AerialSphere: Navigating New Horizons in GIS Imagery

In the ever-evolving world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where accuracy and innovation reign supreme, AerialSphere has emerged as a trailblazer by redefining how imagery can be leveraged for smarter, more efficient data utilization. Initially recognized as a data provider specializing in panoramic imagery, AerialSphere has pivoted in a groundbreaking direction, now offering software solutions that enhance the usability of non-traditional aerial imagery in GIS applications.

During a recent interview, Suzi Schumaker, Chief Operating Officer, and Nick Markwardt, Chief Experience Officer at AerialSphere, discussed the company’s strategic evolution. “We started with 360-degree aerial imagery, but as we engaged more deeply with GIS professionals, it became evident that the industry needed solutions that could handle non-traditional sensors,” Schumaker explained. “Our pivot was driven by the desire to help users integrate diverse data sources, from cell phone captures to drone footage, into GIS platforms.”

AerialSphere’s software solutions have not only made it easier to incorporate this unconventional data into GIS but have also significantly flattened the learning curve for new users. Markwardt elaborated, “We’ve designed our software to empower everyone, from field operators to GIS analysts, to use and share GIS imagery seamlessly. By skipping several traditional steps, we make the process faster and more accessible.”

One of the standout features of AerialSphere’s offerings is their versatility. Unlike many industry players who focus on satellite or downward-facing imagery, AerialSphere has carved a niche by specializing in imagery that includes the horizon—data typically captured by 360-degree cameras, video, or even cell phones. “We’ve tackled the challenge of making these images actionable within GIS platforms, something that hasn’t been done before at this scale,” said Schumaker.

Their Esri-focused solutions are particularly noteworthy, allowing users to convert diverse data types into Esri-compatible formats without the need for traditional GIS software. This approach not only simplifies the process but also broadens the range of sensors that can be utilized, making it an invaluable tool for industries like utilities, architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and public safety.

AerialSphere’s innovation doesn’t stop there. The company is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into their solutions. “We’ve already developed a complex algorithm for solving location information in panoramic images, and we’re actively exploring AI models for object and change detection,” Schumaker shared. “The potential here is vast, but it’s important to approach AI with the right data and caution to ensure it delivers accurate and useful results.”

As AerialSphere continues to innovate, their focus is clear: making non-traditional imagery easier to use and more powerful for GIS professionals. With ongoing developments in video integration and AI, the company is poised to continue leading the way in this niche market.

For those looking to explore AerialSphere’s offerings, their website provides a gateway to their groundbreaking solutions, and their presence in the Esri marketplace further solidifies their role as a key player in the GIS community.

But behind the cutting-edge technology and industry-shaping decisions, there are the people driving AerialSphere forward. When asked about their lives outside of work, both Schumaker and Markwardt shared a glimpse into their personal passions. Schumaker, an exercise enthusiast, enjoys hiking, biking, and running, although she’s had to take it slow this year due to knee surgery. Markwardt, on the other hand, described himself as a bit of a gearhead, with a love for motorcycles and fast cars, alongside his passion for running.

In a light-hearted moment, I asked them to share something surprising about themselves that the other didn’t know. Markwardt confessed that he had a pet goat growing up—a revelation that genuinely surprised Schumaker, who thought she knew all there was to know about her colleague after spending countless hours together on the road for conferences.

The interview wrapped up with a fun debate: cats or dogs? Schumaker, who had cats during her college years, has since become a devoted dog person. Markwardt, similarly, transitioned from being a cat owner to a proud dog owner, appreciating the joy of running with a canine companion.

As the conversation with Schumaker and Markwardt drew to a close, it was evident that AerialSphere is not just keeping pace with the industry—they are redefining it, one innovative solution at a time.

Tags: 360-degree imagery, AerialSphere, AI in GIS, Esri integration, GIS imagery, non-traditional sensors

Categories: AerialSphere, Video Interview

This entry was posted on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at 10:18 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.