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Roger Thomas
As a recently qualified Land Surveyor, Roger joined an aerial survey and mapping company based in the UAE in the late 70s. Working with the company over the next three decades, progression was made from the management of the Survey Deportment to overall Operations Manager and culminated in Project … More » NETROnline completes scanning of the challenging first half of the Edgar Tobin Aerial Survey film archive using GeoDyn’s PromptScanOctober 3rd, 2024 by Roger Thomas
NETROnline, the producers of www.historicaerials.com, have successfully completed the scanning of the first half of the 1.2 million frames of the Tobin aerial film archive that dates back to the 1930’s. This archive documents in detail the massive changes that took place across the southern United States during the first half of the 20th century.
The scanning was performed using GeoDyn’s PromptScan M2 photogrammetric scanner. To date, NETROnline has scanned over 600,000 frames at a resolution of 13 microns, accurately capturing and preserving the full detail from this important archive. The initial phase of the project has been the most challenging as it included many rolls of film from the 1930’s that are primarily nitrate-based, as well as over thousand frames that had been previously cut out of the rolls and which required careful handling. Without scanning, these films would soon have deteriorated beyond scannable condition, risking a significant heritage loss. Propeller Aero: Shaping the Future of Site Management with Advanced Drone and Surveying TechnologiesSeptember 23rd, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
Propeller Aero, a global leader in drone surveying and site data management, is at the forefront of transforming how industries such as construction, mining, and civil engineering handle their work sites. At the 2024 Commercial UAV Conference in Las Vegas, I sat down with Hamish Hawthorn, VP of Corporate Development at Propeller, to discuss their latest innovations and the growing impact of their technology on the industry.
Revolutionizing Site Management with Smart Survey Solutions“Propeller is a smart survey solution that allows project teams to map, measure, and monitor their work sites with unprecedented accuracy,” Hawthorn explained. The core of Propeller’s platform lies in its ability to collect high-precision data through drone flights equipped with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) modules and Propeller’s AeroPoints, smart ground control points thatanchor drone data to the Earth for accuracy. Once this data is uploaded to Propeller’s platform, it generates highly accurate 3D models that allow teams to monitor changes, measure progress, and make critical site decisions efficiently. Propeller’s technology is designed to be user-friendly, enabling teams with minimal surveying experience to leverage advanced data in real time. “Our platform is built to make things simple, so our users can measure and manage their sites without needing specialized skills,” Hawthorn noted. “It’s about connecting the field to the office and delivering precise insights that can save time and money.” Smarty Expands Its Address Data Capabilities: A Look at the Latest Innovation in Secondary Address DataSeptember 6th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the increasingly data-driven world, accurate and expansive geolocation data is vital across industries such as telecommunications, insurance, and real estate. Smarty, a 120-person tech company based in Provo, Utah, has long been at the forefront of providing accurate address validation, geocoding, and address enrichment. The company’s latest offering, a groundbreaking U.S. secondary address data tool, promises to further revolutionize the geospatial industry. In a recent interview with Smarty’s Vice President of Product Management, Berkley Charlton, I had the chance to dive into the details behind this innovative product. Charlton highlighted the significance of secondary addresses—additional units within a primary address, such as apartments or suites—and their critical role for various industries. “For industries like telecommunications, knowing how many units are within a complex can determine whether it’s worth investing in infrastructure. Similarly, insurance companies can assess risk more accurately by understanding the number of units within a property,” said Charlton. This granular level of address detail is crucial for business decisions but has traditionally been difficult to access.
Until now, businesses either had to rely on incomplete datasets or purchase expensive national databases. Smarty’s new secondary address data tool offers a more accessible and efficient solution, providing access to over 56 million secondary address components across the U.S. The tool allows customers to pull specific secondary addresses related to a primary one in an instant. Using Smarty’s proprietary system, every address in the U.S. is linked to a unique identifier called a “Smarty Key,” ensuring consistent and reliable data retrieval. When asked about the challenge of collecting such a massive dataset, Charlton emphasized Smarty’s unique position in the market: “We process over 2.3 billion U.S. addresses a day through our servers, which gives us unparalleled access to address data. This allows us to achieve 99% coverage of secondary addresses across the country.” Locusview’s Digital Construction Management Solutions: Revolutionizing Utility OperationsAugust 16th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
Locusview is at the forefront of digital construction management, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of electric and gas utilities. During a recent interview with Danny Petrecca, VP of Business Development at Locusview, we explored how the company is bridging the digitization gap in utility construction management, especially in the face of modern challenges such as grid modernization, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, and wildfire threat reduction. Understanding the Digital Construction Management GapDanny highlighted that while utilities have made strides in many areas, there remains a significant gap in how they manage construction data in the field. Traditional methods, often paper-based or reliant on siloed applications, introduce inefficiencies and errors, particularly in the collection and management of as-built data. This is where Locusview steps in, providing a digital construction management (DCM) solution that transforms how utilities handle data from design to closeout.
Tackling Challenges in the Electric Utility SectorElectric utilities, as Danny explained, are currently facing immense pressure to modernize the grid. This modernization involves various initiatives, from undergrounding power lines to enhancing grid resilience through advanced distribution management systems (ADMS). However, these projects demand accurate, up-to-date data, especially within a utility’s geographic information system (GIS). Unfortunately, many utilities still rely on outdated methods, which not only slow down the process but also compromise data quality. Locusview’s DCM solution addresses these challenges by digitizing the entire construction workflow. By equipping field crews with easy-to-use digital tools, Locusview ensures that accurate spatial data, material data, and inspection forms are captured and efficiently integrated back into GIS and asset management systems. This digitization significantly improves capex efficiency and accelerates project closeouts, all while reducing the potential for human error. 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 |
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