Drawing the Right Conclusions from Open Source and Open Data

The recent Geo Forum lecture shone the spotlight on open source software and data. Is there an opportunity here for Geomatics, wonders Chris Preston, chair of the Geomatics Professional Group Board.

As Spring beckons in the UK, I hope that your businesses and homes have not been affected by the almost biblical flooding proportions here in the UK.

A recent Geo Forum Evening lecture at RICS GGS looked at Open Source innovation. It raises many questions about the software and data that we use. How many of us use open source software for business purposes? The mere fact it is open source, enables us to modify it for our own needs, a blessing or a curse?

The internet has enabled so much more open source data to be found too – and when combined with open source software provides enormous potential to understand our world. It was interesting to see Stephen Booth’s and Richard Groom’s article in the last GW that boldly stated the words of the ESRI founder, “WebGIS to transform cartography.” WebGIS is available now and “will bring 3D and real time mapping to our desktops.” However, what will that mean for geomatic surveyors? We understand about data and what it is suitable for in terms of use. We are able to assess from what we see and the metadata, the quality of the dataset. By relating it to other quality assured data, a view on its usefulness may be obtained. However, open source suggests others less skilled will be using that software and data too but will they be drawing the wrong conclusions? An opportunity for us perhaps.

Scan First Message Hits the Spot

Good to see in Modus 02/14 a short column called “One thing I know,” Allan Hunt (BIM Lead Director, Aedas Building consultancy) comments “Do not forget how important laser scanning can be to a project. It’s an accurate snapshot in time providing a dependable base on which all aspects of the project will rest. So the message is beginning to get through just how important a survey is at the outset of a project. It is hoped that more of our clients will understand the value we provide at a modest cost.

Crystal Ball Time

How much time does your company devote to remaining relevant and planning for the world of tomorrow? What sort of future jobs will there be? What skills will be needed? What additional skills can you bring to a multidisciplinary project? Networked teams are likely to need foreign language ability. Does that concern you? The person asking these questions is none other than Michael Newey, the RICS President. The universities want to be able to provide suitably skilled graduates and provide courses the industry wants. Some universities have enabled links between, students, companies and alumini. The best companies offer trainees guidance and mentors within their own company. Universities are increasingly offering whole courses online. Has community crowd sourcing got a part to play to share what is known? Is this the way forward for Geomatics? It would be great if you could all look into your crystal balls and let me know what you think because this can help shape the way forward for our profession.

To update you on the GeoBusiness conference: we have had 111 paper abstracts to filter down to a manageable number for the high quality conference, so have you registered yet? http://geobusinessshow.com/.

This article was published in Geomatics World March/April 2014