The GIS Lens 
Sanjay Gangal
Sanjay Gangal is the President of IBSystems, the parent company of AECCafe.com, MCADCafe, EDACafe.Com, GISCafe.Com, and ShareCG.Com. GISCafe Geospatial Predictions for 2025 – KOREM predictionsDecember 18th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
By Jonathan Houde, CTO at Korem  The geospatial industry, similar to the broader technology sector in general, has experienced another remarkable year of innovation. Geospatial solutions are continuously evolving to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for businesses. Many of 2024’s predictions have started to materialize, with advancements spanning GeoAI, cloud data warehousing, expanded data availability, and more. While it’s challenging to narrow down such a wide range of innovation, this article will focus on 5 key trends shaping the future of location intelligence in 2025. Generative AI Expanding into Geospatial Applications Generative AI (GenAI) has continued to generate buzz, evolving from hype to tangible use cases on geospatial applications. From generating code to analyzing and summarizing data, GenAI’s outcome represents a significant productivity boost. Read the rest of GISCafe Geospatial Predictions for 2025 – KOREM predictions Bringing Precision to the Field: How Trimble’s MX60 is Transforming Asset Data Capture and GIS IntegrationNovember 27th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In a cozy, tucked-away corner at the bustling Trimble Dimensions Conference in Las Vegas, I sat down with Karl Bradshaw and Gareth Gibson, both of whom play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of Trimble’s geospatial and reality capture technologies. Bradshaw, the Market Manager for Mobile Mapping, and Gibson, the Marketing Director for Mapping & GIS Solutions, came armed with an infectious enthusiasm and an array of details about Trimble’s latest innovation: the Trimble MX60. It was clear from our conversation that for them, the MX60 wasn’t just another product—it was a leap forward in the way we understand and interact with the physical world around us.  The Trimble MX60 offers improved positioning and optics, making it ideal for transportation infrastructure and road analysis and comprehensive asset management for utilities. Bradshaw wasted no time in setting the stage. “Reality capture has evolved tremendously within Trimble,” he began. “We’re moving beyond static methods and into a realm where the devices do much of the heavy lifting. With the MX60, we’ve created a platform that collects mass data and makes it available for a range of practical applications.” He elaborated on how the MX60’s mobile mapping capabilities allow it to capture high-definition images and detailed 3D point clouds with stunning accuracy. The camera system, he emphasized, was a key development for utility companies, municipalities, and other sectors dependent on reliable asset data. Bentley Systems Enhances Carbon Analysis Capabilities to Tackle Infrastructure’s Carbon FootprintNovember 13th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
 Chris Bradshaw Vancouver, B.C.— In a decisive step towards making infrastructure more sustainable, Bentley Systems announced the launch of its new Carbon Analysis capabilities at the Year in Infrastructure Conference. The enhancements, available in the iTwin Experience platform, are aimed at simplifying carbon impact assessments, enabling engineers to systematically integrate carbon analysis into their design processes. The new features promise to streamline the traditionally complex task of carbon reporting by automatically aggregating data, integrating carbon metrics, and offering 3D visualizations of carbon impacts. Chris Bradshaw, Bentley’s Chief Sustainability Officer, unveiled the Carbon Analysis capabilities at the conference, underscoring their role in addressing a critical aspect of global emissions—embodied carbon. “Given that up to 80% of today’s greenhouse gas emissions are linked to infrastructure, it’s essential that we find ways to significantly reduce the carbon impact of new construction projects and renovations,” said Bradshaw during an interview. “Our new capabilities help engineers visualize carbon data and make informed decisions early in the design process.” Tackling Embodied CarbonEmbodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gases emitted during the construction of an asset, accounting for everything from material extraction to manufacturing. These emissions represent a significant portion of infrastructure’s environmental impact—often well before an asset is even put into operation. As Savina Carluccio, executive director of the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure, highlighted, “By 2050, embodied carbon from new infrastructure could account for nearly half of the world’s carbon footprint.” Bentley’s Carbon Analysis capabilities provide a “cradle-to-gate” assessment of embodied carbon, offering a more comprehensive understanding of an infrastructure project’s environmental cost. The system simplifies the integration of carbon data by linking Bentley’s iTwin platform with third-party carbon assessment tools, such as EC3 and One Click LCA. This approach allows users to dynamically visualize carbon impact changes across different design iterations, facilitating real-time decision-making. Esri and Autodesk Push the Boundaries of AECO Design with Groundbreaking Integration of ArcGIS Data into Autodesk FormaNovember 1st, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In a significant stride toward unifying the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector, Esri and Autodesk have taken their collaboration to new heights by integrating Esri’s ArcGIS geospatial data directly into Autodesk Forma. The integration, announced at the 2024 Autodesk University in San Diego, brings transformative enhancements to the design and planning phases of AECO projects, arming professionals with precise geographic data to inform critical early decisions. This groundbreaking partnership promises to reshape the way buildings and infrastructure are conceived and constructed. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment when AECO professionals are increasingly relying on digital tools to navigate the complexities of modern urban design. Traditionally, planners, architects, and engineers have had to juggle multiple platforms, often resulting in disjointed workflows and data loss between tools. This new integration of Esri’s comprehensive spatial data into Autodesk Forma addresses those inefficiencies head-on, creating a seamless experience that allows AECO professionals to access real-time geographic data from the outset of any project. “Forma represents a new foundation for Autodesk in the 2020s, potentially akin to the impact AutoCAD had in the 1990s,” said Marc Goldman, AEC Industry Director at Esri, during our conversation at Autodesk University. He noted that incorporating ArcGIS data in Forma bridges critical gaps in the planning process. “The partnership between Esri and Autodesk is transformative. It combines the power of GIS and BIM in a way that allows teams to start projects with comprehensive geographic context—something that has been sorely lacking in the past,” Goldman emphasized. Bentley Systems Announces Groundbreaking Innovations and Strategic Acquisitions at the Year in Infrastructure Conference in VancouverOctober 15th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
VANCOUVER, B.C. — At Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure Conference this week, the global infrastructure software leader unveiled a series of innovative product updates, key acquisitions, and strategic partnerships that promise to redefine infrastructure design, construction, and operations. With a clear focus on openness, AI-powered digital twins, and cross-platform collaboration, the conference set the stage for Bentley’s vision of a more connected and efficient infrastructure future.
Embracing Openness and Digital Twins: The Future of InfrastructureJulien Moutte, chief technology officer at Bentley Systems, emphasized Bentley’s deep commitment to openness, calling it the “backbone of our digital twin strategy.” As infrastructure projects become more complex, the need for seamless data integration across tools and systems becomes paramount. Bentley’s iTwin platform was developed to address this challenge, ensuring that data is created, managed, and consumed in a centralized environment without the fragmentation that plagues traditional project workflows. Moutte explained that the iTwin platform serves as more than just a data hub. “It offers a way for engineers, contractors, and asset managers to collaborate effectively, with data that remains accessible and relevant throughout the entire lifecycle of an infrastructure asset.” This open approach ensures that users can integrate third-party tools, leverage domain-specific expertise, and use data in ways that fit their evolving needs. Moutte also stressed the importance of longevity in data management. “Your data is your data,” he said, underscoring Bentley’s commitment to data autonomy. “By promoting open standards, open-source tools, and open APIs, we are making sure that data remains interoperable and usable for decades.” This openness ensures that Bentley’s solutions can integrate seamlessly with other systems, future-proofing infrastructure projects and reducing operational risks. CopterPIX: Pioneering Advanced Drone Technology for Global ApplicationsSeptember 16th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At the recent Commercial UAV Conference in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Igal Yarmolinsky, VP of Sales at CopterPIX, an Israeli-based drone manufacturer that’s making waves in the industry. Since its founding in 2014, CopterPIX has grown from a small company into a leading provider of high-performance drones designed for both military and civilian applications. The company’s rise to prominence was marked by its exclusive contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, a deal that positioned CopterPIX as a serious player in the drone market. “We started manufacturing our own drones in 2018, and since then, we’ve secured several major tenders, including one where we beat industry giants like IAI, Elbit Systems and Rafael,” Yarmolinsky explained. As a result, CopterPIX is now the exclusive supplier of drones under 25 kilograms for the Ministry of Defense through 2027.  CopterPIX’s Hybrid Parallel Drone One of the key factors that differentiates CopterPIX from competitors is its 360-degree turnkey solution. This approach allows the company to handle all aspects of drone production in-house, from design to manufacturing, ensuring rapid customization based on customer needs. “We don’t outsource anything. Every component and system is built and integrated by our team, which allows us to offer drones that can operate in challenging conditions, such as GPS-denied environments, spoofing attempts or areas without LTE coverage,” Yarmolinsky said. At the conference, CopterPIX unveiled its latest innovation – the Rhino hybrid parallel drone. Unlike most hybrid drones that rely primarily on electric motors, this new model combines two combustion engines with four electric motors, enabling it to lift heavier payloads over longer distances. “Right now, we can lift 20 kilograms for apx. 50Km, but by mid-2025, we’ll be able to carry up to 100 kilograms for a distance of 100 kilometers & 2 hours endurance,” Yarmolinsky noted. This advancement is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for industries such as oil and gas, where long-range inspections and supply deliveries are crucial to current operations. Read the rest of CopterPIX: Pioneering Advanced Drone Technology for Global Applications Trimble’s Unity Software Revolutionizes Infrastructure Asset ManagementAugust 30th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the effective management of public infrastructure and capital improvement projects is more critical than ever. Trimble, a global leader in location-based technology solutions, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges with its innovative Unity software suite. I recently had the opportunity to discuss the transformative impact of Trimble’s Unity with Douglas Reichard, the State Government Market Manager at Trimble, who provided insights into how this comprehensive software solution is reshaping the way infrastructure assets are managed. Addressing Legacy Challenges with Modern SolutionsReichard highlighted the core data challenges faced by owners of capital improvement projects, particularly those relying on outdated legacy systems. These older systems often involve proprietary data formats and analog processes that hinder efficiency. “Most of the current technology used by agencies is legacy-based,” Reichard noted. “This means older architectures and proprietary data formats that limit interaction and create unnecessary steps.” These inefficiencies can result in significant operational cost overruns, with Reichard estimating an 8% to 15% float in costs due to outdated systems. Trimble’s Unity software suite is designed to tackle these issues head-on by streamlining processes and integrating with existing systems to reduce these cost burdens.
GIS-Centric Integration for Seamless OperationsAt the heart of Trimble Unity’s effectiveness is its deep integration with Esri’s ArcGIS, a leading geospatial platform. Reichard emphasized that rather than reinventing the wheel, Trimble chose to build on existing, proven technologies. “Unity Maintain, part of our Unity suite, is highly integrated into ArcGIS,” he explained. “Mapping and geolocation are built into the system, making it intuitive and user-friendly.” This integration is not just about ease of use; it’s about ensuring that data is where it needs to be when it needs to be there. Trimble Unity’s open architecture supports the use of modern API stacks, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of tools and systems, both Trimble and non-Trimble. This open approach allows agencies to leverage their existing technology investments while enhancing their capabilities with Trimble’s advanced solutions. Read the rest of Trimble’s Unity Software Revolutionizes Infrastructure Asset Management Felt: Revolutionizing Digital Mapping for the Cloud EraAugust 8th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the rapidly evolving world of geospatial technology, where cloud-native solutions are becoming increasingly critical, Felt is positioning itself as a game-changer. Founded by Sam Hashemi, a designer with a rich history in modernizing legacy systems, Felt aims to be the premier platform for creating and sharing maps online. It is not just another GIS tool; it is a comprehensive, cloud-native solution designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures, making mapping more accessible, collaborative, and powerful than ever before. Hashemi’s journey began with a passion for improving outdated systems. With a background in design and a decade of experience working with various government agencies, from NASA to the Department of Energy, Hashemi found his calling in breathing new life into systems from the 1970s, giving them a modern, user-friendly interface. This drive led him to start Remix, a company that transformed city planning with software tools used by over 500 cities, including London, New York, and San Francisco. The success of Remix, which was sold for $100 million, inspired Hashemi to tackle an even broader challenge: the outdated and often cumbersome world of mapping. “Felt is the best way to make maps on the internet, the only cloud-native GIS platform,” Hashemi said in a recent interview. “We started Felt to make mapping online collaborative, integrating with anything, and truly effortless.” This vision has resonated with a wide audience, from media giants like ABC and The New York Times to innovative startups and even nonprofits. Felt’s user base has grown to 500 businesses, with applications ranging from live reporting in conflict zones to advanced energy analysis.
Read the rest of Felt: Revolutionizing Digital Mapping for the Cloud Era Epson’s Cutting-Edge Innovations Unveiled at the 2024 Esri User ConferenceJuly 18th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At this year’s Esri User Conference, held in the vibrant city of San Diego, technology enthusiasts and GIS professionals gathered to witness the latest advancements in mapping and printing technology. Among the standout exhibitors was Epson, a name synonymous with precision and innovation in the printing industry. I had the opportunity to sit down with Jacob Hardin, Product Manager for Epson’s SureColor T-Series, to discuss their newest offerings and the impact these products are set to make in the world of GIS. Epson’s booth was abuzz with excitement as Hardin showcased the Epson SureColor T7770DM and T5470M, two remarkable additions to their wide-format technical printer lineup. These models are designed to meet the high demands of GIS professionals, offering unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility. The SureColor T7770DM: A Comprehensive Solution  SureColor T7770DM 44-Inch Large-Format Multifunction CAD/Technical Printer
The SureColor T7770DM is an all-in-one integrated printer that Hardin describes as a “One-stop shop” for CAD, technical map printing, and GIS applications. With a built-in scanner, this 44-inch wide-format multifunction printer stands out for its ability to produce A1/D-size prints in as fast as 16 seconds. It features a six-color ink system, including a new red ink that enhances gradients and branding colors, making it particularly valuable for GIS and mapping outputs. “The ink set and printhead are specifically geared towards printing detailed maps and charts,” Hardin explained. “This ensures that every detail is captured with precision, which is critical for professionals in GIS.” Read the rest of Epson’s Cutting-Edge Innovations Unveiled at the 2024 Esri User Conference AYE3D: Revolutionizing 3D Displays with the Freedom MonitorJuly 5th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
AYE3D, founded in 2019, has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the field of autostereoscopic 3D displays. This Montreal-based company’s flagship product, the Freedom 3D monitor, offers a glasses-free 3D viewing experience that is set to revolutionize various industries. Mario Genest, CEO of AYE3D, recently shared insights into the company’s journey and the innovative technology behind their groundbreaking product. The Genesis of AYE3DAYE3D was born out of the vision to create a truly immersive 3D experience without the need for additional eyewear or head-mounted displays. The company’s co-founder and CTO, a visionary with a longstanding passion for 3D technology, filed his first patent for a 3D display in 1994. Over the years, he developed several 3D display technologies, initially requiring glasses, which were licensed to companies in the US. However, feedback from customers highlighted a strong preference for a glasses-free solution, prompting further innovation. By 2021, AYE3D successfully commercialized its first glasses-free 3D display. The Freedom 3D monitor leverages cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to deliver two different images to each eye, creating a compelling 3D effect without the need for additional accessories.
Read the rest of AYE3D: Revolutionizing 3D Displays with the Freedom Monitor |
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