GeoSpatial News

URISA's Vanguard Cabinet of Young GIS Professionals to Host Virtual Informational Sessions

2012-11-30T12:49:00.002-08:00

Des Plaines, IL - URISA’s Vanguard Cabinet (VC) is an advisory board made up of GIS professionals (35 years of age or younger) who represent the young membership of the organization. In advance of the 2013 VC application deadline on December 17, the current Vanguard Cabinet will be hosting a free informational webinar on Tuesday, December 11 at 3:00 PM Eastern and also a Google+ hangout on Wednesday, December 12 at 8:00 PM Eastern to introduce themselves, their mission, and what they are striving to accomplish within URISA. Whether you are a ‘young professional’ planning to apply to the Vanguard Cabinet, a mid-career ‘seasoned mapper,’ or someone wanting to learn more, please attend! The Young Professionals of the Vanguard Cabinet welcome questions beforehand by e-mailing urisa.vc@gmail.com. There are also chat opportunities within Adobe Connect as well as all the cool features Google offers with hangouts if you do not have a chance to e-mail your questions. The Vanguard Cabinet informational webinar and Google+ hangout are excellent opportunities to inspire young professionals to become more active within URISA or even become re-inspired. Register in advance for the December 11 webinar: http://www.urisa.org/about/vanguard About the URISA Vanguard Cabinet The Vanguard Cabinet (VC) is a URISA initiative to engage young GIS practitioners, increase their numbers in the organization, and better understand the concerns facing these future leaders of the GIS community. The VC is an advisory board made up of URISA young professionals who represent the young membership of the organization. The Cabinet’s mission is to collaborate with URISA’s Board of Directors and Committees in creating and promoting programs and policies of benefit to young professionals. Comprised entirely of passionate young members selected from different geospatial disciplines, the Cabinet aims to position URISA as the center of opportunities for creative young professionals who are committed to improving URISA and the geospatial profession via innovation, collaboration, networking, and professional development. For more information about the Vanguard Cabinet, visit http://www.urisa.org/about/vanguard

NASA Lands Car-Size Rover Beside Martian Mountain

2012-08-07T02:03:00.001-07:00

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's most advanced Mars rover Curiosity has landed on the Red Planet. The one-ton rover, hanging by ropes from a rocket backpack, touched down onto Mars Sunday to end a 36-week flight and begin a two-year investigation.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO )
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) spacecraft that carried Curiosity succeeded in every step of the most complex landing ever attempted on Mars, including the final severing of the bridle cords and flyaway maneuver of the rocket backpack.
"Today, the wheels of Curiosity have begun to blaze the trail for human footprints on Mars. Curiosity, the most sophisticated rover ever built, is now on the surface of the Red Planet, where it will seek to answer age-old questions about whether life ever existed on Mars -- or if the planet can sustain life in the future," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "This is an amazing achievement, made possible by a team of scientists and engineers from around the world and led by the extraordinary men and women of NASA and our Jet Propulsion Laboratory. President Obama has laid out a bold vision for sending humans to Mars in the mid-2030's, and today's landing marks a significant step toward achieving this goal."
Curiosity landed at 10:32 p.m. Aug. 5, PDT, (1:32 a.m. EDT Aug. 6) near the foot of a mountain three miles tall and 96 miles in diameter inside Gale Crater. During a nearly two-year prime mission, the rover will investigate whether the region ever offered conditions favorable for microbial life.
"The Seven Minutes of Terror has turned into the Seven Minutes of Triumph," said NASA Associate Administrator for Science John Grunsfeld. "My immense joy in the success of this mission is matched only by overwhelming pride I feel for the women and men of the mission's team."
Curiosity returned its first view of Mars, a wide-angle scene of rocky ground near the front of the rover. More images are anticipated in the next several days as the mission blends observations of the landing site with activities to configure the rover for work and check the performance of its instruments and mechanisms.
"Our Curiosity is talking to us from the surface of Mars," said MSL Project Manager Peter Theisinger of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. "The landing takes us past the most hazardous moments for this project, and begins a new and exciting mission to pursue its scientific objectives."
Confirmation of Curiosity's successful landing came in communications relayed by NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter and received by the Canberra, Australia, antenna station of NASA's Deep Space Network.
Curiosity carries 10 science instruments with a total mass 15 times as large as the science payloads on the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Some of the tools are the first of their kind on Mars, such as a laser-firing instrument for checking elemental composition of rocks from a distance. The rover will use a drill and scoop at the end of its robotic arm to gather soil and powdered samples of rock interiors, then sieve and parcel out these samples into analytical laboratory instruments inside the rover.
To handle this science toolkit, Curiosity is twice as long and five times as heavy as Spirit or Opportunity. The Gale Crater landing site places the rover within driving distance of layers of the crater's interior mountain. Observations from orbit have identified clay and sulfate minerals in the lower layers, indicating a wet history.
The mission is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The rover was designed, developed and assembled at JPL.
For more information on the mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/mars
and
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl
Follow the mission on Facebook and Twitter at:
http://www.facebook.com/marscuriosity
and
http://www.twitter.com/marscuriosity

UAV Collaborative Uses MLB's Services and the Bat 4 for Airborne Observation at Select Florida Key Sites

2012-08-07T00:32:00.001-07:00

LAS VEGAS, N.M., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AUVSI -- MLB Company, a leader in low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) solutions, services and products, today announced it has concluded a high-resolution assessment of carbon dynamics in seagrass and coral reef biomes in partnership with the UAV Collaborative to better understand the dynamics of vulnerable near shore environments.
Over a 9-day period, MLB Bat 4 successfully flew six flights in Class G airspace in the area of Sugarloaf Key (7FA1) Airport in the Florida Keys. The Bat 4 captured nearly 3,700 images with a fully-integrated pre-testing multispectral camera system.
"Our mission to study the coral reefs will provide new insights into coastal region dynamics and develop new remote sensing technologies to serve as a guide for future aerial and satellite platforms," said Dr. Stanley R. Herwitz, Director of the UAV Collaborative (www.uav-applications.org). "MLB Company's versatility and adaptability, and its reliable Bat 4 UAV platform have made the first phase of our research project a major success."
MLB's Bat 4 is well-suited for scientific research applications with its 20 pound payload to carry the needed sensors for R&D and up to 10 hours of flight duration to provide ample time to gather data for analysis.
"We are committed to providing the best-in-class UAS solutions and services to meet the needs of our customers," said Dr. Stephen Morris, CEO and Founder of MLB. "We are glad to support the NASA ROSES project. UAVs are perfectly suited for such a project, providing repeated long duration, low-flying mission capabilities over the Key West region in a safe, reliable manner."
MLB's Bat 4 will be on display at MLB booth (#3506) at the AUVSI show from August 7-9. For more information on Bat 4 and other UAV products, visit MLB's website.
About MLB
MLB Company specializes in research and development, manufacturing, operator training and service provider for complete Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). MLB brings advanced aerial imaging software and services to its UAS products, to give our users access to aerial information. MLB is a privately-held company headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA. For more information about MLB UAS Solutions, please visit www.mlbuav.com.
MLB, the MLB logo, are registered trademarks or registered trademarks of MLB Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE MLB Company

CONTACT: Stephen Morris, MLB, pr@mlbuav.com

MapMyFITNESS Launches Groundbreaking Applications and Redesigned Website

2012-05-31T19:07:00.003-07:00

MapMyFITNESS, a health and fitness technology company powering the Internet's largest and fastest growing community of fitness enthusiasts, today announced the launch of a completely rebuilt platform with several new features for its portfolio of online fitness websites, including an innovative feature called Courses, advanced integration of Google Maps API for Business, and a fresh look and feel. Courses will span five primary categories of sports, including cycling, running, walking, hiking and winter sports, as well as hundreds of subcategory specialty activities like cross-country skiing and unicycling.

Courses now provides both elite athletes and casual enthusiasts an unprecedented leaderboard and "check-in" technology, and will be available initially through a private beta test for the first 100,000 users who sign up at new.mapmyfitness.com/maps/courses. The new site, which provides fitness enthusiasts five-times-faster performance, is now available to everyone at new.mapmyfitness.com, and widespread access to Courses will be offered later this summer.

"As the largest online fitness social network community with more than 9 million users, we are excited to expand the functionality of our product portfolio to our rapidly growing base," said Richard Jalichandra, chief executive officer of MapMyFitness. "Our goal is to enable athletes in the 40-plus sports supported by MapMyFITNESS to benefit from this enhanced level of product capability and functionality."

In addition to the introduction of Courses, MapMyFITNESS' new features include the latest mapping technology from Google. MapMyFITNESS enables users to create new Courses directly from their iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Mobile or iPad. The Google Maps API v 3 integration also provides route details like traffic patterns and temperature in real-time, which will help users better plan and experience activities.

"MapMyFITNESS is integrating their applications with Google Maps to help top athletes and beginners easily visualize their routes," said Dan Chu, Google product manager. "We're always excited to see people using Google Maps in new, innovative ways."

The Courses feature does real-time processing of MapMyFITNESS' database of over 50 million routes and 30,000 event courses to produce a fun, engaging and motivating experience that helps users plan activities, measure their fitness and track their progress in real-time and over time.

Specifically, Courses includes:

An automatic "check-in" activity for every exercise logged that tracks the speed, distance, consistency, frequency and intensity of workouts, then ranks MapMyFITNESS members by gender, age and weight on the MapMyFITNESS leaderboard.

A group segmenting feature that allows users to compare themselves against specific groups, including local clubs, friends and competitors.

A points system that incorporates personal best times and consistency each month, then awards badges to the overall King/Queen of the Mountain (most overall points on any official climb course), Speed King/Queen (most points on any official descent), Event Leader (most points on any official event course), Personal Record (your best on any course), Guru (individual who has done any course the most times), and Fastest Time (fastest male and female for any course).

More than 50 million mapped routes, more than 1 million official climbs and more than 30,000 actual event courses featuring Courses functionality in the MapMyFITNESS database.

"The new MapMyFITNESS websites and applications were designed to support a user base that ranges from casual beginners to ultra-competitive athletes," said Robin Thurston, co-founder and chief product officer of MapMyFITNESS. "The Courses feature, powered by our integration with Google's latest mapping technology, is a big differentiator for us, and we think users are really going to enjoy tracking their workouts and competing against others."

MapMyFITNESS has been recognized by some of the world's most credible authorities as the premier fitness application, including TIME's "50 Best Apps list in 2012" (the only fitness app named this year), Runner's World UK's "Best Running App of 2012," About.com Reader's Choice "Best Running App" in 2012 and a consistent top five ranking in iTunes' Health and Fitness category. More than 200,000 health and fitness activities are logged each day by MapMyFITNESS users across 40 different sports - not just running and cycling.

About MapMyFITNESS

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, MapMyFitness is a health and fitness technology company that powers the internet's largest social network of fitness enthusiasts and provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise health solutions. The MapMyFITNESS network of websites and mobile applications -- MapMyRUN, MapMyRIDE, MapMyWALK, MapMyHIKE, MapMyFITNESS, MapMyTRI, MapMyMOUNTAIN and MapMyDOGWALK - offer more than nine million fitness enthusiasts the ability to record and store their daily running, cycling, walking or hiking routes in an online database or map out tomorrow's path. Users get access to a searchable database of over 45 million global routes, online training tools, fitness calculators, nutrition tracking, comprehensive event listings, and the ability to easily share their activities with friends. For more information, please visit mapmyfitnessinc.com.

Google Mapping Tool Shows Impacts of Deforestation on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island

2012-05-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

A powerful new mapping tool from Indonesian NGO coalition Eyes on the Forest and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) allows the public to visualize Sumatra’s forests and wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, elephants and orangutan, providing vital information in the race to protect forests, save some of the world’s most important biodiversity and help local communities. The mapping project is one of the first to be awarded a grant by the Google Earth Outreach team to use Google Maps Engine, a platform for hosting, storing and managing map data.

Sumatra is the only place on Earth that is home to elephants, rhinos, tigers and orangutans and its forests are being lost at an alarming rate. As much as 50 percent has been destroyed since 1985, mostly by natural forest clearance for pulp, paper and palm oil production. The map details the shrinking and disappearance of many habitat ranges of the four species over time.

The project will make publicly available a huge and ever growing database of the land cover, land use, land users and biodiversity compiled by many experts over decades of work on the ground in Sumatra. The maps highlight Sumatra’s extraordinary conservation values, the outstanding diversity of its forests, its magnificent wildlife, and the huge carbon stock locked up in its deep peat soils.

“People love maps. So it’s natural that spatial Information is our best tool in saving our last tropical forests. The Eyes on the Forest-Google Maps Engine project puts map-making into our hands so it’s no longer the stuff of specialists,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund. “Our conviction is that if we empower people with the information, the forests of Sumatra cannot only be saved, but we can restore them. So instead of rhino, orangutan and tiger numbers getting smaller each year, they get bigger. That’s our dream.”

To learn more about the project and see a video, go to: http://www.google.com/earth/outreach/stories/wwf.html.

Global transparency is key to achieving this dream. Ultimately, this database will show Sumatra’s threats and challenges, identify the drivers of deforestation, habitat destruction and release of peat carbon, which contributes to global warming. Users will be able to build their own maps using Eyes on the Forest’s data layers such as forest loss over time, species distribution, conservation intervention priority areas, restoration priority areas, degraded lands and government protected areas.

“As a grant recipient, Eyes on the Forest can use the cloud-based Google Maps Engine platform to share its forest data with anyone,” said Tanya Birch, Program Manager for Google Earth Outreach. “Non-profit organizations can simply and easily create custom maps that help their data visually come to life by layering that information on top of Google Earth and Maps.”

Sumatra’s forests are being cut by globally operating Chinese and Indonesian conglomerates to feed the world’s massive demand for pulp, paper and palm oil, while species such as tigers and elephants are being pushed into increasingly smaller habitats where they often come into conflict with humans.

The foundation for the project are Eyes on the Forest’s many years of on-the-ground work, WWF's 2010 report "Sumatra’s Forests, their Wildlife and the Climate. Windows in Time: 1985, 1990, 2000 and 2009" and subsequent analyses and contributions by many persons and entities working on Sumatran issues. They have all been collecting data for decades on deforestation, species and forests in order to gain a better understanding of the state of Sumatra’s forests. The new map will help conservationists understand where the deforestation is taking place, the most critical areas for intervention, and where humans and animals such as tigers are coming into conflict – vital knowledge in the fight to save what is left.

“This project is a step forward for Eyes on the Forest as it is a powerful tool to open windows to the world about the devastating destruction happening to forests, particularly on Sumatra Island,” said Muslim Rasyid, Chairman of Jikalahari, a member of the Eyes on the Forest coalition. “We hope that Google will keep updating its satellite imagery library so the world can see the facts of the devastating destruction on Sumatra, who is doing it, and where those forest products end up. Furthermore, we can show this map to decision makers and urge them to protect the remaining natural forests of Sumatra.”

WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.

EoF is a coalition of three local environmental organizations in Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia : WWF Indonesia's Riau Programme, Jikalahari ("Forest Rescue Network Riau") and Walhi Riau (Friends of the Earth Indonesia). It was launched in December 2004 to investigate the state of Riau''s forests and the players who influence it. EoF has become a clearinghouse for information on forest conservation in Riau, Sumatra and to serve as a tool for local, national, and international NGOs, companies, governments and any other stakeholders who are willing to take action to conserve forests and protect the rights of the local people who rely on them. Visit http://www.eyesontheforest or.id to learn more.

A powerful new mapping tool from Indonesian NGO coalition Eyes on the Forest and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) allows the public to visualize Sumatra’s forests and wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, elephants and orangutan, providing vital information in the race to protect forests, save some of the world’s most important biodiversity and help local communities. The mapping project is one of the first to be awarded a grant by the Google Earth Outreach team to use Google Maps Engine, a platform for hosting, storing and managing map data.

TomTom Expands Map Coverage For Its Plug And Play Data Solution For Oracle Applications

2012-05-31T19:06:00.002-07:00

Location Intelligence Conference, Washington, DC - May 23, 2012 - TomTom today announces the extension of coverage for TomTom Geospatial for Oracle, TomTom's plug and play data solution for geocoding, routing and display. Already available throughout Europe and North America and now in key countries in South America, the product enables easy integration of TomTom map and routing data into location based applications powered by Oracle Database 11g.

Built using TomTom's high quality map database, Geospatial for Oracle offers the most accurate map content with data schemas that are turn-key ready for use with Oracle Spatial and Oracle Database locator feature. TomTom's Custom Systems Consultants have specialized technology knowledge to help customers with the integration or delivery of customized products to fit individual needs. TomTom Geospatial for Oracle enables rich analysis and functionality, saving users time and money. Such location intelligence is used more and more by a broad range of industries, including fleet and logistics, insurance, telecommunications and public sector, to improve overall business results.

"With the Geospatial for Oracle product available in Europe and North America, and now key growth countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, TomTom is able to fuel Oracle applications with its accurate and fresh map data for Latin America," said Alain De Taeye, Member of the Management Board, TomTom. "TomTom is committed to meeting the geospatial needs of customers around the world."

Visit TomTom at the Location Intelligence Conference to learn more about TomTom Geospatial for Oracle, as well as other products.

Founded in 1991, TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is the world’s leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world’s best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic.

For the world’s most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information go to www.tomtom.com/livetraffic

For further information, please visit www.tomtom.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission Improves Public and Officer Safety with InterAct Products

2012-05-31T19:05:00.003-07:00

Winston-Salem, NC - InterAct, a leading provider of incident-response and management software, is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has deployed InterAct CAD, InterAct Mobile and InterAct RMS. This deployment moves the state wildlife management agency from a paper and pen system to a fully functional modern solution uniquely configured to meet the needs of state wildlife management.

With this new system, dispatchers can better prepare en-route wildlife conservation officers with critical information they need while responding to an incident. With InterAct’s fully integrated CAD and GIS mapping system dispatchers can instantly locate an officer’s vehicle, view en-route travel data and even overlay aerial photography and geographic data to improve situational awareness of the responding officer. Additionally, responding wardens are entered into a “watch” status during enforcement activities, keeping dispatchers and officers in constant communication and improving safety in the field.

“Officer and public safety is the cornerstone of the InterAct system,” said Tom Grohol, assistant bureau director for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “Our wildlife conservation officers have more intelligence in the field to perform their jobs, and we can monitor them in the field to ensure their safety.”

Also, all Pennsylvania game commission wardens can now share and access vital information from their vehicles equipped with wireless-enabled laptops – accessing both inter-agency and NCIC data in real time. Additionally, the agency has greater insight into its overall system performance through InterAct’s analytic tools. This enables them to track call volumes, measure response times, manage available resources and query call reports.

“We are delighted that the Pennsylvania Game Commission selected InterAct after a rigorous evaluation process,” said InterAct CSO Terry Turner. “We are proud to have built a solution which is truly modern, scalable and configured to fit the needs of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. InterAct looks forward to working with the commission to assist other state game authorities to take advantage of this new system.”

InterAct is a leading provider of public and private safety software solutions. Our mission is to improve the safety and well-being of people and their communities with the most innovative online technology which connect the right people with the right data at the right time.

For 37 years, InterAct has been providing state-of-the-art, integrated incident response software solutions. In 2011, we delivered a new level of innovation with the industry’s first fully CJIS-compliant and cloud-based online records management system (RMS). This is the first in a series of next generation online solutions InterAct will deliver throughout 2012 as part of the Public Safety Cloud.

The Public Safety Cloud simplifies search and data exchange among public safety agencies, securely giving first responders the actionable information they need at the point of enforcement without the expense and complexity of owning the infrastructure. Data access and exchange are simple and available anytime, anywhere through any computer or smart phone connected to the Internet.

InterAct is dedicated to equipping public and private safety agencies with the modern online tools they need to achieve their mission of protecting lives and property. To learn more about our solutions, please visit us at: http://www.interact911.com

Dewberry to Revise USACE Manual for Photogrammetry and LiDAR

2012-05-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, will be assisting with the revision of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Manual for Photogrammetry and LiDAR. This manual has served as an industry standard for mapping professionals around the world for many years.

The current manual requires revision to maintain relevancy with current photogrammetric and LIDAR policies, techniques, and methodologies. Dewberry will be led by the USACE St. Louis District, which is responsible for the rewrite. The publication will be available in 2013.

Dewberry’s extensive background in photogrammetry and LiDAR, as well as history of developing mapping guidelines, specifications, and manuals for other agencies, were reasons for selection.

“Dewberry has the available professional and technical staff to provide guidance to the latest advances in the photogrammetric industry,” said Ted Stanton, chief, geodesy and photogrammetry section for USACE, St. Louis District.

Dewberry is a leading professional services firm with a proven history of providing architecture, engineering, and management and consulting services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients’ most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 40 locations and 1,800+ professionals nationwide. To learn more, visit www.dewberry.com

Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological & Geophysical Agency Chooses SuperGIS Desktop 3.1

2012-05-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

SuperGeo Technologies, the leading global provider of complete GIS software and solutions, announced that Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological & Geophysical Agency (BMKG) employs SuperGIS Desktop 3.1 with the powerful GIS tools to integrate and visualize a variety of spatial data and statistics about meteorology.

The meteorology agency plays a vital role to the governments in delivering the information, early warnings, and official recommendations of meteorology. Established in 1984, BMKG is the non-departmental government agency focusing on monitoring environmental and climate changes and providing accurate weather analyses and forecasts to minimize the losses caused by natural disasters.

BMKG utilized SuperGIS Desktop 3.1 to build a GIS platform for integrating meteorological information, conducting in-depth research in environment and climate change, and developing applications such as rainfall analyses, air quality monitoring, damage analyses for tsunami, flood analyses, etc.

Due to the rich natural resources, Indonesia is regarded as one of the most potential markets to multinationals in South-Asia. To exploit the potential for growth in the local GIS industry, SuperGeo will continually improves a strong relationship with Datascrip to promote the SuperGIS software and assists every client in solving difficulties while developing GIS applications.

For more information about Datascrip, please visit http://datascrip.com/

For more information about SuperGIS Desktop 3.1, please visit http://www.supergeotek.com/products_DesktopGIS.aspx

About SuperGeo

SuperGeo Technologies Inc. is a leading global provider of GIS software and solutions. Since the establishment, SuperGeo has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art geospatial technologies and comprehensive services for customers around the world. It is our vision to help users utilize geospatial technologies to create a better world.

SuperGeo software and applications have been spread over the world to be the backbone of the world’s mapping and spatial analysis. SuperGeo is the professional GIS vendor, providing GIS-related users with complete GIS solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms.

SuperGIS 67-97 Coordinate Transformation System Analyst 3.0a Now Available

2012-05-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

The new version of SuperGIS 67-97 CTS Analyst 3.0a developed by SuperGeo Technologies is available now. For manipulation, the Coordinate Transformation System Analysis extension requires SuperGIS Desktop 3.1.

Specializing in converting the coordinate systems of spatial data of Taiwan and Penghu Islands, SuperGIS 67-97 CTS Analyst 3.0a provides users with three kinds of conversions such as 7 parameters transformation, coordinate transformation of Taiwan Third-Order Satellite Control Points, and coordinate system customization.

SuperGIS 67-97 CTS Analyst 3.0a also contains four commonly-used coordinate systems, including TWD67, TWD97, WSG84 and Hu-Tzu-Shan datum. The CTS Analyst can be used to convert coordinates from one coordinate system to another, overlap the layers in different coordinate systems, and operate advanced analysis applications.

SuperGeo can customize Coordinate Transformation System Analyst for worldwide users. If you have any requirement of converting your local coordinate systems, please feel free to contact us.

For more product information about SuperGIS Desktop 3.1, please visit http://www.supergeotek.com/productpage_SG3.aspx

The free trial is available at http://www.supergeotek.com/download_6.aspx

About SuperGeo

SuperGeo Technologies Inc. is a leading global provider of GIS software and solutions. Since the establishment, SuperGeo has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art geospatial technologies and comprehensive services for customers around the world. It is our vision to help users utilize geospatial technologies to create a better world.

SuperGeo software and applications have been spread over the world to be the backbone of the world’s mapping and spatial analysis. SuperGeo is the professional GIS vendor, providing GIS-related users with complete GIS solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms.

Avenza Partners with Mapmobility to Provide Largest Database of Canadian Digital Maps

2012-05-26T23:38:00.002-07:00

Avenza Systems Inc., the leading developer of cartographic software --such as MAPublisher® for Adobe® Illustrator® and Geographic Imager® geospatial tools for Adobe Photoshop®-- has partnered with Mapmobility, Canada’s most prominent producer of printed urban mapping products to announce the largest offering of Canadian digital maps for consumer use on the iOS platform. Avenza will host Mapmobility’s highly detailed maps in the PDF Maps app and digital map store providing a new way for mobile device users to access a rich resource of content that was previously only available in print. The PDF Maps app allows users to explore and navigate Canada without having to worry about losing reception due to cell tower proximity or high data roaming charges typical of other “streaming” map services, making it the ideal travel accessory.

Mapmobility holds the largest Canadian market share of printed map products with hundreds of atlas and folded map titles making the relationship with Avenza mutually beneficial for both companies and the consumer. The partnership enhances Avenza’s digital map database by adding more than 30 years-worth of Canadian cartographic content, while Mapmobility benefits from Avenza’s foothold in a digital marketplace to reach a new mobile map consumer with the PDF Maps app and Avenza Map store. Mapmobility has selected Avenza as its exclusive channel for selling and distributing digital versions of its maps making the Avenza PDF Maps app and store the only place to find the vast array of Mapmobility Canadian maps.

“Given the shift in how our audience has received their information in the last ten years, we wanted to focus on a hi-tech solution that allowed consumers to be more interactive with our detailed maps,” said Carl Nanders, Director of Business Strategy at Mapmobility. “What Avenza provided is a way into a digital retail space without having to recreate the wheel ourselves. Avenza’s Map store within the PDF Maps app provides a more meaningful way to reach an audience that has gone mobile which is extremely appealing to publishers who once relied solely on the paper product.”

Avenza’s PDF Maps app is an all-encompassing solution for the use, distribution and sale of digital versions of paper maps to mobile devices. It includes both an app for consumers to use, discover and purchase maps directly from their devices as well as an in-app store to facilitate the transaction and delivery of maps. The in-app marketplace provides a new mobile e-commerce venue that allows those in the industry to have access to more than 200 million Apple iOS users seeking information about specific maps.

“For years we’ve worked with publishers providing cartographic software to help create maps, but as consumers continue to change how they access and consume content, we’re delighted to be the conduit for the more than 130 map publishers, including Mapmobility, to deliver such detailed maps in a more interactive manner,” said Ted Florence, President of Avenza Systems Inc. “As we continue to strengthen our community of vendors, many companies are beginning to see how useful the PDF Maps app can be in introducing content to consumers and we’re excited to be a part of how the industry evolves in a digital age.”

The PDF Maps app takes advantage of geospatial technology that allows travelers to view and measure real world locations and attributes. Paired together with mobile devices that utilize GPS, such as an iPhone or iPad, the PDF Maps app provides constant access to geographic locations and even points of interest without the risk of losing reception due to cell tower proximity – making it the ultimate traveling accessory for those that are enthusiastic about travel or anywhere internet bandwidth is not available or is cost-prohibitive when roaming internationally.

PDF Maps is available now on the iTunes App Store free of charge for personal use. For more information about the app, visit the Avenza website at www.avenza.com/pdf-maps. Pricing of each map is set by the publisher and free maps remain free to users through the PDF Maps in-app map store.

More about Avenza Systems Inc.

Avenza Systems Inc. is an award-winning, privately held corporation that provides cartographers and GIS professionals with powerful software tools for making better maps. In addition to software offerings for Mac and Windows users, Avenza offers value-added data sets, product training and consulting services. For more information visit the Avenza website at www.avenza.com.

Salient Selects Descartes' Advanced Geographic Information System Platform

2012-05-26T23:37:00.002-07:00

Waterloo, Ontario - May 22, 2012 - Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Salient Management Company, a leading provider of performance management solutions, has selected Descartes' advanced geographic information system (GIS) platform for incorporation into Salient's performance management solution.

"Location intelligence is an essential component of any Business Intelligence platform. Salient was looking for a partner who could geographically enable our Business Intelligence platform," said Ayall Schanzer, Chief Strategy Officer at Salient Management Company. "We selected Descartes' GIS platform because it delivers a rich set of configurable GIS functionality that performs consistent with the superior service our customers have come to expect from our own in-memory business analytics solutions."

Descartes' cutting-edge GIS platform enables advanced routing, navigation, field service, and spatial data business intelligence solutions. It supports a full range of advanced GIS services, including high performance map display, geo-location, commercial vehicle route calculation, spatial data querying, and turn-by-turn navigation suitable for commercial and hazardous material route use. Descartes' GIS platform helps customers enhance the value of their solutions through robust geospatial information that provides greater context to the results they deliver.

"Spatial data is essential for delivering a higher level of insight in business intelligence solutions," said Edward Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Descartes. "We are thrilled to work with Salient to help them offer their customers greater performance analytics capabilities."

Since 1986, Salient Management Company has delivered performance management solutions to clients worldwide. Salient maintains a 97% retention rate among its customer base, more than 40,000 users in 53 countries. In the most recent Gartner Research Report, our customers responded in overwhelming numbers, rating us very highly in terms of product quality, support and performance. For more information contact Tim Davis, Director of Global Communications at 607-739-5228 ext. 228. Mobile: 203-564-3913. Email tdavis@salient.com

Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' B2B network, the Global Logistics Network, integrates more than 35,000 trading partners to our cloud-based Logistics Technology Platform to unite their businesses in commerce. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com.

Esri GIS Helps Retailer Ascena Define Distinct Brands

2012-05-26T23:36:00.002-07:00

Redlands, California - May 21, 2012 - Ascena Retail Group, Inc., is a leading specialty retailer of apparel for both women and tween girls in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Ascena's dressbarn, maurices, and Justice brands are focused on meeting the needs and preferences of three distinct audiences. To continue tailoring fashion offerings for its growing customer base, strengthen its brands, and more effectively determine the success of retail sites, Ascena is integrating Esri GIS analysis tools, demographic data, and map visualization into its business processes. Esri technology helps Ascena follow a customer centric approach for store development and market planning. It also helps the company identify key demographics and store profiles for each location to stratify and segment the brands. Ascena Retail Group uses GIS to quickly assess the suitability of sites and market potential, streamlining the development process and reducing the cost and time to bring projects to completion.

"Working with Esri is helping our company maintain its distinct market presence across brands and reinforce the specialty store experience throughout its 2,500 locations," says Kevin Ryks, director of financial planning, Maurices Incorporated. "We have found that each brand can be successful in very different and unique types of markets."

Esri spatial analysis helps Ascena quickly assess the suitability of potential store locations and their market potential by viewing possible sites and information about them, such as square footage, what is around them, and the socioeconomic makeup of the community. This analysis is a key element of the ongoing development, evolution, and growth of the brands and store footprint.

"Ascena Retail Group's character and success expresses the same values its founder, Roslyn Jaffe, and her husband defined in the 1960s—a reputation for quality, style, value, and customer service," says Simon Thompson, global director of commercial industry, Esri. "In a world where society and its priorities continually change, GIS is a powerful tool to help Ascena respond to these evolutionary trends."

For more information on Esri and how its GIS technology and data can help retailers, visit esri.com/retail.

About Esri

Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news

Latest GeoXploit Map Analysis System is Easier to Use And Offers Better Value

2012-05-26T23:35:00.004-07:00

The latest version 4.0 of GeoXploit, the user-friendly and accessible map analysis system from MapMechanics, brings users the benefits of a more modern and intuitive interface, inclusive training, and price reductions for multi-user implementations.

GeoXploit Logistics, the extended version designed for the transport and logistics world, benefits from the same advances.

GeoXploit is fast becoming known as the mapping system that makes complex geographical analysis quick and easy to do. It combines the power of a high-end geographic information system (GIS) with the usability of a more consumer-oriented product.

Users can get started much more quickly than with conventional GIS, because the new GeoXploit map analysis products are all pre-configured to enable users to undertake the most common business analyses with just a few clicks, from planning customer distribution to drive time analysis and territory management. The products also include a wide range of digital mapping, along with selected geodemographic and business data sets.

The “package deal” approach not only saves users the need to research and buy map data separately, but also brings significant price savings in comparison with buying all the components individually. These include the latest mapping and data from suppliers such as the AA, Ordnance Survey, NAVTEQ, Royal Mail, Microsoft Bing and the Office of National Statistics.

GeoXploit 4.0 consolidates and extends these benefits by incorporating the latest version 7.0 of GeoConcept, the GIS software that has always served as the functional heart of the system. MapMechanics supplies and supports GeoConcept in the UK.

Users will find a fully updated and intuitive Windows 7-style interface featuring the “ribbon” top menu bar seen in Microsoft’s Office 2010 products. GeoXploit also remains compatible with Windows Vista, XP and Server 2000.

Many other exciting new features of GeoConcept are now standard in GeoXploit 4.0. For instance, the new version is touch-screen compatible – ideal for building field applications or “whiteboard” interactive presentations.

A 3D capability is now also standard. The system can use data from terrain models to render mapping in three dimensions, giving extra impact to the display and making contours easier to understand.

Users can also present thematic mapping information in 3D form to help viewers understand relative volumes or sizes at a glance. That could mean 3D coloured bar charts or pie charts, for instance.

It is much easier in GeoXploit 4.0 to create, save, output and share reports based on analysis of maps and data. Suppose, for instance, you had to calculate optimised territories and then output a series of maps, each zoomed in to show the relevant territory; these maps can now all be generated and output in the desired format in a single process.

Because GeoXploit is pre-configured with regularly-used processes, users may well not need to create their own queries in order to use it, but part of the appeal of the product is that the full power of GeoConcept is always available for those who want to take their analysis a stage forward.

The new version makes this jump to custom analysis much smoother. Queries are even easier to create, and are also more versatile and interactive. Users will find a more logical and intuitive process for defining and saving information about people, assets or locations that they need to analyse.

Whilst GeoXploit is designed to be used straight out of the box, even by people without much experience of geographic applications, MapMechanics has always offered training to help users to start applying the system even more quickly and productively. Most users have chosen to have a full one-day course in addition to the online training previously included in the package.

Now a day training course at the MapMechanics training centre is included with every new GeoXploit purchase. “According to the feedback we’ve had, the product is easy to use,” says director Mary Short, “but all those users who attend a dedicated training course tell us they have more confidence, and are more able to get the most from their product. So we felt the product should take account of this, and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get the best return on their investment.”

MapMechanics has also been able to introduce price savings for businesses that opt for multi-user versions of the GeoXploit suite, which are becoming increasingly popular.

GeoXploit has users in a wide range of market sectors including retail, logistics, healthcare, marketing, telecommunications, milk production and sales territory management.

The GeoXploit Logistics version adds a range of specialist features such as enhanced drivetime calculation and editable vector mapping (invaluable for changing speeds on individual roads and adding road links). It also allows direct two-way data exchange with TruckStops, the company’s routing and scheduling optimisation solution.

About MapMechanics

MapMechanics has been providing innovative solutions in sales and marketing, digital mapping, geographic analysis and logistics planning for over twenty years.

MapMechanics is the UK distributor of the GeoConcept geographic information system, which is used extensively in a diverse range of fields such as depot planning, retail planning, marketing, healthcare, environmental planning and management, transport and logistics, site selection and territory allocation, telematics and command and control applications, policing and broadcasting, and central and local government.

MapMechanics distributes a wide range of data products including AA, NAVTEQ and Ordnance Survey digital mapping, as well as leading business and demographic datasets from many sources throughout the world. This data is listed on MapMechanics’ intuitive new transactional data web site, www.allmapdata.com, which is probably the most extensive and up-to-date listing of its kind in Britain.

MapMechanics develops, supplies and supports TruckStops, one of the world’s best-established routing and scheduling solutions, and its portfolio includes a wide range of optimisation solutions. Examples include specialist systems for optimising transport of full or part loads, for servicing a high density of calls on the same streets and for optimising use of pallet networks.

MapMechanics also uses digital map-based technologies to offer an extensive range of Web, desktop, paper and component solutions for a variety of business applications, from atlas production to business analysis, site selection, customer profiling and vehicle routing and scheduling.

Backing up its extensive product range, MapMechanics offers a comprehensive service of implementation support and training

ThinkGeo Releases Map Suite 6.0 with Faster Performance

2012-05-26T23:35:00.001-07:00

Frisco, TX - ThinkGeo has released version 6.0 of Map Suite, its full line of GIS software components for .NET developers. This major upgrade refreshes ThinkGeo's entire product line with a wide variety of enhancements that were requested by the Map Suite user base, including some very important performance improvements. Numerous bug fixes and stability improvements also contribute to making Map Suite 6.0 one of the company's most significant releases.

In addition to focusing on increasing map rendering speeds and improving memory utilization, ThinkGeo has continued to make the GIS development experience more robust for .NET developers. Version 6.0 of each Map Suite control includes enhanced XML serialization, a new Code Generator that creates source code from objects, more flexible label formatting and support for layer transparency. Users of Map Suite Web Edition and MVC Edition can take advantage of integrated Google Traffic and Street View. ThinkGeo has also fulfilled the wishes of its longtime user base by adding popular customer suggestions, such as support for WMS 1.3.0, the latest versions of MrSid and ECW imagery, and Out-Of-Browser support when using Map Suite Silverlight Edition.

Map Suite Desktop Edition 6.0 is also the first of ThinkGeo's .NET controls to feature full support for the company's own TinyGeo vector data format, which was purpose-built in response to requests from their customers. TinyGeo files offer numerous advantages over Shapefiles, including secure encryption, on-the-fly decompression, and distribution as a single file.

Other noteworthy enhancements in the Map Suite 6.0 release include improved Bing Maps performance in Silverlight Edition, support for MapQuest in Map Suite Web Edition, and new vector-based map legends for high quality printing. Beyond that, a variety of bug fixes and stability improvements have been added throughout the Map Suite GIS product range. Complete change logs are available at the ThinkGeo Wiki (http://wiki.thinkgeo.com), the company's official online source for Map Suite documentation, reference and learning material. The 6.0 update includes new builds of all of Map Suite's major editions, including Desktop, Web, MVC, WPF Desktop, Silverlight, Windows Phone, Services and WMS Server Editions, as well as the Map Suite Geocoder, World Map Kit and other Map Suite extensions.

ThinkGeo has also announced a change to their release strategy, moving from a twice-yearly release cycle to an annual release cycle, and focusing more on delivering interim bug fixes and new features via their “daily build” system. Developers will be able to receive fixes and enhancements between annual releases by simply downloading differential updates for their Map Suite products. Often, minor fixes and enhancements can be in the hands of developers just days after they request them.

The new Map Suite release plan puts ThinkGeo on track to unveil the next major milestone of Map Suite, version 7.0, in May of 2013, but developers can expect to start seeing (and testing) beta features from that release several months in advance via the daily builds. GIS professionals who wish to request specific features or enhancements for the next revision of Map Suite are encouraged to visit ThinkGeo's Enhancement Tracker at http://helpdesk.thinkgeo.com/EnhancementTracker, where they can vote on their favorite enhancement ideas and suggest new ones directly to Map Suite's development team.

For more information about Map Suite, or to download a free 60-day evaluation of any Map Suite 6.0 product, visit ThinkGeo's website at http://gis.thinkgeo.com. New users and existing users alike can discuss and get help with their Map Suite applications at ThinkGeo's official Discussion Forums at http://gis.thinkgeo.com/forums.

ThinkGeo is an industry leader in GIS mapping components and customizable GPS tracking solutions. The company offers a wide variety of high-quality geospatial products for software development, asset tracking and much more. They have clients from a wide base of industries ranging from agriculture to aerospace. For more information about ThinkGeo products or professional services, visit www.thinkgeo.com or contact a ThinkGeo sales representative at sales@thinkgeo.com or (866) 847-7510.

Trimble Breaks Ground for New Rockies Colorado Campus

2012-05-26T07:45:00.002-07:00

Westminster, CO - Trimble announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony today for its new Rockies campus in Westminster, Colorado. The ceremony was attended by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Colorado CIO-Secretary of Technology Kristin Russell, Jefferson County Commissioners Faye Griffin and John Odom, and Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally.

"Trimble has been in Colorado since 2000. This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the region, which has become a primary corporate location for us. Westminster has proven to be an excellent location for our Trimble Rockies office because of its access to a high-technology workforce, business-friendly environment and diverse and cost-effective life style choices for employees," said Steven W. Berglund, Trimble's president and CEO. "In addition, the building project will provide us with an opportunity to showcase our broad portfolio of office-to-field Connected Site solutions during the planning, construction and operational phases of the new campus."

"We are committed to being the best state in the nation to do business. We want to welcome Trimble and congratulate them on expanding their operations in Colorado," said Hickenlooper. "Trimble demonstrates that our state's high-tech workforce and innovative business climate is where businesses can succeed."

Trimble's New Rockies Campus

Trimble's new Rockies campus will be a 125,000 sq. ft., 4-story building on 15 acres in the Westmoor area of the City of Westminster, located at 10368 Westmoor Drive. It will house existing employees, with space to accommodate up to 570 employees. The expected completion is May 2013.

Trimble initially opened its Colorado location in October of 2000 with 43 employees at the Church Ranch Office Center in the City of Westminster, occupying approximately 29,000 sq. ft. Today, Trimble leases approximately 98,000 sq. ft. in Westminster's Westmoor Technology Park, with more than 400 employees. Employees in the location primarily focus on marketing, testing and applications engineering in the construction, surveying, agriculture and mapping & geographic information system (GIS) markets.

JE Dunn Construction of Denver is the general contractor for the project; OZ Architecture of Boulder designed the building; and Cresa Partners of Denver served as the real estate broker.

Putting Innovation to Work—Trimble Technology to be Used to Construct New Campus

As part of the project, Trimble's broad range of Engineering and Construction (E&C) solutions will be used during construction of the new campus—from survey, site-prep, excavation and estimating to 3D design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), project management and construction layout. Trimble's Connected Site® solutions enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity on a construction jobsite. The building project is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

To learn more, visit: http://newbuilding.trimble.com.

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Esri Canada Named One of CDN's Top 100 IT Solution Providers in Canada

2012-05-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Esri Canada today announced that the company has been named one of the Top 100 IT Solution Providers in Canada by Computer Dealer News (CDN), the country's leading IT channel publication and Web site. Esri Canada ranked no. 20 on its first year on the list and also received the Best-Performing Newcomer Award. CDN Top 100 is an annual ranking of Canada's best-in-class solution providers by revenue. The award was received yesterday at the CDN Top 100 gala event in North Toronto.

“GIS is more entrenched in business applications and workflows today than ever before,” said Alex Miller, president and founder, Esri Canada. “Its seamless integration with other enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, asset management and financial systems makes GIS an indispensable tool for enhancing business processes with location intelligence. As well, Web maps are a compelling and engaging medium for communicating complex information and analyzing multi-faceted issues.”

Esri Canada is a privately held company that provides enterprise GIS software and consulting, training and support services. More than 10,000 customers in various industries across the nation use Esri solutions to increase efficiency and productivity and support intelligent decision-making. The company was recently selected by Natural Resources Canada to lead the development of the GeoFoundation Exchange, an infrastructure for efficiently exchanging geospatial data across the country to support a national Web basemap for Canada.

GIS integrates numerous types of data and allows users to analyze it using digital maps. This enables them to better understand and obtain meaningful insights from their data. GIS can be used for diverse applications including selecting the best site for a new facility, routing the delivery of goods and services, tracking assets, planning land use, locating power outages, mapping and analyzing crimes, and monitoring disease outbreaks and disasters.

Esri Canada solutions are based on ArcGIS, the world's leading GIS platform. ArcGIS can be deployed on multiple platforms including server, desktop, mobile, Web and the cloud. The technology provides advanced capability for 3D modelling, image analysis and location analytics of big data such as social media. Esri Canada has a network of more than 100 partners that integrate and develop industry-specific solutions based on Esri technology.

“Esri Canada is one of the best-performing newcomers ever to the CDN Top 100 Solution Providers list,” said Paolo Del Nibletto, editor, CDN. “Esri's 20th place finish betters several other established solution providers in the industry. The company has a great approach to partner-to-partner collaboration as they work with several leading vendor and channel organizations to produce innovative solutions in their field.”

View CDN's Top 100 IT Solution Providers in Canada.

Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from Esri, Telvent, Cityworks – Azteca Systems, Inc. and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada and has been named as one of the top 250 Canadian IT companies and top 25 IT professional services providers in Canada by the Branham Group. Information about Esri Canada can be found at esri.ca.

AeroMetric Recognized as MAGIC Champion

2012-05-26T07:40:00.002-07:00

Sheboygan, Wisconsin - AeroMetric was recognized as a "MAGIC Champion" at the 2012 MidAmerica GIS Consortium (MAGIC), held in Kansas City, Missouri. The award reflects AeroMetric's long term support for this organization. Greg Tilley, vice president, who accepted the award on behalf of AeroMetric, said, "This award acknowledges AeroMetric's commitment to this important regional GIS forum. MAGIC is a great place for a firm like AeroMetric to showcase its world-class GIS consulting capabilities."

AeroMetric has a long track record serving state and local governments, public utilities, and a wide variety of private and government organizations. "Our On-Target geospatial solutions encompass a wide spectrum of services, from imagery and LiDAR acquisition to enterprise GIS solutions," said Antonio Montoya, vice president, marketing.

About the MAGIC Symposium

Every two years, MAGIC sponsors a symposium focusing on GIS education and advancing spatial technologies. During each symposium, MAGIC recognizes and honors organizations and individuals that have made especially noteworthy contributions in the Mid-America region, as well as those private organizations that regularly support the biannual symposium.

About AeroMetric

AeroMetric, Inc., is a full-service geospatial solutions company built on over eight decades of consistent, quality service and enduring client relationships. The firm offers a comprehensive range of on-target geospatial solutions including the latest in photogrammetric, lidar, satellite and airborne imaging technology and has earned a reputation for technical excellence, superior service, and on-time, on-budget delivery. For more information please call 1-800-558-6707 or visit

Autodesk Developer Network Launches New Applications for Autodesk 2013 Software

2012-05-26T07:38:00.002-07:00

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) announced that several Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) members have released new applications to support Autodesk 2013 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.

The specialized applications created by ADN members help to further enhance Autodesk Design and Creation suites workflows for building, entertainment, engineering, construction, infrastructure, product, plant and factory design. ADN partner applications address a broad range of specialized design needs across numerous industries, many of which can be found on the new Autodesk Exchange Apps Store. Applications created by ADN members can also be accessed within Autodesk products, helping maintain a smooth workflow experience for users.

“ADN partners are a vital part of helping Autodesk customers to be leaders in their industries,” said Jim Quanci, director of the Autodesk Developer Network. "Compatible applications from our ADN partners allow Autodesk customers to maximize productivity and efficiency."

ADN members have released application products for Autodesk 2013 products that are included in a range of Autodesk design and creation suites including Autodesk 3ds Max, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Revit. New partner applications include:

3ds Max

Chaos Software Ltd
cebas Visual Technology Inc.
Sitni Sati d.o.o.
Orbaz Technologies, Inc.
Di-O-Matic Inc
P SOFTHOUSE Co., Ltd.
Unity 3D
Gamebryo
Thinkbox Software
Caustic
Mankua
Mixamo
AutoCAD

ShipConstructor
HydraTEC
Striker Systems
Transoft
Dotsoft
JTB World
kubit
KUBOTA Corporation
AddSekkei Inc.
Crea Co., Ltd
Tangent
THSWARE
AutoCAD Civil 3D

CGS
Eagle Point
RDV
CAD Master
Transoft Solutions
Delauney
Savoy Computing Services Ltd.
Autodesk Inventor

Gibbs and Associates
SolidCAM Ltd
Planit Software Ltd
OPEN MIND Technologies AG
SPI GmbH
AutoForm Engineering
VEST, Inc.
CIDEON Software GmbH
Autodesk Maya

Solidangle SL
Pixar Animation Studios
Chaos Software Ltd
Joe Alter, Inc
Pixelux Entertainment SA
Di-O-Matic Inc
Takomat
NVidia Corporation
E-Onsoftware
Autodesk Revit

Trelligence
Struc-Soft
Epcot Software Inc.
SOFiSTiK AG
hsbSOFT NV
Eagle Point
Adapt
BuildEdge (Keymark)
OFCDesk
Hongye
Ideate
For more information or to purchase 2013 applications, visit the Autodesk Developer Center or The Autodesk Exchange Apps store.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Esri Expert to Discuss Resilient Cloud at TM Forum Management World

2012-05-26T07:37:00.002-07:00

Redlands, California - May 21, 2012 - As mission-critical applications move to the cloud, telecommunication service providers remain mindful of the need for security and survivability. Randy Frantz, telecommunications and location-based services manager for Esri, will join other industry leaders for "Resilient Cloud: Maintaining Service in the Face of Developing Threats" in a Catalyst Project at TM Forum Management World, to be held May 21–24 in Dublin, Ireland.

"Most network alarm and management systems are only able to react after network performance has been compromised," said Frantz. "When lives are at stake, it is crucial to have a system capable of sensing impending threats and reallocating resources as needed. At TM Forum, we will explain the ways that GIS technology from Esri can help."

Frantz has 29 years of experience in the telecommunications and Internet industries. Before joining Esri in 2005, Frantz was vice president for Cox Communications' new product operations. Prior to that, he worked as director of network design for Bell Atlantic International. In the public sector, he served in the fellowship program at Brookings Institution and on the staff of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Subcommittee.

Frantz and other Esri experts will also be on hand at TM Forum Management World in booth no. 24, where they will host live demonstrations to illustrate how Esri can help organizations become more marketable.

Esri technology is becoming a telecommunications industry standard because it enables operators to collect and analyze all key data, access a real-time view of network performance, and plan networks that maximize revenue.

TM Forum Management World attendees can schedule an appointment with Esri experts by visiting esri.com/tmforum.

Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news.

Econz Wireless Deploys Mobile GPS Tracking Application Called Timecard GPS Lite in South Africa

2012-05-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Econz Wireless, a leader in mobile time and attendance, released a new product in South Africa called Timecard GPS Lite. Timecard GPS Lite is a mobile GPS tracking application used to track employees and assets. Timecard GPS Lite is available on standard cell phones, BlackBerry, Nokia, Sonim, Apple iPhone, Androids and Tablets.

“Timecard GPS Lite is our timecard GPS application without the time and attendance reports. For companies that are looking for just strictly GPS tracking, Timecard GPS Lite would be the product of choice. Timecard GPS Lite offers GPS tracking information such as location, speed and mileage. In addition, GPS Smart Fence Technology, Bread Crumb Trails and Speed Triggers are also available with Timecard GPS Lite. Timecard GPS Lite is available on standard cell phones, BlackBerry, Sonim, Apple iOS, Androids and Tablets,” stated Harry Lane, Vice President of Global Sales for Econz Wireless.

Overview

Timecard GPS Lite offers both satellite and terrestrial mapping.
GPS data from a wireless device is sent to satellites every 300 feet, 45 degree angle or every 60 seconds, whichever comes first when in motion.
GPS data is stored in the firmware of handsets (Store Forward). This means, if there is a loss of satellite communication or poor network connection, no data will be lost. GPS data will be stored on handset and forwarded when connection re-establishes between handset and satellites or land towers.
GPS data is stored in Econz Wireless's data base for a period of 6 months in a secured code 3 location. Information can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through Econz Wireless's web portal.
Features

Bread Crumb Trails – GPS data is recorded and saved in a bread crumb trail, which will be left on map with information such as speed and direction.
Speed Trigger – A notification is sent to administrator and/or employee if a rule is broken. Example: If management does not want company vehicles traveling over 70 mph, emails and/or text messages could be sent to driver to slow down and to management that a speed rule was broken by that individual.
Idle Time Trigger - If the mobile device does not move over a certain period of time, a notification could be sent to device stating to call the office. In addition, an email or text message could be sent to administrators notifying them of idle time.
Smart Fence – A GPS perimeter can be put around certain geographical locations. This perimeter can notify management of a device entering and exiting a specific location. This Smart Fence can be as small as a building or as large as a state or region.
Mileage is captured on a device and generated on a report in Econz Wireless's web portal and can be downloaded using a CSV file.
Econz Wireless can also do custom builds specific to your company needs. Please contact our offices to discuss further. If you would like to view our Public SOAP APIs please click the link. Timecard GPS Lite pricing can be found on our Global Pricing page along with other Econz Wireless products.

Econz Wireless product portfolio:

Timecard GPS – mobile time and attendance and GPS tracking application

Econz Eservice – mobile field service dispatch and work order management system

Timecard GPS Lite – GPS tracking solution for employees and assets

Call now to demo Timecard Lite or any other Econz products!

or

Click here to view a 5 minute video demonstration of Timecard GPS Lite.

Econz Wireless is a leader in mobile data collection, providing employer solutions for time & attendance, employee tracking and wage-hour compliance laws. Econz Wireless will help any company to manage their workforce more efficiently and increase profits. Econz products are available around the world and on every wireless provider. Please visit http://www.econz.co.za for more information on Econz Wireless products and how they will benefit your company.

eSpatial to Present at Location Intelligence & Oracle Spatial Conferences

2012-05-25T01:22:00.002-07:00

eSpatial, leading provider of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and pioneer in mapping software delivered via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), will be represented at the forthcoming Location Intelligence and Oracle Spatial conferences in Washington DC.

The event, on 23-23 May, is hosted by Directions magazine, and will see technology leaders come together to explore “The Power of Place”, and the latest solutions and trends in the geospatial industry.

“As pioneers in the provision of SaaS-based mapping software, we have a unique story to tell,” says eSpatial CEO Philip O’Doherty.

“We look forward to sharing our experiences with our colleagues at these conferences.”

From 10-11:00am on 22 May in Horizon Room B, Philip O’Doherty will present on “SaaS-based GIS adoption: Successes and lessons learned” as part of the GeoCloud Computing Strategies session.

From 3-4:30pm, on 23 May in Horizon Room A, CTO Eamon Walsh and Senior Consultant Paul Baynham will present “GIS Software as a Service Using Oracle Spatial in Amazon EC2 Cloud”.

More details on the Location Intelligence & Oracle Spatial conferences are available at: http://www.locationintelligence.net

About eSpatial

eSpatial is a leading provider of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and a pioneer in the provision of mapping software delivered via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Our flagship product, eSpatial OnDemand GIS™ (formerly known as iSMART), has pioneered the availability of full-function GIS or mapping software with SaaS delivery.

As an established presence in the GIS and mapping space, eSpatial has developed considerable expertise and intellectual property in spatial software use and development.

We are proud to work with leading technology partners such as Oracle, NAVTEQ and Digital Globe; and to count many leading organisations amongst our global customer base.

eSpatial is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

National Geographic Announces Its Emerging Explorers For 2012

2012-05-25T01:21:00.005-07:00

A cyborg anthropologist, a pilot, a digital storyteller and zoologist, a crisis mapper and a guerrilla geographer are among the 15 visionary, young trailblazers from around the world who have been named to the 2012 class of National Geographic Emerging Explorers.

National Geographic's Emerging Explorers Program recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring adventurers, scientists and storytellers, who are pushing the boundaries of discovery, adventure and global problem-solving while still early in their careers.

The Emerging Explorers each receive a $10,000 award to assist with research and to aid further exploration. The program is made possible in part by the Panasonic Corporation.

The 2012 Emerging Explorers are U.S. cyborg anthropologist Amber Case; U.K. digital storyteller and zoologist Lucy Cooke; U.K. behavioral ecologist Iain Couzin; Mexican underwater archaeologist Guillermo de Anda; chemist Yu-Guo Guo of China; conservationist Osvel Hinojosa Huerta of Mexico; U.S. pilot and educator Barrington Irving; conservation biologist Krithi Karanth of India; Swiss crisis mapper Patrick Meier; U.S. archaeologist Sarah Parcak; U.S. data scientist Jake Porway; U.K. guerrilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison; U.S. archaeologist Jeffrey Rose; engineer and renewable energy advocate Ibrahim Togola of Mali; and archaeologist Daniel Torres Etayo of Cuba. The new Emerging Explorers are introduced in the June 2012 issue of National Geographic magazine, and comprehensive profiles can be found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/emerging.

National Geographic Emerging Explorers may be selected from virtually any field, from the Society's traditional arenas of anthropology, archaeology, photography, space exploration, earth sciences, mountaineering and cartography to the worlds of technology, music and filmmaking.

"National Geographic's mission is to inspire people to care about the planet, and our Emerging Explorers are outstanding young leaders whose endeavors further this mission. We are pleased to support them as they set out on promising careers. They are innovators in their respective fields and represent tomorrow's Edmund Hillarys, Jacques Cousteaus and Dian Fosseys," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs.

Cyborg anthropology is a framework for understanding the effects of objects and technology on culture. Cyborg anthropologist Amber Case studies the interaction between humans and computers and how our relationship with information is changing the way we think, act and understand our world. She believes that how we interact with machines and technology in many ways defines who we are. She has observed an increasingly symbiotic relationship between people and technology, and she feels that today's technologies amplify our humanness. Her research in mobile software and data visualization has helped influence business strategy and productivity for people online. Her insights are shaping new products, the way tech insiders think, and ideas that will make technology a more empowering, rather than frustrating, part of daily life. She is the founder of Geoloqi, a company building cutting-edge, location-based technologies for mobile phones.

Digital storyteller and zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a one-woman crusade to champion ugly, unappreciated and unloved creatures and show why they deserve our attention, study and protection. Through her popular and quirky blogs, online videos, films and TV programs, she reaches a wide audience, spreading her conservation message that if we only care for "cute" and best-loved species, other enormously crucial parts of the web of life could vanish forever. Frogs top her underdog list. Over a third of all amphibians are heading for oblivion. It's the worst extinction crisis since the dinosaurs were wiped out and one that will reverberate through the entire food chain, but they don't grab headlines like pandas or polar bears. Cooke hopes to inspire people to share her sense of wonder, amazement and love of nature's freaks. "Once you understand why they're ugly or odd, I hope you'll appreciate and want to save them as much as I do," she says.

Behavioral ecologist Iain Couzin (Ph.D.) is assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. His work aims to reveal the fundamental principles that underlie collective behavior. His research, which includes the study of a wide range of biological systems, from schools of fish to human crowds, explores how large-scale biological patterns result from interactions of the individual components of a system. Through his work on insect swarm behavior, he is improving understanding of how people, animals and even diseases manage to accomplish things in groups that they never could as individuals. He blends fieldwork, lab experiments, computer simulations and complex mathematical models to test theories of why cells, animals and humans organize and work together. "Scientists are realizing how important it is to gain knowledge about group dynamics. Sometimes nature surprises us with solutions more elegant than anything we could imagine," he says.

Underwater archaeologist Guillermo de Anda (Ph.D.), a professor and researcher at the Autonomous University of Yucatán, specializes in skeletal anthropology. He dives into remote, flooded caves and cenotes (sinkholes) in Mexico, searching for ancient Maya settlements. He spent five years combing the 450-year-old records of Spanish Inquisition trials, uncovering testimony that a series of caves he has explored may be where the Maya tried to depict their legendary pathway into the underworld. Archaeologists have long known the Maya regarded caves as sacred and that they built structures in some of them. But de Anda's team used the Inquisition trial records to locate and connect a series of sacred caves and link them to the concept of the Maya road to the underworld and a millenary ritual tradition. In the caves he has found human bones, elaborate construction projects, altars, murals, submerged temples and pyramids — and a massive, perfectly paved road stretching more than 100 meters into a watery abyss.

Chemist Yu-Guo Guo (Ph.D.) has invented advanced nanostructures that could transform electric-car batteries, allowing them to deliver more power at less cost. Currently battery packs account for much of the cost of electric cars. For Guo, a professor of chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, the crucial innovation was a better way to use lithium iron phosphate, a material favored by automakers because its stable chemistry makes it safe for use in large electric-vehicle battery packs. The nanostructures he has invented let electrons reach every lithium storage particle, enabling a more efficient flow of electric current and a far more powerful result. This new high-power technology means batteries can be fully charged in just a few minutes, as quickly and as easily as filling up with gas. These advanced batteries recover more energy when cars stop, deliver more power when cars start and allow vehicles to run longer.

Conservationist Osvel Hinojosa Huerta (Ph.D.) has been leading efforts to restore the Colorado River Delta in Mexico, including the implementation of strategies to restore river flows and re-create crucial wetland areas so that wildlife and local economies can flourish again. A century ago, this million-acre delta teemed with dense willow, cottonwood and mesquite forests, green lagoons and marshes, and thousands of water birds. Just one generation of damming brought the river to a halt, and today 80 percent of the wetland areas have been lost, replaced with bare soil and hypersaline mudflats. Invasive species choke out native plants, migratory bird populations have declined and the river no longer reaches the sea most of the year. Hinojosa Huerta works with local communities and environmental groups to reclaim and restore delta wetlands and reconnect the river with the Gulf of California, by allocating water for nature and planting native vegetation, resulting in the recovery of environmental services and the return of wildlife.

Jamaican-born pilot and educator Barrington Irving's mission is to inspire young people to identify and pursue their dreams through dynamic educational programs designed to build math, science, reading and problem-solving skills through the world of aviation. Raised in Miami's inner city, surrounded by crime and poverty, he beat the odds to become the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the world — in a plane built from individual components that he asked manufacturers to donate. He made his historic 97-day flight — and founded an educational nonprofit — before the age of 23. He then graduated magna cum laude from an aeronautics science program. His nonprofit, Experience Aviation, aims to boost the number of youth in aviation and other science- and math-related careers. His next endeavor will transform a jet into the world's first flying classroom that will circle the globe sharing science, technology, engineering, math, geography, culture and history: education from 45,000 feet.

Conservation biologist Krithi Karanth (Ph.D.) is a Ramanujan Fellow and executive director at the Centre for Wildlife Studies (India) and adjunct faculty at Duke University (U.S.), with an interest in human dimensions of conservation, species extinctions, impacts of wildlife tourism and resettlement of people in one of the world's most populous countries: India. She studies human-environment interactions, focusing on protected areas and their relationship to people living around them. Her current research examines human-wildlife conflicts, land use change and species occurrence outside several Indian protected areas. Endangered wildlife is being ousted from its habitat and, in turn, is decimating crops of impoverished villagers. Karanth is involved in surveys and mapping of landscapes and populations that will be crucial to protection for parks, encouraging cultural tolerance for wildlife and compensating people suffering from conflict with animals. She involves "citizen scientists" to interview villagers and collect data, which gives them an appreciation for the challenges of conservation.

Patrick Meier (Ph.D.) pioneers the lifesaving new field of crisis mapping and makes it available, accessible and free to humanitarian organizations and volunteers across the globe. As director of crisis mapping at the nonprofit technology company Ushahidi and co-founder of the Standby Volunteer Task Force (SBTF), he is helping revolutionize the effectiveness of relief efforts worldwide. He is bringing the worlds of technology and humanitarian response together for the first time, connecting social media and satellite imagery with the U.N., U.S. Marines and Coast Guard, World Health Organization, Amnesty International and other groups that can mobilize help when the worst crises hit. When crises occur, the SBTF gathers messages, photos, video, and high-resolution satellite imagery and integrates them on a live Ushahidi map, reflecting what is happening, what is most urgently needed and precisely where. The global network has mobilized aid response in Haiti, Japan, Libya and many other countries.

Archaeologist and Egyptologist Sarah Parcak (Ph.D.) is an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She pioneers the young field of satellite archaeology, using futuristic tools to unlock secrets from the past and transform how discoveries are made. She is the first Egyptologist to use infra-red satellite imaging to identify previously unknown archaeological sites. With satellite imagery, she's found 17 potential new pyramids, more than 1,000 tombs and over 3,000 ancient settlements. She looks forward to using data gleaned from the new technology to answer some of archaeology's biggest questions, such as why did Egypt's great pyramid age end? By revealing thousands of new sites, satellite maps show trends and population shifts that scientists can relate to other important facts such as global climate events. Parcak feels her most important contribution is writing the first methodology book on satellite archaeology, which will allow the next generation of students to advance the new field.

Data scientist Jake Porway (Ph.D.) is a matchmaker. He sees social change organizations working to make the world a better place, collecting mountains of data, but lacking skills and resources to use that information to advance their mission. He sees data scientists with amazing skills and cutting-edge tools, eager to use their talent to accomplish something meaningful, yet cut off from channels that allow them to do so. He sees governments ready to make data open and available, but disconnected from people who need it. For Porway, it's a match waiting to happen and the reason he founded DataKind (formerly Data Without Borders). It connects nonprofits, NGOs and other data-rich social change organizations with data scientists willing to donate time and knowledge to solve social, environmental and community problems. Ultimately, he wants to build a globally connected network of dedicated experts who can be deployed at a moment's notice to tackle any big data science task worldwide.

Guerrilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison brings the spirit of adventure to geographic education, allowing people to see the world — and the field of geography — in new and surprising ways. Guerrilla geography challenges people, especially children, to explore the world around them, engaging in creative play, making new discoveries and forming community connections. Through technologies that allow users to share their experiences digitally, guerrilla geography not only educates but also inspires young people to explore their world in ways that stretch their minds and bodies, and motivates them to educate others and take action in their own communities. His Urban Earth films demonstrate guerrilla geography in action. He has walked across 13 cities, taking photographs every eights steps and editing them to create films to reveal new perspectives on how to experience cities. His program/website, Mission:Explore, and a series of award-winning kids' books of the same name encourage youth to go on adventures to learn about the world.

Archaeologist Jeffrey Rose (Ph.D.) is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity, University of Birmingham, U.K., where he specializes in stone tool technology and Arabian prehistory. He stresses an inter-disciplinary approach to solving puzzles in prehistory, weaving together different fields of study and encouraging dialogue between disciplines. To that end, he dabbles in an eclectic mix of related subjects such as genetics, palaeoanthropology, rock art, geoarchaeology, underwater archaeology and even a bit of mythology. He resides in Muscat, Oman, where he runs the Dhofar Archaeological Project, an investigation of human dispersals into the Arabian Peninsula. His unusual and unexpected discoveries in southern Oman challenge the currently accepted theories about when early humans may have left Africa, who those pioneers were and what route they took on that first stage of their journey to every corner of the Earth.

Engineer and renewable energy advocate Dr. Ibrahim Togola is bringing power to the forgotten corners of western Africa. Electric power. Economic power. Community power. He is the founder of the Mali-Folkecenter Nyetaa (MFC), an NGO that is Mali's leading energy-environment organization. Its work also includes policy and advocacy work; microfinance and agribusiness development; and myriad projects that inspire sustainability and entrepreneurship in remote communities. Today, MFC's renewable energy programs power 23 areas and emphasize technical training at the village level to keep systems maintained and operated locally. Solar and biofuel energy have transformed homes, schools, health centers, drinking water supply, public squares and farming throughout the country. Partnerships with companies and banks, along with MFC microfinance programs, have generated jobs, funding and hands-on business development training and created more than 20 new companies in Mali's renewable energy and agroforestry sectors.

Archaeologist Daniel Torres Etayo is a Ph.D. student at the University of Havana. His fieldwork spans thick jungles, hidden caves, dune-swept beaches and ocean depths — all within the archaeologically rich, yet largely unexplored, borders of Cuba. The societies he investigates are as diverse as his sites, ranging from 13th-century aboriginal Tainos to 19th-century New Yorkers. His passion for exploring, communicating discoveries and training new talent have been responsible for putting Cuban archaeology on the map. He hopes his discoveries will inspire a new generation of young Cubans to explore and protect their heritage. One key project transports him to the tribal life of 13th-century Cuba as he explores massive ceremonial centers to gain new understanding of local history, customs and world views, and learn how native Taino societies were changed by European contact. Another exploration takes him into a spectacular 19th-century shipwreck more than 30 feet below the sea, one of many wrecks off Cuba's coast.

National Geographic's Emerging Explorers are part of the Society's Explorer Programs, which include 14 Explorers-in-Residence and 18 National Geographic Fellows.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

International LiDAR Mapping Forum Launch Call For Papers

2012-05-25T01:21:00.002-07:00

The Technical Committee for the International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF),which is taking place in Denver, USA, February 11-13, 2013, has announced a Call for Papers and invites any interested parties to submit their abstracts by September 28, 2012 online at https://secure.smartregister.co.uk/events/Intelligent-Exhibitions/2013/ILMF-CFP/start.aspx.

The ILMF Technical Committee, led by Conference Chairman Alastair MacDonald from TMSI, will peer review each abstract and the final program will be announced in November.

ILMF set a new record for attendees in January 2012, when 773 professionals from 29 different countries turned up in droves for the 12th annual event. This proved once again that LiDAR, in its increasing variety of operational formats either alone or when complementing other technologies, is becoming the technology of choice for fast, accurate and quality geospatial data acquisition. Whether supporting highly detailed 3D urban mapping projects, forestry management, or railroad and power transmission line maintenance programs, LiDAR technology delivers the results needed by today’s demanding geospatial and mapping professionals.

Conference Chairman, Alastair MacDonald of TMS International, comments: “The quality of the papers presented at ILMF2012 was outstanding. The highly positive reaction to the topics from the delegates, which included many newcomers as end-users of LiDAR data, showed how important and relevant the chosen subjects were to the fast growing LiDAR community.” For a full list of topics, please go to http://www.lidarmap.org/conference/Default.aspx.

Running alongside the conference will once again be the exhibition of more than 50 leading companies expected to demonstrate new LiDAR products and a wide range of new technologies and services. The ILMF welcomes organizations involved in Airborne and Bathymetric LiDAR and Mobile Mapping Systems, including system and component manufacturers, operators, service companies and specialists in data processing, handling and management, to exhibit or sponsor at the ILMF event. Adam Hill from Blue Marble Geographics commented after the last event, “Bottom line - the ILMF has become and will continue to be the premier LiDAR conference event that all organizations in this industry must attend.”For the exhibitor list and more information about exhibiting, please go to http://www.lidarmap.org/exhibition/Default.aspx.

The organizers of the International LiDAR Mapping Forum also organize the European conference that is now in its 3rd year. Based upon the successful 12 year track record of the International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF), coupled with the growing acceptance in Europe of the benefits of LiDAR in low-cost mapping, the European LiDAR Mapping Forum (ELMF) was born. http://www.lidarmap.org/ELMF/.

If you would like to learn more please contact caroline.hobden@intelligentexhibitions.com or call +44 (0) 1453 836363 or go to www.lidarmap.org.

The International and European LiDAR Mapping Forums are the premier global events focused on applying the technology of LiDAR and laser scanning to deliver outside mapping and imaging solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner across a variety of markets. The core component of both events is the conference which introduces the latest concepts from commercial or academic research, leading edge innovations in technologies, improved operating practices, reports on actual project experiences and discusses new applications and markets being driven by the rapid improvements in LiDAR technology. During the conference the programme will focus on the use of LiDAR to support transport, urban modelling, coastal zone mapping, asset management and GIS applications. An international exhibition runs alongside the conferences with exhibitors involved in airborne, bathymetric and terrestrial LiDAR and mobile mapping systems, including system and component manufacturers, operators and service companies.

Learn to Work with Lidar Data in ArcGIS 10.1 from Esri

2012-05-25T01:20:00.002-07:00

With lidar data becoming more common and affordable, Esri software users now have a greater opportunity to use this 3D content within their geographic information system (GIS) workflows. In ArcGIS 10.1, Esri's upcoming software release, lidar data can be managed, viewed, updated, and shared, all while remaining in its native format.

To show you how to use lidar data in your workflows, Esri will host the live training seminar Working with Lidar Data in ArcGIS 10.1 on May 24, 2012. The seminar will introduce you to the methods with which ArcGIS can manage lidar data. You will learn how you can quickly view the data as points and triangulated irregular networks (TINs), take measurements, and edit classification codes. Since lidar data typically comes in collections of LAS files, you will also learn how to manage these collections using a mosaic dataset, as well as disseminate lidar data to desktop and web applications.

After watching this seminar, you will understand how to

Create and view surface models with lidar data
Edit LAS classification codes
Access LAS files from a mosaic dataset
This live training seminar is geared toward anyone who works with or is just starting to use lidar data. A basic knowledge of lidar and ArcGIS is recommended but not required.

Attendees need a broadband Internet connection and an Esri Global Account to watch the live training seminar. Creating an Esri Global Account is easy and free: visit esri.com/lts.