Archived GIS News Snippets
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AAG Establishes Geography Support Clearinghouse and Special Fund to Help Rebuild Geography Departments and Assist Others Affected by Hurricane Katrina
To respond to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and assist our fellow geographers and others in need, the AAG is organizing an online clearinghouse at www.aag.org/katrina and establishing a fund to support geography departments and others impacted by the storm. Departments and others in need in the affected regions can send us a list of items (such as books, other publications, maps, and electronic materials) or services (including remote sensing, emergency mapping, special expertise, etc.) and we will post these lists on the clearinghouse as a way of linking colleagues interested in helping out with those in need. Also, the AAG established a special fund that will go towards rebuilding departments and assisting others in the hardest hit areas. Geographers and others can contribute to the fund online at www.aag.org/Donate/index.cfm or send a check to the AAG designated for the “AAG Hurricane Katrina Assistance Fund.” Direct questions or requests for assistance to Doug Richardson or John Wertman at AAG headquarters in Washington, DC; Phone: 202-234-1450.
Accela Ships Web-based Asset Management Solution
Accela, Inc., a provider of government enterprise management software solutions, announced the commercial availability of a Web-based asset management solution. Accela Asset Management™ is now integrated with the Accela Automation® product suite, enabling agencies to take advantage of a Web-based enterprise solution that automates and tracks the activities of every department within an agency. Accela Asset Management tracks and manages an agency's entire assets and resources, providing an automated solution for costing, inventory, maintenance, and inspections.
Autodesk and Oracle Team to Reduce Time and Cost Involved With Sharing Spatial Data Across Organizations
Autodesk, Inc. announced it will provide integrated geospatial solutions with Oracle to enable customers to maximize operational efficiencies, based on a wealth of location and structural data. Autodesk will work with Oracle to market solutions in strategic markets such as government, utilities, telecommunications and transportation. The combined solutions, which include Autodesk geospatial software and Oracle database and spatial technology, offer customers the ability to create, manage, and share geographic information system (GIS) and computer automated design (CAD) data throughout the organization in a single, open, standards-based environment without costly additional investment or expertise in proprietary software and systems.
Autodesk Open Sources Web Mapping Software
Autodesk has joined forces with the leading members of the open source web mapping community to jointly take the next step in open source web mapping technology. The groups working together to launch and sponsor this effort include DM Solutions Group, the University of Minnesota, and Autodesk. They established the MapServer Foundation to provide a business and operational framework to better support the ongoing development of open web mapping technologies including MapServer, the most widely open source web mapping platform. Autodesk has contributed its next-generation web mapping platform to the foundation as an open source project. See the FAQ for more information. (pdf - 131 Kb)
ArcGIS 9.1 Released
ArcGIS 9.1 is a full release of ArcGIS Desktop (ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo), ArcGIS Engine, ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, and ArcSDE. In addition, it is the main vehicle for the release of Network Analyst on the ArcGIS platform.
According to ESRI, some key features of ArcGIS 9.1 are:
- Improved quality, stability, and performance-ArcGIS 9.1 includes user-requested quality improvements and enhancements across all products and adds support for large datasets.
- Improved geoprocessing-ArcGIS 9.1 matches the graphical user interface with the geoprocessing functionality by adding geoprocessing tools to the ArcGIS Desktop products: 63 tools to ArcView, 86 tools to ArcEditor, and 22 tools to ArcInfo.
- New easy-to-use Merge tool for combining data.
- Productivity enhancements-Pan to selection, pause drawing, better support for longer field names, Swipe tool, and much more.
- Save As tool to ease migration-The Save As tool allows users to save a copy of documents (.mxd, .sxd, .lyr) as in version 8.3 with no changes required in 8.3 projects.
- Better Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc.(tm) (OGC(tm)), support-ArcGIS 9.1 offers broader support of OGC map standards including Web Map Service, Web Feature Service, and Catalog Services.
- New improved data-With ArcGIS 9.1, all users have access to 150-meter worldwide natural view imagery and nationwide street data.
ArcSDE Offers Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2005
ESRI announced that ArcSDE now supports Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with the release of the ArcSDE 9.1 Service Pack 1 to enable users to take advantage of Microsoft’s newest technology. “ESRI is pleased to be able to support the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 release” said John Baleja, ArcSDE product manager, ESRI ArcSDE enables users to:
- Integrate geographic information query, mapping, spatial analysis, and editing within a multiuser enterprise DBMS
- Move from a distributed approach to an integrated environment
- Manage spatial data as a continuous database accessible to the entire organization
- Easily publish maps on the Web.
Analytical Surveys Reports Second Quarter and Six Month Results
www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/05-16-2005/0003630713&EDATE=
Analytical Surveys, Inc. (ASI) (Nasdaq: ANLT), a leading provider of utility-industry data collection, creation and management services for the geographic information systems (GIS) markets, today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended March 31, 2005. Second quarter revenue was $1.5 million versus $3.7 million in the comparable 2004 fiscal quarter. The Company reduced its net loss from operations to $615,000 versus a net loss from operations of $755,000 in the 2004 second quarter. Net loss available to common shareholders was $679,000, or $0.24 per diluted share, versus a net loss available to common shareholders of $902,000, or $0.83 per diluted share, in the second quarter last year.
ASPRS Offers Electronic Access
ASPRS has implemented electronic access to peer-reviewed articles published in Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (PE&RS), thereby complementing the existing online text for non-peer-reviewed articles. This action completes the goal of making the full text of each journal issue available online and provides timely information to address the needs of the academic community and the members located overseas who often experience delays in the delivery of their printed copy. Online access of PE&RS was one of the most requested benefits in the recently completed ASPRS Membership Survey.
ASPRS Releases Update to LAS Lidar Data Exchange Format Standard
ASPRS released version 1.1 of the ASPRS Lidar Data Exchange Format Standard (LAS) at its 71st Annual ASPRS Conference and Exhibition held in Baltimore, Maryland in March. This binary data exchange format is an industry standard for the exchange of lidar data between various hardware manufacturers, software developers, data providers and end users. The LAS format is primarily intended to make the exchange, manipulation, analysis, and storage of lidar data faster and easier. In addition, a standardized lidar data format helps to facilitate the processing, editing and visualization of lidar data in a wide variety of commercial and proprietary software packages. The format is a public binary file format that is a replacement for the proprietary systems or a generic ASCII file interchange system used by many companies in the past.
Azteca Systems Celebrates Anniversaries: Ten Years of Cityworks and 20 Years of Azteca Systems
Azteca Systems Inc., a leading provider of GIS-centric asset maintenance management solutions, is celebrating the tenth anniversary of Cityworks and the 20th anniversary of the company.Azteca will recognize their anniversary with events throughout the year and host a special celebration at the Cityworks User Conference, June 19-21, 2006, in Park City, Utah. Founded in 1986, Azteca Systems Inc. supplied specialized GIS and cartographic consulting services to local, state and federal agencies. In 1996, Azteca developed the first GIS-based asset and maintenance management system, Pipeworks. The original name was soon changed to Cityworks as it became apparent the unique software application could easily be applied to more than just pipeline infrastructure.Today, Azteca Systems customers span the globe using the software to manage a wide array of capital assets and infrastructure including: utilities, transportation, energy, facilities and public works features. Editor’s note: I've known the company and its principals since the Pipeworks days and have the highest respect for the people and the products. Get to know them!
BAE SYSTEMS NAMED ASPRS PARTNER IN EDUCATION
BAE Systems was named an American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)Partner in Education for their financial support of the ASPRS Career Brochure. The Career Brochure was developed by ASPRS as a tool for recruiting high school and undergraduate students into geospatial technology field careers. Each year, thousands of brochures are distributed to schools across the country free of charge upon request. This coming year, with the support from BAE Systems, ASPRS will be able to produce another 40,000 brochures for distribution. “We thank BAE Systems for their support on behalf of the membership of ASPRS and even more so from the future professionals who may be drawn to an exciting and rewarding career through the brochure,” said ASPRS Executive Director James Plasker.
Peter Batty to Join Intergraph Corporation as Chief Technology Officer
Peter Batty has agreed to join Intergraph as vice president and chief technology officer. Batty, a globally recognized spatial and location-based technology expert, will report to R. Halsey Wise, Intergraph’s president and chief executive officer. As the company’s chief technology officer, Batty will be responsible for helping to direct IntergraphÕs future technology vision. Batty brings to Intergraph more than 18 years of technology leadership experience in spatial and location-aware technologies. Before joining Intergraph, he was the co-founder and chief technology officer for Ten Sails, a company focused on building businesses in the area of spatial and location-related technologies.
Binspy's Fleetspy3 Powered by ArcWeb Services
Binspy Systems, a business solutions company focused on enterprise location-based services licensed ArcWeb Services for the mapping data and geoservices behind their Fleetspy3 mobile resource management platform. Binspy's Fleetspy3 allows businesses and organizations of all sizes to manage their mobile workforces and fleets with an easy-to-use online software application. Back-office managers can plot their entire mobile workforce on a single interactive map and automatically view mobile workers' statuses including contact information, current address, and real-time alerts.
BSI Offers Seamless Digital Parcel Map Coverage
www.boundarysolutions.com/seamlesscoverage/
Of the nearly 40 million parcels on BSI’s National ParcelMap Data Portal ftp download site, 27 million now include standardized extended property attributes. Coverage of this powerful GIS parcel boundary feature includes areas in which 50% of all real estate transactions take place. There are seamless coverages available for 35 major metropolitan regions. The 43 standard attributes (situs, valuation, use, physical, sales) are available for use as extended attributes joined to the parcel boundaries that make up the National ParcelMap Data Portal (NPDP).
Joe Giuliano Named Vice President of Data Services for Byers Engineering Company’s SpatialAge® Solutions Division
Byers Engineering Company appointed Joseph Giuliano as Vice President of Data Services within its SpatialAge Solutions divisionDivision.ÊJoe, who started at Byers in 1983, will manage the Data Services Group and oversee all aspects of Byers data related business lines – conversion, migration, and records maintenance.ÊJoe most recently served as Vice President of Marketing & Sales where he managed Byers sales team, worked with Byer’ foundation of customers, and directed marketing initiatives for the division. Joe received a joint BA degree in pre-medicine and Anthropology from George Washington University in 1978, and then an MA in Anthropology from Pennsylvania State University in 1982. .
Byers Celebrates Its 35th Anniversaryl
Byers Engineering Company celebrates its 35th year of providing premier engineering, AM/FM/GIS software, and records mapping services to the telecommunications and utilities industries. Founded in the state of Georgia in January 1971, Byers is one of the few companies that have been able to retain its original name and ownership within this competitive industry. A customer-focused approach has been a constant at Byers--just as the president and core management group have been since the beginning. Byers is proud to have been listed as one of the 50 largest technology firms in Atlanta every year since 1985. Ken Byers founded the firm with the mission to be an important, technical services firm supporting the telecommunications and utility industries. The firm's first client was New York Telephone Company (now a part of Verizon) who remains a client tod
Investor-Owned Utilities Database Subscription
The C Three Group packaged its most popular and comprehensive industry reports into one annual subscription service with immediate, anywhere access via a web-enabled, password protected database. By subscribing to The C Three Groups Investor-Owned Utilities Database, you can save thousands of dollars over the purchase of individual reports. Your subscription provides you with complete access to 100 of our key reports, all of which are updated at least annually, several of which are updated on a quarterly basis. About $1,000.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service selects Cadcorp SIS software for GIS-based incident analysis and resource planning.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has selected Cadcorp SIS - Spatial Information System Ð to provide the brigade with enhanced incident data analysis, planning, information presentation and data integration capabilities. Cadcorp is working with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to assist it in the installation of and training in the use of Cadcorp SIS Map Modeller, the company’s flag-ship GIS software product. Initially, this will be used by the brigade’s information systems team as the basis for a number of GIS-based applications. These will include incident and fire safety analysis work, corporate Ordnance Survey MasterMap management and distribution and the development of computer-aided design (CAD) plans for operational use.
C-COR Enhances Its Mobile Workforce Manager Solution
C–COR Incorporated announced that the company is working with MapFrame Corporation, a leading mobile mapping and field automation solutions company, to integrate MapFrame’s FieldSmart® software into its Mobile Workforce Manager (MWM™). C-COR’s MWM is a suite of field service automation tools for scheduling, routing, and workflow management that combines the simplicity and sophistication of browser-based business applications with real-time connectivity to the mobile workforce through wireless data connections and mobile computing devices. With the added capabilities of FieldSmart, C–COR's MWM will enable field technicians to spatially view plant information relating to specific work orders from a map of the entire service territory.
CIMMETRY ANNOUNCES AUTOVUE SUPPORT FOR AUTOCAD 2006 AND AUTODESK INVENTOR 10
Cimmetry Systems announced that the latest service pack for AutoVue 18 adds support for AutoCAD version 2006 and Autodesk Inventor version 10. This service pack is available immediately for AutoVue users under maintenance. Formats supported by AutoVue in previously released service packs (3-7) include: CATIA 5 R14 (3D/2D); DirectModel JT 8; SolidDesigner 13 (OneSpace Designer 2005); Mentor DxDesigner Schematics/Symbols 2004; Mentor Expedition PCB/Schematics 2004/2004 sp1; Cadence Allegro 15.2; PADS PowerPCB Binary version 5; P-CAD PCB/Schematics 2004; Zuken CADIF 8; Zuken CADSTAR PCB/Schematics/3D 7; Acrobat PDF 1.6 (version 7).
Cityworks to Manage Long Beach Public Works
Azteca Systems, a provider of GIS-centric asset maintenance management solutions, announced that Long Beach, California selected Cityworks® to manage the city’s public works and marinas. The enterprise solution was deployed for the Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Marine Departments with interfaces to Finance and Payroll. Azteca Systems implemented a centralized Cityworks database for tracking and managing citizen requests and work activities, streamlining operations and allowing city staff to operate more efficiently. Staff is using Cityworks to document citizen complaints, issue and track work orders and other critical functions in the Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Marine Departments. The city currently tracks work activities related to streets, parking meters, trees, signs, building services facilities, park grounds and marinas.
Citizen Service Request Grants Now Available
CartêGraph developed a matching grant program to assist local government organizations in providing better service to their constituents through automation. A common theme in government organizations across the country is the implementation of technology to assist in taking citizen requests and being able to quickly create work orders from that request. This grant was developed to assist you in implementing a service request management program. Grants will be awarded by CartêGraph for up to $25,000 per project. To schedule your interview, contact one of their grant specialists at 800.688.2656. Limited number of grants are available.
The City of Lexington, NC Selects Geographic Technologies Group
After a competitive selection process, The City of Lexington, North Carolina has awarded Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., (GTG) a contract to lead the Implementation of a GIS Strategic Plan. The GIS Strategic Plan for Year Two includes: (1) Coordination of all software and maintenance purchases and installations, (2) Data and database development including; total natural gas, electric and sewer/water/storm water solutions (3) Additional planning for the successful implementation of long range GIS directives, (4) User training including; GIS I and II ESRI Certified Training. This contract will focus on implementing the strategies identified in the strategic plan to efficiently address the GIS needs of the City of Lexington.
John Little, Project Manager and GIS Director for GTG said that, “The growth in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology over the past few years has been phenomenal. The City of Lexington has embraced GIS technology and is implementing a City-wide GIS on par with some of the best in the Country. GTG looks forward to working withimplement a strong and effective GIS.”
2006 Cityworks User Conference
The 2006 Cityworks User Conference will be held June 16-21 in Park City, Utah at the Park City Marriott. Celebrating 10 years of Cityworks, the annual event will feature pre-conference training June 17 and 18 followed by an array of user case studies and technical sessions June 19-21.Ê The conference will be capped off with a special party celebrating Azteca’s 20th year in business and Cityworks’ 10th anniversary. The sixth annual user gathering features user case studies, technical and application sessions, vendor presentations, exhibit hall and Cityworks Doctor’s Office in a casual and comfortable environment. Pre-conference training will be available to new and existing users as well as specialized implementation training for Authorized Business Partners. The conference will be centered on an anniversary theme culminating in a special celebration party at the Utah Olympic Park.
CARIS for Delimitation of Turkmenistan's Caspian Sea Boundaries
The Government of Turkmenistan has selected CARIS Law of the Sea (LOTS) Limits and Boundaries software to delineate its various maritime boundaries in the Caspian Sea as part of an effort to resolve ongoing disputes with other coastal states over the area's rich reserves. There are five coastal states that make up the shores of the Caspian Sea. These are Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Reported to, in the next ten years, account for approximately 10% of the worlds oil production, the Caspian area is not only rich in petroleum resources but in caviar and commercial fish species. The status of the Caspian Sea has been disputed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
ComCam and Technology Service Corporation Sign Teaming Agreement to Support Department of Defense
ComCam International, Inc. is a provider of next-generation remote video and control products, solutions and services. Technology Service Corporation (TSC) is a provider of specialized engineering services for radar, surveillance and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to handle various Department of Defense (DoD) related projects. Under the terms of the agreement, ComCam will use TSC’s real-time web–based GIS data acquisition and processing systems to complement its IP platform for remote video and control solutions.
Dartmouth professor warns of misuse of mapping technology in political redistricting
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-10/dc-dpw101405.php
A Dartmouth researcher says the mapping technology of GIS is a powerful political tool, but it does not resolve the basic conflict of how to create voting districts that are both representative and competitive. Benjamin Forest, an associate professor of geography, has studied the recent history of redistricting, and says that three things currently affect political representation.
- First, the U.S. population has become more racially and ethnically diverse in the last 40 years.
- Second, there has been a growing legal commitment to fair political representation.
- And third, GIS allows states to create districts with very precise political and demographic characteristics.
Datastream Systems, Inc. Releases a New Version of Asset Performance Management
Datastream Systems, Inc. announced that it has released a new version of its flagship Asset Performance Management solution, Datastream 7i(TM), that enables public sector, utility, oil & gas, transportation and other organizations to improve efficiency and reduce costs associated with maintaining geographically distributed capital assets. The latest version of Datastream 7i builds on its extensive integration with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of products with enhanced linear asset-management capabilities and improved data management. Customers with extensive linear assets, including public works and water/wastewater treatment departments, oil & gas companies, transportation agencies, public utilities and communication service providers can now more effectively manage and optimize all their assets including pipes, roads, rails and utility lines as well as the fixed assets that occupy those linear networks.
DeLorme Releases XMap® OpenSpace® Database Integration Kit
DeLorme released of XMap OpenSpace Database Integration Kit, which allows users to substantially boost efficiency by automatically updating the geographic data they are managing within DeLorme’s OpenSpace database. OpenSpace is DeLorme’s physical data model that enables geodata storage in Microsoft SQL Server. XMap OpenSpace Database Integration Kit is for use with XMap/GIS Editor. The kit provides a DLL library that lets users link collected geodata directly to an OpenSpace GIS layer within XMap/GIS Editor. The OpenSpace Database Integration KitÊis .NET enabled. With XMap/GIS Editor, which is required to access the DeLorme OpenSpace database, GIS Managers can pre–classify and symbolize their layers prior to data collection. Then, using their own development environment, they can simply build a bridge between their database system and XMap/GIS Editor using XMap OpenSpace Database Integration Kit.
DigitalGlobe Introduces DigitalGlobe CitySphere Product
DigitalGlobe® introduced DigitalGlobe CitySphere™, a product aimed at helping mappers, planners and geographic information systems (GIS) specialists to improve all geospatial applications with the rapid delivery of current, repeatable, high-resolution satellite imagery data. DigitalGlobe CitySphere is the first off-the-shelf collection of QuickBird satellite imagery covering 200 international urban centers. Offered as 60-centimeter (two-foot) resolution, color orthomosaics with 1:4,800 scale map accuracy, CitySphere products featuring these 200 urban centers will be updated on an annual basis. The updated imagery is guaranteed to be newer than 24 months. DigitalGlobe will release new worldwide cities monthly over the next 12 months.
Draft Geospatial Profile of the FEA released for review
colab.cim3.net/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?CurrentGeospatialProfileDraft
The draft Geospatial Profile of the FEA, Version 0.3 is ready for review by the Architecture and Infrastructure Committee (AIC) and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Coordination Group.
ENTERGY Expands its Implementation of Smallworld
GE Energy announced that Entergy Corporation expanded its implementation of the Smallworld geospatial software product suite by selecting the Cornerstone Gas Productivity Pack™ for its Gas Division. Additionally, the company has upgraded its electric operations to the Smallworld Core Spatial Technology™ 4 application.
ESRI Announces ArcWeb Services 2006 Is Now Available for On-Demand Mapping and GIS
SRI announced today that ArcWeb Services 2006 is now available. ArcWeb Services 2006 further extends on-demand mapping and geographic information system (GIS) capabilities for Web developers. ArcWeb Services are powerful mapping APIs that allow developers to integrate mapping and spatial functionality into any Web-based application. Web developers who wish to easily build applications that go beyond basic maps and directions should evaluate ArcWeb Services 2006,
says Mike Tait, director of Web Services at ESRI. With the latest release of ArcWeb Services, developers can further integrate enterprise-level mapping functionality into Web-based commercial and mobile applications.
Highlights of ArcWeb Services 2006 include
- New Developer APIs - in addition to a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) API, ArcWeb Services 2006 includes a REST API for creating maps using simple URL requests, OpenLS, and a Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME) Wireless Toolkit for rapid development of wireless applications.
- Custom map and spatial query services - Developers can upload their own point, line, and polygon data. End users can then perform custom rendering and spatial queries.
- Mobile location services - Through partnerships with Sprint and Bell Mobility, the ArcWeb Services 2006 mobile location service enables subscribing companies to build location based services (LBS) applications for tracking their non-GPS and GPS-enabled cellular phones and send short message service (SMS) messages.
- Enhanced route finder service - Developers can now build applications that route around traffic obstacles as well as optimize the order of the route stop midpoints.
- New administration portal - A new Web site is available to help ArcWeb Services 2006 subscribers easily create, customize, and administer services. This Web site offers everything needed to get up and running with ArcWeb Services including Web-based wizards for uploading, geocoding, and managing data; samples; tools to help administrators manage groups of users and track how many credits they have used; and much more.
- Map Image service enhancements - Significant enhancements were also made to the ArcWeb Services 2006 map image service. In addition to providing all the standard static graphical file formats, ArcWeb Services 2006 now includes Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Adobe Flash (SWF) mapping file formats. Web developers can use SVG or SWF to directly access vector mapping data for building rich Web 2.0 internet applications.
ESRI Receives National Association of Counties Award for Corporate Excellence
ESRI was awarded the National Association of Counties (NACo) Award for Corporate Excellence during ceremonies at NACo’s 2005 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Linda Hecht, ESRI director of worldwide marketing, received the award on behalf of the company. The award recognizes corporations committed to outstanding service to counties. The NACo Award for Corporate Excellence is presented to companies that have demonstrated a deep corporate commitment to empower counties, county employees, and communities while advancing strategic business interests.
ESRI Collaborates in Statewide Bioterrorism Exercise
ESRI, together with business partner GCS Research, recently took part in Operation Last Chance One, a statewide disaster preparedness exercise in the state of Montana. Led by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in collaboration with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), this operation was the first exercise of its magnitude in Montana. It included participation from 59 of 63 county and tribal health departments as well as 26 hospitals and clinics. The two-part exercise simulated the spread of pneumonic plague as high school campers returned to their homes as well as a chemical release from a hypothetical airplane crash at Helena Regional Airport. “ESRI and GCS helped our department understand and use GIS in this mission-critical exercise,” says James Aspevig, public health informatics manager, DPHHS. “GIS can be very useful in situations that require us to have a better integrated view of conditions on the ground.”
ESRI and IBM Present “GIS Across America”
ESRI and IBM are hosting free one-day seminars in three major U.S. cities during November 2005 that will teach managers how to increase their decision-making power by increasing collaboration between agencies, between field offices and headquarters, and between government agencies and the public. Dubbed “GIS Across America-Developing a Federal Enterprise” the seminars will feature sessions designed specifically for both managers and technologists.The dates and locations of the seminars are:
- November 1, 2005, San Francisco, California, at the Grand Hyatt at Union Square
- November 9, 2005, Lakewood, Colorado, at the Sheraton Denver West
- November 17, 2005, Atlanta, Georgia, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza
ESRI Posts Maps and Other Important Links about Hurricane Katrina
www.esri.com/news/pressroom/hurricanemaps.html
ESRI created a web page dedicated to new and information about Hurricane Katrina. Two important links are “Request Help from ESRI” and “Volunteer Your Expertise.” Go there and help or be helped.
Farmington, New Mexico Selects GTG
Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. (GTG) announced today that the City of Farmington, New Mexico procured GTG’s LGviewer software. In a strategic move to integrate its HTE land management platform with GIS, the City will use LGviewer to provide a broad audience of users within various departments with access to a powerful mapping and spatial analysis application. LGviewer offers a user friendly and intuitive interface that allows various types of users to view HTE data in a spatial context.
Fairview Industries and Tri-County Technical College Announce Continuing Education Program in GIS
-- Fairview Industries and Tri-County Technical College of Pendleton SC have joined forces to offer a continuing education program designed specifically for persons interested in Geographic Information Sciences. The program allows engineering professionals, as well as students and the general public, to gain technical training and updates in geographic information and spatial data sciences by logging onto a Fairview Industries-Tri-County website. This project identifies and updates regularly key articles, research publications and white papers in the geographic information sciences. Participants proceed with a program of readings and exams leading to continuing education credits given by Tri-County. “This is the only place where all professional articles are in one location and persons can read them, answer questions and get immediate CEU credit,” said John Benson, director of the College's World Class Training Center.
Fleming College Chooses MAPublisher Floating Licenses
Avenza Systems Inc., producers of MAPublisher cartographic software, announced that the Geomatics Institute at Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada expanded their MAPublisher installation with 70 floating licenses of MAPublisher 6.2 software. This implementation extends the existing usage of MAPublisher in Fleming’s Geomatics programs and puts it within reach of every student in geomatics programs at Fleming. “We have long recognized the contribution that MAPublisher has made to the geomatics industry and the importance of including it in a complete geo-science educational offering,” said Hardy Kraft, Project Manager, Geomatics Institute at Fleming. “Having MAPublisher in our labs meets our objective of continuing to ensure that our students have access to the best software tools available for cartographers and GIS professionals,” he added.
Forsyth County, Georgia Selects Geographic Technologies Group
Forsyth County, Georgia awarded Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., (GTG) a contract to provide professional GIS services and software solutions. GIS services include: (1) ESRI ArcIMS, ArcGIS I, and ArcGIS II software training, (2) updating the County’s 2004 GIS implementation plan to document past years successes and present next yearÕs goals, (3) GIS layer development for the fire department, and (4) GPS inventory of park facilities and utility (water, sewer, and stormwater) infrastructure. Software services include: (1) upgrading GTG’s GISmoWeb intranet solution from a 25 seat to an unlimited seat license, (2) address/street data maintenance software, (3) installing and setting up a touch screen kiosk to provide public access to GIS data and other pertinent County information, and (4) implementing GIStrac, a mapping product extension of Vermont Systems Inc. recreation and parks facility management software. As a business partner with Vermont Systems Inc., GTG provides the added benefit of fully understanding homanagement software into the CountyÕs GIS system.
Free GIS Program for Forestry
www.digitalgrove.net/fgis.htm/
Forestry GIS (fGIS™) is a compact but robust shapefile editing program, digitizer and GIS data query tool for Windows®. fGIS was designed for natural resource managers who are not GIS specialists. It is easy to use and simple to install. Many power users also like fGIS because they can run it on laptops or home computers without copyright issues, it produces data compatible with commercial GIS programs, and fGIS is free.
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[Back to Top]GeoAnalytics Completes Strategic Plan for Dodge County, Wisconsin
According to GeoAnalytics, the company completed a strategic vision and roadmap for incorporating GIS/LIS technology, data, and practices into County 911 Center and Emergency Management operations. The plan looked at data and technology needs along with process improvement related to the creation and sharing of countywide street centerline and address data. The report covered related organizational needs for the County 911 and Emergency Management GIS. The long term goal is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and decision-making capabilities of the 911 Center and Emergency Management using GIS technology. An additional objective is to advance enterprise GIS to enable increased support for other existing business systems within the County agencies and for partner municipalities.
Geographic Imager Now Shipping
Avenza Systems Inc., producers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia FreeHand as well as MAPdataUSA and MAPdataWorld royalty-free data sets, announces that Geographic Imager, a new plug-in suite for Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 softwareÊthat adds geospatial functionality to this powerful image editing program, is now shipping. “Geographic Imager is the next evolutionary step in bringing geospatial image editing to the masses and is the perfect companion suite for MAPublisher and Adobe Illustrator”, said Ted Florence, President of Avenza Systems. “Just imagine the power and flexibility of being able to work with your aerial and satellite photos and map scans within the Photoshop CS2 environment.” he added.
Intergraph Boosts Open Spatial Enterprises with GeoMedia Version 6.0
Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions announced version 6.0 of its suite of GeoMedia® desktop and Web products for maintaining, integrating, analyzing and presenting geospatial data to enable an open spatial enterprise. According to Intergraph, V.6.0 of GeoMedia adds and improves functionality that simplifies end-user access to enterprise geospatial information while focusing on increasing productivity for individual tasks and workflows, such as data capture, maintenance, analysis and presentation. Improvements include enhanced enterprise capabilities for easier deployment of spatial data, new Web Services that integrate geospatial data in mainstream business applications and an advanced map display environment for high-quality cartographic output.
Intergraph's GeoMedia Grid 5.2 Now Shipping Worldwide
http://imgs.intergraph.com/ggrid/
Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions today announced GeoMedia(R) Grid 5.2, an advanced, fully integrated grid analysis toolkit for GeoMedia, is now shipping worldwide. GeoMedia Grid provides seamless integration of vector and grid data formats for viewing and analysis. GeoMedia Grid is ideally suited for carrying out complex spatial analysis, such as site location in urban planning, corridor planning for designing highway improvements and hot spot detection for environmental management and public safety.
Geographic Technologies Group wins Geodatabase Migration Contract
Wilson County, NC Selects Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) to lead Geodatabase Migration Contract Goldsboro, NC. After a competitive selection process, Wilson County, North Carolina has awarded Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., (GTG) a contract to lead a Geodatabase Migration of their corporate GIS database. The project includes: (1) Development of data schema through customization and generation of data models (2) Setup and integration of ArcSDE and related infrastructure (3) Data Conversion and Migration, and (4) Application Migration and Conversion. The project will strive to streamline the County’s dissemination of GIS data to its users and overall effectiveness of the enterprise GIS.
GeoAnalytics Completes Strategic Plan for Dodge County, Wisconsin
Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. tiold us that Campbell County, Wyoming has selected GTG to complete a GIS Data Development project that will include GPS address points and updating street centerlines for 911. Additionally, GTG will provide Campbell County enterprise GIS software solutions for crime analysis, mobile mapping, public GIS access, and address management.
New Geospatial Center
www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=3368536&nav=2FH5a4gZ
The two geospatial labs that were so instrumental in the Columbia Shuttle recovery are merging to form the Columbia Geospatial Service Center. The union of the geographic information systems is designed to enhance the labs functions. Personnel changes are in the works. The goal is to develop GIS talent into a fully functional team.
GeoFields Forms New Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to Enter International Oil and Gas Pipeline Market
GeoFields, Inc., a recognized leader in data management solutions for the oil and gas pipeline industry, announced today the formation of a wholly-owned international subsidiary and the launch of a business partner program to penetrate oil and gas pipeline markets in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Europe.
"We've already made some initial moves to support data management services outside North America, but we are now ready to dedicate much larger resources to establish not only a presence, but also gain market leadership overseas as we have done in the US," said Bahman Irvani, chairman of GeoFields.
GEOVANTAGE NAMES JOHN PRISCO PRESIDENT AND CEO
GeoVantage, Inc. announced that John Prisco joined the GeoVantage team as president and CEO. Mr. Prisco has more than 25 years of experience in senior management positions in entrepreneurial environments, demonstrating particular expertise in developing strong market franchises. In explaining his approach to business development, Prisco said, “I am a go-to-market CEO. My teams are expert at understanding customer needs and delivering products and services that meet those needs.” Mr. Prisco most recently served as President and CEO of Ridgeway Systems & Software, Inc., a UK-based software company specializing in secure firewall traversal. Ridgeway leveraged its unique intellectual property and best-of-class software products to be acquired by Tandberg Incorporated in 2004.
GIS Volunteer Recommends GeoSpatial Experts GPS-Photo Link for Disaster Response Work
A GIS analyst working on post-Katrina damage assessment in Mississippi found the GeoSpatial Experts GPS-Photo Link software to be a valuable tool in disaster clean-up efforts. Laura Horton, the GIS volunteer, said that if everyone had had access to the software, the various disaster relief agencies working together could have generated very useful images for ongoing damage assessment and other vital clean-up operations. GeoSpatial Experts GPS-Photo Link software is a digital photo mapping software that automatically links digital photographic images to GPS location data. The software creates web pages in which watermarked photographs are integrated with satellite imagery, street maps, and other GIS-based mapping layers. Horton, who works as a GIS analyst for the U.S. Coast Guard, joined two teams of GIS volunteers assisting state and federal agencies, such as FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others, in conducting damage assessment during the first few weeks after Hurricane Katrina destroyed large portions of the Gulf Coast. In her role as volunteer, Horton used her handheld GPS and digital camera to record photos of the destruction, and then used GPS-Photo Link software to track the locations of the photos.
GITA's Annual Conference 29 only months away
Don’t misread that. Gita’s conference is not 29 months away; their 29th conference is just months away. (I think). GITA will present its 29th Annual Conference: No Barriers: Connected. Responsive. Prepared at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, April 23-26, 2006. The conference will focus on geographic information systems (GIS) and other geospatial technologies as they relate to government agencies, telecommunication organizations, pipeline companies and electric, water and gas utilities. New in 2006, the conference will feature a job fair and a poster session. The goal of the job fair is to place GIS professionals of all levels with reputable organizations. The fair is free to job seekers who are registered for the conference. The poster session will allow geospatial professionals to exhibit their projects, and all full-conference attendees can vote for a “Best in Show” winner.
GITA Announces 2006 Awards Program
www.gita.org/about_gita/awards_program
The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) announced that it will again recognize individuals and user organizations in various industry segments for their exemplary achievements in implementing geospatial technologies. GITA’s 2006 Awards Program will recognize the stewardship and leadership afforded by individuals and organizations that share their experiences, serve as mentors, and push geospatial technologies to ever-higher levels of functionality. Nominations for the awards are accepted in four categories. The Excellence Award, created in 1993, recognizes user organizations for their outstanding application of geospatial technologies. The Innovator Award recognizes the unique and significant contributions of user organizations that have pushed the envelope of geospatial technology through innovative development of a technology, service, or application. The GITA Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual for his or her extraordinary personal contribution to the mission and success of the association. The Geospatial Industry Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution and longstanding commitment to the geospatial industry.
GITA’s 2005 GIS For Oil & Gas Conference Sees Positive Trends
The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) announced the registration totals from the 14th Annual GIS for Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, which was held at the JW Marriot Hotel in Houston, Texas, September 19-21 2005. This year’s conference was attended by 629 total attendees. First-time attendees rose 25% compared to last year. Attendance by international registrants was up 19% and registrations by GITA members was up 75%. The show floor sold out for the second year in a row, with 60 companies exhibiting. There were 20 technical sessions, which covered topics including the role of GIS in responding to Hurricane Katrina and business case/ROI. The conference also featured four seminars, including an integrity management seminar for both gas pipeline and liquid pipeline. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to attend the Office of Pipeline Safety update.
Global Marketing Insights Completes NOAA International Remote Sensing Survey
Global Marketing Insights, Inc. completed the study entitled “Survey and Analysis of Remote Sensing Market, Aerial and Spaceborne” and delivered the final report to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Satellite and Information Service Division. NOAA posted the report as a PDF for downloading by the public at www.licensing.NOAA.gov. Global Marketing Insights made the report available at www.globalinsights.com Global Marketing Insights created a series of extensive online surveys covering issues related to eight sectors of the remote sensing market: aerial film, aerial digital, aerial sensors, satellites, commercial end users, value added hardware and software, academic, and government. These surveys were completed by geospatial industry professionals and end users worldwide between February and August 2005.
“NOAA’s primary goal for the survey was to learn about the technological, political, economic and environmental trends impacting each of those sectors,” said Dr. Shawana Johnson, President of Global Marketing Insights. “The survey results provide insights into where the worldwide remote sensing market is heading –from the viewpoints of both data and service providers and end users.”
GlobeXplorer’s ImageConnect 2.6 Provides Earth Imagery Library to Autodesk® Users
www.globexplorer.com/products/imageconnect.shtml
GlobeXplorer® announced that their popular ImageConnect™ web extensions for GIS and CAD are now fully compatible with Autodesk’s suite of desktop mapping software. ImageConnect allows GIS and CAD users to bring geo-referenced aerial and satellite images from GlobeXplorer’s online archive directly into their projects with a click of the mouse. GlobeXplorer has combined data from the leading providers of aerial and satellite imagery to create the world’s most current and high-resolution archive of aerial and satellite imagery. Content providers like AirPhotoUSA®, DigitalGlobe®, Sanborn, USGS, and USDA yield a comprehensive coverage of the United States at several resolutions and dates. A release of international metros is forthcoming in early 2006 featuring GlobeXplorer’s extensive global content partner network.
With the release of version 2.6, ImageConnect is now fully compatible with Autodesk Map 3D®, Autodesk® Land Desktop, Autodesk® Raster Design, Autodesk Civil 3D®, and geo-referenced AutoCAD® projects. Web server extensions for Autodesk MapGuide® and the soon-to-be-released Autodesk open source platform are also available.
GITA Posts Photos from Annual Conference
www.gita.org/events/annual/28/index.html
If you missed this year’s GITA conference you can catch up on all the fun. Just clicik the link and you will see photos of all the gang mugging it up.
GRASS 6.0.0 release: largest OpenSource GIS
The GRASS development team is proud to announce the next stable release of GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System). This is a geographic information system (GIS) used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization. Platforms supported by GRASS:
- GNU/Linux,
- Sun Solaris (SPARC/Intel),
- Silicon Graphics Irix,
- Mac OS X/Darwin,
- Microsoft Windows with Cygwin,
- HP-UX, DEC-Alpha,
- AIX, BSD, iPAQ/Linux and other UNIX compliant platforms (32/64bit).
har*GIS Field Information Systems released TruckMap*™ 4.1 Field Automation Software
har*GIS Field Information Systems™ released of enhanced version of TruckMap*, the company’s flagship software for field force automation. TruckMap* 4.1 is a vendor independent set suite of mobile and wireless vendor independent toolswork tools designed to improve simplify field operations and complex work flows for utilities, government agencies and route services companies with distributed assets and customers.processes of that maintain, such as the communication and transportation industries.
HDM Presents At Federal Depository Library Conference
H D M’' s C h i e f T e c h n o l o g y O f f i c e r , D r . W e i D u , p r e s e n t e d a n o v e r v i e w o f H a z a r d M a p s . g o v a t t h e 2 0 0 2 F e d e r a l D e p o s i t o r y L i b r a r y C o n f e r e n c e . R e p r e s e n t i n g t h e F e d e r a l E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t A g e n c y ( F E M A ) , D r . D u p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e C o n f e r e n c e S e s s i o n f o c u s i n g o n e l e c t r o n i c i n f o r m a t i o n i n i t i a t i v e s , d r a w i n g o v e r 1 5 0 p e o p l e t o h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n . < / p > < p > H a z a r d M a p s . g o v < / a > i s a n i n t e r a c t i v e m a p p i n g r e s o u r c e f o r m u l t i - h a z a r d p l a n n i n g a n d m a n a g e m e n t t h a t H D M d e v e l o p e d f o r F E M A . I t c o m b i n e s d a t a a r c h i v e a n d u p l o a d c a p a b i l i t i e s w i t h a n o n l i n e , i n t e r a c t i v e w e b a t l a s , p r o v i d i n g t h e f i r s t e v e r s i m u l t a n e o u s , n a t i o n w i d e v i e w o f m u l t i p l e n a t u r a l h a z a r d s . D e b u t i n g i n M a y 2 0 0 2 , t h e s i t e h a s l o g g e d m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 v i s i t o r s a n d 3 7 7 , 0 0 0 w e b s i t e h i t s , a n d w a s n a m e d a U S A T o d a y “ “H o t S i t e o f t h e D a y .”
Conference: GIS in Homeland Security Spatial Technology Contributions to Health and National Preparedness
Date: June 1, 2005; Wash DC; 1-day event. This offering of the GIS in Homeland Security Conference (one in a series of GIS events) will focus on how spatial technology is becoming a vital tool for scientists and public health officials investigating the cause and spread of deadly diseases around the world. What you could learn:
- How GIS is growing as a key tool in collecting intelligence in the medical arena
- How outbreaks of infectious diseases can be quickly analyzed using GIS tools
- The benefits of simultaneous access and web mapping services to battle and better understand disease
- Lessons learned and experiences from GIS experts and agencies in this field
- How partnerships and delivery mechanisms play a key role in making GIS a success
- The resources you have available to you - and don't know it!
- What steps we need to take, especially at the local and state levels, to get support for national initiatives and get better prepared
HOUSTON’S LARGEST GIS EVENT
The Houston-Galveston Area Council's Geographic Data Committee (GDC) sponsored Geographic Information System (GIS) Day is presented in partnership with the University of Houston-Downtown. This event is the largest showcase of how Geographic Information Systems are used in the City of Houston and surrounding area. For two days, business people, educators, students, and the general public are given a free access pass to products and services that encompass GIS.
IBM and Cognos roll out crime management solution
One of the first to recogonize GIS technologies, IBM (http://www.ibm.com), was also one of the first major players to leave the market. Over the years they have maintained a third party presence in one form or another. Like the mased crusaders of our childhood, IBM teamed with Cognos to fight crime. The solution, dubbed Crime Information Warehouse (CIW), was developed out of prior engagements with joint police organization customers. “We [IBM and Cognos] have effectively developed a industry-data model of all the information required for crime management,” said Terence Atkinson, director of public sector industry solutions at Ottawa, Canada-based Cognos.
i-cubed selected by USDA Forest Service for its DataDoors
i-cubed, a geospatial engineering company in Fort Collins, Colo., won a contract from the USDA Forest Service (FS) to implement the DataDoors™ software system at the FS Geospatial Service and Technology Center (GSTC) in Salt Lake City. DataDoors will serve as the raster data provisioning engine inside the FS Geodata Clearinghouse.
Idaho Adopts GIS Statewide License to Develop Teaching Programs
There is an ongoing struggle among teachers to meet testing requirements while incorporating critical thinking activities pertaining to their subjects. Idaho responded to this dilemma by adopting a statewide geographic information system (GIS) license. Teachers and schools will use the technology in a wide range of subjects to create real-world activities involving analysis and problem solving as well as other core subject topics. “With GIS, students find dynamic ways to pose meaningful questions and craft timely answers,” says Bob Kearney, program director, Lewis and Clark Rediscovery Project. “These answers are salient to real-world, real-time situations, where students can feel the immediacy and significance of current events while learning about broad concepts. Best of all, the answers students craft may help to solve real problems. This is inquiry at its best; learning through doing real work with real implications.” A statewide license grants the state a large collection of ESRI software products on an unlimited number of computers. The software may be used for teaching any subject in grades K-12 in public and private schools. Idaho received ArcView 3.x and ArcView 9.x as well as the Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions for both versions. All universities in Idaho already have site licenses including Brigham Young University, Idaho; Boise State University; College of Southern Idaho; Eastern Idaho Technical College; Idaho State University; Lewis-Clark State College; North Idaho College; and the University of Idaho.
New IDC White Paper Examines ESRI's Role in Emerging Geospatial Markets
ESRI announced the publication of the IDC white paper ESRI: Extending GIS to Enterprise Applications by David Sonnen and Henry D. Morris. In this white paper, IDC describes emerging geospatial markets and maps ESRI’s geographic information system (GIS) products and capabilities against those markets. IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. “In this paper, we evaluated ESRI's strategies for reaching beyond traditional GIS,” said Sonnen. “We concluded that the evolution of ESRI’s technology and the release of ArcGIS 9 track closely with major information technology (IT) trends, particularly the movement toward networked, service-oriented architectures.”
International Land Systems (ILS) donated $10,000 to the Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems youth club program.
www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45&a=5597&sid=f181b80d229385345fc2d1ac985981b2
The BNGIS has already established one GIS youth club at the Sadie Curtis Primary School. The clubs, which will be located in eight schools throughout New Providence, two schools in Abaco and one in Great Inagua, allow students to easily and quickly display and analyze geographical information, officials said. Making the donation was Peter Rabley, ILS president, whose company focuses on consulting, systems design and the implementation of land administration records.
indiana Launches Innovative Web-based Site Selection Tool
www.in.gov/serv/presscal?PF=iedc&Clist=1_3_4_6_11_16_61&Elist=85129
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) today launched a geographic information systems (GIS) powered site and building database on its new Web site. This new innovative economic development tool makes Indiana the fourth in the nation with a Web site that utilizes interactive GIS mapping technology for statewide site and building searches. This is available at www.IEDC.in.gov. The site selection tool is part of the IEDC’s redesigned Web site, and will speed-up and simplify the process of business attraction and site selection for expanding and relocating businesses. IEDC is partnering with the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) and the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC). The IBRC is providing technical, data, and administrative support for the project, with the twin goals of advancing the technology for the site and ensuring that the content is up-to-date and accurate.
Indus Unveils Next-Generation Service Delivery Management Solution
Indus International Inc. (NASDAQ: IINT), a leading Service Delivery Management (SDM) solution provider, today announced the next generation of software and services for SDM.Ê With a broader feature set, new tools and improved usability, the enhanced and expanded Indus solution enables clients to perform more tasks at the point of service, improve communication across departmental silos and manage enterprisewide performance in real time.ÊImprovements include:
- More Flexible and Dynamic Asset Tracking
- Increased Mobility and Field Service Optimization
- Improved Customer Management Performance and Ease of Use
- Proven Methodology for Driving ROI
Intergraph Acquires POPPENHÄGER GRIPS GMBH
Intergraph Corporation acquired POPPENHÄGER GRIPS GMBH, a software company based in Neunkirchen/Saarland, Germany. Poppenhäger Grips (www.grips.de) provides geospatial analysis software and services to municipalities and utility companies and has approximately 170 customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“T h e P o p p e n h ä g e r G r i p s t r a n s a c t i o n a d v a n c e s o u r m i s s i o n t o p r o v i d e d i f f e r e n t i a t e d S p a t i a l I n f o r m a t i o n M a n a g e m e n t s o f t w a r e t o o u r c u s t o m e r s a n d t a r g e t m a r k e t s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d ,” s a i d R . H a l s e y W i s e , I n t e r g r a p h P r e s i d e n t a n d C E O . “W e b e l i e v e t h i s a c q u i s i t i o n i s a n e f f e c t i v e u s e o f o u r c a p i t a l a s i t p r o v i d e s c o m p l e m e n t a r y t e c h n o l o g y i n o u r u t i l i t y t a r g e t m a r k e t a n d h e l p s t o s t r e n g t h e n o u r p o s i t i o n i n a n i m p o r t a n t E u r o p e a n m a r k e t . I n t e r g r a p h i s c o m m i t t e d t o s e r v i n g a n d g r o w i n g o u r E u r o p e a n p r e s e n c e i n o u r c o r e m a r k e t s .”
Intergraph Unveils ImageStation Stereo for GeoMedia
Intergraph announced ImageStation® Stereo for GeoMedia®, the first geospatial imaging product on the market to offer stereo 3D capture capabilities while directly reading a wide range of geographic information systems data formats and warehouses. Data collected using Intergraph’s feature collection software is used in geospatial applications and map revisions and stores collected geospatial features in open databases so they can be easily accessed and used by third-party GIS systems. ImageStation Stereo for GeoMedia provides modules enabling users to display and manipulate stereo imagery with photogrammetrically accurate 3D cursor tracking, stereo vector superimposition, stereo roam, image contrast and brightness adjustments.
Kuwait Remote Sensing Conference - Call for Papers
The Kuwait Remote SensingÊ Conference will be held 26 - 28 September 2005, in Kuwait. It's an exciting opportunity to share your knowledge with a respected audience of Scientists and professionals. AbstractÊ selection will be very competitive! Please follow the format instructions outlined below to ensure that your abstract is considered.The following topics for technical papers are strongly encouraged:
- Mineral and Petroleum ExplorationsDesertification Assessment
- Water Resources and Irrigation
- Environmental Impact
- Natural Resource Management
- Disaster and Flood Monitoring
- Geological Mapping
- Historical and Archeological Excavation
- Mapping from Space
- Transportation and Traffic Planning
- International Treaty Verification
Important Dates:
- Deadline for Abstracts: June 30, 2005
- Deadline for Papers: August 4, 2005
L-O
[Back to Top]LAS VEGAS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT WILL INSTALL LEICA GEOSYSTEMS GPS REFERENCE STATION NETWORK
Leica Geosystems today won an order from the Las Vegas Valley Water District to upgrade its GPS reference station network with new-generation Leica System 1200 reference stations and Spider network software. Leica Geosystems will supply five GRX1200Pro GPS reference station receivers with AT504 choke-ring antennas.They will replace the existing reference station equipment currently being used.Ê The Spider software will provide control and management functions for the network.ÊThe installations will take place over the upcoming months while giving the GPS community time to prepare for this implementation.
Leica geosystems introduces lightweight all-on-the-pole cable-free RTK GPS surveying system.
Leica Geosystems introducted the SmartRover, a new, lightweight, high-performance, all-on-the-pole RTK GPS surveying instrument. Weighing just 2.8 kg (6.16 lb), the SmartRover is 30 percent lighter than other all-on-the-pole RTK systems. “With the lightweight SmartRover, a surveyor can work the whole day without fatigue, maximizing on-the-job performance and productivity,” said Steve Crowfoot, vice president for product and segment marketing. “In addition, the SmartRover delivers complete cable-free operation to provide maximum flexibility with fewer components.” Consisting of the Leica AT1230 SmartAntenna and Leica 1250 Controller, the SmartRover is designed to be fully compatible with the Leica SmartStation, the first total station with integrated GP “The surveyor can use the SmartAntenna to position the total station, and then transfer it to the SmartRover to continue GPS RTK surveying,” said Crowfoot.
LEICA GEOSYSTEMS LAUNCHES SmartStation contest
Leica Geosystems announced a major sales promotion and contest to build awareness for the new productivity features of the System 1200 SmartStation technology in North America.The contest runs from October 1, 2005, through February 28, 2006.Ê The grand prize Ð a Leica System 1200 SmartStation Ð will be awarded March 30, 2006.Ê Any qualified person who attends a sales demonstration of the SmartStation by an authorized Leica Geosystems distributor or salesperson will be eligible to enter for the drawing. “The SmartStation represents a revolutionary breakthrough in surveying technology as the first and only total station with fully integrated GPS,” said Valerie Richardson, vice president of strategic marketing and business development, Surveying and Engineering Division Americas, Leica Geosystems Inc.Ê ... The SmartStation can reduce the time required for setup and orientation by up to 80 percent.
LogicaCMG Helps Dutch Energy Company Reduce the Cost of Managing its Assets With Geospatial Information Systems
LogicaCMG announced that it won a contract for the delivery and implementation of a new Geospatial Information System with the Dutch multi-utility company DELTA, located in the south western Province of Zeeland. The is scheduled for completion in spring 2007. The new GIS will let DELTA optimise the quality and lifecycle of their infrastructure and to manage their assets at lower cost.
Mapdex Web Portal Provides Fast, Efficient Access to Online Data
A new extensive Web portal, called Mapdex, is now available for providing access to a large and growing number of public ArcIMS map servers. Developed by the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas, the portal is searchable by spatial layers, fields, and map service names. Specialists in any number of industries can locate and use readily available data for their particular needs; they can also learn about data origin, date of creation, scale, and any other number of metadata variables. Mapdex provides an index of publicly available ArcIMS services comprising approximately 1,715 servers, serving approximately 30,000 map services, and containing approximately 475,000 GIS layers. It brings together a previously disparate network of GIS services, searchable from one location, that can be tapped into by the GIS community using just a few keyword searches and mouse clicks. Users can search Mapdex by server, service, projection, geography, and layer names.
MAPPS Praises Federal Land Inventory Bill in Congress
A bill to create a comprehensive federal land inventory, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, has won the praise of MAPPS, the national association of private geospatial firms. H.R. 1370, the Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform or “FLAIR” Act(PDF), was introduced on March 17 by Representative Chris Cannon (R-UT). The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to develop a multipurpose inventory or “cadastre” of federal real property to assist with federal land management, resource conservation, and development of federal real property, including identification of any such property that is no longer required to be owned by the federal Government.
Maps of Iraq
www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/maps.htm
Ever want to know where a loved one was serving in Iraq? Or, maybe you just want to follow the news a bit more closely. This link will lead you to some great maps of Iraq. Defend America is another site that will give just about all you would want to know about the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
California Wildfire Maps Available
/www.esri.com/news/pressroom/firemaps.html
ESRI once again has dedicated a web page to track the fires in california. Included are facts, suggestions, related links and, of course, maps.
MapInfo Honored as One of the Business Review’s Great Places to Work for 2005
The Business Review has named MapInfo one of the Great Places to Work in the Capital Region for 2005. The award recognizes the company’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of benefits, working conditions and company culture. For the second year in a row, MapInfo was selected from a group of 130 companies, making the list of finalists on the strength of its employee evaluations.
“It is a great honor to be selected as one of the great places to work in the Capital Region for the second year in a row. This award is a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of our dedicated associates,” said Mark Cattini, CEO and president, MapInfo.
New MAPublisher Online Knowledge Base Now Active
http://www.avenza.com/mapublisher_kb/
Avenza Systems Inc., producer of MAPublisher cartographic software, announced that the new MAPublisher online knowledge base is now active on the Avenza website. The MAPublisher Knowledge Base is an initiative of Avenza and Dutch reseller, eXQte, who started the compilation and construction of the knowledge base in 2003. A knowledge base like this offers numerous advantages to resellers and users alike:
- Better support. By combining all knowledge on MAPublisher, we can create a collection that contains more information than any one user or reseller knows.
- Better access to the articles by presenting them all in a uniform way, with the option to search through them.
- Everyone can contribute to the knowledge base. If you think of something that can be added, submit it! All submissions are reviewed to determine their suitability and whether they can be used to enhance an existing article or should be made into a new one.
“We frequently find that users of MAPublisher are asking the same questions over and over again and we think that this online system will provide users with the tools and information necessary to answer their questions as quickly and easily as possible.” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems Inc.“And furthermore, the online knowledge base never sleeps so users all over the world can access it regardless of their time zone and Avenza’s technical support hours of operation.,” he added.
MAPublisher Selected by University of Hong Kong Department of Earth Sciences
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., chose MAPublisher software for use in their remote sensing laboratory. “MAPublisher will play an important role in the creation of high-quality maps within our department” said Prof. Jonathan Aitchison, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Hong Kong. “We feel that good map creation and cartography are important to any geographic or geologic exercise and we are excited about using MAPublisher to enhance those skills at our school”, he added. MAPublisher primarily will be used in the Remote Sensing Laboratory. Staff and students, particularly those working on the geodynamics of Eastern Asia, will be able to take advantage of the graphics capabilities of MAPublisher to produce high-quality maps.
ArcGIS 9 Military Analyst Available
www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/militaryanalyst/
ESRI released ArcGIS 9 Military Analyst. The software maximizes the use of the standard suite of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) data products by allowing direct use and rendering of NGA’s vector and raster products, line of sight assessments, Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) conversion, and Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) analysis. This extension also includes the Military Overlay Editor (MOLE), which supports MIL-STD 2525B and custom war fighting symbologies. In addition, MOLE includes a complete ArcObjects software-based application program interface for using MOLE with ArcGIS custom applications built with ArcGIS Engine.
Minnesota Power Selects GE Energy’s Poweron* for Enterprise Outage Management
Minnesota Power selected GE Energy’s PowerOn* product suite as the enterprise outage management system solution for its electric division. The PowerOn suite includes several applications including PowerOn Dispatch*, reliability reporting and a trouble call application. The product will integrate with existing applications, including Minnesota Power’s ESRI Geodatabase.“The GE Energy PowerOn Outage Management System was chosen after a vigorous selection process because the product has highly developed functionality that will meet all of the objectives and requirements outlined in our RFP,” said Mike Cochran, OMS project manager for Minnesota Power. “Some of the key factors were: a reliable prediction engine, a robust call taking application, ability to communicate outage information back to our customers, an application level integration with our XA/21* SCADA System and an assurance that PowerOn will meet all of our reliability reporting needs when delivered.”
Moore County, NC Selects Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) to lead complete GIS Integration and Consulting Services
Moore County, North Carolina awarded Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., (GTG) a contract to assist the county in migrating to SDE and ArcGIS9. The project includes: (1) An enterprise level needs assessment that involves a review of existing and potential departmental GIS use, (2) A conceptual system design for information technology infrastructure, data management, and workflows, and, (3) A strategic plan that is based on the conceptual design with action strategies for proposed implementation. The project will strive to streamline the County’s dissemination of GIS data to its users and overall effectiveness of the enterprise GIS. Curt Hinton, CEO for GTG said that, “This project will allow Moore County to systematically migrate its tax data and GIS to the latest technology without disruption to the end user. Moore County’s staff will reap the benefit of new technology and easy to use software tools.Ó”
mPower Technologies Enters Market with Web GIS Product for Quickly Distributing Data to the Web
mPower Technologies, the developer of mPower Integrator™ announced their launch into the GIS market. The company has over 30 years of combined experience in geospatial technologies. mPower Integrator, their flagship product, offers a new way to develop customized Web applications. “Using mPower Integrator, we were able to quickly and efficiently create multiple customized web GIS sites for different groups of users, all with purchasing only one product,” states Todd DeBoer from the City of Baxter, MN. “The interface is very intuitive and does the programming and coding for you. Our first intranet site was up and running the day we received the software. mPower Integrator proved to be a cost effective way to provide our GIS data to everyone in our organization and the public.”
3D Visualization Software Now Available for Mac Users
The Numerical Algorithms Group’s IRIS Explorer Release 5.2, the most advanced and best-supported visualization application development environment that is used by a wide range of scientific researchers, is now available on the Mac OS X platform. IRIS Explorer is one of the first modular, multi-purpose visualization environments for Mac users. IRIS Explorer is a system for visualization of scientific data that incorporates a visual programming interface that enables users to build applications from software building blocks, or modules.Naperville, Illinois Selects Geographic Technologies Group
The City of Naperville, Illinois has procured additional products from GTG’s LookingGlass GIS software suite. The city will implement additional licenses of LGmobile, LGfires, LGcrimes, LGcrimesWeb, and LGdispatch. These applications will serve to expand the City’s existing LookingGlass platform, which already includes each of these applications. As an HTE business partner, GTG provides several LookingGlass (LG) products that provide a GIS interface for many of HTE’s land and public safety modules. The city’s implementation of these LookingGlass applications continues to add to the rapidly expanding number of cities and counties that are utilizing LookingGlass GIS as a distributable and unifying technology.
NOAA READJUSTS THE NATIONAL SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM USING HIGH ACCURACY GPS DATA
www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2426.htm
Beginning in June 2005, NOAA will perform a general readjustment of the horizontal position and ellipsoidal heights in the National Spatial Reference System using high accuracy global positioning system (GPS) data. The NSRS is a consistent national coordinate system that specifies latitude, longitude, height, scale and gravity throughout the nation. This data provides the foundation for transportation, communication, mapping, charting and a multitude of scientific and engineering applications. Using GPS data, the readjustment will improve accuracy and consistency of the NSRS and provide a local and network accuracy measure for each coordinate. The readjustment of NSRS will provide surveyors with a highly accurate, consistent set of coordinates with specifically defined point accuracies. Airports and harbors rely on NSRS data for a variety of navigational needs, including identifying obstructions and hazards in the air and under water. NSRS data is also critical in identifying subsidence and flood plane areas that are critical for identifying safe flood evacuation routes and other hazards.
NOAA national weather service unveils new precipitation web page
www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2551.htm
High-quality precipitation analyses used for flood forecasts, drought monitoring and climate trends are being made available on the
NOAA
National Weather Service Web site on a trial basis through June
2006. During this time, comments regarding the service will be collected
to determine whether it effectively meets users' needs and whether the
service should be continued after the trial period. (Click NOAA
image for larger view of Precipitation Analysis for the U.S. as of 8
a.m. EST on Dec. 27, 2005.)
CollabraSpace and ObjectFX Launch Geospatial Collaboration Solution for Homeland Security Communities
CollabraSpace, a leading provider of secure, real time enterprise collaboration solutions, and ObjectFX(R) Corporation, a leader in delivering dynamic location-enabled spatial information solutions, announce that they have partnered to develop a Collaboration Analysis, Production and Dissemination Environment (CAPDE). This solution integrates geospatial analysis and presentation capabilities directly into a collaborative analysis workspace and can provide immediate value to the three Homeland Security CommunitiesÐ Defense, Intelligence and Law Enforcement.
OneGIS to Resell Telcordia®Network Engineer
OneGIS expanded its GIS service offerings by signing a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with Telcordia Technologies®. OneGIS will now market and support Telcordia Network Engineer, a GISbased communications network design, documentation, and maintenance application built on the ESRI ArcGIS® platform. Network Engineer supports the design and management of connected networks and associated inside and outside plant equipment, all on an integrated Geodatabase. The offering complements other ESRI ArcGIS applications that OneGIS currently offers in conjunction with its system integration and implementation services. As a Geospatial Network Management System, Network Engineer provides an open, integratable, and scalable environment for the comprehensive design, documentation, and management of the physical network and its associated asset inventory. Offering an end-to-end view of inside and outside plant facilities, Network Engineer supports any multivendor, multi-technology, geographically-dispersed telecommunications network infrastructure.
OneGIS Announces Recent GIS Implementation Contracts
Among the new wins for OneGIS are: Appalachian Electric Cooperative, New Market, Tennessee; Black River EMC, Sumter, South Carolina; Bristol Tennessee Essential Services; the City of Concord, North Carolina; the City of Ponca City, Oklahoma; the City of Salisbury, North Carolina; the City of Wilson, North Carolina; and Tri-County EMC, Azle, Texas. Among existing clients, Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation; Nassau, Bahamas; Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO), Hamilton Bermuda; the City of Leesburg, Florida; Habersham Electric Membership Cooperative, Clarkesville, Georgia; and LaGrange County REMC, LaGrange, Indiana; contracted for continued implementation support from OneGIS.
OneGIS Implements Enterprise GIS for Saint Vincent Electricity Services Ltd.
OneGIS implemented an Enterprise GIS for Saint Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (VINLEC), the electric company that serves the Caribbean country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The new Geographic Information System (GIS) is based on the ArcGIS® platform from ESRI and includes ArcFM™ from Miner & Miner, a Telvent Company, for managing the company’s electrical facilities. The contract also includes ArcFMTM Mobile and Trimble® Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment for supporting VINLEC’s own field data collection efforts. The project will utilize satellite imagery as a base layer along with the facility data being collected.
Chris Cirillo, president of OneGIS, commented, “We are proud to be able to expand our customer base in the Caribbean region with this project for Saint Vincent Electric Services and provide the expertise necessary to not only implement such a comprehensive system, but to supply the integration and training services necessary to make the GIS a truly productive system for its employees. Like other projects being implemented by OneGIS, we provide off-the-shelf application software from ESRI, Miner & Miner and others, but add customization to tailor the system to meet the needs of the customer. We welcome VINLEC to the growing family of OneGIS clients.”
OpenOSX unveiled “OpenOSX GrassPro™”
The all-new “OpenOSX GrassPro” product features “OpenOSX Grass,” a standalone application based on the powerful and proven open source GRASS 6.0.0 GIS software, requiring only a simple drag-and-drop installation, along with an exhaustive suite of additional software and tools included to compliment and extend the functionality of GRASS GIS.
Overwatch Users Group Conference
Overwatch Geospatial Operations, formerly Sensor Systems announced its RemoteView Users Group Conference on November 15-16, 2005, in Dulles, Virginia. At the conference, Overwatch Geospatial Operations will demonstrate many of the new functions that have been added to the RemoteView software package. RemoteView is a geospatial processing and analysis package developed by Sensor Systems, which joined the Overwatch group of companies on Oct. 1, 2005, and changed its name to Overwatch Geospatial Operations.
Overwatch Geospatial Operations Names New CFO
Overwatch Geospatial Operations, formerly Sensor Systems, named Michael Schwien as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Schwien brings an extensive background in corporate financial management to Overwatch Geospatial Operations. “Our recent integration into the Overwatch Systems group of companies has provided Overwatch Geospatial Operations with the resources to pursue an aggressive development agenda for the RemoteView product line,” said Kirk D. Brown President of Overwatch Geospatial Operations. “As our new CFO, Michael Schwien will play a key role as we move forward to achieve these goals. Mike brings critical skills to us at an important time as we manage the tremendous growth the company is experiencing due to the sales success of the RemoteView family of products and as we make additional acquisitions.”
P-T
[Back to Top]PCI Geomatics Adds New Features in Geomatica 10
PCI Geomatics announced additional information concerning the features in Geomatica 10, the latest version of the company’s geospatial software. Released for sale in November 2005, Geomatica 10 will be shipped early in January, 2006. Among the extensive list of new features, the software boasts enhanced support of the Oracle 10g database technology, ortho-mosaic workflow automation, and improved hyperspectral capabilities. “Geomatica 10 is a feature-rich set of tools for those who have a need to visualize, analyze, manipulate, or distribute any type of geospatial data,” said Michael Agnes, Director of Software Sales at PCI Geomatics. “With the release of Version 10, PCI Geomatics once again brings leading edge technology and innovation to the geomatics community.”
What’s New?
Geomatica 10 presents new technologies which will change the way spatial data is processed and analyzed. Highlights include:
- New Sensor Support: Rigorous orthorectification support for IRS-P6 (RESOURCESAT-1), CBERS and FORMOSAT (ROCSAT)
- Ortho-mosaic componentization, allowing the scripting and batch-processing of workflows
- Smart Digitizer: robust, semi-automated vector extraction from imagery
- Complete Oracle 10g Spatial GeoRaster loading and exploitation, placing Geomatica at the forefront of spatial tools for enterprise-scale databases.
- Instant OrthoCorrection: 3D, ortho-accurate vector extraction and position without the need for orthophoto generation or 3D hardware
- Photogrammetry improvements including advanced tools for accuracy estimation and blunder detection, greater mosaicking flexibility in color balancing and cutline selection, and improved rational functions support for satellite imagery
- RADAR processing improvements include enhanced sensor and processing support for ENVISAT ASAR images and radiometric terrain correction
PlanGraphics Selected to Update Reno's GIS Plan
PlanGraphics, Inc. was selected to update the City of Reno, Nevada’s strategic geographic information system (GIS) plan. The GIS plan update will consider the numerous data development and mapping program accomplishments that have been realized by the City over nearly seven years since implementation of the original plan began, including the Internet MapServer developed by the City’s GIS Department to provide information through a single easy-to-use interface. The revised plan will be developed over a four-month period and involve extensive input from multiple City agencies.
PlanGraphics to Develop Urban Construction Management Information System for Chongqing, China
PlanGraphics, Inc. won a $685,000 contract to develop an urban construction management information system for the City of Chongqing, China The project is part of a larger urban environment project to foster sustainable development by improving Chongqing’s urban infrastructure and sewage/waste disposal. Located on the upper Yangtze River, Chongqing is China’s seventh-largest city by population. For the Chongqing Construction Commission, PlanGraphics will lead the development of an information management system that will incorporate geographic information systems (GIS) and other information technologies
Public Health Agency of Canada Launches Valuable Public Health Tool
The Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister
of State (Public Health), today officially launched the Public Health Map
Generator, a new online mapping tool for Canadian public health professionals. Speaking at the Canadian Public Health Association 96th Annual Conference
in Ottawa, Minister Bennett said: This will give public health professionals
a powerful tool to help them track public health issues and visually
synthesize large quantities of information. It will help health professionals
increase their capacity for evidence-based decision-making and health
planning.
Quantum Technology Mixes GIS, US Presence and Indian Expertise
Quantum Infotech, Inc is an ISO 9001-2000 company offering GIS, IT services and IT staffing services. Quantum is one among the 100 fastest growing companies in Michigan with global presence in three countries. Quantum recently achieved 8(A) certification and also achieved Microsoft Certified Partnership , ESRI EDN partner and GE Power Solution Partner status. Quantum has done some outstanding works in cities and counties on ESRI product and kept ESRI reputation high in the market. Quantum is currently working with a strong focus on Utilities , Oil and Gas,Cities and Counties. Quantum now offers offshore photogrammetry services. Quantum also developed several independent products out of which CAD4GIS is most popular in-house product that can solve both GIS and CAD needs for large projects. According to Sridar Seshardri “The high quality, low cost pricing blended with human values and new methods of operation between client and team executing projects in India has brought totally a new phase into offshore services concept with client getting more freedom to handle projects in India.”
Royal School of Military Survey and Royal Engineers (Geographic) Regiment Choose MAPublisher
Avenza Systems Inc., producers of MAPublisher cartographic software and Geographic Imager spatial tools for Adobe Photoshop, and The XYZ Digital Map Company Ltd., specialists in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartography and resellers of Avenza products in the United Kingdom, announce that the Royal School of Military Survey (RSMS) and Royal Engineers (Geographic) Regiment (REGR) have chosen MAPublisher for their cartographic needs. Multiple MAPublisher licenses have been purchased by the RSMS and REGR for use in both the educational and practical activities of the training and deployment of Royal Engineers for the British Military. “We are thrilled at this advancement in MAPublisher use in the UK,” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems Inc. “Through our success in the US military sectors we have come to know that MAPublisher is a very useful and desirable tool in military mapping and it is exciting to be making similar inroads overseas,” he added. ;
RouteMAP IMS 3 Is Now Shipping
ESRI announced that RouteMAP IMS 3 is now shipping. The latest release of this out-of-the-box Internet mapping solution now supports .NET and increases user flexibility. Included with the RouteMAP IMS 3 release are new North American (U.S., Canada, & Puerto Rico) and European datasets from Tele Atlas. RouteMAP IMS is designed to help users add mapping and routing capabilities to their Web site. Map templates included in RouteMAP IMS make it easy to create maps with symbols for unique company locations. Data package options allow users to select the map data they need to produce attractive Internet maps. Users can also create customized maps using the provided ActiveX, Java, and the new .NET application programming interfaces (APIs). RouteMAP IMS also enables users to generate more business activity by allowing prospective customers visiting their Web site to see maps and get driving directions to their various business locations.
SAIC Provides GeoRover® Software to the U.S. Army Special Forces Command
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced today that its Information Technology and Security Operation (ITSO) received a purchase order to provide 500 GeoRover® software licenses and the first year’s annual maintenance support to the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (USASFC) via the U.S. Army Topographical Engineering Center (TEC). The TEC was tasked to evaluate the GeoRover software as a possible addition to the ASK configuration after demonstrations were provided to the USASFC Intelligence Sergeants (18F) Course training staff, which were coordinated by the U.S. Army Intelligence Center, Language and Technology Office in the U.S. Army Battle Lab, Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. After a favorable review of the GeoRover software by TEC and USASFC, the GeoRover software was included as a component of the ASK.
SAIC Acquires IMAPS, LLC
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of IMAPS, LLC, based in Columbia, Ill.ÊIMAPS is a provider of Geographic Information Systems and marine navigation, aviation flight planning, and navigation software products to government and commercial customers.ÊThe acquisition enhances SAIC’s capability to support key customers in the national security and intelligence community.ÊSAIC gains the ability to provide navigational aid to the aeronautical and marine communities by acquiring IMAPS’ Web sites, www.AeroPlanner.com, and www.MarinePlanner.com.as.
SatNav selected for Nasscom Innovation Awards 2005
SatNav has been selected for Nasscom Innovation Awards 2005. The presentation was held in Hyderabad India and Satnav was given a certificate of recognition along with 5 other companies in the Southern Region. The award states, in part,: “The NASSCOM IT Innovation in India award is the premier honor for Indian IT companies who have injected innovation into existing know-how and have come up with new ideas, products, processes or technologies that enable the business to achieve higher margins and thus profits to re-invest in the business.”
Sears Holdings Corporation Deploys GIS Navigation
Sears Holding Corporation (SHC) now deploys a wireless field geographic information system (GIS) solution that provides 10,000 SHC home services technicians with an in-vehicle navigation and mapping system. Developed by SHC and ESRI Professional Services, the solution leverages onboard GPS, satellite and terrestrial data communication, verbalized directions, and ruggedized laptop technology that makes available a touch-screen interface. Known as the Sears Smart Toolbox (SST), the application launches automatically when the ruggedized Itronix laptop, also known as the GoBook, is powered on. The entire suite of technologies runs within an Internet Explorer browser. When the vehicle is stationary, the users have the option to view their daily routes, view their current progress along the route, geocode new stops, and make some modifications to their routes in the local database. When the vehicle begins to move, the mapping component switches into navigation mode and takes over the entire screen of the GoBook. ESRI used ArcObjects software components based on ArcGIS to create the customized wireless field application.
FREE White Paper: Best Practices for Securing SCADA Networks and Systems in the Electric Power Industry
Symantec has published a guide to this complex cybersecurity landscape, “Best Practices for Securing SCADA Networks and Systems in the Electric Power Industry,” which combines results from development work with leading SCADA and PCN vendors, experience validating solutions in independent laboratories, and two decades of expertise in information security.
SRC Announces Availability of Geo-Content Tools for Google Maps
SRC LLC, a systems integrator for enterprise-level business intelligence solutions, released to the development community a highly integrated set of tools designed to add enhanced business intelligence functionality with GoogleMaps. As Google finds growing success with its open source application programming interface (API) mapping platform, developers from around the world have built an incredible number of consumer facing applications. SRC, through the availability of its Allocate™ API, intends to give business application developers what they have been missing when considering developing a mashup – enabling geo-content for their business intelligence applications.
• Taking GIS Into the Field: Why the End-user Experience is Critical to Success. GIS is a technology, not a business process. As a result, taking GIS into the field by itself creates a number of potential challenges. Applications can be too slow, with learning curves that are too steep for rapid acceptance among end-users. To ensure a successful transition, utilities will likely need to implement GIS with integrated field design. When considering your options, it is important to focus first on the end-user Ñ not the solution itself. Changing workflow or processes depends on acceptance by those doing the work. New tools for field users should be easy to operate Ñ preferably easier than accepted methods. The ideal field design solution incorporates all the information and functions needed to complete the job Ñ such as work orders, specifications, GPS data, design tools, and maps Ñ in an intuitive interface. As you integrate field design with georeferenced data, consider systems that:Details Here: www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1169l
Case Study on RFID/GPS/GIS, Global Positioning System and Geographic Information Systems
This a case study on RFID/GPS/GIS, there are 4 Steps. Step 1: EVS-Enterprise Visibility System tracks moving items or networked infrastructure and the appropriate attributes in real-time. It has been designed to work with a range of tracking systems including barcode reading, RFID-Radio Frequency IDentification tagging and GPS-Global Positioning System technology. Step 2: EVS integrates the real-time GPS-Global Positioning System positional data with appropriate GIS-Geographic Information Systems mapping geography to give the exact location of the tracked item. Step 3: EVS layers the live RFID tracking and mapping data with financial and operating information from the business to give complete visibility of key performance indicators. GIS is an integrated computer modeling system designed to provide geographic references such as various types of data sets: hydrology (water distribution systems), telecommunications networks, road networks, urban mapping, land cover, and demographic data that can contain hundreds of pieces of information about a specific feature presented in a spatial map context. Step 4: EVS can be accessed from multiple locations via a variety of devices and displays. The interface offers a variety of view options so EVS can be customized for different users across the organization, from the CEO to operational decision-makers.
Ten Sails Smallworld™ Symposium: Call for Papers
www.gita.org/events/annual/29/tensailssend_abstract.html
Ten Sails Consulting issued a call for papers for the second annual Ten Sails Smallworldª Symposium. The firm wants you to contribute to the Smallworld user community by presenting a paper that reflects this year’s theme, “Enabling Spatial Solutions for the Enterprise” . The Symposium will take place on April 27, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The event is being held in conjunction with GITA's Annual Conference. For submission, simply provide a clear and concise 200-word and 75-word description of your presentation. (The 200-word abstract is for the Selection Committee to review. The 75-word abstract is for marketing purposes, should your paper be selected.) [Submission guidelines]
Teradata Completes SAP¨ BW 3.5 UDC Integration Certification
Teradata, a division of NCR Corporation completed the SAP Business Information Warehouse (BW) 3.5 Universal Data Connect (UDC) certification, receiving ÒCertified for SAP NetWeaverªÓ status for the integration of its Teradata Driver for the JDBC Interface 3.2. The certification is part of the continued dedication of the Teradata and SAP alliance to provide customer-driven solutions.Ê It provides SAP users the ability to use standard SAP Business Intelligence (BI) facilities and components to transparently access remote data stored in the Teradata™ Warehouse.Ê Queries through UDC are transformed into Teradata queries, and all of the power of Teradata is brought to bear on finding answers to multiple queries simultaneously.
ESRI Now Offers Real-Time Tracking with Tracking Server
Tracking Server, a solution for collecting and sending near real-time data from many data sources and formats to Web and desktop clients is now offered by ESRI. Tracking Server was developed by Northrop Grumman to enable the integration of real-time data with GIS. This integration helps users make better decisions and share information quickly, easily, and efficiently.Tracking Server offers the following key features:
- An extensible architecture that allows it to receive data from new sources and transmit that data to new clients.
- Ability to log data as it is received to ArcSDE or distribute it directly to clients including ArcGIS Tracking Analyst.
- A tracking message server component and a tracking Web distribution component that work together to collect and distribute data to the people who use it on the Web and as desktop clients.
Trimble uses ArcWeb Services for Outdoors Location-Based Services Blog
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/
Trimble deployed ESRI ArcWeb Services to supply mapping and geographic data for its Trimble Outdoors™ software applications for PCs and global positioning system (GPS)-enabled mobile phones. Trimble Outdoors leverages embedded GPS navigation and digital camera mobile phone features and combines the benefits of topographic, street, and aerial maps and trip planning software covering the United States.
ArcWeb Services supply mapping functionality and data to Trimble Outdoors mapping and trip planning software. “ESRI ArcWeb Services (http://www.esri.com/software/arcwebservices/) make it easy to integrate various map styles and data sources into our application allowing users to visualize their outdoor adventures and share where they've visited with friends and family,” said Rich Rudow, managing director, Trimble Outdoors.
U-Z
[Back to Top]URISA GISCorps Provides GIS Assistance for Public Health NGO
URISA’s GISCorps was recently asked to get involved in a project to improve communication between short and long-term medical missionaries working in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Guatemala. Its results will benefit underserved patients in these countries. Medical Mission Exchange (MMEX) is a non-profit organization that seeks to facilitate referrals of underserved patients to appropriate medical specialists in developing countries. This NGO does not have GIS capacities and is looking to create some geo-databases for each of these countries. Some of the tabular info they already have, such as hospital capacities etc., but the spatial ones need to be harvested from the web or other sources. MMEX missionaries communicate via a searchable, interactive website. Dr. Paul W. Gerke would very much like to put a GIS map for each of these countries on our website with locations of clinics and hospitals that serve the poor. I am having difficulty finding good spatial data for these countries.
Yuma County, Arizona Selects Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) to develop a GIS Enterprise Strategic Plan
Yuma County, Arizonaawarded Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., (GTG) a contract to lead the development of a GIS enterprise strategic plan. The project includes: (1) An enterprise level needs assessment that involves a comprehensive review of existing departmental GIS programs and business plans, (2) A conceptual and technical system design, (3) A phased implementation plan, and (4) Development of Request for Proposal (RFP) for implementation of the phased implementation plan. The project will focus on identifying strategies for improving the County business processes using GIS technology.
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