Sunday, January 29th, 2012
This week the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos, Switzerland. While much of the discussion is focused upon economic policy development, the technological and conceptual linkages that contribute to economic growth and wealth are not always clear. Geospatial and geomatics technologies not only create and contribute to the underlying infrastructure and processes that
Sunday, January 15th, 2012
Most events connected with spatial data infrastructure (SDI) related projects and work involve government organisations and institutions. In principle, SDI are still very young and adapting – they have yet to form closer links and governance ties, although many existing projects have had some industry participation. Current worldwide economic conditions could act as a spark
Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Design as it relates to geospatial and geomatics technologies is a special relationship. There are few technologies, outside of spatial data creation and management tools, that can bring as much useful, diverse and necessary information to the design process. This value connects directly to the ability to create – to enlist and to conduct designs
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Assets can include property, infrastructure and resources associated with business operations. Institutions, governments and other organisations may also own and operate assets. Since the number and location of assets may be large and widely distributed, tools capable of supporting their management increase the possibility to more accurately managing them. Through geospatial technologies, owner-operators can see,
Saturday, November 26th, 2011
The beginnings of geographic information system (GIS) were built on a foundation of landscape mapping and related to agriculture. Traditionally, the production of mapping for agriculture has been primarily oriented around government agencies and organisations. The production of food led to exports and and imports and often încluded government agencies. Governance linked to food production crossed
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Spatial data can be found in many business processes and work flows today. Geospatial technologies are constantly innovating, and social pressures and environmental concerns are driving new solutions and applications. The pace of change is increasing, and austerity measures around the world are causing new forms of spatial data use to rise as demanding challenges
Monday, October 31st, 2011
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have evolved remarkably over the last 50 years. What began as a desire to perform mapping functions using computers, is now a collection of modules, functional capabilities and software programs all configured toward a system for handling geographic-based information. Recent trends toward software as a service as compared to products means
Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Many people talk about the relationship of geographic information systems (GIS) to surveying. To a distant observer, it sounds as if they are connected, seamless and supporting work flows beyond singular operations alone. Are surveying equipment manufacturers creating work flows outside of computer-aided design (CAD) that truly integrate GIS? Are GIS users working with surveying
Friday, September 30th, 2011
Many people have talked about a gap between surveying technology and geographic information system (GIS) technology over the years. Recent reports of precision farming uptake indicate lower than expected results – all at a time when commodity prices are high and food production is high on the agenda. What are the reasons for these lower uptake
Friday, September 16th, 2011
Urban planning is inherently spatial. It involves both location and time – as well as policy. Geo-technologies for planning-design, data creation, data management, analysis and visualisation are all used to support the dynamic, fluid and ever-changing nature of urban areas. And, they often tend to arise within integrated circumstances. These technologies and geodata allow urban
