcement agencies to uncover criminal patterns that would be otherwise impossible to identify. The complimentary e-book is available for download.

    GIS technology merges and manages massive amounts of law enforcement data into geodatabases that instantly analyze, map and aggregate data and provide law enforcement agencies with actionable intelligence to fight crime.

    Senior Cpl. D.J. Beaty, police GIS and geospatial analyst for the Dallas Police Department, is featured in the e-book and shares insight about how his use of GIS and geospatial analysis has improved the ability to fight crime to ensure public safety.

    “Crime is not uniformly distributed and identifying high crime areas or hot spots is significant for strategic and tactical approaches for law enforcement agencies,” says Sr. Cpl. Beaty. “New situations require new strategies and solutions. GIS analysis helps law enforcement agencies prioritize and allocate resources to targeted areas to address specific criminal activity. By implementing a geographic approach to analyze crime, the Dallas Police Department can efficiently and effectively meet the challenge of reducing crime in our community.”

    The advanced spatial analysis of crime data continues to change the ways in which modern policing occurs. GIS provides the geographic advantage for law enforcement agencies to combat crime by using computers, analysis and programming skills to make predictions based on proprietary algorithms.

    GIS for Crime Analysis, Law Enforcement and Public Safety is aimed at law enforcement professionals whose organization or company plans to implement new or enhance existing GIS technology. The e-book provides valuable insight about why GIS is on forefront of cutting-edge technology, the Dallas Police Department’s successful use of GIS to combat crime and offers a guide for law enforcement professionals to enhance their educational and professional goals.

    Topics include:

    • Technology and Its Application
    • Types of Users
    • Training and Background

    “As more law enforcement agencies embrace GIS, overall public safety can be enhanced through better crime prevention strategies, improved response times, interagency data sharing, cooperation and collaboration to ultimately see reduced crime rates through the community,” says Stephen A. McElroy, Ph.D., GIS program chair at American Sentinel University.  “GIS has opened a world of new tools for law enforcement and given practitioners in the field a way to advance their careers while making a significant contribution to public safety and order.”

  • Spatial Wave Software Now Compatible with ArcGIS 10.2.1

    Spatial Wave, Inc., has announced that its latest releases, Mapplet, Field Mapplet, and MapLibrary are now compatible with Esri’s latest version of ArcGIS 10.2. New customers and existing customers on maintenance will receive the new release.

    Mapplet is an advanced GIS viewer for viewing utility operational data that has unique capabilities to link to external data sources. Mapplet uses the latest ArcGIS technology for setup and configuration purposes and takes advantage of Arcgis.com base maps to enrich the experience of the users that are using map services from ArcGIS.com platform.

    Field Mapplet is an advanced mapping and GIS-enabled framework designed to optimize utility workflows with an easy-to-use and implement solution. Field Mapplet takes advantage of ArcGIS Version 10.2 and includes a map-centric user interface. These new enhancements help bring together field and office workers, which in turn streamlines the daily workflow processes between crews, supervisors, and management.

    MapLibrary is being further enhanced with support for displaying map services from ArcGIS Server 10.2 or ArcGIS.com platform depending on the choice of users.

    Through the use of many powerful components, Mapplet, Field Mapplet and MapLibrary are designed for both utilities and local government agencies interested in developing GIS portals and maintaining geographic assets without additional programming.

  • F4 Tech Offers Free SilvAssist Software to SAF Accredited Forestry Schools

    F4 Tech is contributing to future foresters’ education by providing complementary SilvAssist software to colleges accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). SilvAssist  is a set of GIS tools for managing forest inventory data.

    Institutions with SAF accreditation will be eligible for licensing of the SilvAssist solution to integrate within their curriculum.

    “Understanding the forest inventory process and how it relates to GIS is critical for today’s students of forest resource management,” said Mark Milligan, president of F4 Tech. “We believe that providing SilvAssist free of charge to SAF accredited schools is the right thing to do, and we look forward to getting that started immediately.”

    F4 Tech is confident that this new partnership with forestry schools will help to enhance and improve education in the design, management, reporting and analysis of forest inventory data.

    SilvAssist is a toolbar for Esri’s ArcGIS that helps to improve productivity by providing information needed for crucial business decisions. SilvAssist is compatible with: ArcGIS 9.3, 10, 10.1, 10.2, and 32 and 64-bit computers.