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

Katy Barbier-Greenland

Katy Barbier-Greenland is originally from Melbourne, Australia, and now lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She holds undergraduate degrees in social science majoring in psychology and social work with honours, as well as a Master of Information Management with a research specialisation. Katy’s professional background comprises mostly policy analysis and research management positions in the health and education sectors, and she now works as a freelance writer and researcher. (read more)

2018-12-11 11:48:59

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

New Faces and New Projects at the Geospatial Commission

Thalia Baldwin has been appointed as the new Director of the Geospatial Commission from 1 August 2019. Thalia was previously Deputy Director for Policy at the Geospatial Commission and was Head of Digital Policy at HM Treasury, where she was responsible for the approach to public spending on digital technology and infrastructure. Under William Priest, the outgoing director, the Commission has established a strong team of functional expertise, delivered the first outputs to unlock an estimated £11bn of economic value and begun to assemble the evidence it needs to develop a long-term geospatial strategy for the UK. New Commissioners Appointed... (read more)

2019-10-02 08:51:50

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

AGI Announces New Council Members

The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) has announced three new members elected to Council at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. Elly Ball, Rachel Higgins and Alan Moore bring a wealth of marketing expertise, policy experience and business skills which will help determine the strategic direction of the UK’s largest membership organization for the geospatial sector. AGI Chair Matt Leaver said: “I am delighted to welcome Elly, Rachel and Alan to our Council. This year marks the AGI’s 30th anniversary and our members’ geospatial information has never been more relevant or important. As ambassadors for the value of GI and the... (read more)

2019-12-17 10:14:30

Woolpert Starts Acquiring Bathymetric Lidar Data of Saint Lucia’s Coastal Zone

The Woolpert-GDS Joint Venture (JV) has been contracted to acquire topographic and bathymetric lidar data of the Caribbean island Saint Lucia’s entire landmass and coastal zone. The contract was signed under the World Bank’s Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP), which aims to measurably reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean Region. High-resolution, 3D lidar data has proved effective around the world in mapping and modelling landscapes and environments, helping policy-makers make informed decisions about how best to utilize resources to prepare for and recover from weather-related disasters. Flood Modelling According to a... (read more)

2020-02-11 09:25:57

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