GeoNorth names Douglas (Doug) Hobson as new Executive Director Previously, Mr Hobson was VP of Airbus (Energy) Oil, Gas and Mining Division, based in Colorado. Three years as Head of Sales in Friedrichshafen, (Germany) and a further three years as Head of Sales and Business Coordination for Airbus in Toulouse, (France) has given Mr Hobson a wide range of knowledge of both the optical and SAR satellite imagery.
“These are exciting times!” says Hobson. “The geo-spatial industry and the satellite industry in particular is really going through a monumental shift in the way people acquire and use their data. The days of just delivering pixels are coming to an end; discerning clients now want access to those “nuggets of knowledge” that imagery brings. Whether for change detection, asset monitoring, environmental issues, security or emergency response, what customers want today is accurate, current, cost effective and bespoke solutions to match their own particular needs, irrespective of the delivery vehicle. It is not about the volume of data, it is about delivering the right information, at the right place, at the right time”
“GeoNorth is well positioned as a company to embrace this change, in fact, we support and encourage our clients to explore the new technologies coming on line. Micro satellites, UAS, cloud based deliverables to mobile platforms are all a part of our future. With our own Direct Receiving Station located in Fairbanks, Alaska, we have rapid access to Spot 6 and 7, Pléiades 1A and 1B, TSX and TDX SAR data, and our relationships with other major data providers means we can quickly and precisely match requirements tailored to the exact information needed at that time” Prior to Airbus, Hobson worked in the GIS Engineering Services in the UK, and his “3-year sabbatical” as he calls it, in the Financial Sector in the heart of London’s Financial District. Before that, Hobson spent almost 20 years as both a Police, and Fire Brigade Officer.
