Tuesday, May 5th, 2015
As cloud computing is increasingly becoming the platform for software delivery, accompanied by software subscriptions and software as a service models, users are finding their options forced. Instead of the prior model, where users could pick and choose the tools for the task, the increasingly capable platforms with their associated data and services make the
Tuesday, April 14th, 2015
The unmanned aircraft system (UAS) era of Earth observation has started, and the momentum is gaining. Even though regulations are not yet set, there are whole classes of UAS craft and application workflows that are achieving incredible productivity in trials and select applications. The insights that can be captured, and the new workflows required, have huge
Tuesday, March 31st, 2015
The bring your own device (BYOD) movement for more personal control of our computing environment is taking hold. This is less about a mutiny against restrictive IT overlords, and more about comfort and convenience. The consumerization of the workplace where we can use our own phones, tablets and laptops has some positive impacts on productivity
Tuesday, March 17th, 2015
Did you catch the recent news that Qualcomm has become a major investor in the unmanned aircraft system maker 3D Robotics? 3D Robotics raised $50 million on this round and has indicated that more money is flowing in. This could be a game-changing alliance, giving the chipmaker an interesting platform for robotics research and development,
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
There have been many years of anticipation for high-resolution satellite imagery that can rival the image clarity and sensing capacity of airborne platforms. This wait has now culminated with both capacity, thanks to the advancements aboard DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-3 satellite, as well as eased regulations. The U.S. Department of Commerce decision to allow the sale of
Monday, February 16th, 2015
The much-anticipated regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) was made public yesterday on the FAA website, and on a call with reporters. The agency has been under increasing public as well as legislative pressure to ensure that American companies don’t miss out on business opportunities because of restrictive regulations.
Sunday, February 1st, 2015
It’s hard to remember the geospatial industry prior to the arrival of Google Maps and Google Earth early in 2005. There was an overnight acceleration of engagement with mapping technologies that went far beyond just getting to Grandma’s house. The entry of these technologies was truly disruptive with revolutionary innovations that increased the size of
Tuesday, January 27th, 2015
The 2015 Geodesign Summit, the sixth in the series, took place last week at the Esri campus in Redlands, Calif. The event continues to draw a consistent and passionate crowd who have evolved from defining the art and science of geodesign to applying it and making an impact.
Tuesday, January 13th, 2015
Many speak of the impetus of building information modeling (BIM) as the application of geographic information systems (GIS) thinking to buildings. There are definitely parallels to the two approaches, with features and classifications cataloged and the ongoing maintenance of the model leading to better management practices.
Sunday, December 28th, 2014
Much time is spent this time of year looking forward. Sensors & Systems did some reflecting on emerging issues, innovative approaches and technology trends to come up with the following predictions for 2015. On the list are platform and services advancements, policy initiatives and the continued convergence of mapping and modeling for infrastructure design. 1.
