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  • Safe Software Commences FME 2012 World Tour

    Safe Software announced is kicked off its FME 2012 World Tour on April 4th in Paris, France, and continues on to 30+ cities worldwide. The series of free, one-day events aims to educate and empower users by introducing the advancements in FME 2012, and by providing them with the opportunity to further develop their FME skills through technical sessions and interaction with FME experts and fellow users.

     

    According to the announcement, attendees of FME 2012 World Tour events will discover how the new capabilities of FME 2012, such as real time data delivery, enhance the user experience by providing faster and simpler ways to use and share their spatial data. The events will feature how-to and best practice sessions that will allow participants to build upon their FME skills.

    The tour will have an interactive element, giving attendees access to assistance from FME Certified Professionals, as well as a platform to network with FME users from other organizations.

    “As a company we are committed to equipping our clients with the skills they need to use FME to overcome data challenges,” says Dale Lutz, Vice-President of Development at Safe Software. “FME 2012 features usability enhancements, speed improvements, and real time data delivery to enable more efficient data transformation and easier sharing of the most up-to-date data.”

    Those unable to attend an event in person can sign up to participate in an interactive live stream of the FME User Meeting being held in Vancouver on April 27th, where they can watch the presentations and ask questions directly. The FME 2011 World Tour held a similar live stream event that was well received by participants.

    The theme of the tour centers around attendees joining Geography Jones, a data adventurer, on a journey to overcome spatial data interoperability obstacles and unleash the power within their “Temple of Data”.

    The tour appears in 17 cities across North America and will touch down in close to 20 locations throughout South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The events are free and are open to both current FME users and those interested in learning more about FME technology. Those interested in more information on locations, dates and registration, click here.

  • King County GIS Reports Significant Return on Investment

    King County announced that twenty years ago geographic information services were in the proposal and planning stage in King County, Washington. Today King County’s geographic information system (GIS) includes integrated spatial databases, mapping and analysis software, information technology, and professional GIS staff. King County’s GIS was developed to meet the business needs of county users, and it also provides free data and online mapping capability to the public.

     

    According to announcement, in March 2012 a return-on-investment (ROI) report issued by Professor Richard Zerbe and Associates showed that use of the King County Geographic Information System has resulted in at least $775 million in net benefits to the county over the eighteen-year period from 1992 to 2010. While ROI estimates are often developed as part of a proposal to develop a geographic information system, it is believed that this is the first study by independent economic consultants to examine and measure the actual benefits realized by a city or county from the internal agency use of GIS.

    King County reported that the study methodology looked at the cost to perform county agency business functions both with and without GIS. For example, county permit technicians were asked how much time it takes to pull together all the maps and spatial data needed to assist a permit applicant now with GIS, versus the time it would take the technician to perform the same business function without GIS tools and data. The methodology included detailed interviews of 30 key county staff and then an online survey to county GIS users that was completed by 175 respondents. Interview and survey responses were analyzed to compare both with-GIS and without-GIS level of effort. The results were then compiled and monetized by output type and agency to measure cost savings and productivity benefits.

    The total cost for King County GIS, including capital development, central GIS operations and maintenance, and agency GIS end-user costs from 1992 to 2010 is over $201 million. In 2010 alone these county GIS costs were $14.6 million, but for the same year the Zerbe report measured benefits from GIS of $180 million, with a lower estimate of $87 million. So the benefits over a single year far outweigh the costs for the year, and if repeated for 2011 and 2012, the benefits realized over just two years could eclipse the costs of the previous twenty.

    This project was partly funded by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Geospatial Enterprise Office.

    Dr. Richard O. Zerbe, Jr. is the Daniel J. Evans Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, where he is Director of the Center for Benefit-Cost Analysis.

     

    The King County GIS Center is a part of King County Information Technology, chartered as an internal service fund to provide GIS services to county agencies and external customers. The King County GIS Center operates King County’s enterprise GIS and provides data, services, and training to help put GIS to work. For more information, contact Greg Babinski at the King County GIS Center (206-263-3753).

  • Accela Announces Accela Automation 7.2

    Accela, Inc. launched Accela Automation 7.2, the latest version of its market-leading software platform for government automation and civic engagement. The new release incorporates mobile application development tools, new social media features, and an expanded selection of deployment and licensing options—all designed to make the procurement, implementation, and daily use of online automated government services easier, faster and more accessible to agencies of all sizes and budgets.

     

    According to the announcement, the latest advancements in Accela Automation 7.2 include: a suite of Best Practices Templates to streamline implementations; the addition of the Accela Mobile™ Software Development Kit (SDK) to enable easy development of m-government apps; functionality to spur government-citizen interaction; and a range of user-experience enhancements that benefit government administrators, office and mobile workers, and citizens.

    “Internet-based commerce long ago stopped being a nice-to-have option for government agencies, since the public and businesses now expect to interact with government anytime and anywhere, just as they do with other service providers in their lives,” noted Maury Blackman President and CEO of Accela. “At the same time, public-sector agencies are increasingly looking for easy-to-implement, cost-effective automation solutions. Accela continues to lead the way with a platform that provides the features and tools they need—whether deploying on premise or in the Accela Cloud.”

    Best Practices Templates Boost Productivity

    New Best Practice Templates make it easier and faster than ever for governments to deploy Accela Automation as their enterprise solution. Included in Accela Automation at no additional charge, the Templates provide complete turnkey configurations, which agencies can immediately use for rapid deployment—gleaned from Accela’s more than 30 years of experience serving over 500 agencies of all kinds. Accela Automation 7.2 incorporates nearly 100 templates for Permitting, Planning, Code Enforcement, Licensing and Case Management, Service Request, and Asset Management.

    SDK to Fuel Rapid Expansion of Accela Automation for m-Government and Citizen Engagement

    An additional component of the Accela Automation ecosystem, the new Accela Mobile SDK extends the functionality of Accela Automation to foster development of m-government and civic-engagement apps by third-party developers and agencies themselves. Accela’s current iOS apps, Accela Mobile Inspector™  and Accela Analytics™, were developed using the SDK. The Accela Mobile SDK is free to download, after registration with the Accela Developer Program.

    Features Meet Changing Needs of Governments and Citizens

    Further innovations in Accela Automation 7.2 have been designed to advance the burgeoning revolution in government/citizen interaction happening today, through social media, mobile devices, and the web.

    • Social Media: Integration with Twitter enables agencies to automatically tweet when new records—for anything from a new building permit to an agency update—are created within Accela Automation. Agencies with a Facebook page can also forward the Tweet to their followers and spread the word.
    • QR Codes: Accela Automation 7.2 supports the scanning of QR (quick response) codes to access permits and related documents online. The QR system has become a popular way to access web-based details, due to its standardization and embedded information capacity, compared to standard UPC barcodes. For example, if a permit is posted on a jobsite, a registered user can scan the QR code and will be directed to a secure Accela Citizen Accesswebsite to schedule or update an inspection.
    • Custom Web Portals: New features in Accela Citizen Access empower agencies to easily configure and design web page flows that are easy-to-use and come with agency-defined, context-specific options. This makes it even easier for the public to engage and connect with their local government, anytime from anywhere.

    Other advancements in Accela Automation 7.2 include a graphical workflow designer for the creation of visual workflow processes, built-in capabilities for online scheduling and management examinations for licenses and certifications, and much more. A more complete list of Accela Automation 7.2 features may be found at: www.accela.com/accela-automation/whats-new.

    Licensing options provide flexibility for today’s economy

    With the goal of delivering Accela Automation’s robust capabilities to agencies of all sizes and budgets, Accela offers a subscription model, licensing the software for a low per-user fee. The new subscription model provides a turnkey solution, including:

    • the Best Practices Templates;
    • access to the complete Accela Automation Land Management, Licensing, and Asset Management applications;
    • an optional mobile license with access to the complete library of Accela’s growing roster of task-centric and role-specific mobile apps; and
    • an optional population-based license for use of Accela Citizen Access, which provides the public with an online mechanism for applying, paying and tracking their applications from their home, office or mobile device.

     

  • Trimble Acquires UAV Mapping Company Gatewing

    Trimble announced that it has acquired privately-held Gatewing of Gent, Belgium, a provider of lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for photogrammetry and rapid terrain mapping applications. The acquisition broadens Trimble’s industry-leading platforms for surveying solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    According to the announcement, UAVs in combination with photogrammetry are an emerging technology providing an innovative platform for flexible aerial imagery acquisition. Easy to use and flexible, UAVs provide users the ability to create orthophotos and Digital Surface Models (DSM) from aerial imagery for mid-sized areas previously only accessible at higher costs and with longer planning cycles. UAVs are used in a variety of applications including preliminary surveys for corridors and rights-of-way, volumetric surveys, high-level topographic surveys, land fill inspection, and much more.

    Trimble reports that Gatewing’s solutions include the X100 UAV and Stretchout desktop software for digital image processing and analysis. The X100 is an ultra-light, 2 kg (approximately 4.4 lbs) class UAV that allows fast and simple image acquisition. It consists of an airframe; an integrated GPS, inertial system and a radio; a 10 megapixel camera; and battery. Using the Trimble Yuma tablet computer, a predefined area is planned and the flight of the UAV is fully automated from launch to landing. The terrain is mapped through parallel flight paths and consecutive, overlapping camera shots during flight. The ground control station (GCS) is used to monitor the mission and allows an on-site image quality check. In addition, the GCS provides the operator with the option to intervene and abort the flight if needed. The image set consists of a number of digital images that are tagged with the GPS coordinates.

    Gatewing’s Stretchout desktop software uses advanced computer vision technology which automates raw image processing to deliver georeferenced orthophotos and accurate DSM. As an alternative to the desktop software, users can upload images to Gatewing’s cloud solution, which automatically processes the images based on the users’ requirements. After a few hours, users can download their georeferenced orthophotos and DSMs from the cloud server including feedback about the results for quality assurance.

    “The combination of UAVs and low-altitude photogrammetry as an image collection platform opens up new opportunities for surveyors to use aerial imagery for the rapid acquisition of high-density geospatial data,” said Anders Rhodin, director of Trimble’s Survey Business. “We are excited to add Gatewing’s unique aerial mapping system to Trimble’s portfolio of survey solutions.”

    “The Gatewing team is excited about the new ownership,” said Maarten Vandenbroucke, CEO and one of three founders of Gatewing. ”For Trimble to see the value in unmanned aerial systems for surveying and mapping applications means that the industry is truly ready for this exciting new technology. We are enthusiastic about how UAVs can revolutionize the landscape and open a complete new spectrum in remote sensing applications. I believe that being a part of Trimble will accelerate the pace in which UAVs will further be adopted by professionals.”

    The Gatewing business will be reported as part of Trimble’s Engineering and Construction segment.

     

  • GeoMobile Innovations Announces ArcPad Boot Camp May 14/15 in Portland

    GeoMobile Innovations announced that expert ArcPad Mobile GIS instructor Craig Greenwald is back for a ArcPad Bootcamp on May 14/15th in Portland Oregon.

    This 2-day hands-on ArcPad 10 Bootcamp is a must for new ArcPad users or users migrating to ArcPad 10. It is also great for GIS administrators who manage and support field crews using ArcPad.

    Immediately become productive with ArcPad 10’s core functions with hands-on field and office exercises. Dig into the enhanced ArcGIS Desktop data management tools and enrich your field experience with free ArcGIS Online basemaps and Bing Maps. Learn how to use ArcPad Studio to create custom toolbars, data entry forms, and task lists, tailored to your specific projects and workflows – all with no programming required.

    When: May 14-15, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Cost: $795 for 2 days – includes course materials and media to take home.

    Location: Metro Regional Center in Portland, OR, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232

    Registration: Download more information about the ArcPad Bootcamp and a registration form.

  • NVS Technologies AG Releases Raw Data Firmware for NV08C Multi-GNSS Receivers

    NVS Technologies AG, GNSS receiver developer, announces today the release of the optimized and raw data output enabled firmware v0204 for its NV08C-CSM and NV08C-MCM GPS/GLONASS receivers.

    Firmware v0204 provides significant performance improvements, as well as a group-delay calibrated raw data (carrier phase, code phase, and Doppler) output function, to the highly integrated NV08C-CSM SMT receiver module and the compact NV08C-MCM BGA SiP receiver. Firmware v0204 enables the NV08C-CSM and NV08C-MCM receivers to be utilized in a wide range high-precision applications, including survey equipment, GIS portable devices, and machine control and precision agriculture systems.

    NVS Technologies’ customers can take full advantage of NVS Technologies’ professional grade NV08C-CSM and NV08C-MCM multi-GNSS receivers’ capabilities. These receivers deliver true simultaneous multi-constellation navigation + up to 10Hz NMEA and raw data outputs, the company said.

    Firmware v0204 is download-able free of charge at www.nvs-gnss.com/support/firmware.

  • Leap Year Confuses TomTom PNDs

    A leap-year bug caused some TomTom satellite navigation devices to malfunction, reports BBC News.

    TomTom posted an information page on its website, offering a software update. “Some customers have been experiencing GPS positioning issues since 31st March,” TomTom said. “The issue is caused by a ‘leap year’ bug in the software of the GPS receiver provided by a third party.”

    TomTom said that a problem with its global positioning system firmware had caused models worldwide to fail to identify their location, BBC News said.

    The TomTom devices affected are:

    • Start 20/25
    • Via 110/120/125
    • Via LIVE 120/125
    • GO LIVE 820/825
    • GO LIVE 1000/1005/1005 World
    • Blue & Me TomTom 2
    • TomTom Connect

    To download the firmware to their device, users will need to set up an account at the TomTom site if they don’t already have one.

    Users are discussing the issue on the TomTom message board.

  • New DNRGPS Replaces DNRGarmin

    The DNRGarmin application has been a popular tool for GPS users worldwide since 1999. Developed at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to facilitate field data collection by staff, DNRGarmin use grew quickly soon after being released as freeware to the public. In addition to thousands of Minnesota users, DNRGarmin has been used worldwide by fishermen in Japan, search and rescue teams in New York, wildland firefighters across North America, professional adventurers in Brazil, and miners in Africa.

    MNDNR has released numerous updates of DNRGarmin over time to add functionality and maintain compatibility with software and handheld GPS receivers. Escalating changes in technology, an expanding user base, and requests for additional functionality prompted DNR staff to examine new ways of maintaining the application.

    DNRGPS is a new iteration of DNRGarmin created by MNDNR and the National Park Service. The new name reflects a focus to expand the compatibility of the application to more brands and models of GPS receivers. DNRGPS is also able to consume more geospatial data formats, has more data projections, and is compatible with the latest versions of ArcMap and Google Earth.

    DNRGPS is being released as Open Source software so that any programmer can download and alter the code. It is hoped the Geospatial Community will “adopt” DNRGPS as its own, testing and checking-in enhancements to the code, thereby contributing to the timely maintenance and expanded functionality of the program for all users.

    A public DNRGPS webpage has been created for the distribution of DNRGPS and accompanying documentation. The site highlights functionality, lists prerequisites, and includes links to DNRGPS mailing lists.

  • Nexteq Releases RTK Float Augmentation for T6 Handheld

    Nexteq, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, announces the release of its new RTK-F (Real Time Kinematic Float) positioning augmentation system for its T6 GNSS handheld (at right). RTK-F is well suited for demanding applications by providing the highest accuracy available for the T6, Nexteq Navigation said. With RTK-F, the T6 reaches a consistent 20-centimeter accuracy level, further improving upon the unit’s sub-meter level accuracy currently available with Nexteq’s Freedom or i-PPP point positioning technologies. The addition of RTK-F further enhances the flexibility of the T6 platform.

    The T6 RTK-F augmentation system utilizes RTCM messages with code and phase corrections from reference networks or stand-alone base stations. These corrections can then be transmitted over the Internet with non-proprietary hardware, drastically improving efficiency and giving freedom of movement to the user with minimal latency, Nexteq said. Further, Nexteq Navigation’s upcoming T5A GNSS handheld can be used as a reference base station for RTK-F, eliminating the need for costly subscriptions to corrections from commercial sources.

    Like all Nexteq Navigation handhelds, the T6 is a ruggedized and tough unit. The T6 has an IP66 rating with excellent dust and water resistance, Nexteq said.

  • Joint U.S./China Engineering Report on GNSS Now Available

    The National Academies Press has released Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the report of a joint workshop of the National Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Engineering held in Shanghai,  China, on May 24 and 25, 2011.

    According to the NAP, “The workshop featured presentations chosen based on the following criteria: they must have relevant engineering/technical content or usefulness; be of mutual interest; offer the opportunity for enhancing GNSS availability, accuracy, integrity, and/or continuity; and offer the possibility of recommendations for further actions and discussions. Global Navigation Satellite Systems is an essential report for engineers, workshop attendees, policy makers, educators, and relevant government agencies.”

    The 268-page report is available in both printed and electronic form. One may download either individual chapters or the complete report for personal use free of charge.

  • Expedition 12: The Value of Location

    DMTI Spatial (DMTI) is sponsoring Expedition ’12: The Value of Location, its fourth annual user conference.

    As Location Intelligence continues to become one of the biggest waves in technology, it’s never been more critical to understand the impact it will have on your business, organizers said. This conference will be held at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada.
    Register before April 23 to receive a 10 percent discount off the delegate fee of $99.

  • u-blox Launches GLONASS/GPS/QZSS Positioning Module

    u-blox, the Swiss positioning and wireless module and chip company, announces an all-in-one satellite positioning receiver module, the LEA-6N. The low-power, cost-effective module delivers fast, high-accuracy positioning, u-blox said. It is targeted at industrial telematics applications in Russia such as vehicle tracking, mobile resource management and the ERA-GLONASS emergency call system.

    The module works with GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Japanese QZSS satellite positioning systems. It also supports all civilian Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

    “The LEA-6N module delivers clear new benefits for our industrial customers in terms of global support of all available satellite positioning systems, easy to mount LCC form factor, low power consumption and cost effectiveness” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Marketing at u-blox, “LEA-6N will also support our CellLocateTM hybrid indoor positioning system; when used together with our wireless modules, the location of valuable assets or people can be determined anywhere, indoors and outside.”

    Samples of LEA-6N are available mid-April 2012, with evaluation kit EVK-6N and mass production in June 2012. For more information, contact the u-blox office nearest you, or visit with company representatives at Machine to Machine 2012 stand E21 April 3-5 in Paris.