Directions Magazine - Top Stories

Open Source Web Based Geospatial Processing with OMAR

2009-07-02

Mark Lucas and Scott Bortman of RadiantBlue Technologies describe the OMAR project in this article. OMAR is an open source Web-based geospatial processing tool that is managing millions of imagery and video files. Even though the current release is still considered in beta, the system is being used to find and rapidly view geospatial assets from multiple repositories. OMAR provides one example that open source software solutions are increasingly being deployed in US government agencies.

Richardson, Texas: Real-time Updates for City's Utility Infrastructure

2009-07-01

Getting real-time information is important to the city of Richardson, Texas' Public Service Department. The Department needed a solution to better maintain its infrastructure and receive real-time, or near real-time, maps based on field conditions. There was also a need to indicate whether fire hydrants were in-service, out of service or being flushed as part of a maintenance process. In the end, the department selected a GIS solution from ESRI and a business intelligence solution from Information Builders to integrate spatial and non-spatial data. Editor in Chief Joe Francica interviewed Eric Matthews, the deputy CIO for the City of Richardson IS Department to learn more.

Podcast: Delivering Maps to the FBI

2009-06-30

This past week two geospatial practitioners were cited for their good work by the FBI. What did they do? At the request of the Bureau, they went online and found some Digital Raster Graphics, scanned quad maps, printed them and gave them to agents working in their area. Is this how agents and others in the federal government, or even citizens, should get their geographic data? What does this scenario reveal about the FBI? The state of our geospatial infrastructure? The value of the geospatial workforce?

OGC Geospatial Rights Management Summit: Moving the Discussion Forward

2009-06-26

The Open Geospatial Consortium's Geo Rights Management (GeoRM) Working Group believes the lack of rights management "is a major barrier to broader adoption of Web based geospatial technologies." That led to a GeoRM Summit, held as part of the organization's latest technical meetings in Cambridge, MA. Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg not only attended, but participated in the all-day event that concluded with some "marching orders" for the way forward.

Reading Between the Lines of Intergraph's Product Development Strategy

2009-06-25

Editor in Chief Joe Francica attended Intergraph 2009 User�s Conference in Washington, D.C., last week and offers this report. Intergraph is moving toward a common software architecture. It's not imminent and may, in fact, be a long way off. Intergraph has three distinct product lines that would be affected: GeoMedia (for GIS applications), G/Technology (for utility-specific workflows) and TerraShare (for imagery and photogrammetry). For now and the foreseeable future, the company will pick and choose the best code or modules to use and re-use within all three product lines.

Handling and Managing Exploration Geodata: Stories of Uranium in Africa and Gold in Nevada

2009-06-24

Say you are involved in nuclear power generation. You need to know the energy business and the radioactive materials business. And, it turns out, you need to know, or have partners that know about geodata management. Areva Resources Southern Africa, which has uranium interests on the African continent, learned why having a partner in that arena, Geosoft, could help grow the business. Hunsaker Inc. is a smaller company focused on gold mining. What gives that company an edge over the competition? Clever use of existing data and the right tools including those from Geosoft.

Podcast: Why not code the real world?

2009-06-23

The attributes of physical objects in the real world are commonly noted on paper maps or in electronic files, but these are frequently of limited use in the field. Why do we not simply encode key information onto the actual objects, themselves? For example, in Akron, Ohio the domes of fire hydrants are color-coded to denote their water pressure. Though we need to put all this information into databases, can we not also put it right exactly where it's needed?

GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design by Gretchen N. Peterson

2009-06-22

Some percentage of those making maps with GIS have had limited or no map design training. Gretchen Peterson has written a very accessible book that highlights best practices while encouraging both new and experienced map makers to stretch their creativity. Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg has a review.

Geographic Distribution of Physicians in Japan

2009-06-22

Japanese government policy since the late 1980s has aimed to decrease the number of medical students, which has resulted in shortages of trained medical personnel. A study to compare the numbers of physicians in Japan between 1996 and 2006 and the trends in distribution concluded that while the number of doctors was rising, the distribution of doctors was far from ideal as revealed by maps and statistics. This type of analysis may be helpful to all countries trying to enhance healthcare across the rural/urban divide.

FME User Conference 2009: FME Lessens Friction in a Rough Economy

2009-06-19

Safe Software's FME User Conference is the place to be for individuals who create complex workspaces to enable smooth sailing for geospatial implementations around the world. It's all very serious, until attendees let their hair down to vie to be the next FME Idol or answer FME-themed Jeopardy questions. Adena Schutzberg reports on her two days in Whistler, British Columbia.

Product Review: BusinessMap ver. 5.0

2009-03-04

BusinessMAP's included data and functionality continue to make it an outstanding desktop mapping value. Version 5.0 includes updated business listings from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), integration with Google Earth and Google Maps, and the capability to place geo-referenced photos on the map.

Product Review: MapInfo Professional Ver. 9.5

2008-09-04

MapInfo Professional version 9.5's new features include ease of use and data access enhancements, .NET support and a new license server. Those and some other goodies planned for a November maintenance release are explored in this review from Paul Amos. He's especially pleased with the new MapCAD tools for editing and tools for users to provide immediate feedback on the product and suggested enhancements. If you've not had a look at MapInfo for a while, this is a nice round up of what's new.

Product Review: Maptitude Ver. 5.0

2008-04-16

Caliper Corporation's Maptitude has a reputation for being a powerful, easy-to-use desktop mapping program. Version 5.0, released early this year, should turn a few heads according to reviewer Michael Cline. He suggests that GIS professionals will find more advanced analytical capabilities that take Maptitude beyond a simple mapping tool. Users will also like the low cost offering, which includes some functions unavailable in more expensive packages.

Product Review: Terrain Navigator Pro Ver. 8.0

2008-01-06

Terrain Navigator Pro lets you access the U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle maps and USGS Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. The newest version offers new data enhancements and new functions to incorporate data from Google Earth. Paul Amos offers this review.

GEOINT: The Relationship Between the Intelligence Community and Private Industry

2007-10-25

Deciphering the military intel-speak at GEOINT 2007, which ran this week in San Antonio, Texas, was challenging. On one side was the military brass, who seemed impatient with the way business is done. The other side included commercial vendors who have the tools, data and supposedly the knowledge base. General James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, kept emphasizing that "we need to change the incentive structure." Joe Francica reports.

Microsoft Shares Details on SQL Server 2008 Spatial Support

2007-05-30

Last month Microsoft announced that the next version of Microsoft's SQL Server, code-named Katmai, will include support for spatial data. Directions Magazine contacted Ed Katibah, spatial program manager for SQL Server, to get further information.

Product Review: DeLorme XMap 5.0 GIS Enterprise

2007-05-22

DeLorme XMap 5.0 GIS Enterprise is one of the components of a three-tiered software solution suite from DeLorme that provides increasing levels of functionality for GIS professionals. DeLorme has taken the approach of providing scalable solutions with its software and data products so that users only purchase the required amount of software and data they need. Paul Amos reviews the product.

Has There Been Enough Response to the MAPPS Litigation?

2007-02-21

In the past few weeks this and other publications, along with a few blogs, have discussed the not-as-yet-begun trial resulting from the Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS) et al. suing the United States regarding how the Brooks Act is implemented in federal law. Adena Schutzberg has wondered, and other people have asked her, why it seems so few people care about this litigation, which may have significant impact on who does what in the geospatial arena in the future. That's a good question.

Top Ten of 2006

2007-01-04

For each of the last six years Adena Schutzberg has put together the top ten "things" of the past year. Some are events, some are non-events, some are products and some are people. It's her opportunity to look back and highlight topics worthy of attention as we head into the New Year.

Introduction to 2007

2007-01-04

Change is inevitable when you work in a technology sector like ours. We felt the need for some "tweaking" with our Web presence, as editor-in-chief Joe Francica explains.

Product Overview: GeoIQ - Making Your Maps Smarter and Better Looking Too

2006-12-19

GeoIQ is an open platform that allows you to create applications integrating your data and other folks' data using Google Maps and Microsoft Visual Earth APIs. This combination provides not only interesting visualizations, it also allows for fairly complex analysis in an easy-to-use interface. GeoIQ operates as a Web service; the API lets you configure its usage, the data sources and the level of analysis. Hal Reid provides an overview.

Tsunami Warning-You Are Located in the Threat Area

2006-11-30

On October 15th of this year, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Big Island of Hawaii about six miles north of the Keahole-Kona Airport at 7:07 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Joe Francica happened to be on the Big Island at the time, approximately 15 miles from the epicenter of both quakes, and found himself "in the dark" about what was going on and how much danger he was in. Here he tracks the information flow and offers suggestions about how it could be improved.

Editorial: Becoming New Again

2006-11-01

Last week Hal Reid attended a Webinar titled "Improving Business Decisions through Location Intelligence" which was presented by BusinessWeek Research Services and MapInfo. Here he offers his thoughts on how some things we thought were old are new again.

The View from Here

2006-10-26

Adena Schutzberg considers three topics: navigating and why some signage is highly effective; we're still "talking among ourselves" instead of getting the word out about what we do to a wider audience; and the inherent value of including a "click to see the map" option.

NSGIC Trends

2006-10-12

Last week's National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) annual meeting was a whirlwind tour of agencies, states, technologies, visions, suggestions, questions and proposals. Here are some of the key themes and ideas Adena Schutzberg came away with after four days of meetings in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Data, Data�Who's Got the Data?

2006-08-31

As GIS matured, the purchasing model changed from one where buyers acquired both the system and the geospatial data from the same vendor, to one where software vendors had "data partners." From there we are moving to a model where data are a commodity and perhaps someday nearly any vendor will be happy to sell/license/serve up any data in any format in any projection. Adena Schutzberg considers the ramifications.

Product Review - MapPoint 2006

2006-06-01

MapPoint 2006 is the next version of Microsoft's desktop mapping software. It is really two separate products: a desktop mapping system and an in-vehicle navigation system. Depending on how you use it, you may see the improvements made from the previous version, MapPoint 2004, as valuable or not. Microsoft touts the vehicle navigation features of this version, and thus potential purchasers should consider whether the desktop mapping features are adequate for the type of analyses required. But the product lacks key features in desktop mapping and falls short of being a viable in-vehicle navigation system. Read more...

Product Overview � Free Plug-in for MS Outlook from CMC International

2006-04-19

This free plug-in from CMC International creates Google Maps of individual contact addresses from within Microsoft Outlook. (It has a catchy name, too: "Google Maps plug-in for Outlook.") What makes this product interesting is that it is an advertising vehicle that promotes ESRI�s BusinessMAP. Providing free, useful products is nothing new to the advertising world, but this seems like a fairly new twist in the GIS industry.

Product Overview: Profi$ite � Online Sales Forecasting

2006-04-18

Sales forecasting models are among the most interesting applications of technology in retail development. The models quantify the nature and value of a location, summarize the location�s surrounding market or trade area, and provide a view of the future. This product overview describes a new Web-based offering from Proxix, Profi$ite.

Product Overview - Ekahau

2006-04-06

Editor Hal Reid interviewed Antti Korhonen, President and CEO of Ekahau, Inc. Hal discovered a series of products and technologies that address the �where is it and where are they� problem in elegant ways. Ekahau�s products address the need to track assets and people.

Product Review � Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Personal Navigation Device

2006-03-14

For the past month, Hal Reid has been using the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 personal navigation PDA. It has been to Nashville, Auburn University (Alabama) twice, Georgia Tech (Atlanta), Ft. Steward (Georgia) and various other places around central Georgia. He now has to admit that although at first he questioned the validity of owning such a device, he is now a believer.

Alteryx � A Visual Workflow Tool for Data Transformation

2006-03-14

When it comes to data manipulation, most people still use Microsoft Excel. Everybody has it; most people can use it; therefore its limitations may be more readily accepted. SRC has developed a data manipulation product that is more focused on spatial data, large data sets and speed in creating data transforms. Hal Reid provides an overview.

Product Overview: Laser-Scan's Radius Studio

2006-02-07

There is a perpetual quest to "catch the wave" when marketing a new product. The quest is to be on the leading edge of demand, riding the wave of acceptance that is just beginning to crest. Everyone tries to do this, but not everyone succeeds. The recent release of Radius Studio on January 25 could hit the wave just right.

Product Overview: Matrox DualHead2Go

2006-01-31

Hal Reid, an admitted multiple screen junkie, describes his latest find, the Matrox DualHead2Go. It runs mutliple screens in a variety of configurations.

Product Review of District 8 from GfK Macon AG

2006-01-27

District 8, a GIS package offered by the German based GfK Macon, is described on its Web site as a �regional planning� based GIS. Although regional planning may mean many things to an American audience, make no mistake, this product is squarely aimed at the business world. This article, by City of Lincoln, Oregon, GIS Coordinator Michael Bishopp, provides a review of the product.

Product Review: Terrain Navigator Pro version 7.01

2006-01-11

Paul Amos first reviewed Terrain Navigator Pro 6.3 for Directions Magazine in July 2004. Here he offers an update for version 7.01. Terrain Navigator Pro is a software program that provides access to U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle maps and USGS Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. The software allows the user seamless access to the topographic maps across the state or region purchased.

RouteMAP IMS 3.0

2005-10-23

RouteMAP IMS 3.0 from ESRI is an out of the box solution for adding maps to existing web sites. Several things make this product unique. First, ESRI licenses users to install RouteMAP IMS on their server(s). Not only does this provide licensees the ability to selectively add mapping features it also gives web masters and developers the ability to seamlessly customize the look and feel of RouteMAP IMS so it matches the graphics of their site...Read more.

Product Review: MapInfo Professional Version 8.0

2005-07-11

MapInfo Professional version 8.0 is the latest release of MapInfo�s flagship desktop location intelligence software product. Read Paul Amos' review of the latest version.

Navman Sport.Tool R300 GPS

2005-07-10

GPS is becoming ubiquitous. It�s in handheld games, phones, car navigation systems and many other everyday objects. One of the newer markets for GPS is for recreational and more competitive distance athletes. The latest entry into the space is from Navman, a division of Brunswick, a company known for its marine electronics instruments and car navigation devices. This article reviews the Navman Sport.Tool R300 GPS.

BusinessMAP Version 4

2005-05-21

With Version 4, ESRI's BusinessMAP continues to provide good value and functionality in desktop mapping software. While the product primarily supports sales and marketing professionals with integrated links to personal information management software, BusinessMAP Version 4 continues it�s appeal to other professionals who simply need mapping software.

Looking for a Job in GIS? Maybe You Should Obtain a Security Clearance

2005-01-28

In a story written by Victor Godinez of the Dallas Morning News and copyrighted by Knight Ridder News Service, Mr. Godinez suggests that in the Post 9/11 era �there's a ferocious demand for technology workers with federal security clearance.� A check of one of the geospatial industry's most recognizable employer's in the federal government, The National Geospatial-Intel

MapInfo Hiring for Retail Services; Intergraph Lays off 50, mostly from Mapping Division

2005-01-21

MapInfo Corporation reported first quarter results yesterday and indicated that its services division revenue declined because staffing requirements did not meet demands for retail service accounts. Mark Cattini, president and CEO, said that steps were being taken to add staff in retail modeling services, but noted that a long training period would be necessary before the new hires could contribute to the bottom line. At the end of 2004, MapInfo employed 792 people worldwide, a nearly 100 person jump

Directions Launches PROFILES IN GIS

2004-12-06

It is a pet peeve of mine that college, and especially high school educators lack the resources to expose their students to the job possibilities that exist in the workplace. Too often, we funnel students into curriculum that are simply common pathways to commonplace jobs. A career in GIS is certainly not a common path to take for lifelong professional growth. So how does a student find out about the kinds of jobs that exist? That's where you come in.

Good News, Bad News for Salaries, Outsourcing, and Home Businesses

2004-10-18

On October 12th, TechWeb News reported that, "Offshore outsourcing is expected to grow nearly 20 percent annually through 2008, with the average enterprise sending 60 percent of its application work to low-wage countries by 2009, a ma

Should You Get 'GIS Certified'

2004-09-22

According to the GIS Certification Institute, "the purpose of the GIS Certification Institute is to provide those professionals who work in the field of geographic information systems with a formal process that will: Allow� them to be recognized by their colleagues and peers for having demonstrated exemplary professional practice and integrity in the field Establish and maintain high standards of both professional practice an

Employment Picture Looks Promising

2004-09-09

Although it is not the official end of summer it appears by the mess on my desk it that my summer is over.� Fall tends to be an active hiring season and we are experiencing a healthy increase in recruitment demands. DeVry University, headquartered in Illinois, conducted a survey of employers recently.� They report that more than 81 percent across a diverse r

Jobs for Geographers Who Don't Know GIS

2004-09-03

I received the following letter this week that I thought I would share with readers. Perhaps some of you have the same question: I would like to see an article about how Geographers and others outside of the GIS field can successfully find employment in the field with little training. Other than simply stating that course work or certification needs to be required, which is obvious, what companies and/or government organizations in the field are even willing to discuss even entry level job opportunities with individuals that are not currently in the field, but are geogr

U.S. Department of Labor Issues Report on Geospatial Technologies

2004-07-30

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a job growth profile of the Geospatial Technology sector this past May. In the report, they cited several reasons why this sector will experience higher than average job growth over the next several years: The worldwide market for geospatial technologies has enormous potential. Estimated at $5 Billion in 2001, the market is expected to have annual revenues of $30 Billion by 2005 Increasing demand for readily available, consistent, accurate, complete, and current geographic information and the widespread use of advanced techno

Jobs � It�s All Good News

2004-05-14

Employers added jobs at a surprisingly rapid clip for the second straight month in April and the unemployment rate fell, a government report showed Friday, as the nation's labor market finally showed signs of sustained improvement. Payrolls grew by 288,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department reported, well above the 173,000 economists had forecast, according to a survey by Reuters. The number even topped the highest forecasts of about 250,000. The unemployment rate eased to 5.6 percent from 5.7 percent in March. The department also revised its reading on March job growth to 337,000 jo