Keeping Abreast of Policy and Changes in Regulations

After a real scorcher of a UK summer, we’re quickly heading into the darker months of Autumn. Even though the light is fading, the leaves falling, parents look forward to the end of the school holidays, and of course, Halloween is on the way, there is much to look forward too and a very busy run of events and news updates for RICS Geomatics. At the time of going to press, dates for the traditional evening lecture series have still to be set but do keep an eye on other forms of communications before your next issue of GW. Policy... (read more)

2018-09-18 12:29:48

Thalia Baldwin Appointed as Geospatial Commission Director

Following an open competition John Manzoni, the Chief Executive of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary, has announced that Thalia Baldwin will be appointed as the new Director of the Geospatial Commission from 1 August 2019. Thalia is currently Deputy Director for Policy at the Geospatial Commission. She was previously Head of Digital Policy at HM Treasury, where she was responsible for the approach to public spending on digital technology and infrastructure. Sir Andrew Dilnot, Chair of the Geospatial Commission, said "I am delighted to welcome Thalia to this role. The intelligent use of data presents a huge opportunity to... (read more)

2019-06-24 11:54:00

3D Laser Mapping Launches Campaign to Release Open Source LiDAR Data

3D Laser Mapping, leading geospatial technology specialist, is launching a campaign to give free access to LiDAR data in order to showcase the capabilities of mobile mapping systems. They will be offering open access to point cloud data which can be viewed and manipulated using GIS software. This information can be extracted for use by businesses, academic research and for in-house training opportunities. The company will be releasing data collected using its flexible ROBIN mobile mapping system, which can be used on foot, in a vehicle and mounted to aircraft and UAVs. The move comes as UK Chancellor Philip Hammond... (read more)

2017-11-29 05:54:59

FIG Congress 2018

FIG Congress 2018 is an exciting week-long conference that brings the international community of surveying and spatial professionals together. Scientists, experts, policy- and decision-makers, students, and stakeholders are invited to join the discussions on issues affecting the international surveying and spatial community today and in the future. FIG Congress 2018 takes place at Istanbul Congress Center, conveniently located in the city centre and with a variety of hotels nearby.FIG has been organising conferences since 1878. The first conference was held in Paris from 18-20 July 1878. This year’s Congress is the 26th. (read more)

2018-02-08 09:06:44

UN World Data Forum Started

The inaugural United Nations World Data Forum has kicked off on 15 January in Cape Town, South Africa, with an ambitious agenda aiming to build broad consensus on how to harness the power of data for sustainable development, and boost the collaboration and resources needed to carry the work forward. It will also serve as a launching pad where diverse data producers and users can get behind a new Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data. Over 1,500 data experts from more than 100 countries are gathering at the Forum from 15-18 January, including from national statistical offices, the private... (read more)

2017-01-16 11:03:16

Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence

The government of the United Kingdom is strongly supporting the UK aerospace industry and Earth Observation is an important component of that. In January, the UK government Science Minister stressed the importance of space in the UK industrial policy and particularly how young people will empower this sector. The UK is especially strong in building EO satellites, with SSTL a key component, and Airbus building Sentinel satellites in Stevenage. The UK also takes a lead in innovative applications. The theme of this issue is Earth Observation and we have an article from Daniel Wicks which covers activities in the UK... (read more)

2018-03-15 01:02:13

Working at GEO and Earth Observation - Interview with Steven Ramage

Steven Ramage has spent most of his career in the geospatial sector working for Navteq (now HERE), 1Spatial, Open Geospatial Consortium, Ordnance Survey and what3words; with a short spell running Ramage Consulting and advising the World Bank and UN-GGIM. He has also been involved in location strategy, policy and innovation at various points in his career and worked extensively overseas. Geomatics World: Please give our readers some information on why you were attracted to work in GEO Steven Ramage: I joined the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in 2016 to raise awareness and share information about the wealth of freely... (read more)

2018-03-13 11:19:06

First High-resolution Map of the Great Barrier Reef Released

One and a half million square kilometres of bathymetric seafloor data have been released to the public by Geoscience Australia under partnership with James Cook University and the Australian Hydrographic Service of the Great Barrier Reef. The project carried out high-resolution bathymetric scans, which were combined with existing datasets held by the government to create the most comprehensive, detailed models produced to date. The release comes as the federal government announced an AU$60 million investment in protective measures for the Great Barrier Reef, which include measures to shield the Reef from polluted water, and investment in Australian Institute of Marine... (read more)

2018-02-06 11:22:34

EarthSense Zephyr Sensor Begins Volume Production

EarthSense has announced that its Zephyr air quality monitor, an industry-first in small sensor technology with replaceable cartridge system, will go into mass production. The Zephyr is a multi-sensor platform which samples the air and provides accurate measurements of air pollution, such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ozone (O3), from a range of pollution sources. The volume production helps establish EarthSense as a leading player in the air quality field, meeting the increased industry demand for reliable air quality monitors and providing data solutions to help the world understand and solve its air quality issues. Volume production of the Zephyr... (read more)

2018-08-03 10:19:49

Airbus Partners with Planet for Satellite Imagery

Airbus has announced a data-sharing agreement with satellite imagery purveyors Planet, along with a project to deliver a geoinformation platform and pipeline for the Thai government. The depth and breadth of satellite data products in the marketplace may soon expand following the announcement by Airbus and Planet of a new partnership that provides access to each other’s data, and an agreement to co-develop new products. Airbus says the partnership aims to address the growing demand for continuous monitoring and accurate information, and the relative strengths of both companies’ infrastructure and data assets should result in some unique and powerful offerings. Combining satellite... (read more)

2018-06-28 10:21:05