Archive of Geospatial Product Reviews and Industry Highlights
Product Overviews and Technology Spotlights (2006)
In late 2006, GeoIQ was introduced as an open platform designed to combine proprietary and third-party data within applications built on Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth APIs. Delivered as a Web service, the GeoIQ API allowed developers to configure data inputs and analytical depth, enabling sophisticated visualization and analysis through a browser-based interface.
Earlier that year, CMC International released a free Microsoft Outlook plug-in that generated Google Maps from contact addresses. While simple in function, the tool also acted as a marketing channel promoting ESRI’s BusinessMAP solution — illustrating how free utilities could support broader GIS product positioning.
Retail analytics received attention with the introduction of Profi$ite, a Web-based sales forecasting system from Proxix. The platform quantified site potential by evaluating trade areas, market characteristics, and projected performance, demonstrating how spatial modeling informs business development decisions.
Ekahau’s location-based technologies addressed real-time tracking challenges, offering solutions focused on monitoring both people and assets. In parallel, Alteryx emerged as a visual workflow tool aimed at transforming and manipulating large spatial datasets more efficiently than spreadsheet-based approaches.
Hardware reviews also featured prominently. The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 personal navigation device was tested across multiple cities, reinforcing the growing acceptance of consumer GPS tools. Laser-Scan’s Radius Studio entered the market with ambitions to align with rising demand for advanced geospatial development environments. Meanwhile, the Matrox DualHead2Go provided multi-monitor display configurations appealing to power users managing complex data workflows.
District 8 from GfK Macon AG was positioned as a regional planning-oriented GIS package targeting business applications. Terrain Navigator Pro version 7.01 expanded access to USGS topographic maps and digital orthophotos, supporting seamless statewide navigation of terrain datasets.
CAD, Printing, and Software Enhancements (2005–2006)
Beyond analytical platforms, the archive highlights innovations in CAD and output distribution. Bentley enabled PDF export from MicroStation, including animation and fly-through capabilities, allowing non-CAD users to review drawings without requiring specialized software.
HP’s DesignJet 4000 entered the large-format printer market, offering GIS and CAD professionals high-resolution output with both sheet and roll media support. Manifold System Release 6.00 Service Pack 1 introduced optimizations for handling large-scale projects, building upon earlier internal architecture enhancements.
Conferences, Industry Events, and Organizational Milestones
Coverage extended beyond products into major geospatial gatherings and leadership developments. GEODiffusion 2003 in Quebec brought together MapInfo and Korem users, coinciding with MapInfo’s announcement recognizing Korem as master distributor in the province.
The SVG Open Conference in Vancouver spotlighted homeland security and military applications of scalable vector graphics. The ESRI International User Conference drew over 11,000 attendees, showcasing advancements in ArcGIS, Web services, and enterprise applications. Peter Hillary delivered a keynote address commemorating the historic Everest ascent of his father and Tenzing Norgay.
Autodesk University featured a keynote by Carol Bartz, while financial reports from Autodesk noted revenue declines influenced by SARS-related disruptions in Asia-Pacific markets. Intergraph emphasized strengthening its GeoMedia core technology during its GeoSpatial World conference in New Orleans.
Industry Interviews and Technology Reviews (2002–2003)
Editorial interviews offered insights into strategic direction within the GIS industry. Conversations with Michael Hickey of MapInfo explored corporate challenges and positioning. Oracle OpenWorld coverage examined enterprise database developments relevant to spatial data management.
CommunityCartography released a thin-client viewer for the New York City Property Atlas, enabling broad public access to municipal geospatial data without requiring full GIS licensing. Wartime coverage referenced IKONOS satellite imagery used in Associated Press reporting during the early stages of the Iraq conflict.
Career-focused commentary addressed employment trends, noting a decline in layoffs and potential recovery in hiring across U.S. companies. These discussions encouraged GIS professionals to prepare for emerging opportunities.
A Snapshot of Geospatial Evolution
Taken together, this archive captures a period of rapid growth and transition within the geospatial industry. From Web-based mapping platforms and enterprise GIS upgrades to hardware advancements and international conferences, the collection reflects how spatial technologies expanded across government, defense, retail, and business intelligence applications.
The historical record underscores recurring themes that continue to shape today’s GIS landscape: integration of Web services, growth in location-based services, emphasis on enterprise scalability, and the increasing role of spatial analytics in strategic decision-making.
