LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, has launched GeoGofer, a new addition to its product line. GeoGofer is a software solution for finding geospatial imagery quickly and efficiently, regardless of where it is located.
GeoGofer was designed to streamline the process of finding, organizing, and tracking geospatial imagery. To that end, GeoGofer comes with powerful search and filter features that can be used to find imagery by keyword, by projection, by file format and more.
“Our customers will never again have to struggle to find their geospatial images,” said Jon Skiffington, director of product management at LizardTech. “Our product preview demonstrations have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from existing LizardTech customers and from a sampling of Esri User Conference attendees.”
With GeoGofer, users can browse all of their imagery on a single map, tag images for later use, and perform powerful queries using simple tools. Users can search by modification date, by number of bands, or by resolution to find the imagery they need.
GeoGofer integrates fully with trusted Esri technology. GeoGofer uses an existing ArcGIS Online subscription to store and query image information. Additionally, if users have ArcMap installed on the same machine that runs GeoGofer, they can open images directly in ArcMap.
More product information, purchase options, and a free 14-day trial are available at the website.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
LizardTech, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, is announcing the newest addition to its product line at the 2014 Esri International User Conference this week. LizardTech GeoGofer is a software solution for finding geospatial imagery quickly and efficiently and will be available later this summer.
The conference takes place in San Diego, California, where LizardTech will demonstrate GeoGofer in booth #1516.
GeoGofer was designed to streamline the process of finding, organizing, and tracking geospatial imagery. GeoGofer comes with powerful search and filter features to find imagery by keyword, by projection, by file format and more, LizardTech said. With GeoGofer, users can browse all of their imagery on a single map, tag images for later use, and perform powerful queries using simple tools. Users can search by modification date, by number of bands, or by resolution to find the imagery they need.
GeoGofer integrates fully with Esri technology. GeoGofer uses an existing ArcGIS Online subscription to store and query image information. If users have ArcMap installed on the same machine that runs GeoGofer, they can open images directly in ArcMap.
Those interested in GeoGofer can enter their names at www.lizardtech.com/geogofer to be notified of the product launch later this summer.
Because of overwhelming interest in the Pegasus:Two Mobile Mapping Contest, the Leica Geosystems Mobile Mapping team has announced an extension of the contest deadline. Entrants now have until August 31, 2014, to submit their detailed proposals and project timelines.
“We are very excited about the interest shown in the Pegasus:Two mobile mapping solution and the resulting enquiries into the contest,” says Stuart Woods, project manager at Leica Geosystems. “Extending the contest deadline provides potential entrants with more time to create and prepare their entries. There are many fantastic ideas developing throughout the world and we’re extremely curious to learn about them.”
The winner of this contest, who will receive free use of a Leica Geosystems’ Pegasus:Two mobile mapping system for six months plus $10,000 USD to spend on the project, will be announced on September 8.
Eagle Mapping Ltd., a North American digital airborne mapping company, is now using the new Riegl LMS-Q1560 airborne laser scanner system. Designed to capture ultra-wide swaths and complex environments, the high-performance Riegl LiDAR will enable Eagle Mapping to expand into new markets including large-area, forestry and urban mapping applications for governments and first-nation organizations.
“The Riegl LMS-Q1560 is a powerful laser scanner developed to acquire data over large geographic areas at high altitudes,” said James Hume, Eagle Mapping President. “This will allow us to map expansive cities, counties and tribal lands quickly and cost effectively.”
Riegl designed the powerful dual-channel LMS-Q1560 laser scanner with integrated medium-format camera for a variety of airborne mapping projects with an emphasis on wide-swath coverage. With a 58-degree field of view, the laser can be operated at a maximum pulse repetition rate of 800 kHz capable of measuring 530,000 points per second on the ground from an altitude up to 15,500 feet AGL.
“The Riegl LMS-Q1560 is the most cost-competitive airborne laser scanner on the market today,” said Hume. “We can fly at a higher altitude and collect a denser spacing of elevation data than any other LiDAR system out there.”
In addition, the Riegl LMS-Q1560 has a forward-and-look capability which, when combined with its wide field of view, enables the device to capture data from multiple angles effectively and accurately at an extremely high point density. The sensor also utilizes Multiple-Time-Around processing, echo digitization and waveform analysis to simultaneously track more than 10 pulses in the air.
This means the LiDAR can collect tightly spaced elevation points even in complex environments. Examples are built-up city centers with a variety of buildings and vertical structures, as well as extremely rugged mountain terrain where elevations change dramatically and abruptly.
“Whether working in the mountains of British Columbia or over a densely developed urban center, we will capture accurate elevation points between soaring peaks as efficiently as we do between high-rise office buildings,” added Hume. “And regardless of the terrain, we’ll collect more data in a day and finish jobs faster than we could before.”
Over nearly three decades, Eagle Mapping has built its reputation on finding more accurate and affordable mapping technologies. Focusing primarily on the global mining industry, the Vancouver firm was among the first to deploy airborne LiDAR technology for mapping. More recently, the Canadian firm configured a high-density, narrow-swath Riegl VQ-580 LiDAR with a DiMAC medium-format camera on a single aircraft to simultaneously collect elevation and image data for efficient mapping of pipeline and transmission line corridors.
“As we expand into urban and large-area projects for government clients, we will continue to support our extensive client base in the international mining and corridor mapping markets,” said Rodney Cope, vice president of sales and marketing.
Eagle Mapping operates a Cessna 206 and Piper Navajo aircraft based in British Columbia. The Navajo carries the new Riegl LMSQ1560, and the Cessna is equipped with the Riegl VQ-580 LiDAR and DiMAC digital camera. The firm maintains field offices in Bellingham, Washington, USA, and Medellin, Colombia, in South America.
Tree crowns above 1m2 are extracted, then a Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) is applied to provide an indication of tree health. Green indicates a healthy tree, red indicates a less healthy tree (within the Abu Dhabi forest plantations). So far this process has been applied to over 4,000,000 trees in Abu Dhabi.
Proteus FZC, a provider of satellite-derived mapping and classification services, has completed a demonstration project using satellite imagery to inventory tree plantations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The tree mapping pilot is a spin-off of a larger Emirate-wide habitat and land use/land cover (LULC) project now being spearheaded by Proteus.
In the pilot, the Proteus team processed multispectral data collected by DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-2 commercial imaging satellite to identify the species and conditions of individual trees within the pilot area. Proteus managed the project, in which GMV of Spain performed image processing and automatic tree extraction with local ground-truthing support from Nautica Environmental Associates in Abu Dhabi.
“This pilot demonstrates the viability of using very high-resolution multispectral data to establish a baseline inventory of tree type and health within diverse forest plantations,” said Proteus Project Manager, Richard Flemmings. “We mapped every tree crown larger than one meter in diameter in the pilot area with minimal ground truthing and delivered the results in an Esri geodatabase.”
Abu Dhabi has planted forest plantations totaling nearly 20 million trees that provide aesthetic and environmental benefits throughout the Emirate. Comprised of gaff, acacia, mesquite and other species, these plantations require continuous irrigation with desalinated water at considerable expense. The Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) — requested the pilot as it seeks to find an efficient and cost-effective way to monitor the forest stands.
“These forest plantations are valuable resources for Abu Dhabi,” said Flemmings. “EAD envisions a monitoring program that identifies isolated health problems so they can be remediated.”
Proteus applied image processing techniques using all eight WorldView-2 multispectral bands plus one panchromatic band, with an emphasis on the mid-infrared spectra. This multi-step processing distinguished several tree species by their individual canopies and detected stress, possibly related to irrigation, salinity or infestation issues, in some of the trees.
Compared to the traditional ways of monitoring forestry plantations in the area, which implies walking along the tree lines to detect damaged/dead trees, remote sensing offers a cost-effective alternative.
“We used pan-sharpened imagery to create the baseline plantation map, but less expensive lower-resolution imagery such as Landsat could be used for ongoing periodic monitoring,” said Flemmings. “This individual tree mapping technique can be applied to create forest inventories of other species elsewhere in the world.”
Aside from the tree plantation pilot, Proteus is engaged in a fine-scale satellite-derived terrestrial and marine LULC and habitat mapping project for the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The three-phase, multi-million dollar project will ultimately include 60,000 sq. km. of land area and the coastal marine environment down to the 15-meter contour. Advanced processing algorithms are being used to extract LULC and habitat features from high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery acquired over both land and sea. Tree plantations are one of the LULC types identified by the Proteus team in the larger EAD project.
In the coastal Arabian Gulf, Proteus is delivering seabed classifications to depths of 15-20 meters. Deliverables for each phase of the Abu Dhabi mapping project include bathymetric analysis, orthorectified mosaic, LULC/habitat ecological classifications, geospatial models, printed maps at multiple scales, and knowledge transfer.
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 United States, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Three weeks ago, GPS World / Geospatial Solutions held a webinar highlighting new technologies for imagery and data capture. The webinar had four presenters: Paul Smith of CycloMedia, Ted Ralston with Soft Power Solutions, Peter VanAmburgh from IIF Data, and John Ciampa CEO of Alta. You can view a YouTube video of the session. Because webinar time is limited, we couldn’t cover the technologies in detail, so I’m covering some of the technologies one column at a time.
In February, I devoted my column to CycloMedia, so you may want to review that material if you want more detail. This month I want to delve into the Alta balloon system that was presented by John Ciampa, the CEO of Alta. John was the original patent holder of Pictometry, the revolutionary high resolution geo-referenced metric oblique imagery system. He and Steve Schultz took the concept from theory to a practical functioning system that has been an industry standard for over 10 years.
John continues his research, dividing his time between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida International University (FIU) while also working with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Although Pictometry was very successful, he also understood the limitations and cost of a manned aircraft as a capture system, especially for disaster response. Pictometry was a very capable system, but John felt that what was needed was a system that had a “lighter footprint” figuratively and literally. John took his knowledge and experience, and combined it with the latest developments in micro-miniaturized technology, to develop a system that was elegant in its simplicity and usefulness.
The Platform
Simply put, the Alta balloon is a steerable oblique geo-referenced camera system attached to a weather balloon. By using a balloon, John solved several problems associated with manned aircraft — cost, image quality, and accessibility. A balloon is cheaper than an aircraft, doesn’t require a licensed pilot, is more easily deployable, and can “fly” at lower altitudes.
Even a small aircraft is expensive, and requires a trained pilot and complex support logistics. A small used aircraft can run $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Additionally, most high-end aerial imagery systems generally require expensive FAA-approved modifications of the airframe. This adds cost, and limits the aircraft that can be used. Equipped with Pictometry cameras and electronics, a total aircraft capture system can easily cost $300,000 and up.
A significant factor during disaster response events is transportability and support. Past experience has shown that it can be very difficult to transport and operate even small aircraft in disaster regions, especially if the damage is widespread. Fuel and ground support in disaster sites can also be a serious limitation. By comparison, a balloon system can be carried in a suitcase, shipped quickly, and set up in less than an hour. Since the cost is in the range of several thousand dollars, multiple systems are practical and can be deployed in numerous remote locations. Equally impressive is that operators can be trained in less than an hour.
But don’t get the impression that Alta is as simple as strapping a digital camera to a balloon. Achieving the image quality, accuracy and dynamic performance of the Alta system requires a very sophisticated package, including the balloon, controls, communications and sensors. The balloon system is actually two balloons, one within the other, an outer balloon and inner lift gas balloon. The outer balloon provides some external protection while presenting a consistent profile. The inner balloon provides the lift and is filled with either hydrogen or helium.
The altitude is remotely controlled by venting lift gas to descend or by dumping water ballast to ascend. An onboard computer and sensors can also maintain altitude autonomously. When the balloon is brought down, a tethered weight drops to several feet under the balloon. The weight contacts the ground first and “anchors” the balloon and payload for retrieval. This keeps the balloon and payload off the ground, and also makes it easier to spot.
There are several modes of operation that are determined by the operator prior to launch:
“Path Mode”: The balloon is released, ascending to the programmed altitude, then drifting with the wind currents before descending back to the ground.
“Patch Mode – single tether”: Used to launch and retrieve the balloon. The balloon ascends to altitude, and its position is downwind based on the strength of the wind acting on both the balloon and tether.
Patch mode with single tether.
“Patch Mode – multiple tethers”: Very precisely controls the location of the balloon over a limited area. This is very similar to the overhead cameras used in televised football games but in reverse, since the balloon wants to fly up.
Patch mode with multiple tethers.
The system can also be equipped with a parachute for emergency landings, a solar trickle charger for extended missions, and even a quadcopter that can steer the balloon to specific target areas. The lift capability of the balloon permits significantly longer duration flights than a quadcopter alone. A detailed operator’s manual is available for review at the Alta website — look for the Operators Manual.
The Payload
The modular payload is complex, but also lightweight and compact thanks to the latest developments in miniaturization. It consists of a precision GPS unit, inertial measurement/navigation unit (IMU), an onboard computer, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi communications, and an aimable high-resolution camera on a stabilized gimbal. The camera can be RGB, night vision or even multi-spectral. The imagery is downloaded as captured and delivered almost real-time.
Modular payload.
The Output
Because the balloon floats at low altitudes, image resolution is an impressive “game changer.” Here is just one example comparing a 4-inch pixel Pictometry/Bing image taken from 3,000 feet to a 1-centimeter pixel Alta image of the same location taken from several hundred feet.
Bing (left) and Alta images of stadium seats, compared.
Similar to Pictometry, the system uses GPS and IMUs to very accurately determine the camera location and attitude. That information, linked via algorithms to the captured imagery, results in imagery that is geo-referenced, measurable and available with full metadata, including the time of capture. I can’t over emphasize how important this is. Having instant access to imagery is nice, but having that imagery already geo-referenced means that the imagery can be quickly and easily imported into a GIS and overlaid with legacy GIS data for instant analytics.
The system has been used for many mundane applications such a real estate, agriculture, construction/engineering and event planning. More critical applications include crime-scene monitoring, surveillance and disaster response. Recently, in response to a South Florida Mall shooting, police launched an Alta balloon to view the crime-scene location. The imagery was instantly and continuously sent to police station computers and mobile devices of responders en route to the mall for pre-planning of their response. Viewing rooftops and walkways for victims and perpetrators, a near real-time operational picture was provided to police before putting themselves and others in harm’s way.
Actual image from an Alta balloon used in SWAT team maneuvers.
Dolphin Mall Sweetwater Florida, May 14, 2014, 6:05 a.m.
The Potential
I’m especially excited about the potential lifesaving use of Alta balloons. On numerous occasions I was involved in emergency response actions, and the dominant overarching need was high-quality imagery that could be combined with legacy data and imagery as close to real-time as possible. This system answers that need, and at a low cost. I could envision several Alta systems in every county nationwide ready to deploy on a moment’s notice. I believe that these units would be especially valuable for disaster response in second- and third-world countries. Dozens of Alta systems and trained operators could be delivered on short notice to major disaster sites, providing almost real-time common operational pictures for first responders. The added advantage is the very light need for logistics and support.
Military applications could be equally important. The silence of balloons coupled with a small visibility profile, including almost total invisibility at night, makes them ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance. The relatively low cost of the platforms also permits them to be expendable. In a tethered mode, the persistent “eye in the sky” could serve as a deterrent, or at a minimum make hostile activity more complicated for the perpetrators as they try to hide activities from the balloon. The “light” logistics and fast operator learning curve are just added benefits.
A key question raised during the webinar was FAA control. John indicated that the FAA does not consider the Alta balloons in a tethered mode subject to their control, and is currently reviewing it in a drift mode. John further amplified that the very low altitude of operation and dual control of descent should also exempt the drifter from FAA involvement. Alta could provide a significant advantage where UAS operations are restricted or not practical.
In a recent book, “Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper” by Robert Bryce, reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, the author argues that a similar dynamic, making less do more, drives virtually every technological change that has created the modern world, from cars and airplanes to advanced medicine, strategic metals and the iCloud. Alta balloons are certainly a good example.
I was an early proponent of Pictometry because, unlike abstract GIS data and ortho imagery, the metric oblique imagery was easily understood by non-GIS users. I saw many examples where it saved lives because police and firefighters were able to form and exploit a common operational picture quickly. Alta has me equally excited because it brings that same capability to users with a much simpler system that delivers almost real-time imagery at a cost anyone can afford. This technology is going to help a lot of people.
Three weeks ago, GPS World / Geospatial Solutions held a webinar highlighting new technologies for imagery and data capture. The webinar had four presenters: Paul Smith of CycloMedia, Ted Ralston with Soft Power Solutions, Peter VanAmburgh from IIF Data, and John Ciampa CEO of Alta. You can view a YouTube video of the session. Because webinar time is limited, we couldn’t cover the technologies in detail, so I’m covering some of the technologies one column at a time.
In February, I devoted my column to CycloMedia, so you may want to review that material if you want more detail. This month I want to delve into the Alta balloon system that was presented by John Ciampa, the CEO of Alta. John was the original patent holder of Pictometry, the revolutionary high resolution geo-referenced metric oblique imagery system. He and Steve Schultz took the concept from theory to a practical functioning system that has been an industry standard for over 10 years.
John continues his research, dividing his time between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida International University (FIU) while also working with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Although Pictometry was very successful, he also understood the limitations and cost of a manned aircraft as a capture system, especially for disaster response. Pictometry was a very capable system, but John felt that what was needed was a system that had a “lighter footprint” figuratively and literally. John took his knowledge and experience, and combined it with the latest developments in micro-miniaturized technology, to develop a system that was elegant in its simplicity and usefulness.
The Platform
Simply put, the Alta balloon is a steerable oblique geo-referenced camera system attached to a weather balloon. By using a balloon, John solved several problems associated with manned aircraft — cost, image quality, and accessibility. A balloon is cheaper than an aircraft, doesn’t require a licensed pilot, is more easily deployable, and can “fly” at lower altitudes.
Even a small aircraft is expensive, and requires a trained pilot and complex support logistics. A small used aircraft can run $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Additionally, most high-end aerial imagery systems generally require expensive FAA-approved modifications of the airframe. This adds cost, and limits the aircraft that can be used. Equipped with Pictometry cameras and electronics, a total aircraft capture system can easily cost $300,000 and up.
A significant factor during disaster response events is transportability and support. Past experience has shown that it can be very difficult to transport and operate even small aircraft in disaster regions, especially if the damage is widespread. Fuel and ground support in disaster sites can also be a serious limitation. By comparison, a balloon system can be carried in a suitcase, shipped quickly, and set up in less than an hour. Since the cost is in the range of several thousand dollars, multiple systems are practical and can be deployed in numerous remote locations. Equally impressive is that operators can be trained in less than an hour.
But don’t get the impression that Alta is as simple as strapping a digital camera to a balloon. Achieving the image quality, accuracy and dynamic performance of the Alta system requires a very sophisticated package, including the balloon, controls, communications and sensors. The balloon system is actually two balloons, one within the other, an outer balloon and inner lift gas balloon. The outer balloon provides some external protection while presenting a consistent profile. The inner balloon provides the lift and is filled with either hydrogen or helium.
The altitude is remotely controlled by venting lift gas to descend or by dumping water ballast to ascend. An onboard computer and sensors can also maintain altitude autonomously. When the balloon is brought down, a tethered weight drops to several feet under the balloon. The weight contacts the ground first and “anchors” the balloon and payload for retrieval. This keeps the balloon and payload off the ground, and also makes it easier to spot.
There are several modes of operation that are determined by the operator prior to launch:
“Path Mode”: The balloon is released, ascending to the programmed altitude, then drifting with the wind currents before descending back to the ground.
“Patch Mode – single tether”: Used to launch and retrieve the balloon. The balloon ascends to altitude, and its position is downwind based on the strength of the wind acting on both the balloon and tether.
Patch mode with single tether.
“Patch Mode – multiple tethers”: Very precisely controls the location of the balloon over a limited area. This is very similar to the overhead cameras used in televised football games but in reverse, since the balloon wants to fly up.
Patch mode with multiple tethers.
The system can also be equipped with a parachute for emergency landings, a solar trickle charger for extended missions, and even a quadcopter that can steer the balloon to specific target areas. The lift capability of the balloon permits significantly longer duration flights than a quadcopter alone. A detailed operator’s manual is available for review at the Alta website — look for the Operators Manual.
The Payload
The modular payload is complex, but also lightweight and compact thanks to the latest developments in miniaturization. It consists of a precision GPS unit, inertial measurement/navigation unit (IMU), an onboard computer, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi communications, and an aimable high-resolution camera on a stabilized gimbal. The camera can be RGB, night vision or even multi-spectral. The imagery is downloaded as captured and delivered almost real-time.
Modular payload.
The Output
Because the balloon floats at low altitudes, image resolution is an impressive “game changer.” Here is just one example comparing a 4-inch pixel Pictometry/Bing image taken from 3,000 feet to a 1-centimeter pixel Alta image of the same location taken from several hundred feet.
Bing (left) and Alta images of stadium seats, compared.
Similar to Pictometry, the system uses GPS and IMUs to very accurately determine the camera location and attitude. That information, linked via algorithms to the captured imagery, results in imagery that is geo-referenced, measurable and available with full metadata, including the time of capture. I can’t over emphasize how important this is. Having instant access to imagery is nice, but having that imagery already geo-referenced means that the imagery can be quickly and easily imported into a GIS and overlaid with legacy GIS data for instant analytics.
The system has been used for many mundane applications such a real estate, agriculture, construction/engineering and event planning. More critical applications include crime-scene monitoring, surveillance and disaster response. Recently, in response to a South Florida Mall shooting, police launched an Alta balloon to view the crime-scene location. The imagery was instantly and continuously sent to police station computers and mobile devices of responders en route to the mall for pre-planning of their response. Viewing rooftops and walkways for victims and perpetrators, a near real-time operational picture was provided to police before putting themselves and others in harm’s way.
Actual image from an Alta balloon used in SWAT team maneuvers.
Dolphin Mall Sweetwater Florida, May 14, 2014, 6:05 a.m.
The Potential
I’m especially excited about the potential lifesaving use of Alta balloons. On numerous occasions I was involved in emergency response actions, and the dominant overarching need was high-quality imagery that could be combined with legacy data and imagery as close to real-time as possible. This system answers that need, and at a low cost. I could envision several Alta systems in every county nationwide ready to deploy on a moment’s notice. I believe that these units would be especially valuable for disaster response in second- and third-world countries. Dozens of Alta systems and trained operators could be delivered on short notice to major disaster sites, providing almost real-time common operational pictures for first responders. The added advantage is the very light need for logistics and support.
Military applications could be equally important. The silence of balloons coupled with a small visibility profile, including almost total invisibility at night, makes them ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance. The relatively low cost of the platforms also permits them to be expendable. In a tethered mode, the persistent “eye in the sky” could serve as a deterrent, or at a minimum make hostile activity more complicated for the perpetrators as they try to hide activities from the balloon. The “light” logistics and fast operator learning curve are just added benefits.
A key question raised during the webinar was FAA control. John indicated that the FAA does not consider the Alta balloons in a tethered mode subject to their control, and is currently reviewing it in a drift mode. John further amplified that the very low altitude of operation and dual control of descent should also exempt the drifter from FAA involvement. Alta could provide a significant advantage where UAS operations are restricted or not practical.
In a recent book, “Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper” by Robert Bryce, reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, the author argues that a similar dynamic, making less do more, drives virtually every technological change that has created the modern world, from cars and airplanes to advanced medicine, strategic metals and the iCloud. Alta balloons are certainly a good example.
I was an early proponent of Pictometry because, unlike abstract GIS data and ortho imagery, the metric oblique imagery was easily understood by non-GIS users. I saw many examples where it saved lives because police and firefighters were able to form and exploit a common operational picture quickly. Alta has me equally excited because it brings that same capability to users with a much simpler system that delivers almost real-time imagery at a cost anyone can afford. This technology is going to help a lot of people.
The new Fanbeam laser radar sensor from Renishaw’s spatial measurement division provides repetitive, high-accuracy dynamic positioning (DP) to offshore support vessels (OSV) and other marine structures.
This next-generation system adds greater performance and stability through new control software that increases reliability of its single-target tracking capability, and allows multiple operator stations for situations where control needs to be transferred between bridge personnel. The new software’s advanced target tracking and modeling prevent spurious targets from causing a drive off, while the intelligent clutter rejection capability provides clearer signals for a better understanding of the operational environment. A training package with a fully featured, realistic simulator is also included.
The Fanbeam system uses position data to automatically hold vessels on station, and is typically the primary position reference during critical short-range operations, such as cargo container lifts from platform supply vessels. The system provides collision avoidance, gangway monitoring and docking assistance on vessels operating in crew supply, anchor handling tug supply, construction support, dive support, dredging and rock dumping capacities. Other applications include seismic source positioning for geophysical exploration vessels and positioning of mine detection equipment.
Fanbeam laser radar sensor.
The system uses a laser sensor with a unique vertically “fanned” output, allowing returns to be observed from passive retro-reflective targets despite relative movement of the vessel. Accurate to 20 cm, the laser rotates horizontally in both directions via motorized base, and can be tilted ± 15˚ in the vertical plane using a built-in Autotilt mechanism with servo-driven gearbox. The motorized yoke has a software-selectable scanning speed up to 50˚/s, horizontal range of 0˚ to 360˚ and 0.01˚ horizontal resolution. A reflective tube target is used for short-range operations, while various prism cluster target options allow long-range operations up to 6562 ft (2000 m).
Built for harsh environments, the system’s operating temperature range is -13˚F to +158˚F (-25˚C to +70˚C), with a water/dust resistance rating of IP66, and is EN 60945/EN 609950-1:2001 compliant. A marine-grade embedded PC and machined aluminum enclosure equip the system for rugged use. The compact system is approximately 8”W x 12”L x 11.5”H (200 x 300 x 290 mm) and weighs only 28 lbs. (12.9 kgs).
Fanbeam Production Moves to Renishaw Facility. After acquiring Measurement Devices Limited (MDL) in 2013, Renishaw moved production of Fanbeam systems to its assembly facility in Gloucestershire. The facility was named the UK’s Best Electronics Plant in 2012. “Vessel operators depend on Fanbeam systems for reliable, safe operations in tough conditions,” said Keith Park, Marine Business and General Manager, Renishaw. “Now, they can have confidence that these systems are produced at one of the world’s best design, production and servicing facilities.”
