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  • Features Added to Free EGNOS Software Development Kit

    Now GNSS smartphone application developers can benefit from a range of new features from Version 2 the European Commission’s free EGNOS Software Development Kit (SDK), reports the European GNSS Agency (GSA). The SDK helps developers to easily implement EGNOS corrections coming from the signal in space or the Internet, and make use of EGNOS advantages when using location-enabled applications.

    The EGNOS SDK is a European Commission project that aims to foster the use of EGNOS in location-based services (LBS) applications for smartphones. It has been designed to allow application developers to take advantage of the benefits of EGNOS, and to use these in software they develop for mobile devices. The EGNOS SDK is the only toolkit — in an open-source library — that implements integrity and EGNOS corrections for a more accurate position than GPS alone can provide.
     
    New EGNOS SDK features and improvements include:

    • Tracking feature: Allows application developers to choose different options to display their GPS and/or EGNOS and/or R&D position over the smartphone’s map.
    • Skyplot view: Enables to display the position of the overhead EGNOS and GPS satellites with a time span of +12h or -12h. This feature shows information about the number of EGNOS satellites available, the number of GPS satellites used for the computation of the R&D, EGNOS and GPS positions, and the number of satellites not used.
    • Advanced Skyplot view: Provides an augmented reality showing a live video streaming of the sky and can identify EGNOS and GPS satellites in real time.
    • R&D Position Type menu: Displays six features proposing innovative ways of computing a position by deviating from the EGNOS standard EGNOS DO-229D, to get  even greater accuracy:
    1. The Increased satellite constellation improving the satellite constellation used by adding GPS satellites not monitored by EGNOS.
    2.  The Best satellite constellation selecting the most suitable GPS satellites geometry for the computation of the position.
    3.  The 2D Positioning displaying the position even if only 3 GPS satellites are in view (4 satellites are normally the minimum needed to compute a position). This is important in urban situations, where surrounding buildings can obstruct a clear view of the sky, making it difficult to track four satellites or more.
    4. The Fast correction with no RRC improving the positioning by eliminating the jumps that the Range Rate Correction (RRC) might cause in the fast corrections applied to the pseudorange (PR) measurements.
    5. The Best Weight Matrix rating the satellites involved in the position computation on the basis of the most beneficial weight matrix.
    6. The SBAS ranging function enabling SBAS geostationary satellites to be used in the same way GPS satellites are used to compute a position

    As far as integrity is concerned, the user can define different levels of integrity to be displayed (Horizontal Protection Level (HPL)): aviation, maritime or 85 percent.
     
    Since its initial release in November 2011, the EGNOS SDK is providing a useful tool to application developers who need the additional accuracy provided by EGNOS accessible in smartphone applications, according to customers:

    “I am interested in the toolkit because I started a project that aims at developing an application based on smartphones” – GeoMatica

    “I found the toolkit interesting, especially SISNet, in Finland the EGNOS signal is low…the corrections I receive with SISNet are more reliable than those I could receive with the satellite” – VTT

    The EGNOS SDK v.2 can be downloaded for free on the EGNOS Portal.
     

  • DeLorme Introduces ArcSync

    DeLorme announced the introduction of ArcSync, a software engine that allows customers to transfer field data edits to Esri repositories and synchronize field databases with the internal GIS database.

     

    ArcSync automates the process of defining and scheduling tasks, providing automatic data flow and keeping field and office databases in sync.

    “The ArcSync engine is an automated tool that streamlines the synchronization between field data collection and the ArcGIS database at headquarters,” said John Auble, DeLorme vice president, data products and HA/DR programs. “It is the ideal solution for organizations with a

    need to collect and distribute GIS data to field personnel in a disconnected format. It creates disconnected GIS layers from ArcGIS feature classes and maintains synchronization as changes are made via DeLorme, ArcMap or other Esri tools.”

    Auble noted that ArcSync permits the GIS Admin to ensure data viewed in the field is current for both the connected and disconnected GIS user, pushing work tickets to field personnel in an automated fashion so that critical data can be collected in a timely manner. It also allows for a scheduled automated process to run in order to make sure that all databases are in sync, eliminating the need for GIS Admin to spend time processing files manually to keep the field database and internal GIS database synchronized.

  • Esri Maps for Office Extends Location Analytics throughout Organizations

    Esri released Esri Maps for Office, a new analysis tool that allows business professionals to visualize data by creating and sharing interactive maps directly within Microsoft Office. Esri Maps for Office is a downloadable add-in for Microsoft Office 2010 that helps organizations make better decisions through location analytics.

     

    "By bringing the power of location analytics to Microsoft Office, Esri Maps for Office extends mapping and geographic intelligence capabilities to new people and departments," said Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "Esri Maps for Office is the next necessary step to offering more robust business analytics throughout an organization."

    With Esri Maps for Office, business professionals can quickly create interactive maps from their data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. These live maps, which can be based on any geographic component, such as customer locations or sales by ZIP Code, can be simply added to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations or shared through Esri's cloud mapping platform, ArcGIS Online. Maps shared through ArcGIS Online can then be distributed throughout an organization or embedded into mobile or web applications.

    The interactive maps and presentations business professionals create with Esri Maps for Office provide a powerful way of exploring issues ranging from gaps in existing service to opportunities for growth. Esri Maps for Office allows analysts to investigate their data as color-coded maps, point maps, or heat maps, and provides full control over the way data is displayed on the map. Organizations can overlay their data on a set of standardized Esri background maps or search through the extensive library of geospatial content available through ArcGIS Online.

    Esri Maps for Office is available as a free download to organizations with ArcGIS Online subscriptions. For more information on Esri Maps for Office, visit esri.com/maps4office.

  • Esri and Microsoft to Provide Online Maps and Applications During Disasters

    Esri announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft to assist public and private agencies and communities around the world during disasters. Microsoft will display Esri public information maps on its cloud-based Disaster Response Incident Portal, as well as point citizens to the maps via its online outlets, such as MSN and Bing. Esri's ArcGIS integration within a number of Microsoft's disaster response management solutions will provide governments and leading aid organizations with a more comprehensive set of tools to address key challenges.

    Esri and Microsoft unveiled the alliance during the Esri International User Conference at the San Diego Convention Center in California.

    "Esri is excited to work with Microsoft because of its world-leading software and services," says Russ Johnson, global director of disaster response for Esri. "This alliance leverages the strengths of both companies. The first phase involves using our technologies to support affected organizations and provide public information faster and in a more intuitive web map format during crises."

    "The ability to include Esri intelligent, interactive web maps with Microsoft's suite of disaster response offerings increases our ability to assist government agencies and private citizens," says Harmony Mabrey, senior operations manager, Microsoft Disaster Response. "Both responders and citizens will have access to a more detailed level of knowledge about the impacts of a disaster, enabling them to make more informed decisions."                        

    Accordinging to the announcement, these growing efforts will exponentially increase situational awareness and information sharing during disasters.

    Benefits include the following:

    • Rapid data dissemination to targeted audiences and the general public during a disaster
    • Better situational awareness through Esri and Microsoft technologies for critical decision support
    • More information management resource availability for governments and leading response organizations through the combined efforts of Esri and Microsoft

  • TomTom Expands Map Coverage with Latest Release of Global Maps

    TomTom announces map enhancements around the globe, delivering new coverage and features for automotive, government, enterprise and consumer customers.  TomTom maps cover more than 200 countries and territories globally, now with navigable coverage for 112 countries across 36.5 million kilometres of roads.

     

    Some of the enhancements include:
    • Addition of nearly 2.5 million Address Points in the United States to enable premium geocoding and navigation;
    • Upgraded 17,000 kilometres of AutoVias in Spain to motorway classification to improve routing and display functionality; 
    • Increased  street network coverage in Latvia to 100%, supporting street level navigation applications throughout the whole country; 
    • Voice Maps reaches 20 million names and more than 30 million voice transcriptions;
    • Addition of lane and signpost information on freeways and inner city lanes in Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar enables easier, more efficient and safer routing; 
    • Introduction of new 3D landmarks for advanced visualization in India and South East Asia.
    Visit TomTom at the Esri User Conference booth #1217 to learn more about global map products. 

  • GIS Cloud Launches Apps and its Enterprise Geo 2.0 Platform

    GIS Cloud is pleased to announce the launch of its Enterprise Geo 2.0 Platform.

     

    According to the announcement, the Enterprise Geo 2.0 Platform is being introduced with a number of applications and previews that demonstrate the power and flexibility of the platform, and address the diverse needs of segments ranging from transportation, utilities, municipal and local government, as well as other owners of geo-located assets.

    GIS Cloud reports that traditional client-server GIS applications have evolved over the years to support a diverse set of industries and vertical segments, often through the use and deployment of 3rd party and custom applications. But these applications, and more importantly the data created by these applications, are locked into desktop and workgroup server environments, and are not accessible to the larger enterprise user base that needs access.  The GIS Cloud Enterprise Geo 2.0 Platform is designed to fully leverage the power of Cloud computing to overcome these limitations and provide access to all enterprise users who need it.

    For the end-users this means very easy web access to apps solving their particular challenges. All apps are instantly available and a user can get started with them in a matter of seconds. No more IT, no more CD installations, no more desktop & server software.

    For the launch of our platform, we’ve prepared 7 enterprise geo apps to demonstrate the power of the platform:

    • Map Editor: full featured GIS Cloud map creation, editing and publishing
    • Map Viewer: easy map viewing optimized for non-professionals
    • Asset Data Collection and Management: enables organizations to effortlessly collect, track and manage their assets in real time
    • Roadwork Management and Coordination: enables organizations to track and coordinate their current and planned roadwork projects
    • Fleet Management: improve fleet and business efficiency with more than just a fleet tracking system
    • Mobile Data Collection: a simple and easy solution for real-time field location, multimedia and attribute data collection

    According to the announcement, Publisher for Esri ArcMap: a single click solution to get your maps and data from the most popular desktop GIS straight into GIS Cloud Map Viewer and Map Editor apps are now available in two flavors: free use for non-commercial users and a premium user-based subscription for commercial use. Other apps are launched as previews and therefore can be used free of charge.

     

  • Digitalglobe and Geoeye Merge to Create a Global Leader in Earth Imagery and Geospatial Analysis

    DigitalGlobe, Inc.  and GeoEye, Inc. announced that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $900 million.  The combination of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye will create a global leader in earth imagery and geospatial analysis with a more diversified revenue base, a superior financial foundation and significant growth potential.

     

    Under the terms of the agreement, GeoEye shareowners will have the right to elect either 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock and $4.10 per share in cash, 100% of the consideration in cash ($20.27) or 100% of the consideration in stock (1.425 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock), for each share of GeoEye stock they own, with the amount of cash and stock subject to proration depending upon the elections of GeoEye shareholders, such that aggregate consideration mix reflects the ratio of 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock and $4.10 per share in cash.  Based upon the closing prices of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye as of July 20, 2012, the transaction delivers a premium of 34% to GeoEye’s July 20, 2012 closing price of $15.17 per share.  Upon completion of the transaction, DigitalGlobe shareowners are expected to own approximately 64% and GeoEye shareowners are expected to own approximately 36% of the combined company.  The transaction structure will allow both DigitalGlobe and GeoEye shareowners to participate in the substantial value creation opportunity resulting from this combination.

    According to the announcement, the combined company will be named DigitalGlobe and continue to trade on the NYSE under the symbol DGI.  It will have a 10-member board of directors, with six initial members from the current DigitalGlobe board and four initial members from the board of GeoEye.  Jeffrey R. Tarr, President and Chief Executive Officer of DigitalGlobe, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and General Howell M. Estes III, Chairman of the Board of DigitalGlobe, will serve as Chairman.  It is anticipated that, after close, Matt O'Connell, Chief Executive Officer and President of GeoEye, will assist the management of the combined company in an advisory capacity.  The company will be headquartered in Colorado, have a large and important presence in Missouri and Virginia, and maintain offices in other locations around the globe.

    “The combination of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye creates a global leader in earth imagery and geospatial analysis,” said Mr. Tarr.  “Together we will create a more efficient, more diversified and more capable company, better positioned to thrive in a time of unprecedented pressure on our nation’s defense budget.  Once the merger is complete, we will emerge as an industry-leading, geospatial information business that does even more to help our customers better understand our changing planet.  In so doing, we will further enable our customers to save time, save money and save lives.”

    Mr. Tarr continued, “Bringing together the world-class talent and experience of team members from both companies, we will inspire a new wave of innovation and create value for shareowners who have invested their capital in the promise of our industry.”

    “We are excited to be joining forces with DigitalGlobe as we believe this transaction represents the best path forward for our shareowners, our customers, and ultimately, the taxpayer,” said Matt O'Connell, Chief Executive Officer and President of GeoEye.  “With an impressive constellation of commercial earth imaging satellites and complementary services, the combined company will be well positioned to achieve efficient growth, expand our international reach and create value for all stakeholders.  Given the stock component, our shareowners will have the opportunity to participate in the significant growth and value creation potential.  I look forward to working closely with the management teams of both companies to support this transaction and establish the foundation for what will be a dynamic and enduring company.”

    Benefits of the Transaction

    Increased Scale and Customer Diversification

    The combined company will conservatively have a pro forma 2012 revenue base of more than $600 million, after adjusting for the currently proposed lower U.S. government fiscal year 2013 EnhancedView funding plan.  As a result, the combined company would therefore have better revenue certainty, lower dependence on the U.S. government as a source of revenue, a higher percentage of commercial and international revenue, and be well positioned for future growth.

    Substantial Synergy

    At close, the combined company is expected to have a constellation of five earth observation satellites and a broad suite of high-value geospatial production and analytic services.  The combined company will also have two state-of-the-art satellites under construction, WorldView-3 and GeoEye-2.  Over time, the combined company plans to maintain an optimized three-satellite constellation that will meet the needs of the U.S. government, international governments and commercial customers, while delivering better returns to shareowners.  Taken together with other operating efficiencies, the net present value of future savings is estimated to be more than $1.5 billion.

    Compelling Solution for U.S. Government

    By bringing the two companies together, this combination will enable the U.S. government to meet the requirements of the EnhancedView program at substantial savings to the U.S. taxpayer.  In addition to the compelling savings, the U.S. government and other customers will benefit from an optimized constellation and better integrated imagery collection, processing and analytics.  In return, shareowners should reasonably expect a more stable and predictable funding environment.

    Value for All Customers

    The combination will deliver extraordinary value to customers around the globe.  By bringing together the imagery collection, processing and analytic capabilities of both companies, it will be better able to serve a wide range of customer needs and compete in a high-growth and dynamic global market. 

    • Larger constellation with optimized orbits and coordinated scheduling will collect imagery faster, increase persistence and enhance resilience.
    • Integrated delivery will simplify access to the industry’s largest imagery archive.
    • Diverse sensors, including panchromatic, multi-spectral, 8-band and short wave infrared, with high resolution capability will enable customers to solve a wide range of problems.
    • Extensive archive and collection capacity combined with value added production and advanced analytics will enable new solutions and insights into our changing planet.

    Compelling Economics

    On a pro forma basis, the combined company will have a robust set of financial attributes and expects to significantly improve its long-term operating model compared with either company on a standalone basis.

    • High recurring revenue with more than $3 billion in contracted backlog.
    • More balanced revenue with non-U.S. government revenue accounting for approximately 50% of total pro forma revenue.
    • Modest leverage with balance sheet flexibility for future investment in growth.
    • Expected EBITDA margin above 50% by the second half of 2014, net of integration costs.
    • Improved free cash flow profile from operating and capital efficiencies and enhanced growth prospects.

    Financing and Approvals

    DigitalGlobe has secured a $1.2 billion fully committed financing from Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. to refinance the combined company’s outstanding debt.

    The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012 or the first quarter of 2013, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and approval from GeoEye shareowners with respect to the merger and from DigitalGlobe shareowners with respect to the issuance of DigitalGlobe common stock in the merger.  GeoEye’s largest shareowner, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (“Cerberus”), and its Chairman and CEO each have agreed to vote in favor of the merger, and DigitalGlobe’s largest shareowner, Morgan Stanley Principal Investments, Inc., and its Chairman and CEO each have agreed to vote in favor of the issuance of DigitalGlobe common stock in the merger.

    Cerberus intends to continue its investment in the combined company, and may purchase shares of DigitalGlobe in advance of the closing of the transaction.  Cerberus has agreed to vote those shares with the board of directors and has entered into a standstill agreement with DigitalGlobe in which their ownership in the combined company will be capped at 19.9%.  One of GeoEye’s board designees will be put forth by Cerberus. 

  • Spirent Announces Test System for Hybrid Sensor Fusion for Indoor Positioning

    Spirent Communications has launched its SimSENSOR MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensor simulation software. SimSENSOR is targeted at the R&D environment and enables performance testing of sensor fusion algorithms in navigation systems that include MEMS inertial sensors and multi-GNSS.

    SimSENSOR works in tandem with Spirent’s multi-GNSS constellation simulators by simulating MEMS sensor outputs on a common trajectory with the simulated GNSS signals. Trajectories that include representative human motion gestures, such as arm movements, are included with SimSENSOR. The ability to test fusion algorithms that take inputs from a wide variety of sensors is supported, including accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometer, digital compass, and barometric height sensors. Representative MEMS noise models and errors such as bias and drift are also included and are available under user control.

    “SimSENSOR is designed for customers who want to optimize sensor fusion architectures,” said Rahul Gupta, product manager with Spirent’s Positioning Technology business. “Sensor fusion is increasingly being used to enable a wide range of applications including indoor positioning. SimSENSOR is a unique tool for accelerated, lab-based R&D in support of this ground-breaking work. It will also help to extend Spirent’s leadership in testing hybrid positioning technologies in mobile devices.”

    In 2007 Spirent launched SimINERTIAL to test inertial navigation systems involving high-grade GPS/inertial units suitable for military applications. SimSENSOR benefits from the experience gained by Spirent, in particular in relation to ensuring coherency and stability between GNSS and simulated sensor output streams.

    SimSENSOR is now available for order.

  • Geneq Bluetooth GNSS Receiver Uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS

    Geneq Inc. has announced the SXBlue II GNSS, a GNSS receiver that uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN) to attain 30-cm/1-foot (RMS) accuracy in real-time using free SBAS corrections. It connects wirelessly to any smartphone, handheld, tablet computer, or notebook computer that is Bluetooth-compliant.

    For years, the SXBlue GPS product line has lead the market in squeezing the most out of SBAS for high-precision mapping and surveying users. New technology used in the SXBlue II GNSS allows it to utilize both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS, enabling it to track and use nearly twice as many satellites compared to typical SBAS receiver technology.

    “More satellites means more accurate positioning in tougher environments, such as under tree canopy and near buildings,” said Jean-Yves Lauture, product engineer. “GLONASS has proven itself valuable for RTK, and now we are bringing GLONASS to SBAS, with impressive accuracy and tracking results.”

    The SXBlue II GNSS builds on the success of the proven SXBlue II GPS that was designed to optimize SBAS performance under tree canopy and in rugged terrain. With the ability to track 55 satellites (31 operational GPS, 24 operational GLONASS), the SXBlue II GNSS uses between 12 and 19 satellites in view at any time, providing superior performance when working under and around tree canopy, buildings, and rugged terrain, Geneq said.

    The next-generation SXBlue II GNSS is the same, small, palm-sized unit as the SXBlue II GPS and uses a small 2.7-inch diameter GNSS antenna. The unit is completely waterproof (submersible), dustproof, and ruggedized, with an IP-67 rating. Its Class 1 long-range Bluetooth 2.0 has a typical range of 250 meters. The internal, rechargeable, field replaceable Li-Ion battery has on-board LEDs let the user know how much battery life is left. The operating temperature range of the SXBlue II GNSS is -40°C (-40°F) to 85°C (185°F).

    In addition to the built-in long-range Bluetooth transceiver, the SXBlue II GNSS has a standard DE-9 RS-232 port and a USB Type B port with outputs fully programmable up to 10-Hz standard, with a 20-Hz option. Other optional features are L1 RTK for <2-cm real-time accuracy and base station RTCM output.

    There is no need for post-processing or other sources of differential corrections as the SXBlue II GNSS uses WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan), and GAGAN (India) satellite corrections. Users receive real-time, 30-cm/1-foot positioning all day long, Geneq said.

    The SXBlue II GNSS is targeted at GPS/GIS mapping professionals in industries such as forestry, utility, agriculture, and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state, and federal government users.

    Geneq will be showing the SXBlue II GNSS at the Esri International User Conference July 24-26 in San Diego, California, booth #1203.

  • Survey Summit and Esri International User Conference Coming Up

    This weekend is the Survey Summit conference, which is a joint effort between Esri and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM). I expect it will attract around 500 people. It’s immediately followed by the Esri International User Conference, which runs all of next week and will likely attract ~13,000 attendees. Both conferences are in San Diego.

    The Survey Summit agenda format is a bit different this year. First of all, it’s at the Hyatt Hotel next to the San Diego Convention Center. Second, it’s starting two days later, on Saturday, as opposed to starting earlier in the week on Thursday. The first day of the Summit is now a series of lightning talks and presentations followed by a keynote presentation to wrap up the day into the the expo and reception.

    8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.WelcomeOpening Remarks – BrentJones, Esri
    9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.Lightning TalkThe National Survey Society: Road Ahead  Curt Sumner, National Society of Professional Surveyors, NSPS
    9:10 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.Lightning TalkSupporting the Next Generation, Rich Vannozzi, NSPS Student Competition
    9:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Lightning TalkCelebrating 200 Years with the GLO, Don Buhler, Bureau of Land Management, BLM
    9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.Lightning TalkA New Approach for New Datums,  Ronnie Taylor, National Geodetic Survey, NGS
    9:40 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.Lightning TalkLand Surveys in Support of Fish and Wildlife, David Clark, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, FWS
    9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Lightning TalkGPS Day, Donny Sosa, Esri
    10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Break
    10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.Industry PresentationSurveyor 2.0, CheeHai Teo. International Federation of Surveyors , FIG
    10:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Technology PresentationUAVs for Mapping and Survey, Rowland Harrison, Hawkeye UAV
    11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Technology PresentationPreserving the California Missions with 3D, Tom Greaves. CyArk
    11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Technology PresentationMapping Our Future, Lawrie Jordan, Esri
    12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.LUNCH
    1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.Technology PresentationSurveying the New Frontier, Mike Beavers, Frontier Surveying
    2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Break
    2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.Keynote PresentationNOAA’s Geospatial Information Officer, Tony Lavoi , NOAA
    3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Survey Summit EXPO and Reception
    On Sunday, the technical presentations are in a traditional format (45-minute presentations) on subjects from surveying in the cloud to UAV mapping to handling lidar data. Of course, there’s also the annual discussion of surveying vs. GIS.

    There’s no real discussion about GPS/GNSS (albeit a talk about GEOID12) at the Survey Summit, which is surprising given that GPS/GNSS such a prolific tool for surveyors and high-precision GIS users. But, you have to realize that at the end of the day, this is a vendor conference and not an industry conference. I see a real shift going back to state and regional conferences, as opposed to a national surveying conference. It just seems that attendees will get more localized and relevant information in that type of venue, and I also see the trend of state/local conferences bringing in nationally recognized speakers talking about national issues that complement the local speakers and presentations.

    Esri International User Conference

    Yes, it’s a vendor conference, so you get a lot of Esri Kool-Aid. But, that said, there’s no better place in the U.S. to network with your colleagues about geospatial technologies and issues like this venue. If nothing else, it’s due to the sheer volume of geospatial people that converge on San Diego…~13,000.

    Nearly all, if not all of the geospatial technology trends I write about (mobile GIS, BIM, UAVs, GPS/GNSS, RFID, satellite imagery/lidar, etc.) are being discussed at this conference in some form or another. You may have to dig into the agenda a bit to find them, but they are there, and there are plenty of experts attending the conference who are presenting, manning exhibit booths, and otherwise walking around that can answer nearly any question you have. The challenge is finding the people you want to talk to among the 13,000 other people.

    I’ll be there all week attending sessions and talking with exhibitors about their work, products, services, and vision. If you want to keep up with me during the week, make sure you follow me on twitter. Twitter is replacing blogging to a certain degree. I’ll be posting photos, links, and interesting comments via Twitter throughout the day, every day at the conferences. You’ll get the latest news in almost real-time.

    On Wednesday, I’ll have a professional film crew following me around the User Conference as I talk with different exhibitors and attendees. We’ll produce some pretty neat videos of the conference that will be posted to a special Video Gallery section at 98.27.162.175/gpsworld.com. I’ll be asking exhibitors to talk about their newest GIS, surveying, and mapping products and services, their customers’ requirements and success stories, and any special features they may be unveiling at the show. The videos will be edited to 3- to 5-minute clips for posting to the Geospatial Solutions website. Relevant interviews may also be featured on GPS World’s website.

    On Thursday at 10:15 a.m. in Room 31B, I’ll be giving a presentation on the latest developments in GPS and GNSS technology. It’s part of the “Using a Mobile GIS to Manage Assets in the Field” session in the Mobile GIS topic track. I’ll be touching on the newest developments in SBAS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and maybe a little bit about LightSquared. As always, there’s a lot happening in the world of GPS/GNSS and some major changes that you should know about, so stop by and join me.

    Esri Acquires ArcPad Developer Maptel

    In late-breaking news today, Esri announced it has acquired Austrailian-based ArcPad developer Maptel. This adds an interesting twist to Esri’s mobile GIS development efforts. While it’s been clear that Esri has been pushing ArcGIS for Mobile as the mobile GIS path for the future, the acquisition may be signaling a change in that strategy. ArcPad is the most widely deployed mobile GIS software in the world with well over 500,000 copies deployed. Look for more on this subject from me next week while I’m in San Diego.

    Thanks, and see you next week.

    Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GPSGIS_Eric

  • Safe Software Adds Support For ArcGIS 10.1 and AutoCAD Map 3D 2013

    Safe Software announced the release of FME 2012 Service Pack 3 (SP3), which features compatibility with Esri’s newly released ArcGIS 10.1 and support of Autodesk’s 2013 version of AutoCAD Map 3D. FME 2012 SP3’s timely support of the latest versions of these industry-leading programs ensures that FME users can upgrade without issues or delays.

     

    According to the announcement, FME 2012 SP3 allows users dependent on both FME and ArcGIS to upgrade to the newest version of Esri’s software without having to worry about losing functionality of either program. The update will also provide access to several new features including Windows 64bit support for more Geodatabase formats and the ability to write out LAS files produced in FME for use within ArcGIS.

    Safe says it continues to assist AutoCAD Map 3D users through its support of the newly released FDO 3.7 in FME 2012 SP3. This allows the AutoCAD Map 3D 2013 user to directly read and display dozens of FME-supported formats.

    “As with every new version, this latest release of FME demonstrates our commitment to supporting the latest technologies as quickly as possible so that our customers always have access to the most advanced spatial data applications,” says Dale Lutz, Vice President of Development at Safe Software.

    Safe reports that it maintains comprehensive format compatibility and FME remains backwards compatible for users of earlier versions of ArcGIS and FDO. To download FME 2012 SP3 visit www.safe.com/downloads. 

  • Esri Acquires ArcPad Developer Maptel

    Esri announced that it has acquired Maptel, the developer of Esri-branded ArcPad and a mobile application development company based in Melbourne, Australia. The addition of Maptel, who has been the developer for Esri’s ArcPad software for several years, will strengthen Esri’s field data collection capabilities and its overall mobile platform.

    “We have worked side-by-side with Esri for many years,” said Elvin Slavik, lead developer and co-founder, Maptel. “We look forward to growing our relationship, and we are excited about delivering reliable geospatial solutions that empower mobile crews and their organizations.”

    “Maptel’s proven talent and experience in mobile application development will be a valuable asset to Esri,” said Euan Cameron, CTO of Apps and Runtime development, Esri. “Merging our teams will help us better serve ArcPad users and advance our entire range of mobile solutions.”

    According to the announcement, Maptel staff will supplement Esri’s global development team from their existing facilities in Melbourne, Australia. They will continue to develop and support ArcPad with a focus on enhancing integration with the ArcGIS system.