GISCafe Guest 
Sanjay Gangal
Sanjay Gangal is the President of IBSystems, the parent company of AECCafe.com, MCADCafe, EDACafe.Com, GISCafe.Com, and ShareCG.Com. Nearmap: Transforming Location Intelligence from Imagery to InsightsJuly 21st, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the rapidly evolving field of location intelligence, Nearmap stands out as a pioneering force, reshaping how aerial imagery is captured, processed, and delivered to its diverse clientele. At the recent 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego, I had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Santovasi, Director of Product ; Dan Maurer, EVP of Strategy & Operations; and Scott Townsend, SVP of Global Marketing at Nearmap. Our conversation illuminated Nearmap’s innovative journey, its strategic goals, and the remarkable technological advancements they have achieved. The Nearmap JourneyNearmap, founded 17 years ago, has revolutionized the aerial imagery sector. From its inception, the company has focused on bridging the gap between image capture and delivery, employing proprietary camera systems to collect high-resolution imagery across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. These camera systems, now in their fourth iteration, are installed on aircraft such as the Cessna 310, Piper Navajo, and Chieftain, and are managed by a survey operations team. Dan Maurer explains, “We started by re-engineering the link between the capture of imagery and its delivery to customers. Our end-to-end process ensures that imagery is processed and delivered efficiently, whether through our web-based interface, MapBrowser, or via APIs.” Initially focused on orthogonal 2D imagery, Nearmap has since expanded its offerings to include oblique 3D images and AI-driven insights, providing users with comprehensive tools to solve their specific challenges. Maurer adds, “We’ve moved from just delivering imagery to providing insights and answers, integrating this data directly into the workflows of GIS users across various industries.” Expanding Capabilities and Humanitarian EffortsNearmap’s advanced imaging capabilities include near-infrared captures through their latest HyperCamera 3 systems, adding a valuable layer of data for environmental and urban analysis. “We are rolling out the HyperCamera 3, which captures four-band imagery, enhancing our ability to provide detailed and nuanced insights,” says Santovasi. In addition to their regular data collection, Nearmap plays a crucial role in disaster response. They conduct post-disaster capture flights known as their ImpactResponse imagery, which provides critical data to aid recovery efforts for those that need it most. “Our humanitarian flights after disasters are part of our commitment to supporting communities in need,” notes Townsend. Read the rest of Nearmap: Transforming Location Intelligence from Imagery to Insights Esri’s Impact on the AEC Industry: An Interview with Marc GoldmanJuly 11th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
As the world continues to advance in technology and infrastructure, the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has become increasingly significant. Esri, a leader in GIS technology, has been at the forefront of this integration. We had the opportunity to speak with Marc Goldman, Director of the AEC Industry at Esri, to delve into the company’s involvement in the AEC sector and its future direction. Esri’s Evolution in the AEC SectorEsri is primarily recognized as a GIS company, catering to various industries with a strong emphasis on owner and operator sectors such as Departments of Transportation, utilities, campuses, and airports. However, about five years ago, Esri identified the need to focus on AEC firms that were actively developing and managing GIS solutions for these sectors. This realization led to the establishment of an AEC sector within Esri, which has since become one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions. Goldman explained, “The infrastructure organizations have been using ArcGIS and Esri’s solutions to plan their projects and manage their assets. We recognized the value in directly supporting the AEC firms who were often implementing these solutions on behalf of the owners and operators. This shift has allowed us to better support the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure projects, from early planning stages through design, engineering, and construction, and into long-term operations.”
Read the rest of Esri’s Impact on the AEC Industry: An Interview with Marc Goldman Aerial Imagery Pioneers: Eagleview’s High-Resolution Insights Transforming IndustriesJune 21st, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In an era where precision and accuracy are paramount, Eagleview is pushing the boundaries of aerial imagery and data analytics. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Gill, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Eagleview, to delve into the innovative solutions that the company offers and the significant impact they have on various industries. Aerial Imagery and Geospatial Data at the Core Eagleview is a leader in aerial imagery and software property insights, boasting coverage of 94% of the U.S. population with imagery that dates back up to 25 years in certain locations. “We provide solutions that transform the way our customers work and help them solve problems geospatially,” Gill explained. The company’s extensive geospatial data and imagery are captured through over 100 planes and some drones, accumulating more than 50,000 hours of flight annually. This imagery is not only vast but highly customizable, catering to a diverse array of industries including AEC, power lines, governments, insurers, and analytic companies. Recently, Eagleview announced coverage of the top 50 urban areas at very high resolutions—three inches or better, both Ortho (straight down) and oblique (side angles).
Airbus Launches Pléiades Neo Next to Enhance Satellite ConstellationMay 14th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
During the 2024 GeoINT Symposium in Orlando, Airbus unveiled its ambitious initiative, the Pléiades Neo Next program, aiming to expand and enhance its high-resolution Earth observation satellite constellation. The announcement sets the stage for the future of global satellite imagery services. Nicolas Jaunard, Head of Marketing Geospatial Products & Services at Airbus, provided detailed insights into the new program during an interview at the event. The Pléiades Neo Next initiative seeks to build on the success of Airbus’s current Pléiades Neo constellation, with a focus on significantly improved resolution, targeting a broad range of applications from defense and intelligence to commercial uses.  An image captured by Pléiades Neo shows 30cm resolution over the Twickenham stadium and surrounding area in London. Pléiades Neo © Airbus DS 2024 Airbus plans to launch the first satellite of this next-generation constellation in the upcoming years, promising advancements that will outpace the existing capabilities. Jaunard pointed out the commitment to maintaining the best resolution available in the market, which currently stands at 30cm optical resolution. He noted that with Pléiades Neo Next, these specifications will be enhanced even further, though specifics about the new resolution levels were not revealed during the interview. Read the rest of Airbus Launches Pléiades Neo Next to Enhance Satellite Constellation Innovations in Robotics and AI Propel the Future of Underwater ExplorationMay 8th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At the recent Xponential 2024 Conference, I had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of underwater robotics with two leading figures in the field: Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics, and Robert Judd, Chief Operating Officer of Metron. Both companies are at the forefront of technological advancements that could redefine how we explore and monitor the world’s waters. Metron: Pioneers in Sensor Processing, Advanced Mathematics and Autonomous SystemsMetron, a seasoned player in the defense sector, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Originating from the expertise of two mathematicians, the company has significantly expanded to over 200 employees. The primary focus of the Company today lies in analytics, autonomy, sensor processing, data fusion and target tracking. The multi-domain expertise was a significant differentiator in developing sophisticated mission planning and advanced software systems for defense applications. Robert Judd elaborated on Metron’s evolution, highlighting their diverse applications of mathematics and computer science. “Our largest focus is on what we call advanced mathematics, utilizing it for mission planning and other systems, mostly software that we deliver to our defense customers,” Judd said. “This encapsulates a strategic blend of AI and machine learning capabilities, which Metron has developed over four decades, predating the current AI boom.”  ANCC + Solus Long-Duration UUV – Credit: Metron Inc. Read the rest of Innovations in Robotics and AI Propel the Future of Underwater Exploration Pioneering Precision: SmartDrone’s Commitment to the Future of SurveyingMay 2nd, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In an exclusive interview with Rob Cammack, CEO of SmartDrone, a trailblazer in the drone manufacturing industry, insights were shared on the company’s journey, its innovative solutions, and the future of commercial drones in a changing global landscape.  Discovery 3 Founded in February 2020, just before the world ground to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SmartDrone faced unprecedented challenges as a startup. “It was really a lot to work through for a startup when you were locked down and couldn’t really access your customers or get your engineering team together in a physical location,” Cammack explained. Yet, these challenges also birthed unexpected opportunities. Supply chain disruptions prompted the company to enhance in-house development, significantly strengthening its manufacturing resilience. SmartDrone, based in Tyler, Texas, prides itself on its three main business divisions: manufacturing, services, and soon-to-launch data processing. Their flagship product, the Discovery 3 integrated LiDAR platform, was developed closely with land surveyors to ensure it meets their specific needs. “We interviewed over 50 land surveyors during development… it’s the easiest platform for a land surveyor. They can learn it in less than a day, be doing jobs that day, and create their own deliverables the next day,” Cammack noted. Read the rest of Pioneering Precision: SmartDrone’s Commitment to the Future of Surveying New Era in Aviation: Aligning Strategies for Airspace IntegrationApril 25th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At the recent Xponential 2024 conference in San Diego, key industry and regulatory figures discussed the future of aviation, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies like drones and eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) into existing airspace systems. The conference emphasized the need for cohesive strategies and safety standards to realize this next era of aviation successfully.
Matt Land from Eve Air Mobility highlighted the strides his company is making in urban air mobility. Eve, a spin-off from the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, is not only developing eVTOLs but also rolling out software solutions like Vector for urban air traffic management. With nearly 1,000 employees, Eve is slated to bring its eVTOLs into service by 2026, underscoring the importance of favorable legislation at all governmental levels to support initial operations and growth. Legislative Hurdles and Opportunities in the Evolving Aviation IndustryAs the aviation industry stands on the precipice of a significant transformation with the introduction of drones and eVTOLs, legislative support and regulatory clarity are crucial. However, the path to harmonizing existing laws with emerging technologies is fraught with challenges and opportunities. A closer look at the legislative landscape reveals the intricate dynamics at play. Read the rest of New Era in Aviation: Aligning Strategies for Airspace Integration Shaping the Future: Strategic Acquisitions and Technological Integrations Transform Geospatial and Engineering SectorsApril 5th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the realm of engineering and geospatial services, recent strategic moves are signaling a new era of innovation and collaboration that stands to reshape the landscape of infrastructure development, national security, and environmental management. The announcement from Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. about its acquisition of Surdex Corporation is a pivotal moment, indicating a significant expansion of Bowman’s capabilities into high-altitude digital imagery, digital mapping, and advanced geospatial services. Surdex Corporation, with its long-standing reputation for precision and innovation in geospatial solutions, brings to Bowman a wealth of expertise and technological capabilities. Surdex’s history of deploying state-of-the-art technology for digital orthoimagery, advanced high-resolution LiDAR, and digital mapping services positions Bowman to significantly enhance its service offerings. The integration of Surdex’s technologies and expertise is expected to provide Bowman with unparalleled capabilities in delivering comprehensive geospatial solutions, catering to a wide range of sectors including infrastructure planning, disaster response, and environmental studies. The strategic acquisition is not just a testament to Bowman’s ambition to lead in the engineering services industry but also underscores the growing importance of geospatial technologies in understanding and managing the built and natural environments more effectively. With Surdex’s extensive experience serving public sector clients, including the US Department of Agriculture and the US Geological Survey, Bowman is set to increase its footprint in the public sector, aligning with its strategic objectives. Parallel to Bowman’s expansion, the enhanced collaboration between Esri and Autodesk through the integration of ArcGIS Basemaps into Civil 3D and AutoCAD marks a significant leap forward in the convergence of GIS and BIM technologies. This integration empowers AEC professionals with richer, more detailed geospatial data, enabling more informed decision-making and fostering the development of sustainable, efficient infrastructure. The collaborative efforts of Esri and Autodesk are indicative of a broader trend towards interoperability in technology platforms, facilitating a seamless flow of information across different stages of project development from planning to construction. Furthermore, NV5 Global, Inc.’s acquisition of GIS Solutions, Inc. marks a significant development in the landscape of geospatial services, underscoring the increasing value of tech-enabled solutions in contemporary infrastructure and environmental management projects. This strategic move not only enhances NV5’s portfolio in terms of technical capabilities but also aligns with its vision to dominate the high-margin, rapidly scalable services sector within the engineering and consulting industry. Intel Unleashes the Power of Speed: The Core i9-14900KS Sets New Standards for Desktop PerformanceMarch 14th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the realm of desktop computing, speed and power are the twin pillars upon which the ultimate user experience rests. Today, Intel has once again affirmed its commitment to these principles with the announcement of its Intel® Core™ 14th Gen i9-14900KS processors, heralding a new epoch in desktop processor speeds. Intel’s latest marvel, the i9-14900KS, bursts through previous boundaries by offering a staggering 6.2 gigahertz (GHz) max turbo frequency straight out of the box. This isn’t just another incremental step forward; it’s a giant leap that cements Intel’s status as the purveyor of the world’s fastest desktop processor. For the legion of PC enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators, this represents not just an upgrade but a transformation in what they can expect from their desktop systems.  Intel Core 14th Gen i9-14900KS Special Edition Unlocked Desktop Processor Provides Record-Breaking 6.2GHz frequency right out of the box – giving high-end PC enthusiasts the cutting edge power they look for in their desktops. (Credit: Intel Corporation) “The Intel Core i9-14900KS showcases the full power and performance potential of the Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processor family and its performance hybrid architecture,” says Roger Chandler, Intel’s vice president and general manager of the Enthusiast PC and Workstation Segment. His words underscore a fundamental truth about today’s computing demands: they are evolving, and Intel is leading the charge in meeting these demands head-on. Climate Commitment and Innovation Take Center Stage at Esri Fed GIS ConferenceMarch 1st, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In a notable gathering at the 2024 Esri Federal GIS Conference, attendees were treated to a compelling discussion on the transformative role of open data, geospatial technology, and climate policy. The event spotlighted two influential figures: John Podesta, a key architect of the open data movement under President Obama, and Tonya Wilkinson, the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), who both shared their insights and experiences in leveraging GIS for national security, environmental justice, and climate action. Charting a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Policy, and Climate Action in the Digital AgeJohn Podesta, a pivotal figure in advancing the open data movement under President Obama, delivered an engaging and insightful keynote at the 2024 Esri Fed GIS Conference. Podesta, whose illustrious career includes roles as Chief of Staff for President Clinton and a senior advisor on international climate policy, chose to forgo a traditional presentation in favor of a candid conversation about his experiences and the pressing issue of climate change. Podesta emphasized the significant strides made in combating the climate crisis under the current administration, particularly highlighting the Inflation Reduction Act’s role in fostering innovation and manufacturing within the green sector. This legislative move, according to Podesta, has not only positioned the United States as a leader in climate action but has also catalyzed a global shift towards cleaner energy sources. The conversation delved into the intricacies of implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and the ongoing efforts to ensure its benefits reach all communities across America, underscoring the importance of environmental justice. Podesta shared insights into the challenges and complexities of coordinating domestic and international climate policies, reflecting on his collaboration with figures like Secretary John Kerry and the broader governmental apparatus to create a more sustainable and livable planet. Read the rest of Climate Commitment and Innovation Take Center Stage at Esri Fed GIS Conference |
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