3D News
« Previous EntriesESRI and Hart InterCivic GIS Election Management
Tuesday, November 20th, 2007ESRI and Hart InterCivic GIS Election Management
19 November 2007, 8:26pm
Redlands, CaliforniaESRI and Hart InterCivic, Inc., have expanded their relationship to develop and offer geographic information system (GIS) solutions to the election community. This is the first time GIS-enabled election management solutions will be commercially available and marks a significant opportunity for state and local governments to enhance election processes. The initial offerings will focus on real-time election results and polling place locator applications.
“As a supplier of state and local government software and solutions, Hart InterCivic recognizes the majority of transactions conducted by our customers contain a spatial element,” says Neil McClure, chief technology officer, Hart InterCivic. “Incorporating GIS technology into election management will increase efficiency and improve data accuracy. It also offers new levels of transparency for the management of elections, which will improve voter confidence.”
ESRI and Hart InterCivic are working to develop applications for state and local governments based on ESRI ArcGIS technology. Hart InterCivic will incorporate GIS-based tools into applications that will enhance operations such as the routing of voting equipment and supplies as well as polling place location and ballot style searches. Additionally, GIS-enabled applications will provide a geographic real-time view of election-night results.
“ESRI’s GIS technology has been supporting election management for years,” says Christopher Thomas, Government Industry Solutions manager, ESRI. “We recognize Hart InterCivic’s commitment to the election industry and thorough knowledge of the entire elections process. We are excited to work with Hart to develop robust, GIS-based applications that will improve elections for government officials, staff, and voters.”
For more information, visit www.hartintercivic.com/ElectionMaps.
More at: www.hartintercivic.com/ElectionMaps
Geo: International
Hexagon invests in distribution channel in India
Monday, November 19th, 2007Hexagon invests in distribution channel in India
19 November 2007, 5:52pm
Heerbrugg, 19 November 2007 - Hexagon, the parent company of Leica Geosystems, has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of the Indian company Elcome Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Elcome Technologies is a distributor and systems integrator of products and solutions for customers in the field of positioning, navigation, alignment, measurements and surveying using various technologies such as optical and GPS based equipment, aerial photogrammetry, GIS and mapping, construction and mining machine control, portable coordinate measuring machines (CMM), laser scanning, and weather meteorology. The company is a market leader in India in its targeted application segments.
The acquisition of Elcome Technologies is an important piece in our global growth strategy in the emerging markets. India will certainly become one of the most important markets for measurement technology solutions, and with the acquisition of Elcome Technologies we are setting a strong foundation for Hexagons further expansion and market leadership in India, says Ola Rollén, CEO and President of Hexagon AB.
The surveying equipment industry, which is one of the cornerstones of Hexagons measurement technologies portfolio, is estimated to continue to grow at a rate of over 20 per cent in India over the coming years. This growth will be further accelerated by increased spending on infrastructure, which in turn will benefit Hexagons expanding business in machine control and net works, says Ola Rollén.
Elcome Technologies has grown very rapidly in the last five years and the acquisition by Hexagon gives us the means to grow even faster and keep pace with the fast growing Indian market. I am extremely excited about this acquisition as it provides us the vehicle for further investment in our market segments, says Ajay Seth, Managing Director of Elcome Technologies.
Elcome Technologies has over 80 employees and operates out of 12 locations across India.
The company will be fully consolidated as of 1 January 2008 and will immediately contribute to Hexagons earnings.
For further information please contact:
Leica Geosystems AG
Alessandra Doëll
Heinrich-Wild-Strasse
CH-9435 Heerbrugg
Phone: +41 (0)71/727-3451
Fax: +41 (0)71/727-5451
alessandra.doell@leica-geosystems.com
More at: www.leica-geosystems.com
Geo: International
ScanEx RandD Centre evaluates oil spills
Monday, November 19th, 2007ScanEx R&D Centre evaluates oil spills
19 November 2007, 3:55pm
Using radar satellite imagery ScanEx Research and Development Center completed evaluation of oil spills from tankers cased by the storm in the Kerch Strait.
ScanEx Center received and processed Radarsat-1 satellite imagery of the wreck site in the Kerch Strait where on November 11 stormy wind (up to 32 m/sec) and sea disturbance (6-7 points, 5 meter high waves) caused four vessels (dry-cargo ships Volnogorsk, Nakhichevan, Kovel, Khach Izmail (Georgia)) to sink; six vessels (dry-cargo ships Vera Voloshinskaya (Ukraine), Ziya Kos (Turkey), Kapitan Izmail (Turkey), barges Dika, Dimetra and floating crane Sevastopolets) to break adrift and take the bottom; two tankers (Volgoneft-139 and Volgoneft-123) to damage. According to Russian Ministry of Emergencies around 1300 of fuel oil spilled in the sea as a result of the wreckage.
The processed imagery acquired by Radarsat-1 satellite on November 15 and 16 shows the location of the sea slicks on the surface in the area of the Kerch Strait and south part of the Azov Sea. These data can be used for planning further actions for emergency spills containment and clean-up, for implementing protective activities (installation of booms) in order to prevent pollution from spreading and protect coastal area. However, lack of a monitoring system did not allow acquisition of operational imagery immediately after the accident since for this particular satellite operations complex the waiting period in case of individual requests is at least three days.
Since summer 2007, RDC ScanEx and NGO Transparent World exercise satellite-based monitoring of the north part of the Caspian Sea for the purpose of operational detection of oil spills on the water surface. Free access is provided to the data located in the relevant geoportal, the project summary is posted on ScanEx website.
Visit the ScanEx web site to see the images and an animation, at:
http://www.scanex.com/en/news/News_Preview.asp?
id=n10824230
More at: www.scanex.com
Geo: International
Hemisphere GPS Offers XF100 for Handheld Mapping
Monday, November 19th, 2007Hemisphere GPS Offers XF100 for Handheld Mapping
19 November 2007, 3:48pm
Calgary, AB November 19, 2007 (TSX: HEM) Hemisphere GPS, a designer and manufacturer of advanced GPS products announced that their Crescent GPS technology is now available for handheld mapping. Hemisphere GPS new XF100 series DGPS receivers for ruggedized handheld computers provides an integrated solution for the collection of position data with superior accuracy over other handheld solutions. Specifically designed to work with the popular TDS Recon and the Juniper Archer Field PC models, Hemisphere GPS XF100 series is ideal for entry-level surveying and professional GIS applications such as mapping utility infrastructures or municipality assets.
The XF100 series boasts a rugged and maintenance-free smart antenna and Compact Flash adapter that stands up to field use. It includes SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, etc.) differential support capable of providing sub-meter positioning accuracy, and Hemisphere GPS exclusive COAST technology that maintains accuracy during temporary loss of differential signal. An optional external antenna is available for additional accuracy and allows for more precise antenna placement. The XF100 series is designed for low power consumption, so it conserves the handheld units battery power. It is extremely simple to use - just connect the handheld computer and go.
Utilizing the integrated Crescent GPS receiver, the XF100 series delivers the performance required for precise positioning applications such as GIS mapping. Crescent receiver technology provides higher update rates, improved raw measurements, more memory, and greater processor capacity, creating an exceptionally robust and affordable DGPS solution. Its more accurate code phase measurement and superior multi-path rejection translates into an extremely accurate and stable receiver. In addition, the fast start up and reacquisition times allow users to power up and get right to work.
“The survey and GIS mapping markets are growing globally with the continuing demand for rugged GPS data collection devices,” said Steven Koles, President and CEO of Hemisphere GPS. “Many mapping companies already have equipped their people with handheld data collection. Our XF100 series leverages the capital investment these mapping companies have already made, and enhances the effectiveness of their employees in the field.”
More at: www.hemispheregps.com
Geo: International
Garmin Increases Its Automotive OEM Presence
Monday, November 19th, 2007Garmin Increases Its Automotive OEM Presence
19 November 2007, 3:46pm
November 19, 2007 - Garmin has today announced that Volvo Cars Corporation has selected the nvi 760 as a customized navigation solution for select Volvo cars, including the new Volvo C30 and Volvo XC70. The Volvo specific nvi 760 will be available at dealerships across Europe and North America.
“Garmin is delighted to work with Volvo to offer its customers a high quality satellite navigation system. Volvo and Garmin are passionate about safety, engineering and quality, and we believe customers will appreciate the design of this navigation solution,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM & mobile marketing. “This transaction strengthens Garmin’s growing position as a recognized supplier to the automotive industry.”
Volvo’s dealer-fitted accessory kit includes the latest Garmin satellite navigation system, the nvi 760, as well as a smart mounting bracket that is positioned on top of the dashboard. Volvo has carefully researched the optimum position of the navigation system to make sure it is easy to use yet does not distract the driver’s concentration on the road. The bracket is designed specifically to coordinate with the look and style of the vehicle, and eliminates the need for exposed power cables and suction cup mount typically found on portable navigation devices. The nvi 760 fits neatly onto the custom-made bracket, offering a quick ‘plug and play’ solution. Volvo’s built-in bracket easily folds down when not in use. The nvi 760 may also be taken off the mount and moved between different cars.
“We have chosen Garmin as our partner for our new Volvo Portable navigation offer,” said Lars-Erik Roos, Volvo’s managing director, accessory business unit. “I believe that our customers will appreciate this combination navigation product with the Volvo integrated and well designed installation kit.”
The Volvo solution is the best of both worlds. It offers drivers an advanced, but simple to use, portable navigation experience that was created for their vehicle while delivering the design style, quality and safety specifications that a Volvo driver would expect from an in-car accessory. The Garmin nvi 760 was chosen by Volvo because of its functionality and design. The portable navigation device combines advanced technology with a user-friendly interface to ensure an intuitive and easy navigation experience.
The nvi 760 boasts a bright, widescreen that guides drivers to their destination with turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions. If the driver misses a turn, the nvi automatically recalculates and gets them back on track. The nvi 760 also includes Garmin’s newest safety feature, “Where Am I.” A single tap on the screen shows drivers their exact latitude and longitude position, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations.
The nvi 760 navigation package fits current production Volvo car models, including the new Volvo C30 and Volvo XC70. It can also be fitted to a selected number of earlier models. The nvi 760 accessory kit for Volvo is expected to be available from early December 2007.
More at: www.garmin.com
Geo: International
3D Laser Mapping launches cityscape mapper
Monday, November 19th, 20073D Laser Mapping launches cityscape mapper
19 November 2007, 10:25am
Nottingham, UK, 19 November, 2007 - 3D Laser Mapping has developed a mobile cityscape mapper that captures highly accurate 3D modeling data of buildings and streets. The development is an enhancement to StreetMapper, the vehicle-mounted laser mapping system that is already well proven in terrain and highway mapping.
StreetMapper is a result of a joint venture with German guidance and navigation specialist IGI mbH â a world first that enables highly rapid and accurate 3D laser mapping from a moving vehicle. The latest developments for âarchitectural surveyingâ are currently being evaluated with cityscape mapping projects underway with universities in Germany.
StreetMapper uses multiple laser scanners, each with a range of 150m and 80 degree scanning angle. Each scanner performs up to 10,000 measurements per second with a scanning rate up to 100 scans per second. Numerous laser scanners can be used, and can be arranged on the scanner platform to suit different requirements.
The StreetMapper survey vehicle uses well-proven laser scanning technology to capture the position of up to 40,000 3D points per second whilst in motion. The typical positional accuracy is typically 5mm for good GPS conditions and the point-to-point accuracy within the data is 3cm.
3D cityscapes are increasingly providing city authorities, architects and developers with an invaluable tool to assess the impact of proposed changes to our cities. The computer-generated 3D models allow existing and proposed developments to be viewed from any angle and orientation. This allows anyone to undertake an on-screen walk around or fly through of an area and project planners can add and change developments easily to illustrate the impact on the environment,â explained Dr Graham Hunter, Managing Director of 3D Laser Mapping.
IGI have upgraded their TERRAControl navigation system specially for city modeling applications where there is reduced GPS visibility due to tall buildings. Using a technique called “Direct Inertial Aiding”, an inertial navigation system assists the GPS receiver in areas of poor GPS signals. After losing the GPS signal when passing a tall building, the receiver can rapidly lock on to GPS signals again and maintain positional accuracy.
Initial tests have confirmed that typically the GPS receiver will get back to a high positional accuracy 5 seconds faster after losing the signal. The overall result is higher positional accuracy across the whole survey, which has been proven in recent tests in Germany. “This has made a significant impact in minimising one of the greatest problems with dynamic terrestrial surveys in urban areas” says Hunter.
More at: www.3dlasermapping.com
Geo: International
Industry leading event focused on GIS and Internet
Saturday, November 17th, 2007Industry leading event focused on GIS and Internet
16 November 2007, 10:17pm
Vancouver, BC, CANADA, Nov. 15, 2007GeoWeb 2007 conference organizer Galdos Systems Inc. and conference supporter the Geospatial Information & Technology Association are pleased to announce the hosting of the 2008 GeoWeb conference in Vancouver from July 21-25th, 2008. GeoWeb is one of the only annual conferences focusing exclusively on the convergence of GIS and the Internet and the economic potential associated with the convergence of XML, web services and geographic information systems.
The collision of GIS and the Internet will have a significant impact on the way geographic information (GI) is utilized in commercial, consumer-oriented and government applications, said Ron Lake, CEO of Galdos Systems Inc. He added, This is an important technology shift that will lead to the emergence of many new markets.
Galdos has once again partnered with the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) to undertake the organization and facilitating of the event. Robert M. Samborski, GITA Executive Director, said This event has been a catalyst for some very important developments in the geospatial community, and we look forward to working with Galdos for another exciting conference.
The 2008 GeoWeb conference welcomes both public and private organizations to meet, discuss and learn about todays most innovative geospatial technologies. The conference will include dedicated workshops on Geography Markup Language (GML), KML, MapPoint, LandXML, SVG, ebRIM, and OGC web services for GIS.
Information on the conference can be found at www.geoweb.org.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Hughes-White
Galdos Systems Inc.
+1.604.484.2768
shugheswhite@galdosinc.com
About Galdos Systems Inc.
Founded in 1998, Galdos Systems Inc. (Galdos) delivers geospatial infrastructure software and services to businesses and governments. Galdos revolutionized GIS technology and mobilized the worldwide Geo-Web by authoring the Geography Markup Language (GML). Galdos is recognized as a world leader in the development of cost-effective systems for delivering GML and XML-based products for governments, government agencies and private companies. Galdos technology and expertise enable the geospatial information supply-chain supporting real-time distribution and management of geospatial data from multiple sources and share it across the Internet in real-time. This solution transforms a manual process into one that is automated. Galdos offerings include custom services targeting data integration and data conversion, as well as a world class product suite that offers advanced geospatial data management and distribution capabilities. For Galdos’ customers this means increased efficiencies in data sharing and significant cost reductions. For more information on Galdos products and services, please visit www.galdosinc.com.
About Geospatial Information & Technology Association:
The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is a non-profit educational association serving the global geospatial community. GITA provides excellence in education, information exchange and applied research on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in business, utility, and government applications worldwide. For more information on GITA, please visit www.gita.org.
About the 2008 GeoWeb Conference:
The 2008 GeoWeb conference is about unleashing the economic potential associated with the convergence of XML, web services, and geographic information systems, known as the GeoWeb. Organized via partnership between Galdos Systems Inc. (Galdos) and Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA), GeoWeb welcomes both public and private organizations to meet, discuss, and learn about todays most innovative geospatial technologies and the possibilities related to this important technological shift. The conference will include dedicated workshops on Geography Markup Language (GML), KML, MapPoint, LandXML, SVG, ebRIM, and OGC Web Services for GIS. For more information on the upcoming 2008 GeoWeb Conference, please visit www.geoweb.org.
More at: www.geoweb.org
Geo: International
Autodesk Supports Easter Island Quest
Saturday, November 17th, 2007Autodesk Supports Easter Island Quest
16 November 2007, 5:39pm
16 November 2007Autodesk today announced it is working with Easter Island officials, local archeology experts and several partners to provide technology, services and expertise to help digitally document Easter Islands current historical artifacts, natural resources and infrastructure assets. The work will create 3D models of the island (locally known as Rapa Nui) allowing government officials to better visualise and analyse how development plans will impact residents and resources, and promote sustainable decision-making. As the project progresses, images, photos, articles and diary entries from participants will be regularly posted, on www.autodesk.com/green.
Rapa Nui is a UNESCO world heritage site and Chilean-governed island in the south eastern Pacific Ocean, famous for its enigmatic moai statues, monolithic human figures carved from rock. In recent years, Rapa Nui has drawn increasing interest as a tourism destination, creating strain on the islands infrastructure and its delicate environment and archeological resources.
“We are at a pivotal time in our history, said Pedro Pablo Edmunds Paoa, mayor of Rapa Nui. Sustainable development, protection of our historical artifacts and natural resources, and ongoing education about our resources are the key challenges we face today. Autodesk design technology and engineering expertise supports our need to make better, more informed decisions about the future of our Island. We appreciate our partners who are helping us modernise without destroying our rich cultural history.
Autodesk design software is helping Rapa Nui officials digitally visualise and analyse how their development plans could impact roads, buildings and infrastructure, as well as historical artifacts throughout the island, said Lisa Campbell, vice president, Autodesk Geospatial Solutions. This unique opportunity to work directly with Rapa Nui officials and archeologists to bring state-of-the-art 3D prototyping technology and visual models to tackle their development challenges is especially rewarding for us.
Project Evolution
A team first traveled to Rapa Nui in October 2007 to laser scan and survey the island. Autodesk partners include METCO Services, Inc., provider of surveying and scanning services and technology, and Leica Geosystems which contributed GPS and laser scanning instruments and point-cloud processing software. Team members trained Rapa Nui officials on the use of these technologies and Autodesk digital modeling software, so developers and engineers can continue to evaluate and make sustainable development decisions over time.
Existing AutoCAD software customers on Rapa Nui engaged in the project will be migrating to advanced 3D modeling and visualisation technologies from Autodesk, including AutoCAD Civil3D, Autodesk MapGuide and AutoCAD Revit design software.
More information about the Easter Island Project can be found at www.autodesk.com/green.
More at: www.autodesk.com/green
Geo: International
Infoterra France Seals Technology Deal with Google
Saturday, November 17th, 2007Infoterra France Seals Technology Deal with Google
15 November 2007, 10:32pm
Toulouse, France, November 15th, 2007 – Infoterra France, a leading provider of geo-information products and services for managing the development, environment and security of our changing world, has landed an agreement with popular search engine Google, to provide them with a unique image processing technology that will be employed in particular to process geographic images.
This technology inherits from more than 15 years of Infoterra France experience in the domain, having led to world class products such as the Pixel Factory.
Infoterra France’s revolutionary photogrammetric suite, the Pixel Factory, is an entirely digital, highly automated production chain, which, using a multiple choice of sensors, can process industrial volumes of geographic data while maintaining a superior product quality.
“Needless to say, we are very excited about this venture with such a prestigious partner”, says Jean-Michel Darroy, CEO Infoterra France. “It is always gratifying to be recognised and acknowledged for your company’s excellence, but this is particularly special coming from a world wide innovative player like Google”, he added.
More at: www.infoterra.fr
Geo: International
Mobile Mapping as You\’ve Never Seen it Before
Saturday, November 17th, 2007Mobile Mapping as You’ve Never Seen it Before
15 November 2007, 10:30pm
Copenhagen / London, 15 November, 2007 - mobilePeople, the global leader in local mobile search and advertising solutions for directory publishers, has today announced the launch of its mobile map solution liquidTM MAPs developed especially for the needs of directory publishers, directory enquiry services and media companies. The new application differs from many other mobile maps currently on the market in that it utilises Scaleable Vector Graphics (SVG) embedded in a Java environment. This means that mobile interactive maps are now finally available to the mass market as Java runs on the vast majority of handsets currently in use. It also means a faster and better defined map for the consumer, while there are enhanced opportunities for monetisation, thanks to integrated advertising, for the publisher.
The tiled raster map solutions as used by Google and Yahoo are based on data-rich map image formats (e.g. gif) these are constructed on the server and downloaded to the handset resulting in a considerable amount of data traffic. As liquid MAPs are constructed directly within the handset with only meta-information (geometric descriptions) being sent to the handset it results in 10 times less data traffic each time the map application is used. This is especially beneficial for those users who do not have a flat rate billing for mobile data.
Furthermore panning and zooming with liquid MAPs is also 10 times faster than with tiled raster maps. This is due to the fact that the map information held in the phone covers a larger area than what the user actually sees on the screen. When panning or zooming no additional information needs to be downloaded from the server.
liquid MAPs comes as a stand-alone mobile map Java application (like Google maps on mobile) or it can be integrated in mobilePeople’s white label liquidTM mobile local search solution. liquid MAPS can also integrate aerial and satellite images within its SVG technology.
Users can search results for businesses and people and can view them on a fully realised map. Other search options include address search, reverse number search, vicinity search and directions including walking and driving routes. liquid MAPS also has enhanced user functionality, for example, a mobile user can fully interact with the maps, detailed information can be brought up on screen by clicking on objects such as roads, parks or buildings. In addition the text is scaled to fit the actual map view, so no more blurring of names when a user zooms in to a site of interest.
Jens Andersen, CEO and co-founder of mobilePeople commented: “Our SVG based mobile map solution is the most innovative mobile map technology for the mass market available today. The recent launch with Truvo in the Netherlands (formally World Directories) and further launches soon to be announced clearly mark a trend towards SVG maps. Google and Yahoo maps are first generation mobile maps. Other vector based map solutions are limited to Symbian phones only. The fact that we integrate our maps in a Java environment means that our offering is truly mobile mass market. It has a high user appeal and integrated local advertising products. The opportunities for monetisation for directory publishers are almost boundless.”
There is even the opportunity for audio advertisements in the application. The audio ad is displayed as a sound icon on the map. When the user scrolls over it a jingle is played. An advertiser can be automatically highlighted with a call-out symbol on the map. When the user clicks on it they would be immediately directed to the advertiser’s mobile landing page.
About mobilePeople
mobilePeople is the global leader in local mobile search and advertising solutions for directory publishers. The company builds mobile presence, distribution and advertising for directory publishers utilising its award winning white label solution liquidTM. There is a dual offering - a WAP solution and a downloadable Java application. mobilePeople drives user stickiness by providing the most intuitive, relevant and comprehensive mobile search experience.
Today mobilePeople processes millions of local mobile searches every month in eight languages; English, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish. Global customers include; Yell.com (UK), Gouden Gids (NL), Promedia (BE), Golden Pages (IE), Páginas Amarelas (PT), IT2media (DE), Schibsted (NO), Schibsted (SE), FAST Search and Transfer (NO), Sensis (AUS), Eniro (SE), Eniro (DK), Eniro (NO), EDC (DK), Yellow Pages Group (NZ) and Local Matters (USA).
With world headquarters in Copenhagen (DK) and regional offices in London (UK), Denver (US) and Melbourne (AUS), mobilePeople is a privately owned company.
More at: www.mobilepeople.com
Geo: International
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