The planning committee for the Upper Midwest Geospatial Conference (UMGEOCON) is exceptional pleased to announce the release of its 2018 program. Headlining the event will be community titan Dr. Carl Reed who will discuss his nearly 50 years at the forefront of some of the most important advancements in the industry, and what those developments say about the dangers ahead for anyone using geospatial technology. Other keynotes will be delivered by Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, Director, Spatial Analysis Laboratory, University of Vermont, and National States Geographic Information Council President-Elect, Dan Ross. Additional conference highlights include:

Five featured talks including a lightning round of presentations and panel discussion by experts on big data, and another by Emmy winning director Dan Bertalan,

Four diverse pre-conference workshops, all available for free,

Multiple tracks of sessions delivered by subject matter experts during each event time block, thereby allowing attendees to focus on topics of specific personal interest, and

A price sensitive admission – at $195/$50 for attendees/students, the UMGEOCON ticket price is 80% less than what some other GIS conferences are charging this year.

The planning committee also notes UMGEOCON is the nation’s premier geospatial charity event which gives back to the community 100% of the profit earned. The seven regional host nonprofit geospatial organizations share equally in proceeds for the benefit of their scholarship and other charitable programs.

Given the facts above, the UMGEOCON planning committee representing the state GIS associations of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, along with ASPRS Western Great Lakes Region, GITA and SharedGeo believe they have again delivered a program which will allow GIS professionals to substantially broaden their GIS knowledge, expand cross-border connections, and explore emerging trends and technologies in a collaborative learning environment which supports the greater community. 

Scheduled for May 23-24, 2018, at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin, the planning committee encourages anyone interested in attending UMGEOCON to purchase their ticket as soon as possible. The venue is capacity limited, and ticket sales to date have been accelerating. 

UMGEOCON is a collaborative endeavor of seven geospatial nonprofits with a total active membership of over 2,500. They are:

ASPRS-WGLR: The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Western Great Lakes Region (ASPRS-WGLR) is comprised of public, private, and academic professionals dedicated to the advancement of the geospatial imaging sciences. ASPRS-WGLR is one of sixteen regions nationwide and consists of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Indiana, and northern Illinois. There are currently five universities with ASPRS student chapters in the Western Great Lakes Region: Indiana State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Minnesota, and Michigan Technological University.

GITA: The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is a member-led nonprofit professional education association and leading advocate for anyone using geospatial technology to help operate, maintain, and protect North America’s infrastructure. Through industry leading conferences, research initiatives, chapters, and outreach programs, GITA provides ongoing learning and engagement opportunities for its members. 

IGIC: The Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC) is a member driven nonprofit organization that works to foster an efficient GIS environment through cooperation and coordination with public and private entities that access, collect, provide, and share data, metadata, applications and educational opportunities. 

ILGISA: The Illinois GIS Association is the only statewide organization of GIS/geospatial professionals in Illinois. ILGISA advances the understanding, communication, and effectiveness of geospatial technology in Illinois. ILGISA connects over 500 members working in local, regional, state and federal government, higher educational institutions, and private industries. ILGISA strives to offer a wide-variety of high-quality, low-cost programs that educate and inform our members. ILGISA programs include an annual conference, regional meetings, training events, and webinars that address the ever-evolving geospatial technologies, applications and standards.

MN GIS/LIS: The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium (MN GIS/LIS) is a collaborative, volunteer-based organization with a long standing and dedicated mission to develop and support the GIS professional in Minnesota for the benefit of its state and citizens.

SharedGeo: SharedGeo is a nonprofit dedicated to helping government, nonprofit, education, and corporate entities use mapping technologies and share geographic data for the public good. Past and current project partners include federal, state, tribal, county and municipal entities. www.sharedgeo.orgWLIA: Founded in 1987, the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA) is a grassroots organization representing a collection of concerned professionals working to develop, maintain, and apply a network of statewide land information systems. Its members are united by an interest in land records modernization, GIS, and related technologies, and by the need for government policies and programs that support their efficient and effective application. WLIA is a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, and is open to individual, non-profit and corporate members.

Geospatial Industry News

Upper Midwest Geospatial Conference – May 23-24, 2018 Program Announced

The City of Tamba in Hyogo prefecture, Japan, performs field survey work using a mobile GIS application designed for Apple iPad tablet computers. The application, called Mobile Matilda, is developed by Osaka based GIS solution specialist, Tsukasa Consulting, using the TatukGIS Developer Kernel 11 (for Delphi edition) with the Embarcadero FireMonkey framework. The mobile application compliments desktop and web-based versions of the Matilda software that are enabled with more features.

Unlike web applications, Mobile Matilda can operate in a local (off-line) environment because map layers and data are read from the iPad memory. Users can update records in the field for later synchronization to the desktop or server via a secure Wi-Fi or GSM connection, when available. TatukGIS development tools enable efficient storage of even huge GIS datasets as SQLite database layers on iOS and Android devices.

A mobile map project can also incorporate information streamed via the web, such as TatukGIS hosted OpenStreetMap web tiles as a background layer.

Field surveys conducted by the Tamba government often involve assets such as vacant houses and solar power generation facilities. In recent years, unoccupied houses left unmanaged have become a major issue for the prevention of crime and disasters, requiring municipal governments to better understand and manage this problem. Investments in solar power facilities must be verified and inventoried to qualify for government financial subsidies.

In the past, field surveys required personnel to carry a camera, a map, and paper-based inventory records into the field to collect information, and then return to the office to associate newly collected data with already existing information. The process was labor intensive and prone to errors. The resulting data was not always usable in an efficient manner. With the Mobile Matilda application, observed survey information, photographs, and map figures are electronically associated to the map while on site. For improved workflow, survey assignments can be set up in advance to enable the field researcher to access relevant records simply by tapping and selecting on the tablet computer. The iPad’s GPS information can be used to easily center the map (or aerial photography layer) to the user's present position.

A user cn enter new vector points which can be edited such as to change its position, add attribute information, or specify a direction (e.g., viewing angle). Photos can be added using the iPad's built-in camera or a linked 360-degree panoramic camera

Japanese City Using GIS on iPads for Field Survey

Old and historical sites add character and value to a place. They are part of heritage that needs to be preserved for future generations to see and enjoy. And with the help of building information modeling (BIM) 3D laser scanning Hull, it will now be more convenient for industry experts and stakeholders to restore such buildings.

3D scanning devices emit and use lasers to capture the XYZ coordinates of a particular site, structure, or building. The data it gathers are considered to be more accurate than those from traditional methods. Through these data, 3D maps are created using BIM. Both the XYZ coordinates and 3D map files are stored in a cloud, which makes them more accessible to all concerned parties.

The architectural Hull space has witnessed significant improvements over the past years with the emergence of technologies like 3D scanning. Here’s how it helps restore old buildings and historic sites.

More accuracy. 3D scanning doesn’t just gather accurate data on the XYZ coordinates of a site. It also captures the existing condition of the site itself — including material details. As historical buildings have older construction materials, obtaining precise information about them enables construction personnel and concerned stakeholders to develop a smart and cost-effective restoration plan.

Less risk of damage. With 3D scanning, the lasers and the scanning devices will take on the role of surveying and data gathering. This minimises the risk of getting building materials damaged in the process. Additionally, it’s also safer for site personnel. Their risk of getting injured while collecting data — especially in areas that are difficult to reach and navigate — will also be decreased.

Better data management. Data from 3D scanners are stored in a cloud. This allows for more secure and efficient data management. With an improved data management system, it will be more convenient for all the involved individuals to access and utilise these accurate data at any stage of the restoration process.

Improved collaboration. Unlike regular buildings, restoring historical properties is much more complicated. It involves more complex techniques and entails collaborative work from various teams and parties. With the help of 3D scanning, the collaboration will be enhanced because of better data availability and more efficient creation of 3D models.

Reach Out To The Leading Name in 3D Laser Scanning

Today, more and more historical buildings are breathed back to life with the aid of BIM 3D laser scanning.

If you’re looking for an expert on it, GGP Consult should sit atop your list. With around 27 years in the industry, GGP Consult has remained one of the most esteemed names in engineering. Apart from their long-standing commitment to quality craftsmanship, they’re keen on tapping new technologies such as 3D laser scanning Hull to deliver quality work more economically and efficiently.

How Can BIM 3D Laser Scanning Help Restore Old Buildings and Historic Sites

Company: INPUT
Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Mkt Research, Federal Government, Homeland Security
Location: Reston, VA, United States of America


RESTON, Va. -- Bioterrorism; air, marine and land security; and Coast Guard's modernization saw the biggest boost in funding for Fiscal Year 2005 in the Department of Homeland Security, according to a report released today by INPUT, the leading provider of government market intelligence. The August INPUT/Output report states that the proposed FY2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill will allocate approximately $33 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, a $2.8 billion (9.4%) increase over the Fiscal Year 2004 enacted level.



The INPUT report states that the largest funding increase will take place in the United States Coast Guard with $705 million over FY2004, with a total budget of $7.5 billion.The Deepwater Program, Coast Guard's modernization program, has been funded for $776 million, a $112 million increase over FY2004.The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is projected to have a total budget of $5.2 billion, an increase of $649 million over FY2004. The programs within TSA that have significant increases are Airport Information Technology, budgeted at $292.9 million, a $154 million increase and Checkpoint Support, budgeted at $161.1 million, a $99 million increase.



According to the INPUT/Output report, biological countermeasures will have the greatest increase, $149 million over FY2004 with a total budget for FY2005 of $346.3 million, from the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate.The S&T Directorate has proposed FY2005 funding of $1.1 billion, $157 million over FY2004.



The INPUT/Output report discusses the budget and grant opportunities within the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness with the Department of Homeland Security.As of March 26, 2004, this office has all grant making authority across the Department reporting directly to the Secretary.The report indicates that the Senate Appropriations committee has recommended $3.75 billion be set aside in grants assistance to our nation's first responders for FY2005, a $250 million decrease from the set asides in FY2004.The Urban Area Security Initiative is expected to receive a $480 million increase in funding in FY05.The INPUT report highlights these programs and budgeted amounts.



"In order for the Department of Homeland Security to continue to function effectively under increasing labor costs, a heavier reliance on technology is required," said Kim Hovda, manager, grant products, INPUT."The technologies necessary for the future will be the technologies that replace human effort with automated effort.The Department is taking steps toward this through research efforts being led by the Science and Technology Directorate and the Transportation Security Administration."



To download a summary of INPUT's Homeland Security FY2005 budget analysis report, go to:  media.input.com



INPUT is the leading provider of government market intelligence.Based in Reston, Virginia, INPUT provides market development services, advisory services, and software solutions to help clients secure new business, address new markets, and manage business development.For more information about INPUT 

Homeland Security Budget Slated for $33B in FY2005; 9.4% Increase Over FY2004

MapSphere Announces New Platform Focused on Spatial Decision Support

MapSphere, a provider of geospatial technology solutions, today announced the release of its new intelligent geospatial platform aimed at improving infrastructure planning and analysis. The platform is designed to help planners, engineers, and decision-makers evaluate complex spatial data and understand how location influences long-term infrastructure outcomes.

By combining spatial analytics with interactive visualization tools, the platform enables users to explore multiple planning scenarios and assess potential impacts before implementation.

Turning Complex Spatial Data into Practical Insight

The MapSphere platform integrates diverse datasets, including land use information, transportation networks, environmental constraints, and demographic trends, into a unified spatial environment. Users can analyze geographic relationships, identify potential conflicts, and prioritize investments based on spatial evidence.

Built with scalability in mind, the system supports both regional planning initiatives and localized infrastructure projects.

Designed for Collaboration and Transparency

A key focus of the new platform is collaboration across teams and stakeholders. The system allows users to share spatial views, compare alternative scenarios, and communicate planning assumptions through clear geographic representations.

This approach improves transparency and helps align technical analysis with policy goals and community expectations.

Supporting Smarter Infrastructure Decisions

“Effective infrastructure planning requires more than technical data—it requires geographic understanding,” said a senior executive at MapSphere. “Our new platform is designed to make spatial intelligence accessible, enabling organizations to make confident decisions grounded in location-based insight.”

The release reflects MapSphere’s broader mission to support smarter, more resilient infrastructure through advanced geospatial technology.

MapSphere develops geospatial software and analytics solutions that help organizations understand and manage spatial complexity. The company focuses on delivering flexible, user-centric platforms that support planning, analysis, and decision-making across infrastructure, environmental, and public sector domains.

MapSphere Launches Intelligent Geospatial Platform for Infrastructure Planning

A South African company is pioneering the latest laser scanning technology with plans to mount high speed scanners on a variety of mobile platforms including a gyrocopter, 4x4 s and even a golf cart. Supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, the Riegl VZ-400 will be used by Land and Marine Surveys, a survey company based in Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for traditional terrestrial scanning, mobile data capture and the production of design-quality graphics.

Our R&D; on mobile scanning goes back to 2008, where we had previously tried other devices on our survey vessel, the back of our utility van as well as on a gyrocopter, commented Clint Marx of Land and Marine Surveys (LMS). They worked adequately but with lots of noise (interference). When we tried the VZ-400, we saw spectacular results and very little to no noise. The range is another huge advantage, as is the integrated camera.

The VZ-400 utilises unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse weather conditions. Achieving accuracies of 5mm at ranges of up to 600 metres the VZ-400 can measure up to 122,000 points per second with a 100 x 360-degree field of view. The evaluation of multiple targets combined with a reliable, robust and lightweight construction makes the VZ-400 ideally suited to civil engineering, city modelling and architectural projects, for example.

LMS will be using the VZ-400 for both static and mobile survey work, scanning from the land, sea and air. The device will be mounted on a variety of platforms, including their own 4x4 survey vehicle, golf cart, trolley, gyrocopter, helicopter and survey boat. You name it, we will mount it! added Marx. LMS has also started working with a digital media company supplying high resolution images and 3D data for use in promotions, movies, advertising, animation, graphics and other media projects.

The VZ-400 gives us the flexibility we require and that cannot, in our opinion, be found elsewhere, concluded Marx, and the levels of service and support we have received from 3D Laser Mapping have been exceptional. Our local representative has extensive knowledge and is dedicated to his work. I know I can call him at any time for advice.

3D Laser Mappings scanner goes gyrocopter surveying

Waterloo, Canada, September 25, 2023 - Mappedin, the forefront global authority in indoor mapping, proudly announces the debut of Mappedin Maker, a free application within Mappedin’s indoor mapping platform. Easy enough for anyone to master, Mappedin Maker redefines the creation of indoor maps, provides indoor navigation, and bolsters public safety. From those with no mapping background to CAD experts, Mappedin Maker allows users to map commercial and community venues directly from maker.mappedin.com or the Maker App for iOS.

Prior to Mappedin Maker, the company’s acclaimed indoor mapping platform was accessible only to enterprise companies with professional expertise. In a strategic shift, Mappedin has democratized this technology to be available to anyone. With the introduction of this free application, Mappedin Maker extends to everyone, enabling the creation of accurate, interactive maps that reshape the way individuals navigate and engage with indoor environments.

"At Mappedin, we believe there should be ‘one map everywhere’. It’s our mission to make it easy for anyone to create useful indoor maps,” says Hongwei Liu, CEO at Mappedin. “We have invested in creating AI-powered mapping tools to completely automate the mapping process and on top of that, we’re offering this new capability for free to empower communities to map their buildings."

Mappedin Maker is the first tool that allows someone to create a georeferenced vector map of a building in a matter of minutes. Simply take a photo of an existing paper floorplan or walk around a building with the Maker App for iOS and the tool guides you through the rest. Mappedin’s AI automatically places doors, windows and walls.

Simple Self-Sign-up: With a few steps, users can sign up and get started creating their map for free.

User-Friendly Map Creation and Editing: With Maker, users can create their map and keep that map up to date with AI-powered tools.

nteractive Wayfinding Maps: Once a map is created in Maker, users will have access to a 3D wayfinding map that can be easily embedded onto a website.

Multi-Format Exports: Along with your wayfinding map, users can download a safety version of their map and send to local emergency response units.

Mappedin’s AI powered mapping tools were originally developed through partnership with the Department of Homeland Security where the goal was to automate as much of the indoor mapping process as possible. Between this project and the continued support of Mappedin's dedicated customers who use its enterprise-grade products, Mappedin is able to offer Maker free of charge to benefit communities at large. For users needing greater support, Mappedin will continue to expand its enterprise offering.

Mappedin recognizes the need for user-friendly and accessible indoor mapping tools, especially for schools, first responders, and communities. The launch of Mappedin Maker addresses this gap, enabling anyone to create accurate and useful indoor maps. As Mappedin Maker reshapes indoor mapping, it aligns with Mappedin's core principles of user-friendly tools, creating "one map everywhere," and promoting safe and secure spaces.

Mappedin Maker is accessible on desktop devices by going to maker.mappedin.com. Users can get started by uploading existing floor plans; if floor plans don’t exist, they can create indoor maps from scratch with the Maker App for iOS on iPhone 12 or later and iPad Pro.

For more information about the Mappedin Maker Application, visit mappedin.com/maker and to sign-up for Mappedin Maker, visit maker.mappedin.com.

Mappedin, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, is a global leader in indoor mapping and spatial data management. Their innovative solutions power billions of square feet of indoor space and millions of people visiting malls, stadiums, offices, retail establishments, healthcare facilities, warehouses, colleges and universities to name a few. Mappedin's cutting-edge technology optimizes indoor spaces, enhances user experiences, and strengthens public safety through advanced digital mapping. Guided by the ethos "One Map Everywhere," Mappedin envisions indoor maps as commonplace as their outdoor counterparts. They are committed to creating accessible and user-friendly products, leveraging their extensive experience and Machine Learning for automated paper-to-digital floor plan conversion. Their new product, Mappedin Maker, offered for free, underscores their dedication to enabling communities to effortlessly map their indoor spaces. Mappedin’s AutoMap technology was originally sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under contract #70RSAT20CB0000014 and is now available to anyone through the Maker product.

Mappedin Empowers Communities to Map Every Building With Game-Changing App

Grand Forks, ND – (7/27/22) – UAS Magazine announced the preliminary agenda for the 2022 UAS Summit & Expo, the upper Midwest’s premier unmanned aircraft systems event, taking place October 4-5, 2022, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

New this year, a special event will take place on Monday, October 3rd at Grand Sky Business and Aviation Park featuring a self-guided viewing of the state-of-the-art facilities including Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Grand Sky Business Park, and Vantis’s Mission & Networking Operations Center. This event is free to registered attendees who are citizens of the U.S.

“The State of North Dakota is known as one of the major industry hubs for commercial UAS activity, and the Grand Forks Region plays a leading role within that ecosystem,” says Keith Lund, president and CEO at Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation. “We are excited to see the UAS Summit and Expo continue to expand and showcase the capabilities of the region. Even more exciting is the ever-growing list of companies that are joining the conversation on the North Dakota UAS industry.”

This year highlighted keynote addresses will be given on Tuesday and Wednesday from national and local legislative and industry decision makers such as:

Representative from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base

George Rumford, Director, Test Resource Management Center

Doug Shaffer, Vice President, Autonomous Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting Programs, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Andrew Armacost, President, University of North Dakota

 “We are excited to once again showcase some of the most influential UAS entities from United States Senators, top-ranking military officials, DoD contractors, and innovative start-up companies,” says Dayna Bastian, program coordinator for UAS Magazine.

This year’s agenda has been created with informative and timely presentations based on a ratings committee. The agenda will feature speakers with expertise on a specific topic area, including: the current state of the UAS industry; realizing beyond visual line of sight; and finding the future use of UAS in large and small operations.

The 2022 program will have presentations given by the most influential UAS entities from around the world, such as:

ASTM BVLOS Navigation Standards Committee

Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, Virginia Tech

“We have carved out a section of the program specifically for new companies looking for angel investors,” says John Nelson, vice president of operations, sales and marketing at UAS Magazine. “These companies will have the ability to pitch their product or service to the investors in a closed-door meeting and hopefully walk away with investment dollars injected into their business.”

Information about the angel investments and committee will be provided on the UAS Summit & Expo website. 

The Summit, taking place in the original epicenter of drone research, offers the most open airspace in the country. The Northern Plains has become the “Silicon Valley of Drones,” and the sky is now filled with activity from commercial, government and military users.

For more information, visit www.TheUASsummit.com.

For commercial manufacturers and operators, UAS Magazine exclusively highlights the most critical developments and cutting-edge technologies for unmanned aerial systems in the civil, agriculture, defense and commercial markets worldwide. UAS Magazine's readership includes executives, directors, managers and operators from companies and organizations focused on expanding their knowledge of unmanned aerial systems. UAS Magazine is an industry hub connecting decision-makers, who are looking for new technologies, with the most innovative companies.

Preliminary Agenda Announced for 2022 UAS Summit & Expo

The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is seeking participants in the OGC Disaster Pilot 2021, building on 2019’s very successful Disaster Resilience Pilot. Responses are due by May 21, 2021.

The 2021 Pilot is sponsored by OGC Strategic Members USGS, NRCan, NASA, and others, supported by OGC Principal Members AWS, and Maxar, as well as Government member CONIDA, and in collaboration with AmeriGEO, ESIP, and CEOS. The Pilot will improve the ability of key decision makers and responders to discover, manage, access, qualify, share, and exploit location-based information in support of disaster preparedness and response and multi-hazard risk analysis.

Government agencies worldwide are producing huge streams of observation data, industry is innovating with remarkable analytics and AI tools, and yet common disasters like disease, floods, and wildfires still cause almost unimaginable social and economic impacts. What is missing? A critical component is that these amazing systems still don’t talk to each other. The whole is less than, not greater than, the sum of the parts. 

With the OGC Disaster Pilot 2021, the response community has the opportunity to put the puzzle pieces together and connect required players in rapid decision loops - from the data providers all the way to the first responders and decision makers with everyone in between. The Pilot will form a pattern that can be adapted to any disaster, any region, and any combination of data sources and tools.

The technical scope of the Pilot will revolve around a small set of significant technology trends and related standards:

Hybrid applications-to-the-data EO cloud exploitation platforms that seamlessly bring analysis-ready imagery and other data streams into scalable cloud environments where advanced processing and algorithms can be directly and flexibly applied to them.

On-demand provisioning of decision-ready information to local analysts and field responders, integrating both space-based and local data sources, by way of modern convenience APIs and mobile-ready online/offline Geopackage tools.

Web publication of "structured data" that connects well-known local geography with up-to-date conditions, observations, and predictions.

The Pilot will initially focus on implementing two specific scenarios that address hazard monitoring, vulnerability assessment, disaster detection, impact awareness, and disaster response:

Landslide and flooding hazards within the Rímac and Piura river basins in Peru.

Flooding hazards within the Red River basin in Manitoba, Canada

Both scenarios will also incorporate reporting and assessment of COVID-19 pandemic impacts on affected populations. This information will then influence the scope and nature of disaster response activities.

The Disaster Pilot will be conducted under OGC's Innovation Program, a collaborative, agile, and hands-on prototyping and engineering environment where sponsors and OGC members come together to address location interoperability challenges while validating international open standards. Watch this short video on how OGC’s Innovation Program can benefit your organization. 

OGC is grateful for the OGC Strategic Members’ industry leadership as displayed by their sponsorship of this OGC Innovation Initiative.

If you are interested in participating in this critical opportunity to shape collaborative disaster management capabilities, visit the Disaster Pilot 2021 page on ogc.org to download the Call For Participation. Responses are due by May 21, 2021.

The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is an international consortium of more than 500 businesses, government agencies, research organizations, and universities driven to make geospatial (location) information and services FAIR - Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

OGC’s member-driven consensus process creates royalty free, publicly available geospatial standards. Existing at the cutting edge, OGC actively analyzes and anticipates emerging tech trends, and runs an agile, collaborative Research and Development (R&D) lab that builds and tests innovative prototype solutions to members' use cases.

OGC members together form a global forum of experts and communities that use location to connect people with technology and improve decision-making at all levels. OGC is committed to creating a sustainable future for us, our children, and future generations.

Directions Magazine is brought to you by the following…

OGC Seeking Participants in the 2021 Disaster Pilot

Common Ground Alliance (CGA) – the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities – today announced that it has rescheduled the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo for Oct. 12-15 of next year to accommodate members’ ongoing travel restrictions through the first half of 2021. The conference previously had been scheduled for March 2-5, 2021.

The 2021 CGA Conference & Expo will bring together damage prevention industry decision-makers for a week of focused collaboration and innovation designed to Break New Ground on the industry’s most persistent challenges. Educational and action-oriented programming will engage stakeholders in thoughtful roundtable discussions, focused presentations, interactive breakout sessions, networking events and a technology-packed Expo floor.

All 2021 CGA Conference & Expo sponsors, exhibitors and speakers remain committed to the new October 2021 dates and all attendees have been personally contacted.

Sign up for updates to receive upcoming announcements about educational tracks, featured speakers and more.

CGA is a member-driven association of more than 1,700 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web.

The CGA Conference & Expo is the damage prevention industry’s official annual gathering of executives, managers and board-level attendees committed to reducing damages to underground utilities to zero. Designed to bring true decision-makers and leaders in the industry together for a week of outside-of-the-box problem-solving, the CGA Conference & Expo marries intensive, high-level educational and collaborative content with a carefully curated expo floor and exclusive networking opportunities for an experience that cannot be found elsewhere. The 2021 CGA Conference & Expo will be held Oct. 12-15 in Orlando, and the 2022 event will be held April 12-14 in Anaheim, Calif. Visit www.cgaconference.com for more information.

2021 CGA Conference & Expo Rescheduled for October

Leicestershire, UK, 06 July 2023 – 3D building models from aerial mapping company Bluesky International, are at the heart of plans for a landmark development in the centre of Coventry, UK, informing Virtual Reality (VR) presentations and digital walkthroughs.   

 Designed by creative architectural studio Buttress, the multi-million-pound City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG) will see the transformation of the former Ikea building into a multi-purpose collections and cultural facility, thought to the be the largest of its kind in the world. Forming part of the studio’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflow, the Bluesky models provide real-world context for the bold design, which takes reference from Coventry’s rich architectural environment. The 3D models help Buttress understand the true impact of the development and communicate with decision makers and stakeholders.   

“The Bluesky 3D Building Models provide a geographically accurate and up-to-date representation of the site and its locality,” commented Paul Thornborough, BIM Manager at Buttress. “This means our design team can take into consideration how the development will be viewed and accessed from any location in the vicinity and the impact it will have on the surrounding buildings and neighbourhood. 

 “The models are also an essential tool in how we communicate and engage with our client, the public and planning officials,” he continued. “Due to the scale of the building and its prominence within the cityscape we have designed a bold new façade for the CCCG helping to establish and reaffirm its new identity. Bluesky’s 3D models allow us to present and communicate this design, in its real-world context and in a way that is easy to access and understand for all interested parties.” 

 Andy Hoskins is Bluesky’s Head of 3D. He said, “Our 3D models are an enabler for businesses and organisations that need accurate visualisation models offering detailed visual representation of the built environment, allowing interaction, analysis and interrogation of urban landscapes on an unprecedented level – and all from their desktop.” 

 The CCCG is a collaboration between Coventry City Council, CV Life, Arts Council England, the British Council and Coventry University and has been designed by Buttress with future flexibility in mind. A landmark cultural destination at the heart of Coventry which, it is hoped, will make a lasting physical, economic and cultural contribution, adding to the ongoing legacy from Coventry’s year as the UK City of Culture. The CCCG will include a nationally significant Collections Centre together with a cultural hub. Onsite facilities will include teaching areas, research space and attractions, such as a gallery, café, library, dance studio, artists’ studios and a shop, and many will be open to the public or available to hire.  

 Created from the latest aerial photography Bluesky models provide a geographically accurate and up-to-date 3D representation of both the underlying terrain and existing properties and infrastructure. Buttress imports the data into its Revit BIM software, where it sits alongside architectural drawings or design strategies. Following a degree of post processing to create realistic and relatable representations, the data is then exported to Buttress’s visualisation software to further enhance this realism. The resulting presentations are then shared and accessed by any interested party via mobile devices, using scannable QR codes or immersible VR experiences.   

 Photogrammetrically derived from stereoscopic aerial photography, the models are fully rendered and are provided as either wireframe or block models in a format suitable for use in both CAD and GIS software. The Bluesky data is supplied complete with a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and can be created to different levels of detail (LOD). Additional features, such as transport infrastructure or environmental features can also be added. 

 Buttress is a leading design studio based in Manchester. Providing architecture, urban design, interiors and conservation design services Buttress believes that architecture is as much about people and buildings, and that buildings should be shaped by their surroundings, their role and the people that will use them. 

 Bluesky International is the leading aerial survey and geographic data company in the UK producing and maintaining seamless digital aerial photography and height data on a national scale in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Bluesky also undertakes bespoke surveys, including LiDAR, for a range of public and private sector clients.  

 Bluesky International operates a range of aircraft and sensors including three Ultracam Eagle Mark 3s and two CityMappers which allow the simultaneous collection of vertical and oblique imagery, as well as LiDAR data, and a Galaxy LiDAR which is mounted with a thermal sensor and survey grade camera. These systems put Bluesky International in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost-effective geospatial solutions.  

 As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company Bluesky International is also highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services by embracing new technology and methods. This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map (NTM).  

 These datasets underpin long term contracts with local and central governments and many major blue-chip companies from a range of market sectors including financial services, utilities, telecoms, web portals, construction and environment.  Bluesky International has offices in the UK, US, Republic of Ireland and a dedicated production centre in India.  

Bluesky Building Models Aid Planning for World’s Largest Cultural Hub

Location intelligence has become a critical foundation for understanding the world through data. As organizations increasingly rely on spatial context to guide decisions, geospatial technologies are evolving beyond traditional maps into dynamic analytical systems that reveal patterns, risks, and opportunities hidden in location-based data.

From urban planning to logistics optimization, spatial insight is no longer optional—it is essential.

From Static Maps to Intelligent Spatial Systems

Early digital mapping focused primarily on visualization, offering static representations of physical space. Today, location intelligence integrates real-time data streams, predictive analytics, and machine learning to create adaptive spatial models.

These intelligent systems allow users to analyze movement, behavior, and environmental change, enabling faster responses to complex challenges. Spatial data is no longer just descriptive; it is predictive and prescriptive.

Why Spatial Context Changes Decision Quality

Data without location often lacks meaning. Adding geographic context transforms raw numbers into actionable insight. Understanding where events occur, how they relate spatially, and why patterns emerge in specific regions improves accuracy across decision-making processes.

Industries that adopt spatial analytics gain the ability to:

Detect regional trends before they escalate

Location intelligence connects data points into a coherent spatial narrative.

The Role of Real-Time Geospatial Analytics

Modern geospatial platforms increasingly rely on live data feeds from sensors, mobile devices, and connected infrastructure. Real-time spatial analytics enables continuous monitoring of environments, assets, and movement.

This capability supports rapid situational awareness and allows organizations to respond immediately to changing conditions, whether related to transportation, environmental monitoring, or infrastructure performance.

The Future of Mapping and Location-Based Insight

The future of location intelligence lies in deeper integration with artificial intelligence and automation. As spatial datasets grow in volume and complexity, intelligent systems will increasingly handle analysis, surface insights automatically, and recommend actions based on geographic patterns.

Rather than simply answering questions, next-generation geospatial tools will anticipate them—turning location data into a proactive decision engine.

The Evolution of Location Intelligence in a Data-Driven World

A new industry-wide standards initiative has been launched to address longstanding challenges in spatial data interoperability. The effort brings together technology providers, data stewards, and GIS practitioners to develop and promote common frameworks that enable smoother data exchange across platforms, systems, and analytical environments.

Spatial data interoperability is central to effective decision-making — mismatched formats, inconsistent schemas, and incompatible services often impede analysis, collaboration, and integration of disparate datasets. This initiative aims to reduce those barriers and foster a more seamless geospatial ecosystem.

The primary goals of the initiative include defining clear specifications for data exchange, extending existing open standards to emerging use cases, and encouraging adoption across public and private sectors. By focusing on harmonized data models and service protocols, participants hope to ensure that spatial data produced in one context can be reused reliably in another.

Key strategic priorities emphasize real-time data sharing, robust metadata mechanisms, and support for evolving data types including 3D geospatial content, sensor feeds, and mobile observations. These priorities stem from the recognition that modern applications increasingly rely on integrated spatial information to generate insights at scale.

Improved interoperability delivers tangible benefits to organizations and practitioners. Analysts spend less time wrangling formats and more time deriving value from data. Developers can build applications that integrate multiple sources without costly custom adapters. Agencies can collaborate across jurisdictional and platform boundaries with greater confidence.

For end users, this translates into faster delivery of spatial intelligence, more consistent analytical results, and reduced operational friction — all of which support better planning, monitoring, and response activities across sectors.

The standards initiative is supported by a coalition of stakeholders, including software vendors, standards bodies, research institutions, and user communities. By fostering a collaborative approach, the effort draws on diverse expertise and real-world experience to shape specifications that are practical, forward-looking, and broadly applicable.

Workshops, pilot projects, and open forums are scheduled throughout the year to gather input, validate prototypes, and encourage broad adoption. These collaborative activities aim to ensure that the resulting standards reflect the needs and priorities of the wider geospatial community.

As data volumes grow and spatial analytics become more central to decision-making, the need for interoperable geospatial systems will only increase. This initiative represents a proactive step toward a future where spatial data can flow freely between systems, workflows, and organizations, enabling deeper insights and more effective solutions.

The press release underscores the importance of shared standards as foundational infrastructure for the geospatial domain — paving the way for innovation, integration, and meaningful impact across industries.

New Standards Initiative to Advance Spatial Data Interoperability

This press release announces a new geospatial initiative aimed at improving how organizations integrate diverse spatial datasets and apply advanced mapping solutions. The effort responds to rising demand for coherent spatial insights that support planning, monitoring, and operational decisions. Spatial data is playing an increasingly central role across sectors such as utilities, transportation, environmental management, and public safety.

By bringing together data integration technologies with powerful mapping tools, the initiative seeks to streamline workflows, reduce redundancy, and improve analytical capabilities for spatial professionals.

At the core of the initiative is a focus on interoperability and enhanced analytical performance. Recognizing the challenges associated with disparate data sources, the program emphasizes bridging data silos through standardized formats and integration frameworks. These efforts help organizations create a unified view of spatial information that can be leveraged for complex queries and visual storytelling.

The strategic goals also include strengthening the ability to produce real-time spatial analytics, a feature increasingly valued in sectors that rely on updated geographic context.

The advancements outlined in this announcement provide tangible benefits to both technical and non-technical users. Integrated data environments reduce the manual effort required to prepare and validate datasets, allowing staff to focus on deriving insights rather than wrestling with data inconsistencies. Additionally, improved mapping solutions facilitate clearer communication of spatial patterns to decision makers, stakeholders, and broader audiences.

By enhancing the clarity and accessibility of spatial insights, the initiative supports more informed decisions that are grounded in location intelligence.

This initiative reinforces the growing trend toward connected geospatial ecosystems where interoperability and analytics are key enablers of innovation. The ability to unify spatial data from multiple sources — including field sensors, remote sensing platforms, and administrative records — helps organizations anticipate trends, respond to events, and manage resources more effectively.

Looking ahead, the initiative is expected to catalyze further developments in geospatial analytics, foster collaboration across domains, and contribute to the broader adoption of advanced spatial technologies in both public and private sectors.

New Geospatial Initiative Enhances Data Integration and Mapping Solutions

Cityworks, a leader in public asset and work management software, has been implemented by the City of St. John’s to improve the efficiency of its fleet maintenance operations. The software integrates work order management with detailed asset information, giving maintenance teams a centralized platform to track equipment status and coordinate repairs.

This deployment reflects a growing trend in municipal operations toward systems that combine asset data with workflow automation to reduce administrative burden and improve service outcomes.

One of the key aspects of the Cityworks solution is its integration with geographic information system (GIS) data. With GIS-enabled mapping of vehicles and equipment, maintenance crews can visualize the spatial distribution of fleet assets and more effectively plan service routes, inspections, and scheduled repair tasks.

This link between spatial context and operational workflows helps reduce unnecessary travel time and provides a clear picture of asset conditions across the city’s network.

Cityworks’ tools allow fleet managers to generate comprehensive work orders, track parts usage, and monitor preventive maintenance schedules. By automating notifications and consolidating information, the public works department experiences fewer missed service intervals and slower response times.

Efficiency gains also translate into cost savings, as improved planning and reduced downtime help stretch maintenance budgets further and enhance overall service reliability.

Field crews benefit from real-time access to work orders and associated GIS maps, allowing technicians to understand job locations and asset histories before arriving on site. This accessibility reinforces better decision-making in the field and reduces errors caused by fragmented or outdated information.

Cityworks interfaces support both office-based scheduling and mobile access for crews, bridging communication gaps and ensuring everyone works from up-to-date data.

The successful adoption of Cityworks in St. John’s demonstrates how integrated asset management systems can streamline public sector operations. As cities look to optimize maintenance programs across fleets, utilities, and infrastructure, solutions that unify spatial data with work management will continue to play a significant role.

Municipal leaders see this initiative as building a foundation for broader digital transformation, where performance insights and data transparency help guide planning and resource allocation.

Cityworks Making Fleet Maintenance Easier and More Efficient in St. John’s

Public access to government mapping and spatial data has become a significant topic in both policy and geospatial communities. This press release examines recent discussions on the transparency of spatial datasets held by government entities and the practical impacts such access has on planning, analysis, and innovation. In a world increasingly driven by data, open access to mapping information plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth, research, and civic engagement.

Governments hold vast repositories of geographic information, from parcel boundaries and jurisdictional maps to infrastructure and environmental layers. How this information is shared—or restricted—affects stakeholders ranging from urban planners and emergency responders to developers and citizens seeking insights into their communities.

Recent policy initiatives have explored the boundaries of public access to spatial data, balancing transparency with concerns over privacy and security. As legislation evolves, the geospatial community watches closely to understand implications for data availability and reuse. Proponents of open data argue that publicly funded information should be made widely available in accessible formats to enable innovation and broader participation.

At the same time, agencies grapple with concerns about potential misuse of sensitive information and the resources required to maintain open data platforms. Press coverage and case studies from counties and states illustrate a range of approaches to managing the trade-offs between openness and responsibility.

Implications for the Geospatial Community

The discussion around public access to government mapping data has practical consequences for geospatial professionals. Easy access to accurate, up-to-date spatial data supports better decision-making, enhances analytical workflows, and encourages the development of new applications and services. Conversely, restrictions or inconsistent policies can create barriers to productivity and data integration.

Organizations advocating for open spatial data emphasize the value of interoperability and standard formats, which can reduce costs and unlock greater utility from datasets across jurisdictions and platforms. These considerations are increasingly important as demand for location-based insights grows across sectors.

As governments and geospatial practitioners continue to engage on issues of data policy, the future of public access to mapping information remains an evolving landscape. Collaboration between policymakers, technical experts, and community stakeholders will be essential to craft approaches that balance openness with appropriate safeguards.

The ongoing dialogue presents opportunities for the geospatial community to help shape how public data is managed and shared, reinforcing the role of spatial information in research, planning, and community development.

Public Access to Government Mapping Data: Policy and Practice

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in the United Kingdom is deploying advanced software from Mayrise Systems to support its highway asset management strategy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure oversight, improve service delivery, and drive efficiencies across street lighting and road maintenance functions.

Funded in part by a significant investment from the Department of Transport, the project is designed to develop an integrated model for managing highway assets using modern information technology and operational tools.

The Mayrise platform is being used to create and maintain a comprehensive inventory of street lighting and related infrastructure. The system records fault reports, schedules routine and ad-hoc maintenance activities, and tracks workflow progress in the field.

A key element of the solution is an integrated mapping tool that enables asset identification and location verification. This functionality simplifies field monitoring and supports faster response times, leading to more efficient maintenance operations.

Council staff are able to log issues reported by the public directly through service management channels and link them to specific geographic locations. Combined with advanced reporting features, the software helps produce essential management reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.

According to local managers, the implementation has already contributed to improved compliance with statutory requirements and more accurate usage and inventory data, particularly in relation to the borough’s street lighting dimming programme.

The introduction of the Mayrise solution replaces older, manual methods that once relied on hand-written records and fragmented data. Today’s digital approach delivers greater accuracy, reduces administrative workload, and aligns maintenance activities with broader infrastructure planning goals.

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