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GISWeekly examines select top news each week, picks out worthwhile reading from around the web, and special interest items you might not find elsewhere. This issue will feature Industry News, Top News of the Week, Acquisitions/Alliances/Agreements, Announcements, Financials, People, New Products, and Events Calendar.
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Best wishes,
Susan Smith, Managing Editor
Industry News
Autodesk World Press Day 2007 – Geospatial Report
by Susan Smith
Autodesk World Press Day 2007 held at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco was characterized by a few changes, namely that the industry divisions have been restructured (all but manufacturing) and vps reassigned. Former vice president of the Infrastructure Solutions Division (ISD), Chris Bradshaw, has now taken the helm as vice president Worldwide Marketing. Amar Hanspal, formerly vice president of the Autodesk Collaboration Services Division, is now vice president of Platform Geospatial and Plant (PG&P), responsible for AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, mapping and GIS, and plant and process products. Where once civil engineering was under the purview of Chris Bradshaw in ISD, Jay Bhatt has become vice president of Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Solutions and is responsible for civil engineering products as well as AEC products such as Revit and Architectural Desktop (now named Autodesk Architecture).
CEO and president of Autodesk, Carl Bass, began with the usual discussion of how successful the company has been. He noted that it’s difficult for a company to hit the 1 billion dollar mark and stay there, and it took Autodesk 20 years to get to the 1 billion mark and in the last four years they have added another billion. They have quadrupled their operating margin or budget.
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Autodesk also claims 24.1 % growth in GIS. In speaking with Don Weigel of PG&P in a later interview, it would appear that this is an estimate on their part, as the company is still trying to shake out just who their usership is and what product sales are specifically GIS, or can be attributed to other products such as AutoCAD. One thing to keep in mind is that Autodesk is not serving the entire GIS market, but has targeted only certain segments of it.
“We define GIS differently than our competitors, with an eye to engineering. Engineering GIS’ is meant for specific markets such as utilities, communications, public works, with a focus on the intersection of design and GIS,” said Hanspal.
The message was not so much about individual products, as about how customers can move from engineering to GIS, using the existing products for their migration path. Map 3D 2008 will be released in March along with some of the other Autodesk products, but Open Source solutions will be released later in the year.
Hanspal talked about Autodesk’s plans to “democratize GIS,” making it possible for potential customers to make an investment in the technology of “no more than $7,000” as Autodesk keeps busy “making GIS digestible to a lot of people.”
“Affordable, accessible, and digestible” was a phrase I heard a couple of times. The GIS offering is most likely a response to those AutoCAD users who may need to use GIS every so often and don’t need a full-blown, deeply analytical GIS to manage their data.
Interoperability and integration could also be at the heart of Autodesk’s approach to this new platform, geospatial and plant division. In its effort to make all Autodesk products all things to all people, hopefully this will not have a dilutive effect on the products in that space, and simply be a move to bring AutoCAD users into the realm of GIS and plant.
Hanspal pointed out that many vector maps are already created in AutoCAD. “The people who have the most affinity for Autodesk Geospatial solutions are generally coming from an engineering background.” He envisions CAD and GIS integration as “one single enterprise workflow.” CAD and GIS integration and GIS engineering are not new concepts. They have been tried before, with varied success. Autodesk has some other interesting geospatial stuff going on such as the Open Source and Feature Data Objects (FDO), and data access technology released to the Open Source community, which allows users to connect to a host of data sources.
Migration Path
“Our objective is to get people up the value chain from AutoCAD, to Map 3D and MapGuide and FDO data access technology,” Hanspal said.
A series of stages identify users: from Stage 1 as AutoCAD users to Stage 2 as AutoCAD mappers, in Stages 3 and 4 they can use MapGuide to publish their data. Stage 5 is about building geospatial applications using the Topobase Framework and Oracle.
Democratized Application Development
“GIS was an island in 1995,” declared Hanspal. “At present, it’s about data management and integration.”
Democratized application development begins with using MapGuide and Map 3D to consume data sources, which make it easier for software developers to develop solutions.
Core markets:
- cable & telecommunications
- energy
- water and wastewater
- government
- engineering & construction
Applications :
- network engineering
- asset management
- public works
- land management
- transportation
Data
Autodesk recognizes that data comes from many places, created by many different products, and “we’re not going to convert the world into our format,” noted Hanspal. “We want to preserve the value of customers’ data.” That’s why Autodesk has built their product line around the data, with the concept of Map3D built on top of AutoCAD as the starting point. MapGuide is the next stage for getting into geospatial publishing. FDO is a rich development framework for developing their own applications or Topobase applications. Map 3D and MapGuide work on top of Topobase.
What’s new in Map 3D 2008 –
- native access to CAD, GIS and raster data formats via FDO data access technology
- AutoCAD tools for precision editing of GIS data
- GIS tools for map creation and stylization
- Powerful, flexible and open data management tools
- Direct Web Publishing via Autodesk MapGuide technology and DWF file specification
- better performance
- better data access
- better data management
- better API
As AutoCAD Map 3D has not been known for its great speed, this release focused on speed of performance and loading large datasets and design functions. In the past, the way AutoCAD has handled files, by loading a whole file into memory, has been the way Map 3D has handled data as well. AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 will run 7x faster transmitting data via FDO.
Engineering staff will have core GIS functionality to access, edit, and analyze CAD and GIS data. Map 3D 2008 has direct import/export of DWG data to/from SDF and Oracle databases.
As far as publishing, Map 3D 2008 lets you distribute your geospatial data throughout your organization, using DWFS that are georeferenced, and can be marked up, etc. Users can also create and use industry standard compliant metadata for DWG and FDO data stores.
New in Map 3D is the ability to utilize third party and Open Source FDO data providers (e.g. OGR, GDAL, FME) and data formats (e.g. ESRI personal database, MapInfo, TAB).
FDO Geospatial Data Access allows users to work with data in many different formats, such as aerial and satellite photos, utility data from an SDF file, property data from a Microsoft SQL Server, zoning data from ArcSDE for example. Using FDO, users can combine all this data without file conversion and then write back to those databases in their native format.
Map 3D 2008 also promises more tightly integrated formats with Civil 3D, better vectorization, and better support for multispectral images.
Autocad Raster Design 2008 extends the capabilities of raster design in Map 3D, and offers more tightly integrated formats with AutoCAD Map 3D and Civil 3D, added better vectorization, and better suport for multispectral images. Other features and improvements include: more options for inclusion of imagery in multiple formats, and support for multi-frame images, tools for faster conversion and verification, editing and image clean-up, and tools for preparation of raster data for AutoCAD-based applications, and image capture for better interoperabilaity with Map 3D 2008 software.
Summary
As government customers have ramped up their focus on facilities management, tracking assets and managing the lifecycle of assets on the AEC side, Autodesk is responding by looking at managing design and construction like a plant, and also managing facilities with a coordinate system. This approach would make full use of the triumvirate new platform - geospatial and plant division at Autodesk, bringing them all together into some kind of synergistic whole.
Top News of the Week
The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced that U.S. Marines Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, commander of U.S. Strategic Command; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael Ennis, deputy director for community human intelligence, CIA; retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper Jr., nominated to be the undersecretary of defense for intelligence; and Ambassador Dennis Richardson, Australian ambassador to the United States; have all accepted invitations to participate as keynote speakers at the GEOINT 2007 Symposium. GEOINT takes place Oct. 21-24, 2007, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
At its World Press Day event, Autodesk, Inc. showcased enhancements to its AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 and AutoCAD Raster Design 2008 geospatial software products, which further improve the integration of geospatial data by planning, engineering and operations personnel in utilities and municipal governments. With easy access to combined GIS and CAD information, organizations are streamlining operations across business and engineering teams, and ultimately redefining conventional mapping, design and asset management. These two applications, combined with Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise Web-based GIS software and Autodesk Topobase infrastructure design and management systems, offer
customers and developers alike a powerful, cost- effective GIS solution.
Alliances/Acquisitions/Agreements
Intermap Technologies, Inc. and MapMart (An IntraSearch Company), have joined forces to provide greater online access to Intermap's high quality and affordable 3D geometric datasets through MapMart's leading on-line geospatial product distribution website.
MapMart's
website contains terabytes of digital data including, but not limited to, vector data, aerial imagery, satellite imagery, and digital elevation models. Their "one-stop" business model allows customers to order data by drawing a box around their area of interest on an online map. The data is then delivered electronically per the customer's unique delivery specifications, usually in a matter of minutes.
Trimble announced it has acquired privately-held INPHO GmbH of Stuttgart, Germany in an all-cash transaction. INPHO is a leader in photogrammetry and digital surface modeling for aerial surveying, mapping and remote sensing applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Announcements
The inaugural 1Spatial Conference 2007 will take place at Ordnance Survey Great Britain, in Southampton, UK, on May 2nd and 3rd 2007 and is this year’s premier event on the transformation, management and quality control of spatial data to achieve fit for purpose spatial data for effective sharing and reuse.
For more information and to register for the 1Spatial Conference 2007, please visit
1Spatial Conference website
Financials
Analytical Surveys, Inc. (ASI), a San Antonio-based oil and gas company focused on participation in non-operating exploration and production of U.S. onshore oil and natural gas reserves, and formerly a service provider to the geographic information systems (GIS) markets, announced financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006. See
press release
Garmin Ltd. announced a record fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2006. See
press release
People
TerraGo Technologies, provider of GeoPDF®, the format for distributing geospatial intelligence in PDF files, announced that Karen Morley has joined the company as senior director of marketing. Morley brings 25 years of experience covering a range of geospatial industry disciplines and product marketing expertise to the rapidly growing software company. Morley joins TerraGo Technologies after tenures at LizardTech and Autodesk. She began her career in the geospatial industry in the United States Air Force as a target intelligence specialist.
NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, announced the addition of Marc Naddell as Vice President, Partner & Developer Programs, reporting to Winston Guillory, Senior Vice President, Consumer & Enterprise. In this role, Naddell is responsible for leading the creation and execution of new partner and developer offerings to drive company initiatives through key external relationships.
New Products
Trimble introduced a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver for agricultural users -- the AgGPS(R) 442 GNSS receiver. The new receiver can track GLONASS and next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) L2C satellite signals. With more satellite signals to access, the AgGPS 442 GNSS receiver improves the farmer's ability to work in tough GPS environments with faster initialization times, and provides for increased productivity and reduced downtime in the field.
Timmons Group, a leader in geospatial and engineering consulting services, announced that the company’s Technology sector has successfully delivered the ArcGIS Server Mobile (Mobile ADF) pilot solution to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). This solution employs the latest technologies from both Microsoft and ESRI including SQL Server Mobile and ESRI’s Mobile ArcGIS Server solution.
m-spatial, the market leader in mobile local search, announces the launch of its solution for Converged Local Search– a major new initiative designed to stimulate mass market consumer adoption of local search on mobile devices. Converged Local Search enables Mobile Network Operators, Directory Providers and Personal Navigation Providers to realize the huge potential of local search by seamlessly linking access to local information across web-sites, 118/411 directory services, mobile data services and personal navigation devices.
Applanix introduced POSPac AIR Version 4.4, the latest release of the company’s post-processing software used to extend the accuracy potential of the POS AV system. Designed to maximize data quality and optimize workflow from project planning through to project completion, POSPac AIR 4.4 is specifically configured for the airborne environment and is compatible with a variety of aerial sensors.
RegioGraph and DISTRICT are two of the leading geo-marketing software programs for analyzing company data on digital maps. The programs are used in companies worldwide and across all branches of industry to optimize market development from a regional perspective. With its wealth of analytic tools, RegioGraph is customized for use in marketing and controlling activities. DISTRICT provides the same range of functions and additionally contains special functions for sales territory planning.
At its World Press Day event, Autodesk, Inc. introduced AutoCAD 2008 software -- the latest version of the world's most widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software. The application's innovations continue to respond to customer needs and requests, driving Autodesk product development and alignment of the company's core applications to help customers redefine the design process, save costs and support continuous quality improvement.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), a provider of mission-critical wireless data solutions, announced the availability of its Xypoint® Secure User Plane for Location (SUPL) Server. The Company will demonstrate the TCS Xypoint SUPL Server capabilities during the 3GSM World Congress at space 2A106 in Hall 2. The SUPL Server conforms to the standard for Internet Protocol (IP)-based Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) location as defined by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). The OMA standard uses a network’s existing IP infrastructure to pass data between the Mobile Set (MS) and an A-GPS server to support next-generation location-based services (LBS).
Upcoming Events
| Driving Future Defence Technologies | |
| Date: | February 18 - 22, 2007 |
| Place: | Abu Dhabi International Exhibitions Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| UAE - The Place of Action Ideally situated to host an event of that magnitude, UAE is recognized as a gateway between the East and the West and offers an ultra-modern infrastructure unrivalled in the region | |
| Missouri GIS Conference 2007 | |
| Date: | February 19 - 22, 2007 |
| Place: | Tan-Tar–A Resort
Osage Beach, MO USA |
| You're invited to the 11th annual Missouri GIS Conference. Come meet your colleagues in the Missouri geospatial community while taking advantage of one of the best conference deals around. What better chance is there to foster communication and sharing of geographic technologies, techniques, data and information within the Missouri user community? | |
| Kuwait Third GIS Conference and Exhibition | |
| Date: | February 19 - 21, 2007 |
| Place: | Crown Plaza Hotel, AlMurjan Hall
Kuwait |
| The conference provides a forum for users of geographic information systems in Kuwait and the Gulf region. Past conferences have featured presentations and keynote addresses on a variety of topics, from resource and environmental management to education and other emerging spatial science applications. | |
| IMTA (EAME) Conference and Trade Show 2007 | |
| Date: | February 23 - 24, 2007 |
| Place: | Salzburg Congress Centre
Salzburg, Austria |
| ESRI Petroleum User Group Conference | |
| Date: | February 23 - March 2, 2007 |
| Place: | Houston, TX USA |
| 2007 North Carolina GIS Convention | |
| Date: | March 1 - 2, 2007 |
| Place: | Benton Convention Center
Winston-Salem, NC USA |
| The North Carolina GIS Conference is celebrating 20 Years of Spatial Vision, 1987-2007. Sponsored by the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NC CGIA) and the Carolina Chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (Carolina URISA) the 10th Anniversary program promises to be our best. | |
| InterGeo East 2007 | |
| Date: | March 1 - 2, 2007 |
| Place: | Inter Expo Center Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria |
| After three successful events in Belgrade (2004, 2006) and Zagreb (2005) we warmly invite you to INTERGEO EAST 2007. In 2007, we will open another (new) market place for you in South-Eastern Europe. Sofia, Bulgaria will host INTERGEO EAST for the first time. The most important forum for product and knowledge transfer in the land management, geoinformation, building industry and environmental sectors will open from 1 – 2 March 2007 at the Inter Expo Center Sofia. The Conference starts on 28 February. With its proximity to the borders with Greece and Turkey, Sofia is the ideal location for INTERGEO EAST 2007. | |
| GITA’s Annual Conference 30 | |
| Date: | March 4 - 7, 2007 |
| Place: | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX USA |
| GITA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is the the most highly regarded educational event for geospatial professionals. Annual Conference 30 will provide you with better ways to plan, design, manage, and maintain your geospatial systems and operations. | |
| Integrating GIS & CAMA 2007 Conference | |
| Date: | March 4 - 7, 2007 |
| Place: | Flamingo Hotel
3555 Las Vegas Blvd S , Las Vegas, NV 89109 USA |
| The 11th Annual Integrating GIS & CAMA Conference will help assessment and appraisal professionals and GIS managers to visualize how they can work more effectively through the use of technology.
Attend the 2007 Conference to explore the important role that integration of GIS and CAMA systems plays in providing access to data and analysis of information so that you can make better decisions in your jurisdiction | |
| CARIS 2007 | |
| Date: | March 5 - 8, 2007 |
| Place: | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 11th Annual CARIS User Group Conference and Educational Sessions | |
| Oracle Spatial Users Conference | |
| Date: | March 8, 2007 |
| Place: | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX USA |
| GITA invites you to attend the Oracle Spatial Users Conference. If you are currently a user, solutions provider, or systems integrator who depends upon Oracle’s spatial technologies, or if you want to learn why thousands of organizations use Oracle’s spatial database and application server capabilities, this is one event you won’t want to miss. | |
| ACSM Annual Conference 2007 | |
| Date: | March 9 - 12, 2007 |
| Place: | Millennium Hotel St. Louis
200 South 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 USA |
| The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), together with the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Association (IPLSA) and the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) invite YOU to attend their 2007 Annual Conference and Technology Exhibition. | |
| 2007 Indiana GIS Conference | |
| Date: | March 13 - 14, 2007 |
| Place: | Crown Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
301 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN USA |
| ESRI Business Partner Conference | |
| Date: | March 17 - 19, 2007 |
| Place: | Palm Springs, CA USA |
You can find the full GISCafe.com event calendar here.
To read more news, click here.
-- Susan Smith, GISCafe.com Managing Editor.