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geospatial 09

2009 Rs. 100/- www.geospatialtoday.com

R-APDRP

ROAD TO

REJUVENATION

Improving power infrastructure without tackling transmission and distribution losses is akin to adding water to a leaky bucket. This has been the story of power reforms in India, but not anymore. With IT and GIS forming a substantial part of R-APDRP, the power sector is on a dramatic correction course and India is poised to power its way to make the sector commercially viable INTERVIEW

JOHN GRAHAM

PRESIDENT, SECURITY, GOVERNMENT &

INFRASTRUCTURE (SG&I), INTERGRAPH

LiDAR TRENDS

EXPANDING SOURCES CHANGING FORMATS QUEST FOR AN

INTEGRATED 3D MODEL

LBS:

THE WAIT IS OVER

REVIEW:

BHUVAN

A BEGINNING

TODAY

ISSN 0972-6810

(2)

A picture is worth thousand Words

Fair and Convention Center, Vienna - 0.8m Color image from IRS Cartosat + Resourcesat

Data from 1 meter to 360 meter resolution for a wide range of applications Offering through a network of 22 International Ground Stations and 20 Resellers

Antrix Corporation Limited

Antariksh Bhavan, New BEL Road, Bangalore - 560 094, India.

Tel: +91 80 2341 6273/74 Fax: +91 80 2341 8981 www.antrix.gov.in e-mail: mail@antrix.gov.in

Cartosat-2 Cartosat-1 Resourcesat-1 IRS-1D Oceansat-1

we let our pictures from Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) speak for themselves

(3)

NEWS >>

TODAY

geospatial

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 7

>> ARTICLES

36

LBS: The wait is over

16

Developing standards for complex infrastructure

Users are making a shift from PNDs to mobile phones and the number of applications is growing at an alarming pace

With 28 open geospatial Web services standards OGC is showing the way in managing infrastructure effectively

>> ARTICLES 28

Utility GIS

Empowering distribution

Geo-referenced consumer and network database is a necessity for a host of power distribution applications like customer information system, asset management, trouble call management, billing system, energy audit and load flow studies

Feed Back

Readers are advised to send all feedback and comments to editor@gatewaymedia.in Subscriptions phone : 040 2355 0991

e-mail : subscribe@gatewaymedia.in write to : Spatial Networks Pvt. Ltd., Plot No.761, Road No.39, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500 033, INDIA Phone: +91(40) 2355 0991, 2355 0992 Fax : + 91(40) 2355 0994

www.geospatialtoday.com

CONTACT US

Publications Director Ramprasad

Vice President (Operations) Umamaheswar Rao P Sr. Assistant Editor T P Venu Assistant Editor Omer Ahmed Siddiqui Copy Editor G Srinivas Reddy Sr. Designer Masa Vijay Designers

Lakshmi D, Yogesh D, Srinivas P Web

Upender Reddy V Business & Events Wilson Rajan Circulation Unnikrishna Pillai S MarCom Nipunata C Gowli

Geospatial Today is printed by P Chandrasekhar Reddy published by P Chandrasekhar Reddy on behalf of Spatial Networks Pvt. Ltd., Plot No.761, Road No.39, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500 033, AP, India. Phone: +9140 2355 0991, 2355 0992 Fax : + 91 40 2355 0994 www.geospatialtoday.com

Printed at M/s. Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd., 1-1-60/5, RTC cross roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad - 500 020. and Published at Spatial Networks Pvt. Ltd. Plot No.761, Road No.39, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500 033, AP, India.

Editor: P Chandrasekhar Reddy Please note: Views expressed in the articles are those of the writer(s) and may not be shared by the editor or members of the editorial board. Unsolicited material will not be returned.

Copyright: No material published here should be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.

Improving power infrastructure without tackling transmission and distribution losses is akin to adding water to a leaky bucket. This has been the story of power reforms in India, but not anymore. With IT and GIS forming a substantial part of R-APDRP, the power sector is on a dramatic correction course and India is poised to power its way to make the sector commercially viable

R-APDRP

Road to rejuvenation

Cover Story

22

40 Quest for an

integrated 3D model

Developing an integrated 3D model that is scalable and takes into consideration various aspects of 3D re-construction is vital for the bright future of 3D GIS

ARTICLE

CONTENTS

INTERVIEW

14 John Graham

President, Security,

Government & Infrastructure (SG&I), Intergraph

(4)

|05

CONTENTS

The editorial advisory board of Geospatial Today consists of professionals who, in their own discipline and with an independent view, guide the editorial team by making recommendations on potential authors and specific topics. Each member also contributes content to the magazine.

Editorial advisory board

04 |geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

Prof. Ian Masser

Visiting Professor, Centre for Advanced Spatial Analyses,

University College, London, UK Jack Dangermond Founder and President, ESRI Dr. Shailesh R Nayak Secretary, Min of Earth Sciences

Dr. V Jayaraman Director, NRSC

Maj. Gen (Dr.) R Siva Kumar CEO-NSDI

K R Sridhara Murthi Managing Director, ANTRIX Corporation Ltd.

Maj. Gen. M V Bhat

Deputy Director General, Military Survey M Moni

Deputy Director General,

National Informatics Centre, Government of India Rajesh C Mathur

Vice Chairman, ESRI India

Mukund K Rao COO & President, ESRI India Dr. R Nagaraja

Group Head, NDC, NRSC Dr. (Mrs.) P Venkatachalam

Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Publisher’s Note

Perestroika in power

Restructuring the power sector is underway and is being done with a new found political will. If India has to surge ahead in the comity of nations, its power scenario has to be put in place. The restructuring is happening at the right time. Efforts to reform the power sector in India date back to 2000-01, then called APDP. It was then redesigned as APDRP in 2003. The focus was on improving the distribution and reducing AT&C losses.

But, on both occasions, results were far from satisfactory. Redesigned as R- APDRP, the recent initiatives in power sector have clear-cut objectives with emphasis on performance. This time around there is a separate allocation of funds for IT and GIS implementation. The idea is to bring transparency and accountability in the system. This augurs well and is seen as a boon to IT and GIS companies. Power sector is on a vital course correction and R-APDRP is designed to achieve that end.

India is one of the few countries that have registered an economic growth of above 6 per cent in GDP despite the economic meltdown. However, to transform itself into an economic superpower, India needs to sustain a GDP growth rate of 8-9 per cent for the next 20 years, and only a sturdy power sector could take it forward.

Ramprasad

Publications Director

44 Management of Land registry:

Lessons from Istanbul

20 Enhancing operational efficiency at NPS

Asset management information system streamlines the retrieval of land registry data and is paving the way for the faster, improved access to the information

Autodesk products have enabled the US National Park Service to replace the cumbersome process of maintaining data on paper maps with digital maps resulting in better decision making, data sharing and reduced operational costs and time

LiDAR trends

Expanding sources changing formats

Despite facing a few interoperabilty problems, the LiDAR industry, is moving in the right direction with advances in sensors

>> CASE STUDIES

>> ARTICLE

32

46

DaveBouwman

>> COLUMNS

48

VishalAgarwal

>> INDIA NEWS

BHUVAN launched

ISRO has launched BHUVAN, a mapping application website similar to Google Earth that will provide high quality 3D satellite images of India. Through BHUVAN, which means earth in Sanskrit, users will be able to see the entire India other than sensitive locations such as military and nuclear installations. The

portal will use images provided by ISRO's seven remote sensing satellites, including Cartosat-1 and

Cartosat-2. BHUVAN can provide images of India with varying resolution and also enables users to access them in a 3D environment. Even though

the degree of resolution depends on the point of interest and its popularity, six metres of resolution is provided for most of the Indian terrain with the least spatial resolution being 55 metres from Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWifs).

Commenting on the launch, V Jayaraman, Director, NRSA said,

“We were extremely enthusiastic and right from the word go our focus was that it should be useful to users in India." Prime features include ability to access, explore and visualise 2D and 3D images along with rich thematic information on Soil, wasteland, water resources; ability to superimpose

administrative boundaries of choice on images as required, graphical visualisation of automatic weather stations information and its tabular presentation, heads-up display navigation controls, navigation using the 3D view pop-up menu, drawing 2D and 3D objects and snapshot creation.

GIS to solve power woes in Rajahmundry

The Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited of Andhra Pradesh (EPDCL) is planning to introduce Geographic Information System to improve power supply position in Rajahmundry. EPDCL has contracted Mumbai based Rolta for satellite mapping of power supply transformers, distribution feeders, poles and household connections.

Use of GIS system will improve the financial viability of EPDCL, reduce transmission losses, enhance customer satisfaction, provide reliable and quality power supply and transparency through a computerised network.

EPDCL chairman and MD N Gulzar said, “GIS mapping was completed for Rajahmundry and Kakinada cities and GIS solutions would be introduced by the first week of October.”

Gujarat moves ahead with water harvesting

Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi announced that development of check dams and farm ponds has resulted in good water harvesting in the state. Moving a step ahead, he said,

there is a need to bring more and more areas under irrigation. This can be done by mapping of canal networks and other areas.

A GIS-based watershed planning and

management action plan for each district and block of the state has been developed by rural development department. Principal Secretary, Rural Development, Rita Teotiamade gave a presentation on the action plan explaining how it will be implemented district-wise. She said that the department is in the process of preparing a road map for each village of the state.

SatNav teams up with SOI

SatNav Technologies announced a strategic tie-up with Survey of India (SOI) to use its maps for developing value-added products for consumers. The agreement allows SatNav Technologies to release the SOI-approved digital maps and custom map content within the public domain for

commercial use in a range of navigation and LBS in the mobile and personal navigation system. SatNav Technologies is also releasing an enhanced map database, which was being developed since the year 2000, covering 404 cities and 16 lakh Points of Interest (POIs). These maps would have enhanced features like more POI content, accuracy, road network validation, gap in median and turn restrictions.

The partnership with SOI will help SatNav

Technologies take this map-making initiative to an entirely new plane and also comply with the regulations of the Government of India and the provisions of the National Mapping Policy while offering much improved solutions to its consumers.

HAPPENINGS

49

EVENTS

50

(5)

|05

CONTENTS

The editorial advisory board of Geospatial Today consists of professionals who, in their own discipline and with an independent view, guide the editorial team by making recommendations on potential authors and specific topics. Each member also contributes content to the magazine.

Editorial advisory board

04 |geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

Prof. Ian Masser

Visiting Professor, Centre for Advanced Spatial Analyses,

University College, London, UK Jack Dangermond Founder and President, ESRI Dr. Shailesh R Nayak Secretary, Min of Earth Sciences

Dr. V Jayaraman Director, NRSC

Maj. Gen (Dr.) R Siva Kumar CEO-NSDI

K R Sridhara Murthi Managing Director, ANTRIX Corporation Ltd.

Maj. Gen. M V Bhat

Deputy Director General, Military Survey M Moni

Deputy Director General,

National Informatics Centre, Government of India Rajesh C Mathur

Vice Chairman, ESRI India

Mukund K Rao COO & President, ESRI India Dr. R Nagaraja

Group Head, NDC, NRSC Dr. (Mrs.) P Venkatachalam

Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Publisher’s Note

Perestroika in power

Restructuring the power sector is underway and is being done with a new found political will. If India has to surge ahead in the comity of nations, its power scenario has to be put in place. The restructuring is happening at the right time. Efforts to reform the power sector in India date back to 2000-01, then called APDP. It was then redesigned as APDRP in 2003. The focus was on improving the distribution and reducing AT&C losses.

But, on both occasions, results were far from satisfactory. Redesigned as R- APDRP, the recent initiatives in power sector have clear-cut objectives with emphasis on performance. This time around there is a separate allocation of funds for IT and GIS implementation. The idea is to bring transparency and accountability in the system. This augurs well and is seen as a boon to IT and GIS companies. Power sector is on a vital course correction and R-APDRP is designed to achieve that end.

India is one of the few countries that have registered an economic growth of above 6 per cent in GDP despite the economic meltdown. However, to transform itself into an economic superpower, India needs to sustain a GDP growth rate of 8-9 per cent for the next 20 years, and only a sturdy power sector could take it forward.

Ramprasad

Publications Director

44 Management of Land registry:

Lessons from Istanbul

20 Enhancing operational efficiency at NPS

Asset management information system streamlines the retrieval of land registry data and is paving the way for the faster, improved access to the information

Autodesk products have enabled the US National Park Service to replace the cumbersome process of maintaining data on paper maps with digital maps resulting in better decision making, data sharing and reduced operational costs and time

LiDAR trends

Expanding sources changing formats

Despite facing a few interoperabilty problems, the LiDAR industry, is moving in the right direction with advances in sensors

>> CASE STUDIES

>> ARTICLE

32

46

DaveBouwman

>> COLUMNS

48

VishalAgarwal

>> INDIA NEWS

BHUVAN launched

ISRO has launched BHUVAN, a mapping application website similar to Google Earth that will provide high quality 3D satellite images of India. Through BHUVAN, which means earth in Sanskrit, users will be able to see the entire India other than sensitive locations such as military and nuclear installations. The

portal will use images provided by ISRO's seven remote sensing satellites, including Cartosat-1 and

Cartosat-2. BHUVAN can provide images of India with varying resolution and also enables users to access them in a 3D environment. Even though

the degree of resolution depends on the point of interest and its popularity, six metres of resolution is provided for most of the Indian terrain with the least spatial resolution being 55 metres from Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWifs).

Commenting on the launch, V Jayaraman, Director, NRSA said,

“We were extremely enthusiastic and right from the word go our focus was that it should be useful to users in India." Prime features include ability to access, explore and visualise 2D and 3D images along with rich thematic information on Soil, wasteland, water resources; ability to superimpose

administrative boundaries of choice on images as required, graphical visualisation of automatic weather stations information and its tabular presentation, heads-up display navigation controls, navigation using the 3D view pop-up menu, drawing 2D and 3D objects and snapshot creation.

GIS to solve power woes in Rajahmundry

The Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited of Andhra Pradesh (EPDCL) is planning to introduce Geographic Information System to improve power supply position in Rajahmundry. EPDCL has contracted Mumbai based Rolta for satellite mapping of power supply transformers, distribution feeders, poles and household connections.

Use of GIS system will improve the financial viability of EPDCL, reduce transmission losses, enhance customer satisfaction, provide reliable and quality power supply and transparency through a computerised network.

EPDCL chairman and MD N Gulzar said, “GIS mapping was completed for Rajahmundry and Kakinada cities and GIS solutions would be introduced by the first week of October.”

Gujarat moves ahead with water harvesting

Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi announced that development of check dams and farm ponds has resulted in good water harvesting in the state.

Moving a step ahead, he said,

there is a need to bring more and more areas under irrigation. This can be done by mapping of canal networks and other areas.

A GIS-based watershed planning and

management action plan for each district and block of the state has been developed by rural development department. Principal Secretary, Rural Development, Rita Teotiamade gave a presentation on the action plan explaining how it will be implemented district-wise. She said that the department is in the process of preparing a road map for each village of the state.

SatNav teams up with SOI

SatNav Technologies announced a strategic tie-up with Survey of India (SOI) to use its maps for developing value-added products for consumers.

The agreement allows SatNav Technologies to release the SOI-approved digital maps and custom map content within the public domain for

commercial use in a range of navigation and LBS in the mobile and personal navigation system.

SatNav Technologies is also releasing an enhanced map database, which was being developed since the year 2000, covering 404 cities and 16 lakh Points of Interest (POIs). These maps would have enhanced features like more POI content, accuracy, road network validation, gap in median and turn restrictions.

The partnership with SOI will help SatNav

Technologies take this map-making initiative to an entirely new plane and also comply with the regulations of the Government of India and the provisions of the National Mapping Policy while offering much improved solutions to its consumers.

HAPPENINGS

49

EVENTS

50

(6)

>> INDIA NEWS

Master plan soon for Perambalur

Perambalur town in Tamil Nadu has embarked on a project for preparing a master plan using satellite images with the help of ISRO’s Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad. Tamil Nadu state government has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for the purpose.

The Master Plan 2021 covers Perambalur Municipal limits and 14 neighbouring villages. The plan is being prepared based on the existing survey field numbers and land use. It will map the town resources, classifying lands into different categories such as primary and mixed lands; residential, commercial, industrial, public and semi-public areas (government offices and hospitals); agricultural lands; water bodies; and transport network (existing roads and streets). The plan will help planners to evolve suitable development programmes to meet the future requirements of the town in terms of civic amenities, habitations, educational institutions, entertainment, drinking water supply and other amenities.

Design for Chandrayaan-II ready

ISRO in collaboration with Russia’s federal space agency Roskosmos has completed the designing of Chandrayaan-II including the spacecraft and a landing platform with the moon rover, which can collect samples of the lunar soil, analyse them and send back the data. India is developing the orbital flight vehicle, while Russia will supply the 'Lunar Craft.’

Commenting on the development, G Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO said,

“Right now, the design has been completed. We had a joint review with Russian scientists. The landing of the rover would be decided after we analyse the data sent by Chandrayaan-I spacecraft. Now we are set to build a prototype of Chandrayaan-II and this would happen next year. We will build upon our success with Chandrayaan-I.” The Chandrayaan-II mission will have an orbital flight vehicle comprising an orbital craft and a lunar craft that would carry a soft landing system up to lunar transfer trajectory.

IRNSS to beef up security in India

ISRO is developing IRNSS – a constellation of seven satellites that will boost the security set-up in India. The satellites will work in tandem with a ground support system. Three satellites will be placed in the geostationary orbit while the remaining four will be close to the orbit. According to ISRO chief Madhavan Nair, “Such

an arrangement would mean all seven satellites would have continuous radio visibility with the Indian control stations. The satellite payloads will consist of atomic clocks and electronic equipment to generate the navigational signals.

The system is intended to provide an absolute position accuracy of more than 20 metres throughout India and within a region extending approximately 2,000 km around it.” IRNSS will help in tracking cross-border infiltration, better surveillance over tough terrains, mountains or deep inside the sea.

Algerian

satellite to be launched on Indian rocket

The US has given affirmation to ISRO to launch Algerian satellites with American components.

The development is a successful outcome of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's visit to India.

A technical safeguards agreement covering launches of satellites having the US components on Indian launch vehicles was also signed during the visit.

Commenting on the deal the Indian embassy said,

“Following the signing of the Technical Safeguards Agreement during Hillary Clinton's recent visit to India, the US government has given clearance for launch by Indian Space Research Organization [ISRO] of Algerian satellites ALSAT-2A and ALSAT-2B which have the US components on board an Indian space launch vehicle.”

|07

06 |geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> WORLD NEWS

3001 International

provides GIS solutions to US Navy

A subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation, 3001 International Inc. has received a five-year contract worth US$ 15 million for providing geospatial solutions to the US Navy. The geospatial services and solutions will enable the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic in planning, asset management, training, infrastructure maintenance and developing better defence capabilities at home and abroad. As per the contract 3001 International will provide geographic information systems, professional surveying, and mapping services, including data acquisition and feature development using a variety of remote sensing techniques.

Bentley PowerDraft for mapping

Bentley has introduced the new Bentley PowerDraft for mapping that enables powerful and precise geospatial data creation, maintenance and analysis. Users can easily integrate data from a wide variety of geospatial data sources into engineering and mapping workflows. Multiple data types with varying coordinate systems are also transformed ‘on-the- fly’ as they are integrated with Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping. It also supports extensive spatial analysis, thematic mapping and presentation. Its capabilities also include tools for creating buffers and performing topology overlays. Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping is a standalone application and does not require MicroStation as a prerequisite.®

As a mapping application, Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping contains tools for data collection, editing, clean up, analysis, and map printing. It allows direct design file editing including 3D editing, reading CAD files, ESRI SHP files as well as other industry-standard raster and vector file formats. Standard and spatial datasets can be accessed by Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping, including Oracle Spatial. All accessible data formats, without exception, can be interrogated

spatially using a variety of analysis tools.

Learning geography at grass root level

Ordnance Survey is providing free maps to school children across Scotland

under the free maps for 11-year-olds scheme. As per the scheme, every primary 7 pupil in Scotland is provided a free Ordnance Survey explorer map. The scheme has been a success since its inception in 2002 and has distributed 5 million maps till last year. The scheme not only supports learning about

geography and the environment but also helps encourage children and their families to get out and explore their local area. It has been praised by teachers, pupils and parents alike. Teachers interested in obtaining free maps can log on to the Ordnance Survey website. Support for teachers is also available on Ordnance Survey’s MapZone website that also offers a number of educational games. The online explore portal on the website allows users to plot, share and search for routes on Ordnance Survey maps.

SuperGeo releases SuperPad 3.0

SuperGeo Technologies has developed SuperPad 3.0, a professional mobile GIS software with several important tools to increase convenience and efficiency for field-based users in mobile GIS and outdoor mapping applications. With a mobile device, it enables users to map and integrate GIS and GPS functions to increase work efficiency, productivity, and data accuracy in the field. Field workers can choose the most appropriate tool from a variety of editing tools in the software to quickly edit features for different demands. Smart editing bar provided in the software helps in eliminating editing mistakes. As long as there are editable layers on the map, the tool can be activated. Major functions in the bar include undo/redo, write in, clear the editing, and screen lock.

(7)

>> INDIA NEWS

Master plan soon for Perambalur

Perambalur town in Tamil Nadu has embarked on a project for preparing a master plan using satellite images with the help of ISRO’s Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad. Tamil Nadu state government has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for the purpose.

The Master Plan 2021 covers Perambalur Municipal limits and 14 neighbouring villages. The plan is being prepared based on the existing survey field numbers and land use. It will map the town resources, classifying lands into different categories such as primary and mixed lands; residential, commercial, industrial, public and semi-public areas (government offices and hospitals); agricultural lands; water bodies; and transport network (existing roads and streets). The plan will help planners to evolve suitable development programmes to meet the future requirements of the town in terms of civic amenities, habitations, educational institutions, entertainment, drinking water supply and other amenities.

Design for Chandrayaan-II ready

ISRO in collaboration with Russia’s federal space agency Roskosmos has completed the designing of Chandrayaan-II including the spacecraft and a landing platform with the moon rover, which can collect samples of the lunar soil, analyse them and send back the data. India is developing the orbital flight vehicle, while Russia will supply the 'Lunar Craft.’

Commenting on the development, G Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO said,

“Right now, the design has been completed. We had a joint review with Russian scientists. The landing of the rover would be decided after we analyse the data sent by Chandrayaan-I spacecraft. Now we are set to build a prototype of Chandrayaan-II and this would happen next year. We will build upon our success with Chandrayaan-I.” The Chandrayaan-II mission will have an orbital flight vehicle comprising an orbital craft and a lunar craft that would carry a soft landing system up to lunar transfer trajectory.

IRNSS to beef up security in India

ISRO is developing IRNSS – a constellation of seven satellites that will boost the security set-up in India. The satellites will work in tandem with a ground support system. Three satellites will be placed in the geostationary orbit while the remaining four will be close to the orbit. According to ISRO chief Madhavan Nair, “Such

an arrangement would mean all seven satellites would have continuous radio visibility with the Indian control stations. The satellite payloads will consist of atomic clocks and electronic equipment to generate the navigational signals.

The system is intended to provide an absolute position accuracy of more than 20 metres throughout India and within a region extending approximately 2,000 km around it.” IRNSS will help in tracking cross-border infiltration, better surveillance over tough terrains, mountains or deep inside the sea.

Algerian

satellite to be launched on Indian rocket

The US has given affirmation to ISRO to launch Algerian satellites with American components.

The development is a successful outcome of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's visit to India.

A technical safeguards agreement covering launches of satellites having the US components on Indian launch vehicles was also signed during the visit.

Commenting on the deal the Indian embassy said,

“Following the signing of the Technical Safeguards Agreement during Hillary Clinton's recent visit to India, the US government has given clearance for launch by Indian Space Research Organization [ISRO] of Algerian satellites ALSAT-2A and ALSAT-2B which have the US components on board an Indian space launch vehicle.”

|07

06 |geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> WORLD NEWS

3001 International

provides GIS solutions to US Navy

A subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation, 3001 International Inc. has received a five-year contract worth US$ 15 million for providing geospatial solutions to the US Navy. The geospatial services and solutions will enable the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic in planning, asset management, training, infrastructure maintenance and developing better defence capabilities at home and abroad. As per the contract 3001 International will provide geographic information systems, professional surveying, and mapping services, including data acquisition and feature development using a variety of remote sensing techniques.

Bentley PowerDraft for mapping

Bentley has introduced the new Bentley PowerDraft for mapping that enables powerful and precise geospatial data creation, maintenance and analysis. Users can easily integrate data from a wide variety of geospatial data sources into engineering and mapping workflows. Multiple data types with varying coordinate systems are also transformed ‘on-the- fly’ as they are integrated with Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping. It also supports extensive spatial analysis, thematic mapping and presentation. Its capabilities also include tools for creating buffers and performing topology overlays.

Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping is a standalone application and does not require MicroStation as a prerequisite.®

As a mapping application, Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping contains tools for data collection, editing, clean up, analysis, and map printing. It allows direct design file editing including 3D editing, reading CAD files, ESRI SHP files as well as other industry-standard raster and vector file formats. Standard and spatial datasets can be accessed by Bentley PowerDraft for Mapping, including Oracle Spatial.

All accessible data formats, without exception, can be interrogated

spatially using a variety of analysis tools.

Learning geography at grass root level

Ordnance Survey is providing free maps to school children across Scotland

under the free maps for 11-year-olds scheme. As per the scheme, every primary 7 pupil in Scotland is provided a free Ordnance Survey explorer map. The scheme has been a success since its inception in 2002 and has distributed 5 million maps till last year. The scheme not only supports learning about

geography and the environment but also helps encourage children and their families to get out and explore their local area. It has been praised by teachers, pupils and parents alike.

Teachers interested in obtaining free maps can log on to the Ordnance Survey website. Support for teachers is also available on Ordnance Survey’s MapZone website that also offers a number of educational games. The online explore portal on the website allows users to plot, share and search for routes on Ordnance Survey maps.

SuperGeo releases SuperPad 3.0

SuperGeo Technologies has developed SuperPad 3.0, a professional mobile GIS software with several important tools to increase convenience and efficiency for field-based users in mobile GIS and outdoor mapping applications. With a mobile device, it enables users to map and integrate GIS and GPS functions to increase work efficiency, productivity, and data accuracy in the field. Field workers can choose the most appropriate tool from a variety of editing tools in the software to quickly edit features for different demands. Smart editing bar provided in the software helps in eliminating editing mistakes. As long as there are editable layers on the map, the tool can be activated. Major functions in the bar include undo/redo, write in, clear the editing, and screen lock.

(8)

>> WORLD NEWS

Standards for real estate management

The Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC) and the Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate (OSCRE) signed an MOU to collaborate in standards development and to enable and promote the use of Web based geospatial technologies in real estate commerce and real property management. "There's a growing interest among OGC members in standards related to the built environment and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with OSCRE,” said Mark Reichardt, president and CEO of the OGC. “There’s a tremendous need for better information transfer among companies and agencies that buy, sell, own, occupy, inspect, appraise, manage, design, build and protect real estate, and geospatial information is important in all these activities.”

“The use of geospatial data is expanding rapidly, particularly by the private sector, since geospatial information can be used by many real estate stakeholders and other professions who seek information about demographics, crime, sales comparatives, foreclosures, and natural and man-made hazards,” states OSCRE CEO, Andy Fuhrman.

Aref Matin new CTO at Tele Atlas

Tele Atlas has appointed Aref Matin as Chief Technology Officer. Matin will develop and manage Tele Atlas technology and product strategy, strategic research and advanced engineering. He will report to Bill Henry, CEO, Tele Atlas. Matin is also a member of Tele Atlas’ Executive Team and of TomTom’s Technology Board.

Welcoming Aref Matin onboard, Bill Henry said, “Aref’s rich technology operations background and global experience are perfectly suited to the dynamic and complex digital mapping business. I am delighted we have added such a seasoned executive to the Tele Atlas team, whose experience will enhance our ability to deliver the freshest maps and new, innovative products.”

China’s first real-time traffic information service

China TransInfo Technology Corporation has launched China's first multi-city real- time traffic website and mobile phone

software with initial coverage in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Wuhan. The website provides information on real-time traffic conditions and street closure details, in all the five cities. It also provides information on available parking spaces in Chengdu.

China Transinfo has also launched the multi-city, real-time Traffic Jam Index, which classifies each city’s traffic flow based on the percentage of streets congested. The company’s proprietary technology is based mainly on GPS sensors which can be installed in taxi fleets and road side sensors.

The company has also introduced the first software in China for motorists to check real-time traffic conditions in multiple cities on their cell phones. According to Shudong Xia, CEO, China TransInfo, the company further plans to extend the coverage of its services to more major cities in China by the end of this year, and will also include public transportation, such as buses and subways.

Gender difference in navigation

Navteq has conducted six separate proprietary studies in 2008 that point out the difference

in the usage of navigation services by male and female users. Compared to men, women get information about a navigation device from different sources prior to purchase. A majority of female users do not use the POI option in navigation devices; as a result, their user satisfaction is lower compared to men. Men rely on media to get navigation news but women depend on word of mouth. While purchasing a PND, majority of men do it on consumer electronic stores, while women prefer online shopping or buy it at grocery stores.

Approximately 80 per cent of men are extremely satisfied with their navigation system, while only 60 per cent of women are satisfied with their navigation devices. According to Dave Dale, vice president - Americas Sales, NAVTEQ, “NAVTEQ is in a unique position to study a broad cross-section of the industry in this manner, which benefits not only our customers but also the ultimate end consumer.”

|09

08|geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> BUSINESS NEWS

In-dash navigation sales boom in US

According to a report published by market research firm NPD Group, the aftermarket for in-dash navigation devices in the US has recorded tremendous growth in the second quarter of 2009, while sales of PNDs remained dim. Retail tracking observations by NPD revealed that aftermarket in-dash navigation sales grew by 26 per cent in terms of units in June 2009 compared to same period last year, while portable navigation unit sales grew only 4 per cent. Sales of

in-dash navigation devices grew by 36 per cent in the first half of 2009, recording a robust growth, in spite of the availability of lower-cost options such as PNDs and strong consumer adoption of GPS enabled handsets.

New releases from Intergraph

Intergraph has released I/CAD version 9.0 and Intergraph Mobile for public safety solutions that provide emergency response personnel with Google Maps API Premier user interface enabling

them to access several popular modes of map views for any incident location, such as street level, satellite or hybrid view. The increased situational awareness provided by additional map views provide emergency response personnel with improved insight and understanding of an emergency location and its surrounding area.

The ancillary map views display emergency incident locations and response resources on the integrated Google Map, better enabling agency resource management.

Google Maps API Premier allows Intergraph to include fully interactive Google Maps on public and internal websites, with business features like advanced geocoding and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data transport.

ArcGIS business analyst upgraded

ESRI has upgraded ArcGIS Business Analyst desktop software to include new features for enhanced geographic analysis.

The upgraded software provides location-based analysis with updated demographic and lifestyle segmentation data, enabling analysts to place customer and company data into a geographic context. The standard map document (MXD) in ArcGIS Business Analyst has been redesigned to offer a sleeker, more contemporary look and faster map rendering.

The software provides easy access to online map collections from ArcGIS Online including street maps, imagery, topographic maps and also the Bing local search and map collection.

The product upgradation is just in time to address the business needs during economic slowdown when decision makers look for a more precise

understanding of customer demographics and geographic relationships. ArcGIS Business Analyst provides strategic marketing and customer intelligence through site selection analysis and customer segmentation, helping users quickly identify relevant demographic trends and potential markets. The software encompasses ESRI's updated 2009/2014 demographic data, providing a true picture of the recent economic downturn.

RMSI and AEC bag the KEPA project

RMSI and Kuwait based Al-Arfaj Engineering Company have together bagged the Kuwait Environment Public Authority project to develop an Environmental Monitoring Information System for the State of Kuwait. The scope of the project in its first phase would include developing the environmental monitoring centre (EMC) and geo-environmental database for the state of Kuwait within the environmental monitoring information system (EMIS) to enhance capabilities in the monitoring of environmental sites and activities in Kuwait.

(9)

>> WORLD NEWS

Standards for real estate management

The Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC) and the Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate (OSCRE) signed an MOU to collaborate in standards development and to enable and promote the use of Web based geospatial technologies in real estate commerce and real property management. "There's a growing interest among OGC members in standards related to the built environment and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with OSCRE,” said Mark Reichardt, president and CEO of the OGC. “There’s a tremendous need for better information transfer among companies and agencies that buy, sell, own, occupy, inspect, appraise, manage, design, build and protect real estate, and geospatial information is important in all these activities.”

“The use of geospatial data is expanding rapidly, particularly by the private sector, since geospatial information can be used by many real estate stakeholders and other professions who seek information about demographics, crime, sales comparatives, foreclosures, and natural and man-made hazards,” states OSCRE CEO, Andy Fuhrman.

Aref Matin new CTO at Tele Atlas

Tele Atlas has appointed Aref Matin as Chief Technology Officer. Matin will develop and manage Tele Atlas technology and product strategy, strategic research and advanced engineering. He will report to Bill Henry, CEO, Tele Atlas. Matin is also a member of Tele Atlas’ Executive Team and of TomTom’s Technology Board.

Welcoming Aref Matin onboard, Bill Henry said, “Aref’s rich technology operations background and global experience are perfectly suited to the dynamic and complex digital mapping business. I am delighted we have added such a seasoned executive to the Tele Atlas team, whose experience will enhance our ability to deliver the freshest maps and new, innovative products.”

China’s first real-time traffic information service

China TransInfo Technology Corporation has launched China's first multi-city real- time traffic website and mobile phone

software with initial coverage in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Wuhan. The website provides information on real-time traffic conditions and street closure details, in all the five cities. It also provides information on available parking spaces in Chengdu.

China Transinfo has also launched the multi-city, real-time Traffic Jam Index, which classifies each city’s traffic flow based on the percentage of streets congested. The company’s proprietary technology is based mainly on GPS sensors which can be installed in taxi fleets and road side sensors.

The company has also introduced the first software in China for motorists to check real-time traffic conditions in multiple cities on their cell phones. According to Shudong Xia, CEO, China TransInfo, the company further plans to extend the coverage of its services to more major cities in China by the end of this year, and will also include public transportation, such as buses and subways.

Gender difference in navigation

Navteq has conducted six separate proprietary studies in 2008 that point out the difference

in the usage of navigation services by male and female users. Compared to men, women get information about a navigation device from different sources prior to purchase. A majority of female users do not use the POI option in navigation devices; as a result, their user satisfaction is lower compared to men. Men rely on media to get navigation news but women depend on word of mouth. While purchasing a PND, majority of men do it on consumer electronic stores, while women prefer online shopping or buy it at grocery stores.

Approximately 80 per cent of men are extremely satisfied with their navigation system, while only 60 per cent of women are satisfied with their navigation devices. According to Dave Dale, vice president - Americas Sales, NAVTEQ, “NAVTEQ is in a unique position to study a broad cross-section of the industry in this manner, which benefits not only our customers but also the ultimate end consumer.”

|09

08|geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> BUSINESS NEWS

In-dash navigation sales boom in US

According to a report published by market research firm NPD Group, the aftermarket for in-dash navigation devices in the US has recorded tremendous growth in the second quarter of 2009, while sales of PNDs remained dim. Retail tracking observations by NPD revealed that aftermarket in-dash navigation sales grew by 26 per cent in terms of units in June 2009 compared to same period last year, while portable navigation unit sales grew only 4 per cent. Sales of

in-dash navigation devices grew by 36 per cent in the first half of 2009, recording a robust growth, in spite of the availability of lower-cost options such as PNDs and strong consumer adoption of GPS enabled handsets.

New releases from Intergraph

Intergraph has released I/CAD version 9.0 and Intergraph Mobile for public safety solutions that provide emergency response personnel with Google Maps API Premier user interface enabling

them to access several popular modes of map views for any incident location, such as street level, satellite or hybrid view. The increased situational awareness provided by additional map views provide emergency response personnel with improved insight and understanding of an emergency location and its surrounding area.

The ancillary map views display emergency incident locations and response resources on the integrated Google Map, better enabling agency resource management.

Google Maps API Premier allows Intergraph to include fully interactive Google Maps on public and internal websites, with business features like advanced geocoding and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data transport.

ArcGIS business analyst upgraded

ESRI has upgraded ArcGIS Business Analyst desktop software to include new features for enhanced geographic analysis.

The upgraded software provides location-based analysis with updated demographic and lifestyle segmentation data, enabling analysts to place customer and company data into a geographic context. The standard map document (MXD) in ArcGIS Business Analyst has been redesigned to offer a sleeker, more contemporary look and faster map rendering.

The software provides easy access to online map collections from ArcGIS Online including street maps, imagery, topographic maps and also the Bing local search and map collection.

The product upgradation is just in time to address the business needs during economic slowdown when decision makers look for a more precise

understanding of customer demographics and geographic relationships. ArcGIS Business Analyst provides strategic marketing and customer intelligence through site selection analysis and customer segmentation, helping users quickly identify relevant demographic trends and potential markets. The software encompasses ESRI's updated 2009/2014 demographic data, providing a true picture of the recent economic downturn.

RMSI and AEC bag the KEPA project

RMSI and Kuwait based Al-Arfaj Engineering Company have together bagged the Kuwait Environment Public Authority project to develop an Environmental Monitoring Information System for the State of Kuwait. The scope of the project in its first phase would include developing the environmental monitoring centre (EMC) and geo-environmental database for the state of Kuwait within the environmental monitoring information system (EMIS) to enhance capabilities in the monitoring of environmental sites and activities in Kuwait.

(10)

>> PRODUCT NEWS

New version of ArcGIS Explorer

ESRI has released ArcGIS Explorer, providing a highly visual and intuitive way to explore, share, and present geographic information.

It is an ideal means of making authoritative GIS data available to people who are not GIS experts. ArcGIS Explorer is a GIS visualisation tool that connects directly to a variety of ready-to-use ArcGIS Online basemaps and layers and enables users to add their own map services or local data. It can also be extended with users' existing geoprocessing tools. ArcGIS Explorer is designed to work directly with maps and layers authored using ArcGIS Desktop and published via ArcGIS Server or shared using layer packages.

ArcGIS Explorer now has an intuitive and easy-to-use ribbon interface, giving users the ability to manage and organise tools and content. New tools provide an easy way to tailor applications to specific audiences or needs. Also included is a new integrated 2D and 3D display, which makes switching between 2D and 3D modes as simple as a mouse click.

Street imagery on Microsoft’s Bing Maps

Microsoft Bing Maps is planning to integrate street level imagery with aerial imagery

before this year end. According to Alexander Wiechert from Vexcel Imaging, a subsidiary of Microsoft in Austria, the company is now producing data for urban areas using a fully automated processing system.

The system uses redundancy in digital imaging where in images from 15 different angles are taken for each pixel on the ground. These images overlap each other by 90 per cent along the flight line and 60 per cent across it. Thus, pixels can be automatically matched and digital terrain models can be produced to classify roads and buildings. From these, a 3D vector model can be derived. Metadata can be attached as required for use in GIS-type applications or as the front end to a search engine.

SuperGeo to release SuperGIS

DataRectifier 3.0

SuperGeo Technologies is going to release SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0, a tool for advanced data rectification, in September. SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 is a tool for data rectification and is the

upgraded version of image rectification tool

which is contained in SuperPad 2.x. Similar to SuperGIS DataManager 3.0 and SuperGIS DataConvertor 3.0, SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 is the application tool of SuperGIS 3 series products. Through it users can apply feature layers or image layers with correct geodetic datum values to rectify the data without real coordinate values or the layers with offset coordinates caused by special reasons by 6-parameters conversion method. Therefore, the rectified layers will have correct coordinate values and be able to be overlaid with other layers to display the map data reflecting the real world position.

SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 helps in rectifying feature layers to enable overlap correctly. User-friendly

interface helps in modifying, importing and exporting coordinate values of ground control points to effectively manage them.

GPS IIR satellite ready for launch

The constellation of eight modernised GPS Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellites will soon be complete as Lockheed Martin prepares to

launch the last satellite in the series. The satellites will be used by the GPS Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The satellites will enhance accuracy and operational efficiency by providing increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals to improve accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second open access civil signal on a different frequency.

Commenting on the development, Col. Dave Madden, the US Air Force GPS Wing Commander said, “The GPS IIR programme has significantly improved our nation's position, navigation and timing capabilities, and we look forward to enhancing the GPS

constellation with this last IIR-M satellite.”

|11

10|geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> GPS NEWS

GPS equipped cameras from Samsung

Samsung has released a new range of compact digital cameras including CL65, also known as

ST1000 in Europe, which has GPS installed in addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and a 12.2 mega-pixels sensor. The camera integrates location data in the EXIF file of each picture for later review on maps found on web services such as Picasa or Flickr, displays the name of the city on the camera’s LCD screen, provides users with a display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a handy reference for when they are reviewing images on the camera’s LCD screen. This marks Samsung’s first step in introducing GPS technology in a compact camera, and also the arrival of GPS services in digital camera market which churns over 100 million pieces a year.

Commenting on the product launch, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Co. Ltd. said, “This product launch is an important milestone for Samsung, reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and setting a new benchmark for digital camera technology. It is our goal to continue to lead the evolution of the industry while delivering a first-class consumer experience through ease-of-use and the design of our smart cameras.“

Cellular connected PND soon

Garmin is developing a cellular connected PND named nüvi 1690. The subscription based connected services called nüinfo includes traffic, weather, fuel price, flight time and Google Local Search. The PND includes

a Wavecom quadband (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) wireless CPU (Q2687) powered by an ARM9 processor, a Bluetooth chipset from CSR (for hands-free talk), NAND memory from SanDisc and a GPS antenna with low noise amplifier from Taiwanese manufacturer Cirocomm. The development is in line with Garmin’s endeavor to offer wireless connectivity for navigation through a Smartphone rather than a PND.

Magellan’s new GPS receiver

Magellan has introduced the new maestro 4700 GPS receiver featuring a 4.7-inch color touch screen and other premium features that offer a powerful navigation experience. The exclusive Magellan OneTouch personalised search icons enables users to easily bookmark favorite destinations and find them anywhere while travelling.

This feature enables in easy locating of POIs such as favorite cafe or restaurant in any city with a single touch. The receiver is 5.2 inches wide, 3.5 inches long and offers a GPS positioning accuracy of 3 to 5 metres. It is equipped with Bluetooth, Hi-Speed USB and includes voice command recognition. Preinstalled features offered with the device include POIs, 2D/3D map perspective, built-in

AAA Travel Information and USA, Canada and Puerto Rico maps.

Included GPS accessories in the receiver are USB cable, carrying pouch, car power adapter, automotive windshield mount.

New navigation applications for iPhone

TomTom is offering maps of Europe, Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand from Tele Atlas for iPhone 3G and 3GS users. TomTom’s offerings also include navigation software with fast route planning and clear voice instructions, automatic re-routing if a turn is missed, route demo or map of route for planning a trip, multiple display options including landscape and portrait navigation view, night and day colour mode for optimised screen visibility in varying light conditions, user interface in 18 languages, 2D and 3D view of maps, multi-touch gestures such as tap, swipe, pinch and zoom to operate the application and zoom in and out of the map, navigation to contacts in address book and POI search and call capabilities.

SuperGeo

GIS Software & Solution

(11)

>> PRODUCT NEWS

New version of ArcGIS Explorer

ESRI has released ArcGIS Explorer, providing a highly visual and intuitive way to explore, share, and present geographic information.

It is an ideal means of making authoritative GIS data available to people who are not GIS experts. ArcGIS Explorer is a GIS visualisation tool that connects directly to a variety of ready-to-use ArcGIS Online basemaps and layers and enables users to add their own map services or local data. It can also be extended with users' existing geoprocessing tools. ArcGIS Explorer is designed to work directly with maps and layers authored using ArcGIS Desktop and published via ArcGIS Server or shared using layer packages.

ArcGIS Explorer now has an intuitive and easy-to-use ribbon interface, giving users the ability to manage and organise tools and content. New tools provide an easy way to tailor applications to specific audiences or needs. Also included is a new integrated 2D and 3D display, which makes switching between 2D and 3D modes as simple as a mouse click.

Street imagery on Microsoft’s Bing Maps

Microsoft Bing Maps is planning to integrate street level imagery with aerial imagery

before this year end. According to Alexander Wiechert from Vexcel Imaging, a subsidiary of Microsoft in Austria, the company is now producing data for urban areas using a fully automated processing system.

The system uses redundancy in digital imaging where in images from 15 different angles are taken for each pixel on the ground. These images overlap each other by 90 per cent along the flight line and 60 per cent across it. Thus, pixels can be automatically matched and digital terrain models can be produced to classify roads and buildings. From these, a 3D vector model can be derived. Metadata can be attached as required for use in GIS-type applications or as the front end to a search engine.

SuperGeo to release SuperGIS

DataRectifier 3.0

SuperGeo Technologies is going to release SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0, a tool for advanced data rectification, in September. SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 is a tool for data rectification and is the

upgraded version of image rectification tool

which is contained in SuperPad 2.x. Similar to SuperGIS DataManager 3.0 and SuperGIS DataConvertor 3.0, SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 is the application tool of SuperGIS 3 series products. Through it users can apply feature layers or image layers with correct geodetic datum values to rectify the data without real coordinate values or the layers with offset coordinates caused by special reasons by 6-parameters conversion method. Therefore, the rectified layers will have correct coordinate values and be able to be overlaid with other layers to display the map data reflecting the real world position.

SuperGIS DataRectifier 3.0 helps in rectifying feature layers to enable overlap correctly. User-friendly

interface helps in modifying, importing and exporting coordinate values of ground control points to effectively manage them.

GPS IIR satellite ready for launch

The constellation of eight modernised GPS Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellites will soon be complete as Lockheed Martin prepares to

launch the last satellite in the series. The satellites will be used by the GPS Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The satellites will enhance accuracy and operational efficiency by providing increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals to improve accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second open access civil signal on a different frequency.

Commenting on the development, Col. Dave Madden, the US Air Force GPS Wing Commander said, “The GPS IIR programme has significantly improved our nation's position, navigation and timing capabilities, and we look forward to enhancing the GPS

constellation with this last IIR-M satellite.”

|11

10|geospatial TODAY September 2009 September 2009 geospatial TODAY

>> GPS NEWS

GPS equipped cameras from Samsung

Samsung has released a new range of compact digital cameras including CL65, also known as

ST1000 in Europe, which has GPS installed in addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and a 12.2 mega-pixels sensor. The camera integrates location data in the EXIF file of each picture for later review on maps found on web services such as Picasa or Flickr, displays the name of the city on the camera’s LCD screen, provides users with a display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a handy reference for when they are reviewing images on the camera’s LCD screen. This marks Samsung’s first step in introducing GPS technology in a compact camera, and also the arrival of GPS services in digital camera market which churns over 100 million pieces a year.

Commenting on the product launch, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Co. Ltd. said, “This product launch is an important milestone for Samsung, reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and setting a new benchmark for digital camera technology. It is our goal to continue to lead the evolution of the industry while delivering a first-class consumer experience through ease-of-use and the design of our smart cameras.“

Cellular connected PND soon

Garmin is developing a cellular connected PND named nüvi 1690. The subscription based connected services called nüinfo includes traffic, weather, fuel price, flight time and Google Local Search. The PND includes

a Wavecom quadband (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) wireless CPU (Q2687) powered by an ARM9 processor, a Bluetooth chipset from CSR (for hands-free talk), NAND memory from SanDisc and a GPS antenna with low noise amplifier from Taiwanese manufacturer Cirocomm. The development is in line with Garmin’s endeavor to offer wireless connectivity for navigation through a Smartphone rather than a PND.

Magellan’s new GPS receiver

Magellan has introduced the new maestro 4700 GPS receiver featuring a 4.7-inch color touch screen and other premium features that offer a powerful navigation experience. The exclusive Magellan OneTouch personalised search icons enables users to easily bookmark favorite destinations and find them anywhere while travelling.

This feature enables in easy locating of POIs such as favorite cafe or restaurant in any city with a single touch. The receiver is 5.2 inches wide, 3.5 inches long and offers a GPS positioning accuracy of 3 to 5 metres. It is equipped with Bluetooth, Hi-Speed USB and includes voice command recognition.

Preinstalled features offered with the device include POIs, 2D/3D map perspective, built-in

AAA Travel Information and USA, Canada and Puerto Rico maps.

Included GPS accessories in the receiver are USB cable, carrying pouch, car power adapter, automotive windshield mount.

New navigation applications for iPhone

TomTom is offering maps of Europe, Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand from Tele Atlas for iPhone 3G and 3GS users.

TomTom’s offerings also include navigation software with fast route planning and clear voice instructions, automatic re-routing if a turn is missed, route demo or map of route for planning a trip, multiple display options including landscape and portrait navigation view, night and day colour mode for optimised screen visibility in varying light conditions, user interface in 18 languages, 2D and 3D view of maps, multi-touch gestures such as tap, swipe, pinch and zoom to operate the application and zoom in and out of the map, navigation to contacts in address book and POI search and call capabilities.

SuperGeo

GIS Software & Solution

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