GEO World articles from August 2005

GEO World archives from August 2005

Do you have skills or a profession?(geographic information system education)
August 1, 2005... The GeoPlace.com Web site and GeoWorld have hosted ongoing feedback regarding the debate on GIS Certification (see "Is GIS a Part of Mapping" and "Defending GIS Certification," June 2005, page 7 as well as...

Launch of Google Earth heats search engine battle.(NEWSLINK)
August 1, 2005... Mountain View, Calif.-based Google Inc. launched Google Earth (earth.google.com), a free downloadable software product based on Keyhole technology. Google Earth combines satellite imagery, 3-D buildings and terrain with Google Local search...

Multiple geotechnology companies acquire new assets.(NEWSLINK)
August 1, 2005... During summer 2005, a variety of the geotechnology industry's major companies acquired existing firms to consolidate assets, market share and intellectual property. Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, Calif., acquired all outstanding shares of...

www.avencla.com.(NETLINK)
August 1, 2005... AVENCIA INC. Avencia released a new version of NeighborhoodBase, an online mapping application for users to access neighborhood indicator data. NeighborhoodBase is part of the Philadelphia Neighborhood Information System...

www.bentley.com.(NETLINK)
August 1, 2005... BENTLEY SYSTEMS INC. Bentley Systems introduced the Bentley Institute Star Program, which recognizes and tracks the learning achievements of Bentley users. The program includes new online transcripts from the Bentley Institute.

www.dmsolutions.ca.(NETLINK)
August 1, 2005... DM SOLUTIONS GROUP DM Solutions Group launched the Map-Tools project, a new open-source online mapping project that will provide a more interactive and continuous user experience in future online mapping applications. DM Solutions Group...

www.esricanada.com.(Hamilton Police Service's access to current crime information through an intranet)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... ESRI CANADA Hamilton Police Service's Beat Tracker provides frontline Hamilton police officers with access to current crime information through an intranet. Hamilton officers can obtain beat-specific information on crime such as...

www.fargeo.com.(NETLINK)
August 1, 2005... FARALLON GEOGRAPHICS INC. The Western Regional Government Technology Conference Advisory Board recognized the city of Fairfield, Calif., for its GIS Management Portal, which was developed in partnership with Farallon Geographics.

www.mapinfo.com.(NETLINK)
August 1, 2005... MAPINFO CORP. The International Trade Administration (ITA) updated its TradeStats Express Web site with MapInfo MapXtreme 2004 Internet mapping server based on Microsoft .NET, enabling it to develop more robust applications and meet the...

yorkexplorer.york.ca.(RESOURCEOFTHEMONTH)
August 1, 2005... YORKEXPLORER York Region launched a new enhanced version of YorkAtlas, which is a component of YorkExplorer, the region's popular Internet mapping site that provides the ability to view or create regional maps based on topics of interest....

Analytical Graphics Inc.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... Two of Analytical Graphics Inc.'s software engineers, Sylvain Dupont and Harrison "Bill" Williams, were honored by the Greater Philadelphia Section of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics for their contributions to the...

Applanix.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... Applanix appointed Brad Koziey to director of sales and Kevin Perkins to executive sales manager, airborne products for the Americas. www.applanix.com

Dynamix Corp.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... Dynamix Corp. hired Paul Namie to work on capturing features such as private right-of-ways, public utility easements and land-ownership parcels. The company also hired Hassan Ali as a programmer/analyst. www.dynamixcorp.com

ECONZ Wireless.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... Harry A. Lane was named vice president of channel sales for ECONZ Wireless, managing the company's Verizon Wireless sales relationship with particular emphasis on the Northeast, Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. ...

ESRI President.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... The State University of New York recognized ESRI President Jack Dangermond's social and technological contributions to local and global communities with an honorary doctor of science degree that was presented at the 159th general commencement...

GBA Master Series Inc.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... GBA Master Series Inc. hired Chris Crupi as the company's West Region manager in charge of software sales and enterprisewide solutions. www.gbams.com

Geospatial Information & Technology Association.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) announced the 2005 Speaker Award winners from its Annual Conference 28 in Denver. The award recognizes the top 5 percent of session speakers, each of whom were rated by session...

GeoTango International.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... GeoTango International appointed Mike Pastushak to vice president, sales and marketing. www.geotango.com

GIS Data Resources Inc.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... GIS Data Resources Inc. named Christian Solomine director of sales. www.gdr.com

Intermap.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... Everett Koeller retired from Intermap's board of directors. Jerald S. Howe Jr., vice president, Intelligence Solutions, SRA International Inc., filled the vacated position and also will serve as a member of the corporate governance committee....

microDATA GIS.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... microDATA GIS hired Thomas (Skip) Lindsay. www.microdatagis.com

Open Geospatial Consortium.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... The Open Geospatial Consortium appointed Raj Singh director of Interoperability Programs. www.opengeospatial.org

SANZ Inc.(PEOPLELINK)
August 1, 2005... SANZ Inc. hired Brian Soliday as its vice president of business development for geospatial solutions. www.sans.com

USGIF forms accreditation panel.(US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... The U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) formed an accreditation panel that will ultimately establish the USGIF Academy. The foundation's vision is to build an accredited institution to support the professional education needs of the...

NOAA works to enhance forecast tools.(GOVERNMENTCONNECTION)
August 1, 2005... Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and weather forecasters are working together to improve technology to give forecasters better tools to predict devastating thunderstorms and tornadoes. Ultimately,...

Washington wins FEMA Mapping program grant.(GOVERNMENTCONNECTION)
August 1, 2005... The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has earmarked more than $1.6 million to help the state of Washington transform its flood maps into products that are more reliable, easier to use, readily available and digital. The financial...

Leahy named acting director at USGS.(Patrick Leahy)(U.S. Geological Survey)
August 1, 2005... Interior Secretary Gale Norton named Patrick Leahy, associate director for geology, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), acting director of the agency. Leahy steps into the role following the resignation of longtime USGS director Charles G. Groat,...

2006 GeoTec Event announces call for papers.(CONFERENCECONNECTION)
August 1, 2005... GeoTec Media issued a call for papers for its 2006 GeoTec Event to be held June 18-21, 2006, at the Ottawa Congress Centre in Ottawa. Sponsored by GeoTec Media, publisher of GeoWorld and developer of GeoPlace.com, the event is the largest...

Taking distance to the edge.(BEYONDMAPPING)
August 1, 2005... The last series of four "Beyond Mapping" columns focused on how "simple distance" is extended to effective proximity and movement in a modern GIS. Considerable emphasis was given to calculations involving a propagating wave of increasing...

Welcome the U.S. Geospatial Enterprise Architecture.(OPENGEOSPATIAL CONNECTION)
August 1, 2005... In recent months, the Federal Geographic Data Committee, the National Geospatial Programs Office and the Federal Chief Information Officer Council's Architecture and Infrastructure Committee have been addressing the need for a common geospatial...

GPS accuracy improvements highlight datum importance.(MOBILEGIS)
August 1, 2005... Mobile GIS just got a lot more accurate. Technological advancements introduced in some of the newest mapping-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers improved their accuracy, enabling them to be used for many new applications. ...

Biodiversity building blocks: BioGeomancer unlocks historical observations.(environmental management)
August 1, 2005... The pace of human expansion and demands of economic development place an ever-accelerating pressure on the Earth, leading to a loss of plant and animal species often before new species can be collected and named. The value of these species--and...

Vancouver's early mapping evolves to enterprise GIS: Vancouver's ongoing development in an area bounded on three sides by water and on the fourth by a suburb leaves no room for horizontal growth, so there's constant pressure on the city's infrastructure, services and need for information.(Enterprise Integration)
August 1, 2005... Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is located on the West Coast in an ideal setting with close proximity to water and mountains. There are three ski slopes within 30 minutes of downtown as well as world-famous Whistler/Blackcomb two hours...

GIS unshackled: a guide to open-source tools; As GIS technology continues to mature, open-source tools are beginning to make an impact on the development of GIS/mapping applications, challenging established vendors in performance and capability.(GIS Development)
August 1, 2005... Spatial databases are at the core of GIS applications. There are several open-source database projects, but the most advanced engine for spatial applications is PostgreSQL (www.postgis.org), an object-relational database management system...

Metadata freedom: exchange data without national standards.(Data Management)
August 1, 2005... There's no shortage of data exchange standards, but why should people exchange data? User behavior consistently shows that the cost of data exchange remains greater than the cost of data duplication (this includes the cost to secondary users...

AmberCore Software Inc.(PRODUCTNEWS)
August 1, 2005... AmberCore Software Inc. released Amber iQ 2.0, which integrates vector and raster data to produce visual outputs and analysis. Amber iQ 2.0 allows users to create and visualize raster files with no file-size limits. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

American Digital Cartography Inc.(DATA)
August 1, 2005... American Digital Cartography Inc. released NAVTEQ data in Oracle Spatial 10g format by county, state, U.S. or European country. Data in Oracle10g Spatial mapping, geocoding and routing schemas are delivered in transportable tablespaces. ...

European Space Imaging.(DATA)
August 1, 2005... European Space Imaging now distributes to customers in Europe and North Africa imagery from the new IRS-RESOURCESAT-1 satellite, which collects imagery at resolutions ranging from five to 60 meters. www.euspaceimaging.com

GeoLytics.(released GIS software, "StreetCD 2004")(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... GeoLytics released StreetCD 2004, featuring 2004 TIGER/Line Files street and boundary data for use in ArcView and MapInfo. Users can export boundaries or map geographies using the product's built-in mapping software. StreetCD 2004 includes...

GfK MACON AG.(DATA)
August 1, 2005... GfK MACON AG updated administrative and postal maps of Italy. A total of 8,102 communities, 104 provinces, 21 regions and 4,825 five-digit postcode districts were updated to reflect the latest 2005 status, and all areas are marked with official...

NAVTEQ.(released digital map database for Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... NAVTEQ released digital map data for the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The map data include the major metropolitan cities in the Baltic region and about 6,823 kilometers of roadway overall. Also, NAVTEQ integrated...

Spatial Insights Inc.(DATA)
August 1, 2005... Spatial Insights Inc. released CartoUS, a nationwide mapping database containing more than 40 layers of map data. CartoUS data are sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files with enhanced display characteristics and roadway...

Advantica.(released SynerGEE Water 4.1)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... Advantica released SynerGEE Water 4.1, featuring enhancements and additions for water distribution network simulation. A basemap conversion tool lets users view the basemap behind the model as well as convert multiple pipe and facility layers...

Applied Imagery.(released visualization software, QT Reader)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... Applied Imagery released a free version of its LIDAR visualization software, QT Reader, which allows users to visualize and navigate existing real-time point-cloud and surface models in 3-D. The underlying visualization engine and model creator...

Avenza Systems Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Avenza Systems Inc. released MAPublisher 6.2, featuring compatibility with the new Adobe Creative Suite 2. www.avenza.com

Blue Marble Geographics.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Blue Marble Geographics updated its GeoCalc 6.1 developer tool kit to meet the accuracy and data conversion needs of GIS and mapping programmers. www.bluemarblegeo.com

Cadcorp.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Cadcorp announced that its Cadcorp SIS (Spatial Information System) software now can connect directly to ESRI ArcIMS Image Services. www.cadcorp.com

Encom Technology Pty Ltd.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Encom Technology Pty Ltd. added 3-D visualization to MapInfo Professional via its Engage3D product, which allows users to display MapInfo maps, gridded surfaces, points, lines, volume models and 3-D DXF objects. Creation options include...

Geo-3D Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Geo-3D Inc. released a new version of its Trident-3D Analyst software, a soft-copy photogrammetric tool for the analysis of georeferenced digital images captured with horizontally oriented camera systems. Version 3.1 includes 3-D Shapefile...

GeoMicro Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... GeoMicro Inc. released AltaMap Traffic, a programmable Web service hosted by GeoMicro and used by enterprises and independent software developers to integrate real-time traffic information into applications. www.geomicro.com

Geosoft Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Geosoft Inc. released Oasis montaj 6.2, featuring an ability to manage complex, large-volume geoscientific data processing with speed and precision as well as deliver high-quality mapping and map products. Oasis montaj 6.2 includes enhancements...

INPHO GmbH.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... INPHO GmbH launched a new version of its fully automatic DTM-generation software, MATCH-T 4.0. Improvements include a revised processing workflow and GUI, predefined optimal parameter settings for different terrain types, an enhanced matching...

I.S.M. International Systemap Corp.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... I.S.M. International Systemap Corp. introduced PurVIEW for ESRI ArcGIS 9, a plug-in that coverts ArcGIS Desktop products into advanced stereoscopic image-viewing and feature-digitizing environments. Three product levels are available, all...

MapInfo Corp.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... MapInfo Corp. introduced Market-Suite for Economic Development, which helps municipalities attract, retain and support local businesses and national chains, create jobs, expand available real estate, and provide communities with goods and...

microDATA GIS.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... microDATA GIS rolled out X-Solution, a comprehensive approach to GIS/ALI database maintenance, 9-1-1 call handling and AVL. www.microdatagis.com

Miner & Miner (M & M).(released geographic information system software, Responder 9.0.2)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... Miner & Miner (M & M) released Responder 9.0.2, a GIS-hosted outage-management system based on ESRI's ArcGIS that allows utilities to rapidly respond to customers, efficiently manage crews and incidents, and enhance customer service by...

RSI.(Research Systems Inc. released the IDL DICOM Network Services Module)(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... RSI released the IDL DICOM Network Services Module, a new add-on module for IDL that provides query/retrieve and push/store capabilities. New and existing IDL users will benefit from the ability to read and write DICOM files, access DICOM files...

Saker Solutions.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Saker Solutions unveiled Flexsim 3.0, which adds new features to enhance model building with improvements to make simulations run faster. www.sakersolutions.com

Socket Communications Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Socket Communications Inc. and Microsoft Mobile & Embedded DevCon announced that Socket's Wi-Fi Companion and SocketScan barcode scanning and RFID applications are operational on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. ...

TDC Group Inc.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... TDC Group Inc. released Freeance 3.3, which allows system administrators to publish ArcIMS Web-mapping applications in a non-programming environment. www.freeance.com

Visual Learning Systems.(SOFTWARE)
August 1, 2005... Visual Learning Systems released LIDAR Analyst for automating the collection of 3-D features from LIDAR data. LIDAR Analyst provides tools for editing DEMs, modifying bare-earth surfaces, auto-squaring of building footprints and editing complex...

AMREL Systems.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... AMREL Systems released its ROCKY Mobile MT786 rugged computer, a three-piece system offering an Intel Pentium M 1.5GHz CPU and up to 64MB shared video RAM. The MT786 uses a single DVI cable for USB, serial, video, keyboard and mouse. ...

HP.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... HP introduced the HP Designjet 70, a new C+/A2+ printer that brings oversize full-color printing to small- and mid-size businesses, CAD design users, schools, and retailers. www.hp.com

Itronix Corp.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... Itronix Corp. introduced the Duo-Touch Tablet PC, a portable, wireless, rugged slate tablet PC for mobile professionals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] www.itronix.com

Matrox Graphics Inc.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... Matrox Graphics Inc. introduced the Millennium P650 LP PCIe 64 graphics card. www.matrox.com

Navman.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... Navman released Navman Sport.Tool, a new line of GPS-based, electronic personal-training devices. Sport.Tool provides accurate, detailed performance statistics and is available in five models specifically tailored for a particular sport with a...

Socket Communications Inc.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... Socket Communications Inc. enhanced its family of data collection products, including the launch of three new Series 5 CompactFlash Scan Cards: the 5E (Entry Level), 5M (Mid Range) and 5P (Performance). In addition, Socket also announced a new...

Symmetricom.(HARDWARE)
August 1, 2005... Symmetricom introduced a new Time and Frequency Generator that meets the GPS security requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. www.symmetricom.com

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).(MISC.)
August 1, 2005... American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) released version 1.1 of the ASPRS LIDAR Data Exchange Format Standard, an industry standard for the exchange of LIDAR data among various hardware manufacturers, software developers,...

Autodesk Inc.(MISC.)
August 1, 2005... Autodesk Inc. and HP introduced instant printing capabilities for HP Designjet series printers with Autodesk DWF Viewer, a free, downloadable viewer for 2-D and 3-D design workflows, and DWF Composer, which enables users to review, mark up and...

GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).(MISC.)
August 1, 2005... GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) released the inaugural issue of its online semiannual newsletter, The GISC-Eye, which was prepared by the GISCI Outreach Committee to highlight contributions and activities that involve or directly effect...

Leica Geosystems.(MISC.)
August 1, 2005... Leica Geosystems released the new firmware version 2.10 for System 1200, which expands the functionality of the GRX1200 Series of GPS reference station receivers with a Web interface and BINEX output. Additionally, GX1230 RTK rovers now support...

Sprint.(MISC.)
August 1, 2005... Sprint launched its Sprint Business Mobility Framework to meet advanced mobility requirements of business customers by extending corporate applications to the hands of mobile workers and expanding the power of those applications with...

ESRI.(Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. launched new GIS software, "ArcGIS 9.1")(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... ESRI released ArcGIS 9.1, a full release of ArcGIS Desktop (ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo), ArcGIS Engine, ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS and ArcSDE. It's also the main vehicle for the release of Network Analyst on the ArcGIS platform. Key...

MWH Soft.(released geographic information system software, "H20NET Generation 6.0")(Brief article)
August 1, 2005... MWH Soft introduced H20NET Generation V6 for AutoCAD 2006, which debuts features that advance core database functions to deliver faster and more intuitive network modeling capabilities. Also, MWH Soft introduced H20MAP SWMM, a GIS-based...

Bentley Systems Inc.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... Bentley Systems Inc. acquired Optram Inc., a supplier of software for railway track maintenance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] www.bentley.com

Avatech Solutions Inc.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... Avatech Solutions Inc. became an authorized reseller of Rapid Design Visualization, an application for Autodesk Civil 3D that enables the rapid creation of high-quality visualization and simulation scenes of any Civil 3D project. ...

Avenza Systems Inc.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... Avenza Systems Inc. supports HarrysMaps of Switzerland and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development project to re-map the city of Nairobi, Kenya. Avenza will provide free software and services to the non-profit project to...

BAE Systems.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... BAE Systems announced that Ordnance Survey ordered multiple copies of BAE Systems' SOCET for ArcGIS product. www.na.baesystems.com

Cadastra Inc.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... Cadastra Inc. and Swova partnered to provide expanded parcel data management and maintenance services to local governments. The partnership will combine the experience and technical capabilities of both firms to offer a single, integrated...

The COGNET Group.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... The COGNET Group introduced a new program, in partnership with Graphic Technologies, to encourage companies to try its GIS Viewer application. www.cognetgis.com

Corbley Communications Inc.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... Corbley Communications Inc. launched a Small Business Development Program to provide public-relations services to geospatial firms that have fewer than 12 employees or have been in business less than five years. Public relations services will...

EarthMap Solutions LLC.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... EarthMap Solutions LLC formalized reseller agreements with Borel Consulting and YVI Inc., expanding its sales channel in the national corporate agribusiness and California growers markets. www.earthmapsolutions.com

ER Mapper.(BUSINESSNEWS)
August 1, 2005... ER Mapper now provides unlimited access to ER Mapper technologies for one low-cost subscription fee via its Educational Site License Program. Also, ER Mapper appointed SuperMap as its Master Distributor for China. SuperMap is the first GIS...