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R.N.I No - UPENG/2010/34153 Registration no: UP/GBD-136/2011-13 YOUR GEOSPATIAL INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
www.geospatialworld.net APRIL 2012 VOL 02 ISSUE 09 ISSN 2277 - 3134
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Inside...
34
Abbas Rajabifard President, GSDI Association
Aida Opoku Mensah Director - ICT Division UN Economic Commission for Africa Bryn Fosburgh Vice President Trimble
Cover Story
More than information from imagery Prof Ian Dowman, Editor - Europe
SPOTLIGHT 20
Advisory Board
Geospatial Industry And Sustainable World Economy
Derek Clarke Chief Director-Survey and Mapping & National Geospatial Information Department of Rural Development & Land Reform, South Africa
Jack Dangermond President, Esri
Sanjay Kumar, CEO Josef Strobl Director, Centre for Geoinformatics, University of Salzburg, Austria
INTERVIEW 29
'Leica and Z/I Imaging are complementary rather than competing'
Kamal K Singh Chairman and CEO Rolta Group
& 46
Mark Reichardt President and CEO Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc.
Matthew M O'Connell President and CEO GeoEye
Juergen Dold
Jack Ickes
President Hexagon Geosystems
President, Geospatial Solutions Division Hexagon Geosystems
SENSORS - PRODUCT PROFILE COVER IMAGE COURTESY: Draganfly Innovations
08 News
CHAIRMAN M P Narayanan PUBLISHER Sanjay Kumar PUBLICATIONS TEAM Managing Editor Prof. Arup Dasgupta Editor - Europe Prof. Ian Dowman Editor - Latin America (Honorary) Tania Maria Sausen Sr. Associate Editor (Honorary) Dr. Hrishikesh Samant Executive Editor Bhanu Rekha Product Manager Shivani Lal Assistant Editors Deepali Roy, Aditi Bhan, Vaibhav Arora Sub-Editor Anand Kashyap DESIGN TEAM Sr. Creative Designer Deepak Kumar Graphic Designer Manoj Kumar Singh CIRCULATION TEAM Circulation Manager Vijay Kumar Singh
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Preetha Pulusani Chairman and CEO DeepTarget Inc. Shailesh Nayak Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India
C ORRIGENDUM : In the story “SMEs: Key to Geospatial Value Chain” in the March edition of Geospatial World, the acquisition “Trimble-Elcome Tech” in Table 3 (Primary and secondary objectives guiding acquisitions in geospatial industry) should read “Hexagon - Elcome Tech”. The error is regretted. – Editor
07 Editorial
Juergen Dold President, Hexagon Geosystems
Vanessa Lawrence CB Director General and CEO, Ordnance Survey, UK
D ISCLAIMER Geospatial World does not necessarily subscribe to the views expressed in the publication. All views expressed in this issue are those of the contributors. Geospatial World is not responsible for any loss to anyone due to the information provided.
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Geospatial World I April 2012
EditorSpeak
The dilemma of new age sensing ata is the fuel that powers geospatial systems. Acquisition of accurate and reliable data thus becomes extremely important and this is where sensors play a signature role. While our eyes played this role for many years, today electronic sensors have widened the observable spectrum. Satellites have brought in the capabilities of synoptic viewing and repetitive coverage. From satellites, these versatile sensors have moved back to aerial and then the ground, thus completing a cycle, as it were. Sensing has also moved from proximate to remote and back to proximate as sensor networks. Multifunctional personal devices like cellphones and cameras now act as sensors, thus the individual users have also become sensors. In another twist in this connected world, individuals are sensors in more ways than one. As we surf the web, 'like' and 'unlike' items, 'share' and 'comment', we leave a trail which is assiduously followed by web marketers who now target advertisements tailored to our web presence. This is a kind of sensing that is neither remote nor proximate, uses no spectral signature but is nevertheless a very potent market force.
D
As sensors and sensing become more and more detailed and fine grained, they also run the danger of becoming insidious. Street view cameras are banned in many places due to privacy concerns and individual preferences and spending patterns lay bare our most personal details. On the flip side, we see that this kind of sensing also lays bare the wrongdoer, be it a usurper of government land or a con artist running an online phishing scam. How do we balance these needs and concerns? Do we shut ourselves up in a box or do we find ways of managing our information such that legitimate concerns are addressed and paranoia is avoided?
Prof. Arup Dasgupta At national levels these are the concerns of many countries. Managing Editor With the coming of age of remote sensing and the Internet, arup@geospatialmedia.net each country has to balance its data needs against its national security. The problem lies in the fact that the sensed data is now useful not only for government departments but equally for individuals and groups. Policies which deny and negate are useless in this world of networks and communications. We need to look at new paradigms of data management with as much attention as we pay to new paradigms of data acquisition. Lawmakers and law enforcers need to be up-to-date with the new technologies as much as the scientists and engineers. Science, technology and law cannot exist in watertight compartments. Technology will not allow it.
Geospatial World I April 2012
7
NEWS
SOUTH AFR ICA
to assess how myriad climate change impacts and responses intersect. It also enables users to locate projects funded by the 27 donors tracked in Malawi's Aid Management Platform.
semi-nomadic communities, which can be used to challenge decisions that see them excluded from forest areas.
ZAM B IA
Free access to LBS APIs mapIT announced free access to a wide range of LBS (location-based services) application programming interfaces (APIs) and services hosted in its data centre. Developers can get access of APIs during the development stage of an integrated digital mapping, running on deCarta's LBS platform. This offer is available for companies in sub-Saharan Africa. The LBS architecture is an integral platform which allows development on J2ME, Android, iOS and desktop/mobile Javascript platforms. In addition, the company announced that it can provide hosting services for its production applications and resell deCarta's Drill Down Server (DDS) products.
CONGO
Natives to claim land rights through mapping With an aim to provide legal land rights to indigenous people of Africa's Congo Basin, the Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) rolled out a "community mapping" project. RFUK's "Mapping for Rights" programme aims to train local people to map their land using GPS devices, marking the areas they use for activities such as hunting and fishing, their sacred sites, and the routes they use to access these vital areas. The GPS information is used to create a definitive map of the land used by these
BongoHive maps African tech hubs BongoHive, an IT company, created a user-generated online map of the fast-growing network of technology innovation and entrepreneurship centres across Africa. The map, titled Hubs in Africa, uses online mapping platform Ushahidi. 16 tech hubs have been plotted on the map from 13 different countries, including the Cairo Hackerspace, iHub Nairobi, Co-creation Hub Nigeria and Jokkolabs in Senegal. The map allows hubs to be placed into different categories such as business incubators, hacker spaces, technology hubs and university tech labs.
ALG E R IA ETH IOPIA
President inaugurates ACSD
Climate change impact to be mapped
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, inaugurated the Algerian Centre for Satellite Development (ACSD). Located in Oran, the centre is an operational entity of the Algerian Space Agency. The opening of this centre is an activity contemplated in the National Space Programme - Horizon 2020. This infrastructure will allow the space agency Abdelaziz Bouteflika inaugurates ACSD to build the third Algerian Alsat-2 B satellite, a twin of the Alsat-2 earth observation satellite. It will also provide appropriate technological environment to allow engineers and researchers to carry out activities in space technology and other related fields.
Strauss Center, in partnership with AidData, developed an online mapping tool as part of the Climate Change and African Political Stability (CCAPS) programme. Based on Esri's technology, the tool aims to enable both researchers and policymakers to visualise data specific to climate change vulnerability, conflict and aid. It allows users to select any combination of CCAPS data onto one map
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Geospatial World I April 2012
First navigation sat to be launched this year
I N DIA
SAC gets new Director Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmadabad, promoted A.S. Kiran Kumar, Associate Director of the Centre, as Director. He succeeded R.R. Navalgund. Kumar joined the Centre in 1975 and contributed to the design and development of electro-optical imaging sensors for satellites in low-earth and geo-stationary orbits, starting from the television payload on the Bhaskara satellites to the latest terrain mapping camera and hyper-spectral imager payloads for the Chandrayaan-1 mission.
Geospatial tech for urban planning Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra asked the state's Urban Development Department to extensively use GIS and other spatial technologies while creating the master plan for redevelopment, an Indian daily reported. An exhaustive database of buildings (in urban areas) with exact location will be created using mapping software and then uploaded on Google Earth for public scrutiny. A senior official in the Chief Minister's office informed that having a complete database of these buildings with the owner names, number of tenants, area occupied by each tenant and details of taxes will help make better policy decisions
Geospatial World I April 2012
The first Indian navigation satellite (which will eventually form the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System - IRNSS) will be launched this year, announced President Pratibha Patil, during a joint sitting of the Parliament. The IRNSS will be a constellation of seven satellites having allweather, round-the-clock coverage over the Indian landmass with an extended coverage of about 1,500 km around it. It will have a range of applications including personal navigation and will be an answer to the US-operated GPS, Russia's Glonass, European Space Agency's under-development Galileo and China's emerging constellation Compass.
GIS-based health info system to be set up India will soon set up a GIS-based Citizen Health Information System (CHIS). It will help health authorities identify geographic concentration of a disease. The biometric-based health information system will constantly update health records of every citizen, according to the Steering Committee on Health. In addition, as part of the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), all district hospitals would be linked to leading tertiary care centres through telemedicine, Skype and similar audio visual media. The CHIS will make morbidity and mortality profile available, thus helping to estimate burden of diseases and facilitate policy decisions at state and national levels.
regarding floor space index for redevelopment.
NORTH KOR EA
EO satellite to be launched in April North Korea will launch Kwangmy-
ongsong-3, an earth observation (EO) satellite to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the country's founder, Kim II Sung. The late Kim was born on April 15, 1912. A report published by local media observed that the satellite would boost the country's identity as a peaceful space technology user. Meanwhile, the US dubbed the satellite launch as "highly
9
provocative," saying North Korea is violating its international obligations. Previous satellite launches were widely viewed as ballistic missile test launches in disguise. Japan has even urged to abandon the launch, calling it a violation of a UN resolution restricting the North's use of ballistic missile technology.
SR I LAN KA
Indian surveyors to fill local shortfall Sri Lanka's Minister of Irrigation and Water Management Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that 200 surveyors will be called from India to survey the land that comes under the Mahaweli scheme. Addressing a function held in Mahaweli B zone (in Sri Lanka), he observed that local surveyors failed to accomplish the Mahaweli land surveying job and that private surveyors also did not respond adequately to the government demand.
VI ETNAM
VAST selects SPACEBEL for EO satellite Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) signed contractual pre-agreements with Belgium-based SPACEBEL, for the supply of an earth observation (EO) minisatellite, VNREDSat-1B (Vietnam Natural Resources, Environment & Disaster Monitoring satellite). The satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2017. In addition, the country also signed Belgian Government's letter for the provision of an additional EUR 3 million to the EUR 63 million credit meant for the project. Weighing 130 kg, the satellite will Vietnam's first satellite, Vinasat-1 play an important role in the field of natural resources management and will also help detect pollution in the sea and minimise the impact of natural disasters.
authorities used location technology to trace 120,000 criminal suspects, although it is unclear whether they used the information only in strict accordance with the law.
country to explore ways to accommodate the ever-increasing population that recently touched one million mark and to keep track of urban expansion.
BAH RAI N
CH I NA
SOUTH KOR EA
Telecom firms accused of misusing location data Sub-contractors of two South Korean mobile carriers sold location information of 200,000 customers, reported a local daily. The report observed that this theft highlighted lacunae in the protection of location information and is a grave infringement of the privacy of subscribers. The report further stated that the data were sold to private detectives. Last year,
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GeoEye measures '70 pc satnav devices inland area expansion problematic' The overall inland area of Bahrain expanded to 765.3 sq km last year, up from 759 sq km in 2010. "The new area of Bahrain has been measured by GeoEye satellite at 41-centimetre resolution," announced Dr Khalid Abdulrahman Al Haidan, Director, Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) Geographic Information Systems. Six years ago, the area of Bahrain was 741.1 sq km before expanding to 757.9 sq km in 2009. The mapping exercise is helping the
Over 70 percent of satellite navigation (satnav) devices in the Chinese market failed to pass a recent sample
Geospatial World I April 2012
inspection carried out by experts, Chinese media reported. Out of a total of 18 different devices, produced by 13 major firms, only 5 devices produced by three different factories, could pass the inspection. According to the report, the 54th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation carried out the sample test of navigation devices, in accordance with the general specification for in-vehicle GPS navigation system and certification rules for satellite navigation devices, between October 2011 and February 2012 across 19 regions of the country.
Expert calls for new space policy China needs its own space law to protect its rights in outer space as well as to regulate its domestic space activities, said Hu Hao, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the lunar exploration centre under the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry of National Defence (COSTIND). Hu, a deputy to the country's top legislature, the National People's Congress, made this call during the annual legislative session. Hu observed that the law should involve the regulation of the commercialisation of satellite remote sensing data services, as some remote sensing data service providers, including Google Earth, have exposed important and sensitive information on the Internet, causing widespread concern and controversy.
Reporting system gets g-power Wuda Geoinformatics (GeoStar) developed a map-based reporting system for the Changjiang - Pearl
Geospatial World I April 2012
ernment of China contribution of USD 88 million financed the project.
New system for quake prediction
River Watershed Rehabilitation Project (CPRWRP) MIS. The map shows the location and type of different plots and measures, as well as the status of implementation as an overlay on topography, major roads, streams and administrative boundaries, thus enabling on-site verification of project progress. The project area comprises of 180 mountainous or hilly sub-watersheds in 37 counties in Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing. A USD 100 million loan by World Bank, European Union (EU) grant of 10 million Euros and a Gov-
China developed a system to monitor the movement of the earth's crust and predict earthquakes, according to an official of the China Earthquake Administration. The system, worth approx USD 83.2 million, is based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS). It involves a network of 260 constant observing stations and 2,000 part-time observing stations with data processing technology. It will also be used for weather forecasting and scientific research, among other purposes. The new network joins the US Plate Boundary Observation system and Japan's GEONE as the most advanced means of observing the movement of the earth's crust.
PH I LI PPI N ES
Cadastral survey to curb boundary conflicts The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 4B commissioned a Cadastral Survey Project in the municipalities of Magsaysay and Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. The survey will be implemented in three phrases. The first phase will see installation of new geodetic control points using the numerical computation of coordinates under the Philippine Reference System Series of 1992. The second phase will be the installation of the barangay boundaries and mapping of the municipalities while the last phase will cover the identification of owners in all barangays. Project surveyor, Eng Polly Alberto, explained that the survey will help residents to get title of their lands smoothly and thus curb boundary conflicts.
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FRANCE
Partnership for cloud platform A consortium of leading IT providers and three of Europe's biggest research centres (CERN, EMBL and ESA) formed a partnership to launch a European cloud computing platform, Helix Nebula - the Science Cloud. The platform aims to support the IT requirements of European scientists. During a two-year pilot phase, using Helix Nebula, the European Space Agency (ESA), in partner-
ship with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will collaborate with the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy, to create an earth observation platform focusing on earthquake and volcano research. This undertaking is done in the framework of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), a voluntary partnership of governments and international organisations.
Satellite maps earth's crust and mantle The European Space Agency (ESA) released the first global high-resolution map of the boundary between the earth's mantle and its crust (the Moho). The agency used data from the GOCE (Gravity field and steadystate Ocean Circulation Explorer) satellite. The GOCE Exploitation for Moho Modeling and Applications project (GEMMA) plans to study the way the ocean moves and circulates. With a better understanding of ocean circulation, scientists hope to learn more about the earth's interior, as
'Space budgets hit ceiling' Euroconsult, a market research firm, announced that global budgets for space programmes reached a ceiling of USD 70 billion. It also confirmed slowdown in expansion experienced by the space industry in the last 10 years, which will continue for the next five years due to European public debt crisis and the US Budget Control Act 2011. According to the report, during 2011, earth observation & meteorology budget was USD 9 billion (15 percent of total budget), which was 16 percent more than 2010. Similarly, budget for navigation satellite was USD 3.2 billion (5 percent of total budget), which was 5 percent more than 2010.
Cloud computing during Japan’s earthquake
Astrium eyeing satellite firm Astrium, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), is "generally interested" in acquiring one of the two satellite imagery providers, GeoEye Inc or DigitalGlobe Inc and would look carefully at a deal if the price was affordable, according to Evert Dudok, Chief Executive of Astrium Satellites. In conversation with Reuters, Dudok stated that the company's parent, EADS, was actively looking for takeover targets in the US, and either of the top two companies would be a good fit with Astrium, which is ranked No. 3 in the geospatial information market.
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well as changes in sea-level and the way energy is exchanged globally via oceanic movement.
Pol-InSAR sat maps forest height Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) revealed that Polarimetric InSAR (Pol-InSAR) satellite data can be exploited to map forest height, 3D forest structure and their natural or anthropogenic disturbance with high spatial resolution and accuracy. Pol-InSAR is a remote sensing
Geospatial World I April 2012
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state and municipal institutions. It is due for completion by 2014 and has received funding from the state budget of the Russian Federation and World Bank.
TAJ I KISTAN
Ground support stations for GLONASS positioning system will be set up in 34 countries across the globe, according to Russian Space Systems General Director and General Designer Yury Urlichich. In conversation with media, he said, "Negotiations with ten to fifteen countries are nearing completion, which include Australia." Russian Space Systems has all the necessary resources to install such stations in nearly 20 countries and three GLONASS stations are already operating in Antarctica, Urlichich informed.
World Bank to fund cadastre project Tajik officials recently signed an agreement with the World Bank (WB). As part of the agreement, the WB, through its International Development Association, will fund USD 10 million to help register farmlands and create a cadastre system in the country. This initiative will help the country in expanding the restructuring of farmland holdings and enable officials to give farmers certificates entitling them to use land. Completion of these projects is scheduled for March 2015.
R USSIA
Rosreestr to unify real estate databases The Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr) rolled out a project to unify real estate information systems in the Russian Federation. It will cover activities of all regional offices, subordinated institutions and related organisations in the Federation's 81 subjects. The project will enable paper-free delivery of information from Rosreestr's data recording systems to all interested
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GLONASS stations planned in 34 countries
MALTA
MEPA to map archipelago in 3D In a bid to accurately map Maltese islands in 3D, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) completed a 3D aerial survey using LiDAR technology. All data from this project will be available on a web portal, known as Shared Environmental
Courtesy: www.airliners.net
technique, based on polarimetric information in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. For the first time, they assessed the performance of Pol-InSAR over tropical forest environments of the Indonesian island of Borneo.
Information System (SEIS), which will be launched in June 2013. Following these surveys, MEPA will
G E R MANY
Berlin Conference approves UNIDROIT Protocol Delegates of International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and its 63 member states approved UNIDROIT Space Assets Protocol during the Berlin Conference. However, the European Satellite Operators' Association (ESOA), the US Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the Space Industry Association of Australia, the Canadian Satellite and Space Industry Forum, the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia and the Global VSAT Forum strongly opposed it. They believe that the Protocol will increase the cost of satellite financing and make it extremely difficult for developing nations to benefit from the delivery of satellite services.
Geospatial World I April 2012
be able to generate digital terrain 3D models, which can be used for various applications such as urban and transport planning, environmental impact assessments, modelling of runoff water and monitoring of land use.
UK
OS to form GI communities Ordnance Survey (OS) launched a new professional accreditation programme. Under the programme, OS will form two communities for the accredited consultants and accredited technical specialists. They will work with the OS in supporting, and providing technical advice to government, commercial and international customers. The accredited consultants will be independent experts with a track record in providing external consultancy on strategic planning, design and implementation. Similarly, the accredited technical specialists will be individuals with a track record of providing technical consultancy.
'GPS personal tracking market booming' Global GPS personal tracking devices and applications market will be worth USD 1 billion in 2017. It will grow at a CAGR of 40 percent, claimed ABI Research in its report, Personal Location Devices and Applications Market. Senior analyst Patrick Connolly explained, "The hardware market remained below 100,000 units in 2011. However, it is forecast to reach 2.5 million units in 2017." He added,
Geospatial World I April 2012
SPAI N
Tool to retrieve georeferenced images In a bid to make the best use of information available on social networking websites during a crisis, researchers at the University Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) developed the eStorys tool. It allows people to retrieve georeferenced images uploaded on a social networking website, place them on maps and organise them as a comic book, to create visual perspective of a particular incident. The system has been created in collaboration with the University of Rome and aims to help professionals involved in emergency management to obtain data and images to understand how citizens perceive such situations and detect faults and areas for improvement.
"We are also seeing the first signs of leading consumer electronics com-
Mining and Spatial Planning Oliver Dulic inaugurated Infoterra Geo Information System (IGIS), a central geospatial data system, at the Serbian Geodetic Authority centre. The French government's Investment Directorate had awarded a loan of EUR 11 million, while the Geodetic Authority gave EUR 5 million for the project. Dulic stated that Serbia is the first in
panies entering the market, such as Qualcomm, Apple (via PocketFinder), Garmin, Cobra, etc. There will also be significant partnerships and acquisitions in this space as new entrants look to add tracking to their portfolio."
SE R B IA
Central system for geospatial data Serbia's Minister of Environment,
the region to open such centre and will provide assistance to neighbouring countries so that they could develop a modern system for geo information.
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Open Spatial acquires Munsys Open Spatial announced the acquisition of Munsys, a leading software development company, and all its associated trademarks and patents. As a result of the acquisition, Open Spatial will now control the sales and support businesses of Munsys in North America, Africa and Australia. Anthony Jahshan, CEO of the group said, "Our new developments will focus on integrating Building Information Models (BIM) through CAD into asset management and GIS. Besides, it also aims to prepare customers for advanced network analysis, water loss and leak detection by drawing on live information from multiple sources in the field."
All buildings to be mapped in 3D A group of public and private bodies partnered to create the Virtual Australia & New Zealand Initiative (VANZI), which aims to create a 3D virtual model of every building. Under the initiative, apps will be provided to individuals to create data about their own properties. To maintain privacy, homeowners won't be able to see over their fence to a neighbour's backyard. VANZI's mission is to work with owners of spatial data and devise ways for more effective online sharing. VANZI has been brought into existence by the Co-Operative Research Centre for Spatial Information, the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing, the Australian Logistics Council, the Municipal Association of Victoria and National ICT Australia.
Geospatial World I April 2012
B USI N ESS
Bentley acquires elcoSystem product line Bentley Systems acquired the elcoSystem software business of Hannappel Software GmbH, based-in Wiesbaden, Germany. Under a distribution agreement with Hannappel, the elcoSystem line of software for electrical engineering is already a fundamental component of Bentley's Raceway and Cable Management and Building Electrical Systems offerings. This acquisition will further enhance Bentley's ability to deliver the next
level of intelligent and efficient electrical engineering workflows across a wider range of use cases. Bentley Raceway and Cable Management V8i uniquely integrates functional design with detailed physical design and includes a wide range of 2D and 3D design tools.
DigitalGlobe inks deal with Baidu Baidu Map Satellite View (Tian'anmen)
DigitalGlobe signed a contract with China's most influential Internet search portal, Baidu. As part of the agreement, DigitalGlobe will provide the search engine with high-resolution satellite imagery of 344 Chinese cities. Hence, third-party developers will get increased functionality in the Baidu Maps application programming interface (API) for location-based services. It will also enable Baidu to
GeoEye right on growth track Amid speculations of a budget cut, GeoEye assured its investors that it fully expects to receive a USD 111 million payment from its principal US government customer by June. The payment will be made under the terms of a contract calling for the government to share the costs of the company's high-resolution GeoEye-2 optical earth observation satellite. Earlier, the company announced results for its fiscal year (FY) 2011. Total revenues for the twelve months ended on December 31, 2011, were USD 356.4 million, an 8 percent increase from USD 330.3 million in the FY 2010. In addition, the company bagged a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract from GE Aviation, under which GE Aviation will utilise GeoEye 3D Airports and Terrain/Obstacle databases produced from GeoEye's stereo satellite imagery.
Geospatial World I April 2012
provide its end-users with a more robust online mapping experience. DigitalGlobe considers China as one of its most strategic geographic markets and establishing this relationship with Baidu is an important step in strengthening its position in the Chinese consumer segment.
Demand for OSM data surges Recently, location-based service (LBS) providers, FourSquare and Apple dropped Google Maps and embraced OpenStreetMap (OSM). FourSquare contacted MapBox to create maps using the OSM data in a technology called MapBox Streets, which now powers Foursquare.com. This solution was deemed the best because the maps are being constantly updated and there is more flexibility for Foursquare to change things like colours and fonts. On the other hand, experts found Apple using OSM data (without attributing it) during the launch of its new iPad, which is embedded with lots of innovative features. One of the key features is the photo editing application, iPhoto. It can be used to geo-tag photos by placing them on a digital map.
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Banking firm acquires LBS company Green Dot Corp, a banking and payment services firm, acquired Loopt, a location-based-services company, for a whopping USD 43.4 million. Loopt holds several patents that are applicable to mobile marketing in the context of location-based messaging delivered real-time to a mobile handset. Green Dot believes that these patents will be important strategic assets as it pursues its mobile business opportunities. The banking firm is planning to integrate Loopt into its operations to improve customer acquisition and retention of its current prepaid debit cards.
P OLICY AN D E DUCATION
FBI shuts down GPS trackers A recent ruling on GPS tracking prompted the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to turn off about 3,000 tracking devices, according to FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. He was addressing a conference at the University of San Francisco. The Supreme Court ruling on US vs. Jones, which found that placing a GPS tracker without a warrant constituted an illegal search, has apparently caused a "sea change" in the Bureau, leading it to draft broader guidelines for both GPS device use and related questions regarding the right to privacy.
Dilemma over geographic education In an era of widespread adoption of geospatial technology, dilemma over importance of geographic education continues in the US. Recently, the
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Oklahoma State Department of Education withdrew funds from teacher training programmes for geographic education. But, National Geographic Society's education foundation offered a USD 32,000 grant to the New Mexico State University to boost geography education across the state. According to Douglas A Hurt, Associate Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, geography illiteracy is pervasive in many American schools. A 2010 survey of more than 26,000 students showed that only one-fourth of students in the fourth, eighth and 12th grades scored at a "proficient" level.
Laboratory at Goddard and a member of the Space Geodesy Project team. With the 'vector tie' system, the agency will upgrade and interlink GPS, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), satellite laser ranging (SLR) and doppler orbitography and radiopositioning (DORIS). 'Vector tie' system will use a laser to continuously monitor the reference points.
OR-SAGE to boost power generation Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed a technology to streamline and strengthen the process for siting power plants. The Oak Ridge Siting Analysis for Power Generation Expansion, or OR-SAGE, aims to enhance the nation's energy security. It utilises GIS data in addition to ORNL's LandScan database, examines millions of cells and simultaneously determines their suitability for the various types of power generation. "OR-SAGE takes into account availability of water, identifies sufficient land areas that are suitable to meet nominal requirements for the footprint of the various types of plants
APPLICATIONS
NASA to upgrade positioning systems NASA is leading an effort to build a prototype station that will go beyond current scientific requirements and serve the navigation satellites of the future, according to Herbert Frey, Head of the Planetary Geodynamics
and impacts on siting future plants in terms of increases in population and demand for water," said Gary Mays, project manager at ORNL. "Ultimately, the tool allows for the flexible use of screening criteria for candidate
Geospatial World I April 2012
ForWarn to make forest monitoring easier The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled ForWarn. It is a satellite-based natural resource monitoring and assessment tool. It recognises and tracks potential forest disturbances caused by insects, diseases, wildfires, extreme weather, or other natural or humancaused events. The prototype version of ForWarn is using MODIS satellite imagery to recognise and track changes in vegetation across the US, providing a near-real-time view of potential forest disturbance and recovery. It uses a web-based map tool, the Forest Change Assessment Viewer, to provide an eight-day, coast-to-coast snapshot of the US landscape, interpret images and create geographically relevant maps.
site comparisons and enhances the ability to assess energy needs."
Geospatial tech exposes meth labs Using geospatial predictive analytics technique, Max Lu and Jessica Burnum, from the Kansas State University, developed a novel method of finding methamphetamine labs even before they open. They examined Colorado Springs’ data collected during 2002 to 2005 on seized meth lab equipment and where rogue chemists dumped the toxic by-products of methamphetamine manufacture. Map data analysed over time successfully demonstrated the spread of meth labs throughout the metropolitan area--and even predicted where they would pop up next. Police departments such as Lowell, Massachussetts, and New Haven, Connecticut, are using similar methods to Lu's to find blocks likely to host discreet drug dealers or where
Geospatial World I April 2012
car break-ins will take place.
UN to develop multi-scale datasets The UN Cartographic Section (UNCS) is planning to develop global multiscale geospatial datasets (or UNmap) for rapid map production and web mapping to support the Security Council and the Secretariat including UN field missions. Currently, an interim version of UNmap in scales of 1:1 million, 1:5 million and 1:10 million are in the final stages of completion. These maps are being used as primary geo-databases for UNCS and UN field missions. The purpose of UNmap is to develop and maintain a spatial data infrastructure (integrated with the datasets of UN international boundaries and Second Administrative Level Boundaries as well as UN Gazetteer) for UN needs that will provide a single homogeneous dataset of global geospatial features of the world for any mapping purpose.
UNASUR agrees for space agency Defence ministers of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) agreed to set up a South American space agency during a meeting of the Defence Council of UNASUR. The ministers also agreed to commission a working group for the design, development and joint production of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs). The South American Defence Council of UNASUR comprises of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
National Cadastre Project commences As part of the '2010-2030 National Development Strategy', Dominican Republic commissioned first phase of the National Cadastre Project. It comprises 395,000 cadastral units of the national districts. This initiative will create a source of urban real estate cadastral information and will run for three years thus benefiting about two million inhabitants of the towns mentioned above. Under this project, the National Cadastre Directorate is promoting an institutional modernisation. The modernisation includes: a new law on land registration, the adoption of new technologies, team training, and updating processes / methodologies for cadastral activities.
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SPOTLIGHT
Geospatial Industry And Sustainable World Economy Geospatial technology, in synergy with several other technologies, has the potential to play a critical role in suporting and sustaining the increasing global population with limited resources. Here's a snapshot of the immediate actions required on various fronts to harness this potential and make geospatial industry a valuable industry contributing to the world economy oving forward with sustainability is no more a subject matter of intellectual discussion. Instead, today, it is a harsh reality of human civilisation. However, the scope and definition of sustainability has expanded manifold to include much larger issues and essential utilities and requisitions of day-to-day life. The inherent consumerism of growth/development has constantly evolved luxuries into commodities causing incremental per capita consumption.
M
Globalisation of economy and polity Globalisation of economy is another
20
reality today. There has never been around the world, so as to create and more inter-dependency of promote processes and practices economies as now and the dependsuitable to pursue their ideology of encies are only anticipated to grow. 'one world.' Industrial processes are being Increasing demand for designed in such a manner that proresources duction is split in different economic Without getting into the merits and zones and products are being mardemerits of the above, I would like to keted globally. This is making the concentrate on the globalisation of production viable, simultaneously resources and their judicious utilisamaking the products cost-effective. tion by the citizens of the world. Today, every local action has global Considering ourselves as part of one reaction and every global challenge world, each of us needs to work influences local living. together and exploit/utilise our niche The trend is no different in the domain expertise for the larger goals political systems. One can very well of preserving world resources and foresee how a few political systems managing the economies. are determined to establish particuPSLV C12 launching RISAT-2. Image Courtesy ISRO Several organisations around the lar political ideologies and culture
Geospatial World I April 2012
explore ways and also plan for the increasing demand. Given that there is no indication of migration of people and sharing of resources between and amongst the planets of this universe in the foreseeable future, human beings have to fend for themselves!
Asking for better understanding and management of resources
world, including the United Nations, have been busy making projections with regard to growing population, their socioeconomic behaviour and have been coming up with statistical analyses and forecasts of consumption of resources. These projections provide valuable, relevant and relative directions with regard to the prospects and challenges of our world in the next few decades. The projections by different organisations may vary but the variation is not far from reality. The bottomline of all these projections is that the challenge of supporting and sustaining the increasing population with limited resources is only getting arduous by the day. Added to this is the constant increase in consumption, making the wedge between demand and supply even larger. This challenge makes it imperative for us to effectively and judiciously use the existing (and fast depleting) resources of the planet;
Geospatial World I April 2012
So, what are our options? Should we attempt to halt the rise in population or should we reduce the per capita consumption by making the resources prerogative of an exclusive few? Truly speaking, there is enough for all of us and we all can cherish these resources to our requirements (of course within the given principles of economy of scale and affordability to consume). All we need to do is to put our acts together and make effective use of our scientific knowledge while having control over our
69%
of world population will be in urban areas by 2050
socioeconomic behaviour. What is required is to look at tomorrow through the lens of tomorrow's realities and develop our strategies with an aim to sustain the coming generations. There are several instruments existing today, which when put together, can create a better tomorrow. It is a general belief that our imagination is limited only by our
own knowledge which is again limited by our ability to understand the world we live in. However, developments in the past one century have surpassed our imagination many times. Information technology and its adoption have allowed us to capture every possible asset/resource and process the same for better utilisation. Most important of all is to create awareness about the same to larger groups of people through efficient communication networks. I believe the only way to a better tomorrow is to understand and man-
55%
increase in water demand by 2050
age world resources better; deploy efficient, effective and productive processes while harnessing these resources and create better networked distribution systems of these commodities to global citizens and reduce wastage, pilferage and losses.
Geospatial industry: A promising industry with a potential role Geospatial industry provides the most effective means to achieve this scenario. In view of several existing definitions of geospatial technology and industry, I put forward my view to support my argument. 'Geospatial' encompasses in itself anything and everything that is geo-referenced and spatial in its characteristic and content. 'Geospatial industry' is anything and everything that is associated with science, technology and
21
70%
increase in demand for food in 2040
application of geospatial data. Not having studied the subject of geospatial at major or masters’ level, I have no technical understanding of this wonderful technology. However, this has always made me think and act as a user. I have been quite fortunate to be associated with several key stakeholders of this community/ industry for more than a decade at local, regional and global levels. I am a firm believer that geospatial industry has the potential to be the 'game changer' industry in tomorrow's world order. Geospatial technology and its' synergy with several other technologies like information technology, design and engineering, wireless and telecommunications offer the most appropriate solutions in understanding and managing world resources. Major economic sectors including mining, exploration, energy, water, housing, transportation, infrastructure and telecommunications are beginning to use geospatial technology to better understand their business domains, processes and assets. They are deploying essential geospatial tools
There is an urgent need to define ‘geospatial industry.’ The next critical need is to raise the proffile of geospatial industry at all levels. As of today, geospatial industry is yet to be seen as an industry in itself
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30%
rise in global energy demand from 2010 to 2040
at enterprise level to make their processes more efficient, productive and viable. But what we have seen so far is just the beginning. Therein lies the true opportunity for geospatial industry to play its due role and create an industry which can stand together with other major industries in creating a better and sustainable tomorrow. I would like to now touch upon some of the steps needed to realise the true potential of geospatial technology in managing world resources better and contributing to the world economy.
Defining and raising the profile of geospatial industry There is an urgent need to define ‘geospatial industry,’ which is at the moment compartmentalised into GIS, surveying, imaging, laser scanning and so on. Fundamentally, the industry deals with geospatial information and the different tools being used to create/generate geospatial data of different kinds at different scales. The output of all these exercises is nothing but a 'map' which adds value to several other associated datasets that help users to understand and manage their businesses. Positioning these as separate and independent businesses has short term benefits. However, all these business entities have 'geospatial' in common and it is imperative that they come together to achieve the larger goals. Having defined the geospatial industry, the next critical need is to
110%
increase in oil demand by 2050
raise the profile of geospatial industry at all levels. Enough momentum has been provided by several pathbreaking developments like Google Earth, Bing Maps and several navigation products. They have created awareness about spatial content amongst masses. However, they have not been able to provide the required push to geospatial industry per se. As of today, geospatial industry is yet to be seen as an industry in itself, leave alone making a difference/contribution to the economy. Industry organisation is equally important, if not more. Today, the world industry does not recognise 'geospatial industry' as a potential value creating technology and industry. Every major economic domain is well recognised as an 'industry', including information technology, engineering, energy, mining and oil and gas. These 'industries' include all stakeholders like policy makers, users, academicians, technology developers and solution/service providers pertaining to the domain. However, 'geospatial industry' still refers to private companies only. This industry has always been projected more as a sector providing technical know-how instead of an industry in itself. However, over the past two decades, 'geospatial' has also evolved as an industry wherein several companies have come forward to deliver complete solutions and products for consumer and professional markets. This definitely calls for recognising and organising this domain as an industry. Geospatial World I April 2012
Xiang Yu, Peace Map Co., Ltd.
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30mn
more housing units will be needed by 2050
Policy advocacy Geospatial technology and industry find their origins in defence sector. That's probably one of the reasons for the restrictive policies governing geospatial data in many countries. The popularisation of geospatial data for a common man's use has helped in getting the same a bit liberalised, but in several developing countries, prevailing policies are quite outdated and restrictive, impeding the growth of geospatial industry. There is an urgent need for geospatial industry to organise itself and develop adequate policy advocacy mechanisms to enable the evolution of better policy environment. In view of the fact that geospatial information is a bit sensitive from defence perspective, this job is little difficult. However, it is worth mentioning that several other industries like telecommunications too have dealt with such issues and have successfully broken the myth of security sensitivity.
Capacity development Capacity development and funda-
There is an urgent need for geospatial industry to organise itself and develop adequate advocacy mechanisms to enable the evolution of better policy environment
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mental research are other important issues which require immediate attention. Despite having been projected as a core technical industry, there is very little cooperation between and among the stakeholders of geospatial industry vis-Ă -vis
2.5bn
number of vehicles by 2050
research and capacity development. Academic and research institutions follow their own course and direction. They have very limited interaction with technology companies, user agencies and policy making authorities. In order to truly realise the value of geospatial industry, it's absolutely vital for all the stakeholders to come together to discuss and delibrate upon the issues pertaining to fundamental research and capacity development. This would bring in more relevance and appropriate direction and enable the stakeholders to leverage each others' strengths for the overall development of the industry.
Connectivity with mainstream economy Several of us have talked and preached about mainstreaming geospatial technology in the past, but I think this is the right time to work together to mainstream the geospatial industry and connect it with world economy. During my interactions with several companies
including those specialising in providing geospatial solutions and services, one common concern aired frequently is that the companies find it hard to project to prospective buyers the economic value and business proposition of the technology. That's because these companies have so far been serving the customers with individual tools which help them in their business activity. However, geospatial industry is now ready to provide turn-key solutions and create an economic activity for its users.
Geospatial World: Connecting together In a nutshell, the purpose and objective of geospatial industry should be to organise itself, raise its profile and connect itself with mainstream economy at local, national, regional and global levels. I would like to request and submit to every stakeholder of this industry, especially those providing leadership to geospatial institutions, geospatial companies, geospatial nodal agencies and large enterprise user communities, to get together and provide the necessary investments, attention and momentum to organise and evolve geospatial industry and facilitate the harnessing of its true potential for world economy. Geospatial World Forum 2012, being organised in Amsterdam, The Netherlands from April 23-27 is an attempt to bring together the diverse stakeholders of geospatial industry and the world economy to realise and achieve the true potential of geospatial industry in meeting the needs of tomorrow in a sustainable manner. Sanjay Kumar, CEO sanjay@geospatialmedia.net
Geospatial World I April 2012
DigitalGlobe I Advertorial
DigitalGlobe Revolutionizes Nationwide Topographic Mapping THE WORLD AS WE KNEW IT
Topographic (Topo) mapping has traditionally been a laborious process. Several countries across the globe have topographic maps that have been not updated in decades, but need to be, in order to catch up with the developed nations. It is indisputable that, historically, it has taken millions of dollars and multiple decades to create acceptable topo maps. But even as the maps are being developed, they are already perversely out- of- date, so the financial investment and the value of that investment are completely misaligned. DigitalGlobe has the technical ability and proven performance record to drastically reduce costs, timelines, and improve the accuracy of topo maps with our world-
leading, nationwide collection capabilities. Additionally, we can extend both the life and value of the initial investment in a topo map by leveraging our advanced technology to update the maps regularly. For example, we currently have underway a large nationwide mapping project for a major national government in South America where we will deliver 1:25000 scale maps at a fraction of the cost from just a few years ago and they can seamlessly and cost effectively leverage the initial investment toward 1:10000 scale maps as
their needs change. THE WORLDVIEW REVOLUTION AS WE KNOW IT
DigitalGlobe has pioneered the launch of next generation, highresolution, earth observation satellites that are changing the paradigm of traditional mapping. The launch of our WorldView-1 satellite resulted in unprecedented
DG Constellation Daily Collection Totals
Geospatial World I April 2012
Published by Geospatial World
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graphic maps. DigitalGlobe has also developed the capability to produce large area elevation models to support nationwide mapping as well as creation of contours. The figure below shows an example of an elevation model created over Chile.
collection capacity, covering large areas of the globe frequently. Today, WorldView-1 can collect over 1.2 million km2 of panchromatic imagery every day or almost 3 times the land mass of the earth every year. When we add on the collection capabilities of WorldView-2, the DigitalGlobe constellation collects over 2.4 million km2 of 50 centimeter or better resolution, every day. Furthermore, WorldView satellites were designed with agility in mind, allowing collection of stereo imagery that can be used to produce high-accuracy elevation models. The figure below shows the coverage of our constellation over the past decade. DigitalGlobe's imagery archive currently has 2.2 billion km2 of imagery of the world and is growing rapidly every day. This archive has existing stereo coverage of large areas that can be exploited to create elevation models and contours for topo-
26 Published by Geospatial World
TRADITIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING VS WORLDVIEW TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING
Traditional topographic mapping techniques include surveying techniques coupled with geodetic networks to create topographic sheets of large areas. The digital age, enhanced by WorldView data, brings a new approach to map making that complements traditional surveying and allows creation of country wide topo sheets, economically with faster turnaround times. Typical accuracies of orthorectified images produced from WorldView satellite imagery
are now in the 6 - 8 meter range globally, with few exceptions in steep terrain areas. Additionally, DigitalGlobe has developed technologies that can leverage satellite imagery, including imagery from other commercial or government satellites, to produce country wide orthomosaics. TRANSFORMING PIXELS TO TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
DigitalGlobe has spent the last few years working on three critical aspects of transforming pixels into topographic sheets: 1. Accuracy 2. Age 3. Quality. We continuously
MEXICO WORLDVIEW-2 MOSAIC
work on improving positional accuracy of our satellites as well as developing technologies to improve our overall orthomosaic
Geospatial World I April 2012
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
accuracy. Through a strategic content plan that uses a combination of metrics including global population metrics, city extents, etc., DigitalGlobe ensures the age of the orthomosaics is as current as possible. Our in-house techniques allow us to create high quality, visually pleasing mosaics. The figure below reflects a large area orthomosaic of the country of N. Korea. DigitalGlobe has successfully addressed several image processing challenges such as large area bundle adjustment, radiometric balancing over large regions and most importantly, a unique technique that minimizes the need for ground control points on the ground. This breakthrough technology will result in significant cost savings for customers, as well as faster turnaround times for creation of large area orthomosaics. DigitalGlobe understands the value of authoritative data. We have developed strategic partnerships across the globe that will allow us to work with local authoritative sources, such as survey departments, to ensure that our processes conform to the best practices of the local country.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
DigitalGlobe is developing cutting edge technology of EOS, and image processing technologies that will make traditional mapping techniques more effective and economical.
Geospatial World I April 2012
â&#x20AC;?
New Haven Coast, Belize
ErgChech Desert, Algeria
Galapagos Islands
Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
Dr. Navulur has over 18 years experience in remote sensing and GIS. He received his Ph.D in engineering from Purdue University and a Masters in Remote Sensing Applications from IIT in Bombay. He is the author of the book entitled, "Multi-Spectral Image Analysis Using Object Oriented Paradigm". Dr. Navulur has experience in image analysis using imagery from multiple platforms, different sensors, and in analyzing both multi-spectral as well as hyper-spectral imagery. He is also familiar with various image analysis techniques including machine vision, neural nets, expert systems, sub-pixel classifiers, AFE, DR. KUMAR NAVULUR and pattern recognition. He is currently and adjunct professor at the University of Director Next Generation Denver and is Director of Next Generation Products, DigitalGlobe, USA Products at DigitalGlobe.
Published by Geospatial World
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advantage of our spectral superiority, to create high value information layers as shown below: CHANGING THE PARADIGM OF TRADITIONAL MAPPING
WORLDVIEW ADVANTAGE: FROM TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS TO EGOVERNANCE
DigitalGlobe's WorldView-2 satellite, with its 8 spectral bands, is uniquely suited for creating other nationwide GIS layers including Landuse/Landcover, Wetlands Inventory, and others. WorldView3, our next generation system, will add continuity to the WorldView system, assuring customers' continued service for years to come. WorldView imagery has already been used by various governments
28 Published by Geospatial World
to create cadastral maps/parcel maps, forest inventory calculations, natural resources management and other authoritative GIS layers for eGovernance activities. DigitalGlobe has developed product offerings such as Landuse/Landcover that take
DigitalGlobe is developing cutting edge technology of Earth Observation satellites, and image processing technologies that will make traditional mapping techniques more effective and economical. These technologies enable our customers to do countrywide mapping at 1:10000 scale or better, and mapping with scales up to 1:5000 or better on cities and urban areas with ground control. DigitalGlobe is actively engaged in nationwide mapping programs for select countries across the globe. As geospatial technology becomes the core fabric of day to day life, DigitalGlobe is establishing itself as the leader in this geospatial evolution/revolution. In summary, DigitalGlobe is a major catalyst in facilitating the timely building and maintenance of topo maps in a cost effective manner. This makes best-in-class topo maps a reality for all countries and particularly those that are challenged by time and financial resources.
www.digitalglobe.com/topomap I info@digitalglobe.com
Geospatial World I April 2012
INTERVIEW
'Leica and Z/I Imaging are complementary rather than competitive' Post the Intergraph acquisition, how is HexagonGeospatial Solutions Division building synergies etween Leica Geosystems and Z/I Imaging in terms be of technology and business reach of independent companies? Dold: After Hexagon's acquisition of Intergraph in late 2010, Z/I Imaging and Leica Geosystems' Airborne Sensors Business Unit joined forces. In 2011, both management teams combined 80 years of photogrammetric history, which ties back to the wellknown brands of Zeiss and Wild Heerbrugg who started these businesses in the early twentieth century. Today, both companies profit from the strengths of the other. Together, under the umbrella of Hexagon's Geospatial Solutions Division, we have a global presence. We are also the only company with the complete portfolio of airborne sensors that includes medium and large format imaging sensors, large format push-broom imaging sensors, low and high altitude LiDAR sensors, premium stabilising sensor platforms and a complete workflow, which covers the process from mission planning and flight control to innovative postprocessing and image generation. With an increasing focus on software development, we are also now in a position to offer vertical workflow solutions such as fully automated rapid
Geospatial World I April 2012
Juergen Dold President Hexagon Geosystems 29
orthophoto production, point cloud generation from imagery and specialised remote sensing applications.
applications. The synergies of both companies' product portfolios lie in mission planning, flight management, stabilising platforms and workflow software. Naturally, we How are you dealing with similar/competing products in the have been spending a significant product portfolios of both the amount of time examining existing companies? solutions and combining the best of Dold: I think looking at the obvious both worlds into innovative products one, the imaging sensors, we can that serve our combined customer confirm today that our respective base. The recently launched Leica technologies are complementary MissionPro is proof that this can be rather than competing. Even if one done successfully. This new multilooks only at the frame cameras, the sensor software enables both Z/I Leica RCD30 and the Imaging and Leica Geosystems cusZ/I DMC serve tomers to conduct mission planning very differand expands on the existing offering ent marby including a 3D Globe View as well kets as business analysis tools to and increase and measure productivity. From a marketing perspective, we, of course, have to adhere to both Leica Geosystems and Z/I Imaging product brand guidelines, which is why we may, at times, launch a product under the Leica brand even though it will serve both our Leica Geosystems and Z/I Imaging customer bases. However, our product strategy, which we have communicated across our markets, will not change. Whilst we will work towards exploiting synergies in and around aircraft installation and workflows, we remain committed to our main product lines and will further develop and innovate our medium and large format frame imaging sensors (RCD and DMC), our large format pushJack Ickes broom President, Geospatial Solutions Division imaging Hexagon Geosystems
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sensor (ADS) and our LiDAR (ALS) solutions. In addition, we continue to see an increasing demand to integrate third party sensors with our superior peripheral products and workflows.
How is Hexagon Geosystems leveraging on the products and strengths of other divisions of the companyy including Hexagon Metrology and Hexagon Technology to build more comprehensive and value added prroducts and solutions? Dold: Hexagon Geosystems collaborates with all other Hexagon divisions. For instance, with Hexagon Metrology, we share technology across our high-precision total stations and laser tracker product lines. With NovAtel, part of the Hexagon Technology division, we collaborate on GNSS technology and innovative processing algorithms for both terrestrial and airborne applications. With Intergraph Process, Power & Marine (PP&M), also part of Hexagon Technology, we contribute our scanning technology and total stations for as-built and maintenance surveys in the process plant industry. Ickes: In the past, Leica Geosystems' airborne sensors worked closely with ERDAS, and Z/I Imaging worked closely with Intergraph. Under the new structure within Hexagon, these collaborations have not only continued, but intensified. The new Geospatial Solutions Division works with the Intergraph Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I) and Geospatial teams on a number of combined workflow initiatives such as photogrammetric production and mapping workflows. One specific example of this is the
Geospatial World I April 2012
Image-derived high-resolution pointclouds with spectral attributes (infoclouds)
innovative DSM extraction capability inside Leica XPro, which is based on the SGM algorithm, currently exclusive to Leica ADS customers. This will be available to all of our frame
We remain committed to our main product lines and will further develop and innovate our medium and large format frame imaging sensors (RCD and DMC), our large format push-broom imaging sensor (ADS) and our LiDAR (ALS) solutions
customers inside Intergraph ImageStation in Q3 of 2012.
What can we expect in the LiDAR segment? Ickes: Our latest release, the Leica ALS70, has been very well received in the market, particularly due to its innovative beamsplitter technology. Whilst we, of course, continue to develop innovative LiDAR technologies for the future, our current focus is on adding to the post-processing workflow solutions.
What are the new and emerging application areas Hexagon Geospatial Solutions Division is looking at?? Ickes: Over the past several years,
Geospatial World I April 2012
the application has increasingly informed the technical design of our products. Visualising, mapping and updating our world digitally is a key driver for innovation in the geospatial community today. Whilst digital airborne camera technologies are now fully accepted around the world, it is the combination with innovative processing concepts, algorithms and computing technologies that enables rapid automated orthophoto production and increased data throughput. In the past, the production of highly accurate orthophotos for 2000 km2 took weeks. Today, it can be done in a matter of hours. Creating surface models from imagery is not a novel idea, but with new approaches such as SGM technology, we can create
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Leica Geosystems airborne sensor test plane
these attributed point clouds, or infoclouds, as we call them, more effectively. This produces 3D dimension in very high resolution with spectral information, in a very short timeframe. Similar drivers will also be important when looking at oblique workflows, UAV technologies and when creating intelligent information from these infoclouds, which will require intelligent segmentation and automated feature extraction.
What are the regions/countries of interest for Hexagon Geospatial Solutions? Dold: With well over 100 employees, Hexagon Geospatial Solutions has a presence around the world and a leadership role in many of the established markets. Naturally, whilst emerging markets already represent more than 30 per cent of
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our geospatial business, there are increased opportunities to provide complete mapping solutions from our sensor portfolio in those countries.
The combined strengths of Leica Geosystems and Z/I Imaging under the new banner of Hexagon al Solutions Division Geospatia accounts to about 90% of all airborne cameras ever built, according to an estiimate. This brings with it a huge responsibility as well - in terms of consolidating on the position and technology development to build solutions that the world would require tomorrow. What is your strategy in this direction? Dold: Well, Z/I Imaging, with its roots in Zeiss, and Leica Geosystems, with its roots in Wild Heerbrugg, have demonstrated an impressive and
successful journey in photogrammetry over the past 80 years. Today, under the Hexagon umbrella, they are the clear market leader in the industry. The Geospatial Solutions team, under the leadership of Jack Ickes, is well aware of the responsibility we have not only to our longstanding and loyal customer base, but also to our new customers. I think that whilst past achievements are comforting and, no doubt, signify a certain degree of expertise, they are no guarantee for future success. It is this understanding that motivates our team to continue to focus on our strengths and to drive innovations for our customers. We are determined to continue offering best-in-class sensors, a seamless workflow and outstanding support in our mission to innovate the geospatial industry.
Geospatial World I April 2012
COVER STORY I PHOTOGRAMMETRY & SENSORS
34
Geospatial World I April 2012
data. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at
hotogrammetry is now being integrated into many activities involving geospatial data. This is partly due to the nature of digital data which encourages convergence of data from different sources and partly due to the explosion of different sensors and platforms to collect images. Imaging systems range from traditional aerial photography to LiDAR and radar. Platforms now include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mobile terrestrial vehicles and satellites as well as the traditional aircraft. Handheld consumer cameras are also a valuable source and images from this type of camera, uploaded on social networks, are also becoming an important source of volunteered geographic information (VGI). Software is now reliable and user friendly and there is a division between high-end software from established vendors to less expensive products from new entries in the photogrammetry software market. Many mapping companies are finding life difficult at the moment, given the weak economic conditions, but the range of applications of photogrammetry is increasing and new companies are emerging to exploit these markets. This article will look at the current situation and discuss the challenges facing mapping companies now and in the future.
factors bringing aboutt
WHAT IS PHOTOGRAMMETRY?
this change and the
Twenty years ago the answer to this question would have been technical in nature, explaining that photogrammetry is the science of deriving accurate three-dimensional information from images. Now the answer is more complex because, although the principle is exactly the same,
P
Evolving beyond deriving three-dimensional information from images, photogrammetry is now being integrated into various activities involving geospatial
increasing applications of photogrammetry
Diagram 1: Basic operations of photogrammetry
Geospatial World I April 2012
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Note the differentiation between georeferenced images and other products georeferencing is done in two-dimension and does not require full orientation or a DEM and is not a rigorous product. Ortho images can be accurately registered with orthoimages generated from other data sources and with maps.
ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Diagram 2: The stages of generating photogrammetric products
photogrammetry is embedded in many different processes and the user may be quite unaware of what photogrammetry involves, or what it is. There is less distinction between different branches of geomatics and organisations pick and choose the technique which best suits their purpose. Diagram 1 shows the basic operation of photogrammetry. The central green boxes represent the core component of photogrammetry which requires an understanding of the geometry of images, the principle of collinearity and the importance of accuracy. The situation is further complicated by the fact that technology has produced new sensors which do not involve images but are processed in a manner similar to imagery. Laser scanners actually measure distance and direction and produce a point cloud which is identical to a point cloud generated from matching stereo images. From these point clouds we can compute digital elevation models at scales ranging from macro, with accuracies of less than 1mm, to global. The point cloud can be processed in the same way, whatever its source; however it is generated by different techniques. Laser scanning is done from airborne platforms, often referred to as LiDAR, and from terrestrial scanners. We will consider both laser scanning and image systems as part of photogrammetry. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) also measures distance and can be used to generate DEMs and orthoimages, so we will also touch on it, but in less detail. Diagram 2 shows the different sensors, data types, processes and products which we may consider as part of the general area of photogrammetry. The diagram shows the stages in product generation.
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There is an undisputed need for accurate information from images. The latest industry survey carried out by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing in 2008 (Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 74(11)) revealed that of the 512 responses from 58 nations (mainly from North America and Europe), the majority require geolocational accuracy of better than 1 m and that the need for this is greater than the supply, as shown in Graph 1. The ASPRS Industry Forecast was based on a survey in 2007, but still gives a good idea of the current situation:
Graph 1: Geo-locational accuracy: Current use versus need
Previous Forecast reports highlight that demand for the highest levels of resolution was clearly nott met; data users wanted higher resolution content. Phase V shows that this trend continues in the global market. Digital aerial sensors, as well as the continued operation of high-resolution satelliite systems, have expanded the global demand for better than half metre data. Provision of data lowerr in spatial resolution than half metre al is now an area of potential overcapacity. LiDAR, hyperspectra
Geospatial World I April 2012
and IfSAR were identified as the three data sources that need ears to be considered exceeded current use. Data fusion appe more in these results than reliance on a single sensor or data source. Satellitte sources of data versus aerial sources are used more in developing regions of the world. Restrictio ons on remote sensing data were viewed as a hindrance in every region of the world. However, the survvey indicated that respondents from East and South Asia, Africa and Oceania felt that effects of resttrictions on data, licensing and governmental controls most limiting on their activities. The most significant issues that continue to represent large challenges and opportunities with the industry are: the demand versus cost in an uncertain economy for high spatial resolution and new sensor data, both aerial and satellite, meeting the increase in demand for higher levels of education in GIS and newer imaging technologies, and the conflicting roles of national governments in developing remote sensing platforms and products while limiting access and use of data.
Although this forecast is four years old and the photogrammetric industry is suffering in the present economic climate, the forecast should still apply to the future as of today.
Digital cameras Digital cameras are now mainstream, although there has been significant diversification from the original cameras from Leica, Z/I, and Vexcel. The use of smaller, less expensive cameras is also widespread. Table 1 shows the characteristics of the large and medium format cameras. These are cameras which replace the 230 x 230mm film cameras from the 1990s. They typically have 9000-12000 pixels across track and collect data in panchromatic and multispectral bands. These large format cameras are complemented by smaller cameras from companies such as Trimble and Optech. All of these companies now offer a suite of products acquiring image data and LiDAR. Tobias Toelg from Trimble GeoSpatial tells of a company with a small plane in Africa which first bought a small camera and gradually upgraded to have a full navigation system with a camera and LiDAR. Satellite sensors are an important source of images for photogrammetric processing and have been discussed extensively in previous issues of Geospatial World. A full review of sensors and description of techniques can be found in 'High Resolution Optical Satellite Imagery' by Dowman, Jacobsen and Konecny to be published by Whittles Publishing in April.
CURRENT TECHNOLOGY Sensors are evolving all the time, driven by the equipment manufacturers; users respond to this and software developers follow with improved software packages. Here are the main sensors and software packages. Sensors Images now come from many sources, ranging from mobile phones to highly sophisticated digital cameras used on aircrafts or satellites. In addition, the use of laser scanning is now widespread. Radar is still the preserve of specialist users, although companies such as Intermap have used airborne SAR to generate their Nextmap products and the private public partnership of Astrium and DLR is producing global DEMs from TanDem-X. These sensors are used from many types of platforms, ranging from handheld and small UAVs to mobile mapping vehicles carrying cameras and LiDAR to survey aircraft and satellites. Although images are still the main source of data for mapping, a source in Leica says that LiDAR is now a more important source of revenue than cameras.
Geospatial World I April 2012
Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) or LiDAR Airborne laser scanners, often referred to as LiDAR, produce a point cloud which is generated from the measured distance and orientation of a point from the sensor. Sensors for ALS all have similar characteristics - all collect a number of returns from each pulse and also record the intensity of the return signal. The important parameters which affect accuracy and density of points are the scan
Diagram 3: Trimble modules with upgrade path
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Table 1. Large & medium format Imaging sensors Manufacturer
Leica Geosystems
Leica Geosystems
Intergraph
Ultracam
Trimble
Optech
Model
Leica ADS80
Leica RCD30
Z/I DMC II Digital Mapping Camera
Eagle
Trimble Aerial Camera IQ180
D-8900 Aerial Digital Camera
Type of sensor
Pushbroom
Frame
Frame
Frame
Frame
Frame
Format size (pixels) across track x along track
24000 pixels High Res 12000 std resolution Across track
8956 x 6708 pixels single head 13216 x 8956 pixels dual head
12096 x 11,200 pixels
20010 x 13080 pixels
10,328 x 7,760 pixels
8,984 x 6,732 pixels
Spectral bands
Panchromatic, RGB, Near-infrared
RGB NIR
PAN, RGB, NIR
PAN, RGB, NIR
RGB
RGB
Field of view
64° across track (swath angle)
Range of focal lengths available
50.7°(across track)
-
Range of focal lengths available
Range of focal lengths available
Data storage
Removable up to 980Gb
-
-
Solid-state disc pack. Unlimited with use of multiple data units with approximately 3.3 terabytes (3,800 images) per unit
Removable storage unit ~500 GB solid state drives, 8,000 images
Forward motion compensation
na
Yes
Yes
-
True FMC
True FMC
Other cameras in range
-
-
-
UltraCamXp, UltraCamXp Wide Angle, UltraCamLp
-
D13000 T7200 T4800
rate or scan frequency and the pulse rate of pulse frequency and the flying height. Most systems allow selection of these parameters and manufacturers also offer a range of systems for different applications depending on the flying height. Most systems also record the waveform which allows detailed analysis of the vegetation cover which is very useful for forestry applications. Table 2 shows some of the airborne LiDAR systems, including the Hawkeye system used for bathymetric measurement. Terrestrial laser scanning Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is one of the big success stories of recent years, with a range of scanners in the market now from the major companies, including scan arms that reach difficult places and are capable of close range scanning with 0.2mm accuracy. A major new application of laser scanning is to provide data for building information models (BIM). At the moment, the main use of TLS is to provide point clouds of interiors from which as-built drawings can be generated, but within the BIM concept there are other applications including site detail during planning and as-built survey during construction.
38
Other sensors There are new sensors now on the market such as Photonic Mixer Device (PMD) "Smart-Pixel" sensors which are able to capture a complete 3D scene in real time without any moving parts. The sensor works by transmitting a modulated optical signal which illuminates the scene to be measured. The reflected light is detected by the PMD sensor, which is able to determine the time-offlight per every single pixel. There are also cameras which record texture which would assist interpretation of images. Another new device is the SpheronVR SceneCam™
Geospatial World I April 2012
which uses high dynamic range imagery and takes two panoramic 360º images from which a 3D scene can be generated. The SceneCenter™ database can be used to manage and archive the images and is used for many applications such as forensics and indoor mapping. Other techniques which have been around for some time but have not yet been fully exploited are thermal imaging, images sequences, video theodolites and also combinations of sensors in sensor networks.
years of experience in developing its camera systems. It has a partnership with the University of Delft in developing the camera systems and already has a ninth generation recording system. Companies like Navteq also operate their own vehicles but the new data source which may be called a sensor is data collected by users on the routes which they are driving which can be used for updating: this is volunteered geographic information (VGI) or crowd sourced data.
PLATFORMS
Oblique imagery Developments in inertial navigation systems and stabilised mounts have allowed the use of oblique imagery. Pictometry is a patented system which captures aerial images of all sides of a building as well as a vertical image from above. These perspectives can then be joined together to form 3D models from which measurements can be taken of dimensions and areas on the building. Swiss company Helimap System SA operates a versatile helicopter to capture oblique images. This has found applications in many areas such as ski resorts and
Mobile mapping platforms Mobile mapping systems were first developed in the 1980s using fairly coarse navigation systems and cameras. The navigation systems have improved using GNSS positioning systems and inertial navigation systems. As the technology has improved, laser scanners have been added to the platform. Some examples of mobile mapping systems are shown in the images. Cyclomedia has its own camera systems and has 30
Table 2. Airborne Lidar Manufacturer
Optech
Leica
Trimble
Hawkeye
Reigl
Model number
- ALTM Pegasus HD500
ALS70
Harrier 68i
HawkEye™ II
RIEGL VQ-580
Scan frequency [Hz]
0-140 Hz
60 - 200Hz
10 - 200 Hz
13Hz
25 - 190 Hz
Pulse frequency (min-max) [Hz]
100-500kHz
Max 500 kHz
80 - 400 kHz
4 kHz for bathymetric measurement
50 - 380 kHz
Max. scan angle (FOV) [deg]
65°
0° - 75°
45°-60°
-
60° (+30° / -30°)
Max. no of recorded echoes/ pulse
4
Unlimited
-
-
unlimited
Full-wave form digitisation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Recording of intensity of return signal
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
Yes
Data storage
Removable SSD
Removable 500 Gb SSD
Portable
-
-
Platform types
Fixed wing a/c, helicopter, UAV
Fixed wing a/c, helicopter
Fixed wing a/c, helicopter
-
Helicopters or UAVs
Maximum flying height [m]
2500m
ALS70-CM: 1 600m ALS70-HP: 3 500m ALS70-HA: 5 000m
1600 m
250 - 500 m
5 000 m
Comment
Other systems available
Different models for different applications
Other systems available
Dual wavelength for bathymetric measurment
Range of systems available, can be integrated with camera.
SSD - solid state disk
Geospatial World I April 2012
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The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is having a big impact on photogrammetry. What has made this ossible are small digital cameras and po powerful software which enable large mages to be numbers of small format im calibrated and oriented through use of photogrammetric block adjustment
mountain management, cliff mapping as well as the more conventional infrastructure mapping. Unmanned aerial vehicles The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is having a big impact on photogrammetry. Professor Armin Gruen of ETH Zurich says "It is safe to say that in the years to come, we will see an increase in UAV making activities, both in terms of hardware and software development, a most interesting and challenging area for research, development and practice. This makes a clear transition from toys to tools.' [Geoinformatica 1-2012]. What has made this transition possible are small digital cameras and powerful software which enable large numbers of small format images to be calibrated and oriented through use of photogrammetric block adjustment. UAVs have significant advantages over traditional air photography, including being highly transportable which allows for rapid mobilisation. UAVs can also typically operate below cloud coverage, making them less dependent on weather conditions. Systems such as Gatewing and the Sensefly Swinglet Cam come as a complete package, providing missions planning and processing software. They can operate at a flying height of 150 metres above ground level and can achieve a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 5
cm. UAVs however are not without problems. The need to obtain permission to fly in many countries and ensuring safe operation and the safety of the public are important issues which require close attention. Academics and amateurs have been using UAVs for a long time, but the UAVs are now being used for commercial mapping.
SOFTWARE A number of software packages exist for photogrammetric processing. All basic photogrammetric operations can be performed, including automatic interior orientation and automatic aerial triangulation with automated blunder detection and self-calibration. Some automation of feature extraction will be provided, although most of this requires human input. Table 3 lists the main packages with key features. Recent improvements in software packages include improved speed using new architectures and new graphical processing units (GPUs). A key feature of many of these packages is their interface with packages such as ArcGIS and Autocad which enables users of these packages to integrate accurate imagery into their workflow. Image matching is an important component in photogrammetric software and this is constantly being improved. The semi-global matching method, which matches every pixel and assesses the quality of every match, has given improved results. Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH and its associate company 3D Reality Maps are using semi global matching on satellite images to produce spectacular 3D visualisations which are widely used by the tourism industry, overlain with useful information about walking trails, ski runs and hotels, for example. Another key development in software has been the introduction of bundle adjustment packages which can
Examples of UAV used for mapping
40
Geospatial World I April 2012
Company
Product
Key features
Hexagon Intergraph / ERDAS
LPS ERDAS Imagine
Leica Photogrammetric Suite (LPS) and ERDAS Imagine are part of the Hexagon range.
Trimble
Inpho
Well developed InPho software, works with ArcGIS, Microstation and AutoCAD. eCognition is also in the Trimble range
BAE Systems
SOCET GXP
GXP XplorerTM data management recently introduced.
PCI
Geomatica
Includes GXL professional production, geoimaging tools for ArcGIS and GXL Geoimaging Accelerator
DAT/EM
Based on DAT/EM workstation; Summit the software generates data Evolution for ArcGIS, Microstation and Professional AutoCAD.
Table 3: The principal photogrammetric software packages
handle large blocks collected by UAVs or basic digital consumer cameras. Photosynth is a software application from Microsoft that can take large numbers of images and generate a three-dimensional model from the photos and a point cloud of a photographed object. Bundler is a similar package.
MAPPING ORGANISATIONS Companies like Blom, EuroSense, COWI and Fugro continue to produce data for a wide range of clients. The main activities of mapping companies have not changed a lot in a long time, and the demand is still for DEMs, digital orthoimages and the generation of data from stereo restitution. However, the techniques for doing this have changed and LiDAR is used for larger scales, particularly corridor mapping, often using helicopters. Mapping from terrestrial sensors is becoming more important and many companies report increased demand for detailed survey using terrestrial laser scanning and mobile mapping. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Schroth, CMD and Operations Manager, Eastern Europe, BLOM Romania SRL sees UAV technology closing the gap between terrestrial and airborne mapping. National Mapping Organi-
Geospatial World I April 2012
sations (NMOs) are major users of photogrammetry. NMOs such as OSGB are important in developing new methods for national mapping by working with hardware and software providers to meet their specific requirements in a rapidly changing environment. China has just completed an update of the 1:50,000 coverage of the whole country requiring the use of many data sources, primarily images, and the integration of these data to form a high accuracy, quality checked product. This, in turn, required techniques of image matching, semantic integration, generalisation, data base management and conflict resolution. Automatic processing could be used in many cases, but intelligent human interpretation and judgment remained essential. The field of use of 3D data is already very wide and covering a lot of applications. A great breakthrough of any new application is not in sight, according to Ralf Schroth. There is still a debate about the use of 3D city models. Ralf Schroth sees the market for 3D city models as already mature as many cities have their own data and commercial Internet suppliers like Google, Microsoft or Blom are even partially delivering these data for free. There has also been an increase in the number of companies primarily concerned with collecting images over wide areas as a speculative venture and selling finished products, usually orthoimages, off the shelf to customers. These include
41
The new data source which may be called a sensor is data collected by users on the routes which theyy are driving which can be used for updating. The new catchphrase for photogrammetry is 'the nd the cloud' crowd an
satellite operating companies who provide visualisation and image analysis services. The products which these companies offer make use of photogrammetric software. Saab Rapid 3D Mappingâ&#x201E;˘ is of particular note because of the near real time production of 3D models. Many of these products are aimed at the defence market. Companies such as Astrium offer special services. Astrium has recently announced Go Monitor which will detect changes anywhere in the world using satellite imagery and image analysts from different thematic areas.
THE FUTURE Research in photogrammetry is still focussed on automation; the large volumes of data which are available make this necessary and the cloud assists in making it possible. A number of areas of research have been active for a long time, such as building reconstruction: these are difficult areas and will probably not move to production in the near future. There is also a lot of research being undertaken in automatic building reconstruction and extraction of road networks. Processing of point clouds is a continuing area for intense research. Data fusion, of images and laser scanning data, is another important research area. Registration of data sets is important as a result of the many sources of data available.
Least squares matching
The rapid generation of photorealistic 3D scenes has been made possible because of new image matching software. While development of this will continue, one of the challenges which users face is whether to use laser scanning to collect point clouds directly or to use photographs and image matching. We have seen that UAVs are emerging as a very important source of data. The development of this technique will continue. The use of a swarm of such platforms is one possibility and the improvement of accuracy using new techniques for camera calibration and bundle adjustment will be developed. VGI will also develop. Professor Dieter Fritsch of the Institute for Photogrammetry, University of Stuttgart opines that VGI will become increasingly important and will be able to meet NMOs' accuracy standards; data will be stored in the cloud and software will be developed to conflate VGI data from different sources. VGI will extend to 3D and Professor Fritsch is developing an 'app' for 3G phones and tablets which will allow a 3D model to be generated from photographs taken of the building or object. It is not clear how VGI will fit into existing business models, nor whether the information will be used by NMOs. The new catchphrase for photogrammetry is 'the crowd and the cloud'. New applications are being developed all the time. Bathymetric LiDAR of coastal waters is well established but work is now on to use LiDAR over inland streams to obtain accurate channel depth to enable modelling of river flow to obtain in-depth understanding of hydrological processes. LiDAR can also be used to determine water level in turbid reservoirs and to obtain information on forest structure.
Dynamic programming
Semi-global matching
Results from different techniques of matching Ikonos images.
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Geospatial World I April 2012
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The view from Redlands, California his is a very exciting
T
software, but at the same
data can be integrated
time for photogram-
time is providing a simple
with other data to provide
metry and GIS and
user interface so that the
ground truth, details for
the use of photogrammetry
photogrammetric process-
emergency response and
in processing geospatial
es are invisible to the user
data to supplement more
data is essential. The GIS
while still providing a
conventional imagery.
industry continues to grow.
robust, rigorous solution.
Again, VGI imagery must
Imagery has accelerated
For the more demanding
be registered and all data
that growth, and is the new
users, additional modules
brought together in an
face of GIS. The reason
will be available to allow
intelligent web map.
for this is that imagery
integration of hyperspec-
The future for
allows GIS to become
tral and radar data. There
geospatial data is very
more dynamic and allows it
will no longer be pho-
exciting and offers users
to move into real time
togrammetric software,
a multitude of options to
monitoring. For this to hap-
GIS software and image
produce the information
pen, photogrammetry is
processing software: it will
which they want from the
essential. It is essential to
all be bundled into a single
mass of data available in
allow accurate and reliable
package.
a simple, easy-to-use
registration of different
Volunteered Geo-
sets of data. This means
graphic Information (VGI)
that Esri is incorporating
offers exciting possibili-
Lawrie Jordan
sensor models into its
ties. This new source of
Director of Imagery, Esri
CHALLENGES The basic principles of photogrammetry are well established and an essential part of extracting information from images and data from laser scanning and radar. It seems unlikely that there will be major changes in the techniques and implementation of photogrammetric principles. There will undoubtedly be improved sensors and improved software and research will be needed to implement these. The standard mapping programmes for photogrammetry applications will be reduced in their traditional markets like Western Europe but will still be requested in developing areas like the emerging markets in Asia and Latin America and where no general cadastre information is available. The challenges in doing this are summarised as:
» Restrictions on data collection, for example restrictions on flying photographic missions, collecting information on roads for in car navigation and flying UAVs. » Continued supply of data from earth observation satellites at an affordable price. » Availability of software which can be used by users unfamiliar with photogrammetry to generate their own specialist information, alternatively to sell photogrammetry as a commodity: users giving data to bureaus to produce the necessary
44
package.
products such as orthoimages and visualisations.
» Responding to emergencies and other urgent needs to provide data in real time. » Educating students on the principles of photogrammetry and preventing the reinventing of photogrammetry. » Expanding the applications of imagery. Lawrie considers that these challenges and the enormous potential of integrated GIS, photogrammetry and image processing software make this a very exciting time for geospatial data professionals and that the prospects for the future are very positive. We can see that photogrammetry is an essential component in new developments in imagery, the use of UAVs and 3D VGI depends upon accurate rigorous photogrammetric models; many applications using terrestrial laser scanning, such as BIM, require the rigorous processing deriving from photogrammetry and of course there is a universal need for orthoimages and 3D data derived from images. Ian Dowman, Editor - Europe, ian@geospatialmedia.net
The author would like to thank the following for their valuable inputs in writing this article: Professor Dieter Fritsch, Professor Christian Heipke, Ralf Schroth and Lawrie Jordan.
Geospatial World I April 2012
7/18/201
PRODUCT PROFILE
Large & medium format sensors Leica Geosystems
Leica Geosystems offers a comprehensive portfolio of airborne imaging solutions.
ADS80 From flight planning with Leica FPES software and data acquisition with the sensor heads SH91/92 to data delivery with Leica XPro, Leica ADS80 represents a digital airborne imaging solution that is easy to use and fast to implement. Leica Geosystems' line sensor technology constitutes a viable and simple digital alternative to those familiar with the traditional analog workflow. Depending on the desired product, two available configurations, SH91 and SH92, acquire co-registered image data with equal resolution in panchromatic, colour and colour-infrared. The improved data throughput of the control unit CU80 facilitates simultaneous data acquisition of imagery, offering maximum flexibility.
RCD 30 The Leica RCD30 series of medium format cameras offers features of large-format airborne sensors at a lower cost, thus making digital multispectral photogrammetry available to a wider range of users. Some of the features of Leica RCD30 include
46
mechanical forward motion compensation along two axis; ruggedised and thermal stabilised lens system with innovative bajonet mount and user replaceable central shutter with automatically controlled high precision aperture; modular concept for single standalone and multi-head configurations and full integration with Leica ALS LiDAR and other third party sensors.
footprint of 8,900 pixels across by 6,700 pixels along the flight line, D-8900 is suitable for LiDAR integration or to perform small engineering surveys. D-8900 delivers the accuracy and clarity obtained through true forward motion compensation technology. With a wide range of lens and filter options, it is easily configured for specialised projects and applications.
RC 30
T-7200
Leica RC30 is an aerial film camera system capable of acquiring aerial photographs with black and white, colour and false colour aerial films. There are two lens options, with 6-inch and 12-inch focal lengths. Standard features include forward motion compensation, automatic exposure control and film data recording. A comprehensive range of accessories includes filters, navigation sights and video intervalomers. The camera is part of an overall system, which may comprise of the Leica PAV30 gyro-stabilised mount, the Leica ASCOT aerial survey control tool, a GPS reference station, a GPS/IMU position and orientation system and an optical window for pressurised aircraft.
Aerial digital camera T-7200 can be used standalone or integrated with LiDAR or other sensors for corridor and small area mapping. It has a footprint of 7,200 pixels across by 5,400 pixels along the flight line. T-7200 features a patented and proven fieldreplaceable shutter, providing rapid field replacement with no impact on camera geometry. Its interchangeable lens capability, based on Optech's patented kinematic mount, offers stable operational flexibility while maintaining geometric accuracy. T-7200 can be combined with other Optech camera heads for simultaneous colour infrared (CIR), true independent channel multispectral, or thermal infrared data collection.
Optech Optech offers a large range of cameras that can be used independently or in combination for increased efficiency and multiple data acquisition.
D-8900 Optech offers D-8900 aerial digital camera for corridor/ small area mapping. With a
T-4800 With a footprint of 4,800 pixels across by 3,200 pixels along the flight line, the T4800 can be combined and integrated with numerous Optech products. Based on a platform product line concept, the T-4800 offers a fast cycle time, an electronic shutter, interchangeable lenses and a metric quality data set. The T4800 is a stable, scalable and versatile camera in a small and reliable form factor.
CS-10000 Optech has recently introduced the aerial camera CS10000. CS-10000 introduces many new features while retaining technologies such as the original True FMC (forward motion compensation). CS-10000 offers a fieldreplaceable shutter and interchangeable lenses to allow even greater operational efficiency. Its 80-MP format provides greater image radiometry and accuracy to deliver enhanced image quality.
Trimble
TRIMBLE AERIAL CAMERA The Trimble Aerial Camera provides high-performance, trouble-free operation and advanced features in a compact package. Purpose-built for aerial metric photogrammetry and easily integrated either standalone or integrated with direct geo-referencing or laser scanning, this camera is suitable for project mapping, spot updates and corridor mapping. Interchangeable lenses provide the flexibility to select the best flight altitude and field of view for each project. The camera is available in 39, 60, and 80-megapixel models with lenses from 35mm to 100mm. The camera features metric lens with internal iris shutter that precisely
GeospatialWorld I April 2012
maintains the correct focal length to the CCD sensor plane. The camera allows for the lens to be easily unscrewed from the camera body to allow the user in the field to exchange for another focal length or replace a shutter with minimum downtime. The focal lengths of the camera vary from 35 mm to 100 mm and the fastest shutter speed is 1/1000th second. The camera body has no moving parts. To enable metric imagery, it is calibrated as a unit with the lens and digital camera back.
reduces sensor head size and balances weight. The updated sensor head includes an exchangeable lens system with two different focal lengths and is specifically designed for high-resolution digital aerial photography. Embedded in the integrated component package is UltraNav, a flight management and georeferencing system that includes state-of-the-art GNSS-Inertial technology, pilot displays, and flight-planning software.
An electronic controller connects Trimble Aerial Camera to aircraft power and computer controller. The camera features front-side connections to light metre, lens and flash connector and back-side connections to shutter release signal, system power, RS232C connection to computer controller, electronic sensor connection and event (shutter release) pulse connection.
With an image format of 196 megapixels (17,310 across track x 11,310 along track) and a smaller pixel size of 6Âľm, the UltraCamXp has one of the largest PAN frame image footprint of large format cameras, resulting in fewer necessary flight lines. In doing so, UltraCamXp saves time and lowers cost, without sacrificing radiometric performance. Increased onboard storage capacity allows for longer flights to take full advantage of favourable flying conditions and the collection rate of 2.5 Gbits per second allows for collecting more data in less time. Post-processing of the data can be started on board and finished on the ground with a group of PCs for even faster turnaround.
Ultracam
ULTRACAM XP
ULTRACAM XP WA
UltraCam photogrammetric digital aerial mapping systems from Microsoft include the UltraCam Eagle, UltraCamXp, UltraCamLp, UltraCamXpWA.
ULTRACAM EAGLE UltraCam Eagle features a modular housing concept in component integration, which GeospatialWorld I April 2012
Microsoft UltraCamXp Wide Angle (WA) photogrammetric digital aerial camera features a new proprietary, digital, highperformance, high-resolution lens system with a shorter focal length. It allows this UltraCam sensor to deliver the same ground sample distance (GSD) as the UltraCamXp, but at lower flight altitudes. An alternative to the UltraCamXp and at the same price, the UltraCam Wide Angle provides small-scale mapping capabilities to customers with
lower-flying airplanes. This sensor is fully compatible with the existing DXp and CXp systems, permitting customers who already own the UltraCamXp and the UltraCamX to purchase the sensor separately and add small-scale mapping capabilities to their businesses.
ULTRACAM LP Based on the UltraCamL, the UltraCamLp features the same advanced technical specifications, but with a larger image footprint of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels pan) compared to the UltraCamL 64 megapixel format, making it suitable for smaller aircraft and local projects that require a rapid response. With new electronics, the UltraCamLp allows for a larger footprint than the UltraCamL without sacrificing cycle rates. The result is 43% more image at the same frame rate, allowing for the following possible benefits: data collection at higher flight speeds; increase of potential forward overlap for a given GSD and speed; and data collection at higher resolutions with the same forward overlap and speed.
Z/I Imaging In addition to offering products such as the RMK-top series and the DMC (Digital Mapping Camera), Z/I Imaging now offers DMC II series of digital mapping cameras.
DIGITAL MAPPING CAMERA (DMC) DMC is a turnkey large format digital frame camera system, using solid state disks as airborne data storage. The system delivers digital images enabling direct production of a wide range of mapping and image analysis products, including orthophotos, digital
terrain models (DTMs) and vector maps. This combination of innovative components make DMC ideal for capturing data for all mapping applications, including agriculture, cadastral mapping, cartography, forestry, land use/land cover mapping, environmental studies, natural hazard assessment, flood risk management, transportation engineering, urban planning, civil engineering, oil and gas exploration and geology.
RMK-D The RMK-D is a medium format aerial imaging system designed to meet the highaccuracy/high-resolution requirements of engineering mapping and remote sensing tasks. It comes at a much lower price point when compared to large-format cameras, offering more organisations to take advantage of advanced imaging technology. Because the RMK D has four colour channels (red, green, blue, and near-infrared) at 1:1 full-color resolution, it is also a suitable solution for vegetation classification and other remote-sensing applications. Four camera heads allow users to simultaneously capture RGB and NIR images. The camera's compact design requires minimal space, so it can be installed in smaller aircrafts.
Z/I DMC II 140 DMC II 140 is one single panchromatic camera cone based on one large CCD to produce extreme wide-ground 47
coverage. The DMC II 140's innovative design concept includes a monolithic customised 12.2k x 11.4k panchromatic CCD that no longer requires image stitching and thus offer high geometric accuracy and image quality. Performance indicators include: nadir-looking view and a single-lens projection centre; time synchronous
release for all camera heads; no requirement of CCD stitching or image mosaicking in post-processing; monolithic panchromatic 144 MP CCD (12240 x 11418 pixels) with 7.2 micron pixel size and 92 mm focal length; four multispectral cameras for red, green, blue, (RGB) and near-infrared (NIR) with 42 MPixel CCD (6846 x 6096
pixel) with 7.2 micron pixel size and a dedicated color filter; and use of a unique piezo-driven customised air-borne shutter with self-calibration and maximum synchronisation and 2.2 second frame rate by each camera head to maintain high-air speed for high-forward overlap and high resolution. It has a two-second
frame rate to maintain high-air speed for high-forward overlap and high resolution (at 80 percent forward overlap and 10 centimetre ground sample distance [GSD], maximum air speed is 218 knots). The PAN/colour ratio of 1:2 provides high-radiometric quality images for RGB and colour infrared (CIR).
Airborne laser scanners Airborne Hydrography AB
Airborne Hydrography AB (AHAB) develops and markets airborne laser survey systems for hydrographic and topographic surveys.
ly collect 4000 bathymetric measurements (full waveform) and 64,000 topographic measurements (up to four returns per shot). HawkEye utilises two lasers, one green and one infrared, providing two separate reflections (the IR-laser is primarily reflected from the surface of the water, while the green penetrates the surface). Using this information, it is simple to differentiate between the different bodies in the survey data.
FARO
HAWKEYE II Hawk Eye II is one of the key products from AHAB, which is designed for bathymetric surveying. It delivers bathymetric LiDAR data with a density ranging from 1.7x1.7 metres to 3.5x3.5 metres. It fulfils the IHO order 1b for sea charts with less than 25 cm rms. Measurement depths for the system range from 0.3, to about 3 times the secchi depth. Sea floor topography data is captured with a data density ranging from 4 to 1 point per square meter, typically with a higher accuracy than 15 cm rms. Moreover, it can simultaneous48
documentation, construction supervision, reverse engineering, historic preservation to forensic crime scene documentation. It is also useful in power industry, especially in product design and verification. It can also be employed in accident research. Focus3D is one of the smallest and lightest laser scanners. At dimensions of just 24 x 20 x 10cm and a weight of only 5 kg, it offers easy mobility. With the phase shift technology, it uses a sophisticated method of data capture: a laser beam is projected onto a surface and reflected back to the portable scanner, which uses an advanced software to translate this laser echo into 3D images and measurement data. 3D objects can be represented as 3D point cloud data, which can be used to construct CAD models.
Optech FARO designs, develops and markets portable, computerised measurement devices like measuring arms, laser scanners and laser trackers and software.
FOCUS3D It is a portable 3D laser scanner. It can be used in applications ranging from 3D building
With the iFLEXâ&#x201E;˘ technology at the core, Optech is a maker
of rugged and innovative LiDAR survey products.
LYNX MOBILE MAPPER The Lynx Mobile Mapper is designed to collect engineering/survey grade LiDAR data over large areas that are impractical with static LiDAR sensors but require an accuracy and resolution that exceed airborne technologies. With system accuracy better than 5 cm and a resolution of up to 1 cm, the LYNX Mobile Mapper offers precise 3D detail - all from a vehicle moving at speeds up to 100 km/hr. The LYNX Mobile Mapper is an IEC/CDRH Class 1 LiDAR solution under all operating conditions. Class 1 designation ensures that the operational functionality is never limited by risks associated with potential eye safety hazards. The invisible eye-safe beam also eliminates the chances of distracting drivers and onlookers in populated survey settings.
ALTM PEGASUS HD500 Pegasus is designed for applications that require maximum collection efficiency in a wide field of view (FOV) design, while maintaining enhanced target detail and maximum GeospatialWorld I April 2012
ground density with high range accuracy and precision. It is equipped with dual output laser system for maximum density capability. It offers high laser sampling rate for enhanced efficiency in XY point distribution. Its "Drop-in" sensor design enables unrestricted use of advertised FOV in deep portal installations. It is powered by Optech's iFLEX™ technology, which provides high accuracy and precision independent of pulse rate.
Leica Geosystems
Leica Geosystems is known as the developer, manufacturer and distributor of products, systems, and software that capture, visualise and process 3D spatial data through the employment of advanced technologies. LiDAR-based sensors and solutions are one of its core expertise.
Leica ALS70-HA is a highaltitude variant, allowing the market's highest flying heights, for wide-area mapping on a state or national level.
LEICA HDS7000 Phase-based scanners are known for their ultra-high scan speeds and their high level of detail. Adding to this basic speed capability (> 1 million points / second), the HDS7000 phase-based scanner provides "next level" performance features for demanding professionals. Advances in the HDS7000 laser technology now enable users to achieve high quality data at longer range. The HDS7000's maximum range of 187 m is best-in-class for phase-based scanners. Demanding professionals need their tools to work in demanding environments. The HDS7000 delivers an unmatched 55 °C operating temperature range (-10 °C to +45 °C).
Trimble
GeospatialWorld I April 2012
HARRIER 68I The Trimble® Harrier 68i is an advanced corridor mapping system with a 400 kHz blasting pulse repetition rate to generate extremely dense point clouds in combination with high-quality, georeferenced ortho images. The integration of wide angle full waveform digitisation laser equipment, medium-format digital frame camera, direct georeferencing and flight management make the Harrier 68i a suitable solution for wide area mapping, powerline mapping, pipeline monitoring, corridor mapping, aerial survey and other demanding remote sensing operations The builtin full waveform digitisation features of the Harrier 68i enable comprehensive vertical information to be extracted from the acquired echo signals.
RIEGL
LEICA ALS70 It is available in three models, Leica ALS70-CM, Leica ALS70-HP and Leica ALS70HA. Leica ALS70-CM is designed for city and corridor mapping applications from lower flying heights. Ultrahigh-density can be achieved by flying in small aircraft or mounted in helicopter pods, taking advantage of the lowprofile scanner. Leica ALS70HP is designed for generalpurpose mapping at the flying heights most widely used and can accommodate greater terrain relief due to its higher maximum flying height. And,
these options. With the ability to capture metric images with the Trimble VX in the field, users are also able to make additional measurements and attribute the data back in the office.
Trimble is known for advanced positioning solutions. Its solutions include fast automatic laser scanner data filtering to classify the point cloud into terrain, buildings and vegetation.
TRIMBLE VX Today's surveyors need integration of advanced optical surveying, metric imaging and 3D scanning; the Trimble® VX™ Spatial Station offers
RIEGL is the manufacturer of time-of-flight based optical radar systems. Its products are used for tripod, airborne survey, industrial process control, altimetry, aerospace, mobile, hydrographic and bathymetric applications.
RIEGL VZ-4000 This 3D VZ-Line laser scanner offers superior long range measurement performance of up to 4000 m reflectorlessly while still maintaining completely eye safe operation (Laser Class 1). RIEGL's unique V-Line technology is based on echo digitisation and online waveform processing and is the key to enabling
such extreme long range measurements. The VZ-4000 operates even in poor visibility and demanding multi target situations caused by dust, haze, rain, snow, etc. which are frequently found in difficult environments such as mine sites.
RIEGL VQ-580 The V-Line Airborne Laser Scanner RIEGL VQ-580 provides high speed, non-contact data acquisition using a narrow near-infrared laser beam and a fast line scanning mechanism and is especially designed to measure on snow and ice. High-accuracy laser ranging is based on RIEGL's echo digitisation and online waveform processing, which allows achieving superior measurement results even under adverse atmospheric conditions. The scanning mechanism is based on a fast rotating multi-facet polygonal mirror, which provides fully linear, unidirectional and parallel scan lines. The RIEGL VQ-580 is a compact and lightweight scanner, mountable in any orientation and even under limited space conditions on helicopters or UAVs. The instrument needs only one power supply and provides line scan data via the integrated LANTCP/IP interface. The binary data stream can easily be decoded by user-designed software making use of the available software library RiVLib. 49
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Data courtesy City of Quebec
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