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Message from the Editor -
Welcome to GISWeekly! The accuracy of geocoding has become more and more important in industries such as insurance, catastrophe management, and risk management, telecommunications and flood zone determination, that geocoding has been added to AM Best's guidelines for corporate risk management. At the end of August, MapInfo released its most current release of MapMarker, MapMarker 12, a product that focuses on accuracy in geocoding and address information. Read about it in this week's Industry News.
GISWeekly welcomes letters and feedback from readers, so let us know what you think. Send your comments to me Here.
Best wishes,
Susan Smith, Managing Editor
Industry News
The Importance of Accurate Geocoding
By Susan Smith
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At the end of August, MapInfo released its most current release of MapMarker, MapMarker 12. This is a product that allows customers to take any information on their assets that they have in a database that has address attributes and be able to assign real world coordinates to that information, so they can map and analyze it.
According to Walt Mykins, director of the project management team for MapInfo, among the features you will find in MapMarker 12 is U.S. Postal Service Coding Accuracy Support Systems (CASS) certification for 2006-2007. CASS meets U.S. postal standards for standardizing addresses. This is useful for companies to get discounts on a bulk mail rate if they can demonstrate they've used a CASS certified product.
“Additionally, there is a geocoding cartridge for Oracle, which is now available as an optional installation with MapMarker,” said Mykins. “There are a number of ways people geocode their data. Some run things in batch and they'll geocode 500,000, 1 million, 2 million records that they would like to place and analyze on a map. The geocoding cartridge for Oracle allows them to run that geocoding process within their relational database and allows them to do a number of things rather than having to batch up their data and do it on periodic refreshes. Some customers may geocode their data on a monthly or semi-annual basis or maybe even a weekly basis. By using a geocoding cartridge, they can do that in real time, so as records are inserted, they can do geocoding. As records are updated they can maintain the integrity of the data, so as the address changes, clearly the position changes and they can capture it in real time.”
Another significant feature in MapMarker 12 is inclusion of the delivery point validation (DPV) with all new MapMarker implementations. The DPV is an offering built from work done with the USPS on how geocoding works in general. When you create the interpolation map you can find out where along a street an address would be if it was there. If you combine that with DPV, you can find which are actual deliverable postal addresses so that you know that you actually have a deliverable location. “This is quite powerful for people doing mailers,” said Mykins.
MapMarker customers prioritized accuracy in their list of requirements for the new release, which is reflected in version 12 in improvement of accuracy of geocoding.
“Typically in geocoders, you'll have streets that are defined and streets broken into segments, or blocks, and along segments there are address ranges, so we may say a segment on one side of the street would go from 0 to 10 and on the other side goes from 1 to 9,” Mykins pointed out. “The geocoding technology will find the location on the street, will find the address range that's correct, and once it's done that, it can interpolate where along that line segment that address would reside.”
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“There are couple of ways in which we take advantage of that data in MapMarker 12. Now that we have parcel data, we've been able to use that data to better assign the starting and ending address ranges along the segment so the segment I referenced may actually say it goes from 1 to 9 and it's a quarter of a mile long. But if we look at the parcel data and we see address # 5 is actually a quarter mile down which is at the end of the parcel then we can reassign that parcel's address, so that when we do our interpolation, we'll be more accurate. Then 5 won't fall in the segment anymore, it will actually move to its real location, which is more towards the end of that segment. By taking that data directly within MapMarker we've given ourselves more realistic start and end points in terms of what is reality on the ground.”
TeleAtlas sources from local government's parcel data, which is not 100 percent coverage of the U.S., according to Mykins. However, it's most beneficial in suburban areas where you have growth going on and geocoders traditionally have difficulty with the bunching problem. Streets are still being developed and houses are still being erected.
Within MapMarker 12, there's a capability for a user who has his or her own parcel information, or own known points, and places those into real world locations. What MapMarker allows you to do, rather than using just the address segments provided with the product, but also use the customer's trusted address points to improve that interpolation.
“You don't need to have full coverage of parcels,” said Mykins. “If you have partial coverage of parcels, we can use those to supplement the interpolation process so that we can get a more accurate placement.”
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For customers who are doing their analysis and visualization with MapInfo Professional, as a first step they would want to have data geocoded so the geocoded locations that have been assigned via MapMarker are readily available before bringing it into MapInfo Pro. The user of MapInfo references that data directly, and they can immediately analyze and visualize that data.
“With our latest release of MapInfo Professional last June there is direct connectivity to the MapMarker server version, so directly from within MapInfo Pro you can access and geocode and batch geocode and get your results right back in,” said Mykins.
“As we look at all the vertical markets we serve, geocoding is a fundamental part of what everybody does,” Mykins concluded. “It's where they start to do their visualizations and analysis, and we've seen indications along those verticals that show increased accuracy is critical to them. The closer we are to the real world location, the closer they are to giving a customer the right answer.”
Top News of the Week
Conservatives sounded the alarm at new powers to be given to the European Union to seize control and 'harmonize' all geographical information held by nation-states, including maps. An investigation has also found that the EU, assisted by John Prescott, is rolling out new 'transnational' regions that cross national boundaries to help create a "United Europe". See press release
Smart Data Strategies announced that the Jefferson County PVA and LOJIC have successfully implemented DREAMaps Mapper and Transaction Manager integrated with their existing CAMA system.
The Louisville/Jefferson County Information Consortium (LOJIC) represents a multi-agency effort to build and maintain a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) to serve all of Louisville Metro, Jefferson County, Kentucky. With nearly 300,000 parcels in the county, everyday maintenance can be a daunting task. To increase efficiency by reducing duplicate data entry, LOJIC and The Jefferson County PVA contracted with Smart Data Strategies to integrate parcel editing functions with their existing CAMA system.
'Mobile Earth', a unique, new mapping and information service has been launched for Vodafone Germany's mobile subscribers. The service, available on Java-enabled devices, has been created by LocatioNet Systems Ltd., the leading provider of mobile mapping and location applications, and is using content from TeleAtlas, a leading digital mapping company.
The Mobile Earth service enables mobile users to view any address in Germany over full color maps or high resolution aerial photos, calculate the best routes between addresses and view the results on a map, in addition to searching and viewing over four hundred thousand points of interest in Germany.
Alliances/Acquisitions/Agreements
James W. Sewall Company announced its acquisition of the Forest Technology Group (FTG) from MeadWestvaco Corporation.
FTG was founded in 1999 to develop web-based information systems and services for the forestry and natural resources industry. Its core technology product, the web-enabled Forest Resource Information System Enterprise™ (webFRIS Enterprise™), is built upon an advanced industry-standard architecture that provides state-of-the-art delivery of integrated tabular and spatial data via the web. Currently utilized by large forest landowners for enterprise resource management, this platform is expandable to a diverse range of industry and government applications.
Intermap Technologies, Inc., a geospatial company, has entered an agreement with CyberCity 3D LLC to use Intermap's highly accurate elevation models in conjunction with ViewTec's state-of-the-art TerrainView(TM) software to create precision 3-D visualization models of five California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, and Ventura. The resulting models, named "3D Terrains," will be available in the coming weeks.
PCI Geomatics, a developer of image-centric software and solutions for the geospatial industry, is pleased to announce the signing of a technology partnership with UltraSpectral Inc. PCI is working with UltraSpectral to develop its advanced SpectralObjeX™ image analysis software. SpectralObjeX™ brings new object-oriented processing capabilities to multispectral and hyperspectral analysts by integrating Spectral Geographic Information System (SGIS) technology with the proven components of PCI's Geomatica X platform.
Announcements
With sensors of all types becoming part of the world's information infrastructure, the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. ® (OGC) announced that its membership has approved four standards that will allow sensors to better interoperate with the Web and other information technology assets.
Common sensors found everyday include imaging cameras traveling on aircraft, "sniffers" that determine pollutions concentration in the air, "listeners" that keep track of noise and temperature sensors that ensure that produce traveling in trucks remains fresh. The OGC has been working for several years to find ways in which these and other sensors can publish information about their existence, report their locations and share their information in a standard way. The vision is to build a Sensor Web, a network of sensors accessible over the Internet to serve scientists and others as they try to better understand our world.
ESRI announces that the 13th annual South Asia regional conference for users of ESRI's geographic information system (GIS) software will be hosted by ESRI South Asia. The conference will be held September 6-8, 2006, at the Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information about the conference and registration, visit the conference website.
Optimal Geomatics Inc., (“Optimal”), a geomatics solutions provider to engineering and geospatial professionals, announced the recent expansion of its linear corridor solutions to the Transportation market. Accordingly, Optimal appointed Ron Gant as Director of Transportation to strengthen the drive to become the premier provider of surveying, mapping, remote sensing, GIS, and GPS solutions in the Transportation sector.
People
Dr. R. Siva Kumar and Ben Eazzetta have been elected to the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC®) Board of Directors.
Dr. Siva Kumar heads the Natural Resources Data Management Systems (NRDMS) and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Division of the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India. He holds the rank of Brigadier in the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army and was Member Secretary of the Government's Task Force for planning implementation of the NSDI in India. Active in OGC affairs for several years, he has played a leading role in creating awareness of OGC in the Indian government.
Mr. Ben Eazzetta is President of the Security, Government & Infrastructure Division of the Intergraph Corporation. Since coming to Intergraph from ExxonMobil six years ago, and before assuming his present duties, Mr. Eazzetta held the position of COO in Intergraph's Process, Power & Offshore Division and was then President of Intergraph's Public Safety Division.
Tele Atlas, a global geographic content provider, announced the appointment of David Sym-Smith as Chief Marketing Officer. Sym-Smyth will be a member of the company's executive team and will oversee all aspects of global marketing, product management and communications. He will report to President and Chief Operating Officer George Fink.
Cristina Robinson Marras has been appointed the General Manager of ER Mapper UK. Ms Robinson Marras has twelve years of industry experience, seven of those with ER Mapper. Whilst at ER Mapper she has held a broad range of positions from Technical Support Manager to Account Manager for Exploration. Ms Robinson Marras' holds two separate Masters Degrees in Mineral Exploration and Environmental Remote Sensing.
Students at Kealakehe High School in Hawaii will be hitting the beaches this year with GPS-Photo Link software from GeoSpatial Experts of Thornton, Colo., to study the extent and possible causes of shoreline erosion. The study is funded through a Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant sponsored by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
New Products
ORBIT Geospatial Technologies announced the availability of Orbit FlashMap for 64bit processors. Orbit Geospatial Technologies presents Orbit FlashMap 4.2 for 64-bit web mapping. Available for all popular platforms, all Orbit FlashMap products now support 64-bit Linux/Unix based processors.
The all-new total station series from Topcon offers a solution for demanding tasks on the job site. Designed as complete robotic systems, the GTS-900A and GPT-9000A series include Topcon's new FC-200 field controller and RC-3 tracking system.
The GPT-9000A robotic total station provides precise reflectorless measurement up to 2,000 meters - more than 6,500 feet (1 1/4 miles) - and can easily focus on small objects like power lines. The onboard computer, with a bright, full-color touch-screen display, and faster servo motor technology improve field productivity.
Karttakone has produced map series covering all Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden) that can be used as background maps in GIS-applications, in www-services, through Online Services, or as Media Maps e.g. in newspapers.
The cartographically high quality datasets are based on NAVTEQ data and for instance, include all roads with their names for all of the Nordic Countries. The series are produced in 1:35 000 and 1:250 000 scales.
With hydrocarbon exploration and production activity increasing in the Williston Basin, WhiteStar Corp. expanded it line of CartoBase digital cartographic products to include North Dakota. WhiteStar, which developed the CartoBase series of subscription data sets specifically for oil and gas mapping, has already released products for Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Wyoming, Montana and Utah.
Around the Web
Google says it will hire more engineers in Japan, USA Today, Reuters, September 8, 2006
Upcoming Events
Map Asia 2006
Date: August 29 - September 1, 2006
Place: Queen Sirikit National Convention CenterBangkok, Thailand
The Asia and Pacific region is the largest developing region in the world in landmass, population and aggregate income. Its 48 countries have nearly three fifth of the worlds total population. Each country in the region abounds in rich natural capital and has comprehended the true potential of Geospatial information in leveraging this capital to its utmost economic viability. The Asian region is forging a path of development and economic growth as a function of establishment of infrastructural capital. The region demands and offers scope for application of the various Geographic Information technologies like GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing and Imaging
Geo-information Technology Forum 2006 of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Date: September 5 - 6, 2006
Place: Beijing International Conference Center Beijing, China
Feeling and sharing with our vision, our energy, our passion and our hope on the future of Geo-information technology , this forum will be hold in Beijing International Conference Center from 5 to 6 , September 2006.
Mapping Your Community: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis
Date: September 6 - 8, 2006
Place: San Francisco, CA USA
This unique, hands-on workshop teaches the fundamentals of how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a way that is particularly relevant to social service providers, planners and researchers. Participants learn to make thematic maps of their community, geocode addresses and perform spatial queries and analysis. Participants also learn to extract and map Census variables such as race, poverty, language, education, health and many other demographic variables. Exercises are designed for beginners. Intermediate Excel skills required. Each students is assigned a computer on which to work for the day.
TerraScan User Event
Date: September 11 - 16, 2006
Place: Los Angeles, AR USA
This year's event is scheduled for September 11th -16th, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Engineers, surveyors, photogrammetrists, and GIS/LiDAR professionals alike are invited to take part in this comprehensive and affordable learning opportunity.
NAVTEQ LBS Developer Conference 2006
Date: September 11, 2006
Place: Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA USA
As the exclusive sponsor of LBS at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, NAVTEQ is presenting the NAVTEQ LBS Developer Conference 2006. This daylong event prior to CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment will provide developers the opportunity to network with top industry decision makers. Attendees will gain valuable insight on trends and opportunities as well as advice on how to effectively launch location-based services in today's wireless world.
AGI2006 "Better Business by Design"
Date: September 12 - 14, 2006
Place: Business Design CentreLondon, Islington, N1 0QH United Kingdom
Year on year, the AGI conference and exhibition is acknowledged as the most significant event for all organisations with an interest in geographic information, regardless of sector. Conference Chair Sallie White (Ordnance Survey) commented; 'this world-class venue enables the integration of a vibrant conference with a bustling trade exhibition, which creates a great environment for learning, networking and commerce. I am delighted to be Conference Chair and look forward to welcoming you to AGI2006 in September'.
GIS in the Rockies 2006
Date: September 12 - 15, 2006
Place: INVESCO Field at Mile HighDenver, CO USA
Historically, attendees include representatives from: local, state and federal government, the utilities industry, environmental services, surveying professionals, the oil and gas industry, retail and business marketing professionals, and other related fields. So bring a friend, spouse or coworker and join professionals in the fields of GIS, facilities management, remote sensing, photogrammetry and surveying to learn about the latest developments in the Geospatial Industry.
WALIS Forum 2006
Date: September 14 - 15, 2006
Place: Perth Convention Exhibition CentreAustralia
WALIS is proud to present WALIS Forum 2006. Held every 18 months, the Forum provides an opportunity to address issues related to the management of geographic information. The Forum is open to everyone, however, is targeted to people working with geographic information (GI) or those who would like to find out how they can harness GI to improve their business. The Forum aims to provide opportunities for people within and associated with the industry to learn, network, identify potential solutions and to share and debate strategies for the future.
2006 Pennsylvania Data User Conference
Date: September 14, 2006
Place: Holiday Inn HarrisburgHershey, PA USA
This year's conference theme is of concern to both governmental and private agencies: How Safe is Pennsylvania? Speakers will focus on how the state, communities, and the private sector are using data for planning and emergency preparedness.
IMTA (Americas) Annual Conference & Trade Show 2006
Date: September 17 - 20, 2006
Place: St. Julien Hotel & Spa Boulder, CO USA
Far North Queensland GIS User Group (FUNGIS)
Date: September 18 - 19, 2006
Place: Civic Reception RoomCairns City Council Building, Spence Street, Queensland, Australia The non-profit group 'Far North Queensland GIS User Group Inc.' (FUNGIS) is pleased to announce the 2006 Seminar - 'Sandbags and Sandals - An Emergency Spatial Information Management Forum in the Tropics'.
GIScience 2006
Date: September 20 - 23, 2006
Place: Münster , Germany
It will be the follow-up meeting to the highly successful GIScience 2000, 2002, and 2004 conferences with over 300 researchers attending each time. GIScience 2006 will again bring together scientists from academia, industry, and government to analyze progress and to explore new research directions. It will focus on emerging topics and basic research findings across all sectors of geographic information science.
FME Worldwide User Conference 2006
Date: September 21 - 22, 2006
Place: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Block off September 21-22, 2006 now to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn new tips and techniques that will help you maximize your return on investment and improve your productivity with Safe Software products.
URISA Annual Conference
Date: September 26 - 29, 2006
Place: Vancouver Convention CenterVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Go beyond basic technology and applications and contemplate issues related to designing, managing and applying information technology - at its highest and best use - to improve our urban and regional environments. Join your colleagues, peers, thinkers and doers from around the world at URISA's Annual Conference.
Urban Research Workshops
Date: September 27 - 29, 2006
Place: Orange County, CA USA
This unique, hands-on workshop teaches the fundamentals of how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a way that is particularly relevant to social service providers, planners and researchers. Participants learn to make thematic maps of their community, geocode addresses and perform spatial queries and analysis. Participants also learn to extract and map Census variables such as race, poverty, language, education, health and many other demographic variables. Exercises are designed for beginners. Intermediate Excel skills required. Each students is assigned a computer on which to work for the day.
You can find the full GISCafe.com event calendar here.
To read more news, click here.
-- Susan Smith, GISCafe.com Managing Editor.