Τετάρτη 30 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015

From Ireland to Germany to Italy to Mexico: How America’s Source of Immigrants Has Changed in the States, 1850 – 2013


Top country of origin by state and year

1850                      1900                                  1950                                   2000      2013






Top five foreign-born populations by country of origin in 1850 (in millions)




Total U.S. population 23.2 million
Total foreign born 2.2 million
Percent foreign born 9.7%


Note: California Territory became a state in September 1850. Alaska did not become a U.S. territory until its purchase in 1867. Hawaii became an organized territory in 1898.

Source: Estimates for the countries of origin come from Pew Research Center tabulations of the 1850 decennial census. Total population and foreign-born population estimates come from the U.S. Census Bureau, “Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-Born Population of the United States: 1850-2000.” Map source: Minnesota Population Center.

HP Announces Multiple Industry Firsts in New Portfolio to Extend Commercial PC Leadership

HP (NYSE: HPQ) today unveiled its newest PCs from the company's Elite product family, including the HP EliteBook 705 series -- the thinnest and lightest notebooks in their class(1) -- stylish All-in-Ones (AiOs), and updates to its entire desktop line featuring the world's smallest business-class desktop.

Among the solutions HP announced today:


  • The world's thinnest and lightest mainstream business-class notebooks(1), the HP EliteBook 705 G3 series delivers the style and reliability that today's design-conscious workforce is looking for.
  • Featuring two firsts for HP -- integrated wireless charging built into the stand(2) and an AiO fingerprint reader(3) -- the HP EliteOne 705 and 800 G2 AiOs are redesigned with new materials to be sleeker and thinner than the previous generation, ideal for more modern workspaces.
  • The world's smallest business-class desktop(4), the HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Desktop Mini has the power and security of a traditionally sized desktop.
  • Now with an HP exclusive Intel Unite Skype for Business Plugin(5), the new HP Collaboration PC G2 with Intel® Unite™ Software offers quick and intuitive Skype meeting starts with audio conferencing and document sharing.
  • The industry's first self-healing BIOS-level protection, HP Sure Start is now available across the entire upcoming Elite portfolio -- including desktops and AiOs for the first time -- for built-in device protection.

"Customers told us that they love our highest-end Elite notebooks and asked us to bring innovation from the C-suite to their broader employees across both notebook and desktop products," said Alex Cho, vice president and general manager, Commercial PCs, Printing and Personal Systems Group, HP. "We responded by delivering thin, light and sleek designs, improved collaboration and integrated, modern security to mainstream business devices with the Elite 705 and 800 Series PCs, so every employee can experience cool, productive and secure devices."

Businesses are experiencing a transformation: millennials now represent nearly 34 percent of the workforce(6) with 86 percent of millennials considered tech-savvy(7), 62 percent of users work from more than one location(8), and knowledge workers carry an average of 3.1 devices(9). The new Elite PCs are beautifully styled with today's workforce in mind with a focus on reliability and durability, designed to undergo MIL-SPEC 810G testing and more than 120,000 hours of HP's Total Testing Process(10).

As more business adopt collaboration tools -- like Skype for Business -- where sound quality can make the difference between a great meeting and a garbled conversation, HP's new Elite notebooks and AiOs feature audio by BANG & OLUFSEN. All Elite PCs carrying the Bang & Olufsen brand are custom-tuned with Bang & Olufsen's acoustical engineers for precise sound experience in business use. To make the experience even better, Elite notebooks and AiOs are also installed with HP Noise Reduction Softwarefor improved audio input and HP Clear Sound Amp for balanced audio output.

As malware and other attacks against organizations become more prevalent and with long-term business impact, HP has expanded HP Sure Start from HP Elite notebooks to also include the upcoming desktop line of Elite PCs(11). Select Elite PCs also include HP Sure Start with Dynamic Protection, which goes beyond checking the BIOS when there is a state change, but also throughout the day at regular intervals for additional protection(12).

Experience greater productivity and mobility with new thin and light Windows 10 notebooks
The new HP EliteBook 705 G3 series are thin, light and powerful, with a new silver magnesium and aluminum chassis, and a starting weight of 2.78 lbs(13), and 18.9 mm thin at its thickest point. Available in 12.5", 14.0" and 15.6" diagonal HD, FHD or QHD(14) screens, the notebooks include the new high-performance AMD PRO A12 APU -- the first commercial APU with integrated R7 Radeon™ graphics -- exclusively from HP for a limited time.

Engineered based on extensive user studies, the HP Premium Keyboard is now available on the EliteBook 705 series, providing a remarkable balance of comfort and feedback beyond a traditional notebook keyboard. Featuring enterprise docking, these notebooks are also designed to be productive while on-the-go, with a full-size Display Port and VGA and RJ-45 ports.

The EliteBook 705 series also features HP Long-Life Rechargeable Batteries, which offer up to a three-year lifespan or 1,000 full charge and discharge cycles, lasting 2-3 times longer than standard notebook batteries to help lower total cost of ownership while helping reduce the environment footprint of the device(15). An external SIM slot and optional WWAN(16) give users additional flexibility to connect on the road.

Redesigned desktops, all-in-ones for the modern office
HP's new Elite AiOs and desktops with Windows 10 -- including the HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Desktop Minis, HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Small Form Factors, HP EliteDesk 705 G2 Micro Tower, and the HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Tower -- are optimized for performance, with 6th Generation Intel® Core™ processors or 6th Generation AMD APUs. DDR4 memory is now standard on Intel-based desktops to enable energy efficiency and high performance. The EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini also offers additional flexibility with an Intel-based 65W CPU option for applications requiring greater processing power(17).

The redesigned HP EliteOne 705 and 800 G2 AiOs feature built-in cable management for a clean look and can be configured with a new adjustable height stand featuring Tri-Mode Wireless Phone Charging, perfect for people constantly using mobile devices and needing to stay charged throughout the day(2). An optional wireless charger built into the stand can charge mobile devices without wires in a convenient location using Qi, PMA and A4WP wireless charging platforms. An optional Tri-Mode Charging Padis also available(18).

As offices evolve to be more open and modern, the EliteDesk 705 and 800 Desktop Minis are designed to fit anywhere where space is a constraint, with an optional HP PC Mounting Bracket to attach the Mini directly behind the new HP EliteDisplays. Perfect for companies with high-traffic areas, HP offers the new HP Desktop Mini LockBox, a secure enclosure to protect the PC, power brick and cable connections. For offices in more open locations, the EliteDesk 800 Tower and EliteDesk 800 Small Form Factor have an optional Dust Management solution, which is designed to reduce dust particles from entering the device to help improve its durability and help reduce total cost of ownership.

Visualize productivity for the new collaborative workspace
As workspaces, huddle rooms and conference rooms evolve to meet the needs of a changing workforce, HP has several collaboration solutions that span across PCs, displays and accessories. The new HP Collaboration PC G2leverages the latest EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini to create an ideal solution for businesses and conference rooms of any size. With the HP exclusive Intel Unite Skype for Business Plugin, this device enables a seamless Skype meeting start via a wireless screen connection and offers simple, intuitive, instant onscreen collaboration and document sharing. As part of HP's suite of collaboration solutions, the new HP EliteDisplay E240c Video Conferencing Monitor creates a communication hub in a meeting room to connect and collaborate with an integrated HD webcam, microphone, high performance speakers and easy-to-access hot keys on the bezel to place a call, adjust volume, and mute.

New retail system leverages world's smallest business-class desktop(4)
The new HP MP9 G2 Retail System also leverages the EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini so retailers can manage their business from the store floor to the back office and all points in between. The device has a three-year production cycle and a choice of operating systems -- including Windows Pro and the Windows Embedded OS -- making the MP9 optimal not just for retailers but for any customer requiring stability and versatility in their environments.

Pricing and Availability(19)


  • The AMD-based HP EliteBook 705 G3 series is expected to be available in September, starting at $749.
  • The AMD-based HP EliteOne 705 G2 AiO is expected to be available in September, starting at $849.
  • The Intel-based HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO is expected to be available in October, starting at $1,199.
  • The AMD-based HP EliteDesk 705 Micro Tower are available now, starting at $519.
  • The AMD-based EliteDesk 705 Desktop Mini is expected to be available in October, starting at $499.
  • The Intel-based HP EliteDesk 800 series is expected to be available in September, starting at $699.
  • The HP Collaboration PC G2 is expected to be available in September, starting at $729.
  • The HP EliteDisplay E240c is expected to be available in October, starting at $249.
  • The HP MP9 G2 Retail System is expected to be available in December.


For more information on HP's Elite Series of PCs, visitwww.hp.com/go/newstyleit.

About HP HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. With the broadest technology portfolio spanning printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP delivers solutions for customers' most complex challenges in every region of the world. More information about HP is available athttp://www.hp.com.

(1) Based on HP's internal analysis of mainstream business class notebooks as of September 23, 2015 with 1 million unit annual sales having pre-installed encryption, authentication, malware protection and BIOS-level protection, passing MIL STD 810G tests, with optional docking incorporating power delivery, clamshell model, Intel Core U-Series or AMD PRO A-Series processors, built in VGA or HDMI, Display Port, RJ-45 and at least two USB 3.0 ports, integrated Smart Card reader, full connectivity offering optional WWAN, and at least 44 WHr battery.
(2) Tri-Mode Wireless Phone charging is a configurable adjustable stand feature for the HP EliteOne 705 and 800 G2 AiOs.
(3) The fingerprint reader is a standard feature on the HP EliteOne705 G2 AiO and HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO touch models.
(4) Based on business class desktop PCs as of September 21, 2015 among vendors with 1 million unit annual sales having 6th Gen Intel 65W desktop processors, integrated VESA mount and VGA, 6 USB Ports, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Pro, and TPM.
(5) Skype for Business subscription required.
(6) Millennials in the workforce (US statistics), Euromonitor International from International Labour Organisation (ILO)/Eurostat/national statistics, 2014
(7) HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015
(8) HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015
(9) HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015
(10) MIL STD 810G testing is pending and is not intended to demonstrate fitness for U.S. Department of Defense contract requirements or for military use. MIL STD and HP Total Test Process test results are not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Damage under these test conditions or any accidental damage requires an optional HP Accidental Damage Protection Care Pack
(11) Sure Start is available on select prior model HP Elite PCs and current HP Elite 700 and 800 series commercial Desktop and notebook products.
(12) Only available on Intel-based Elite PCs.
(13) Weight will vary by configuration.
(14) QHD screen is only available on the HP EliteBook 745 Non-Touch. Full High definition (HD) content is required to view quad high-definition images.
(15) 3 year limited warranty or 1,000 cycles. Battery cycles are the total number of full charge/discharge cycles a battery yields before it can no longer hold a useful amount of charge. Battery life will vary depending on various factors including product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality ad power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. See http://www.hp.com/go/liionbattery.
(16) WWAN is an optional feature available on select models only. Use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area.
(17) Based on HP's internal analysis of business class desktop PCs as of September 21, 2015 among vendors with 5 million unit annual sales having 6th Gen Intel 65W desktop processors, integrated VESA mount and VGA, 6 USB Ports, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Pro, and TPM.
(18) Optional features sold separately or as add on features.
(19) Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

Microsoft, Skype for Business and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited. DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together are registered trademarks, and DTS Studio Sound is a trademark of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© 2015 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Microsoft and Windows are U.S registered trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of HP for future operations, including the separation transaction; the future performance of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. if the separation is completed; any statements concerning expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the need to address the many challenges facing HP's businesses; the competitive pressures faced by HP's businesses; risks associated with executing HP's strategy, including the planned separation transaction, and plans for future operations and investments; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the need to manage third-party suppliers and the distribution of HP's products and services effectively; the protection of HP's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; risks associated with HP's international operations; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners; the hiring and retention of key employees; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the execution, timing and results of restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost and the anticipated benefits of implementing those plans; the execution, timing and results of the separation transaction or restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost (including any possible disruption of HP's business) and the anticipated benefits of implementing the separation transaction and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.





Editorial contacts Jenni Balthrop HP (PCs) jenni.balthrop@hp.com www.hp.com/go/newsroom

Solar and Other Data in GIS format


Develop your own cartographic representations or perform your own GIS analyses with SolarGIS data.

Purchase data from SolarGIS database for your own GIS jobs. GIS data resolution and format are prepared to meet your needs. The most typical examples are available below. Download a set of SolarGIS sample data and try in your favourite GIS software.

Contact us to purchase data for your region
.
GRIDed Data (Raster)

  • The nature of solar radiation and othe climatic parameters have rather continous character, therefore GRIDed (or Raster) data are the most suitable format to express such behaviour
  • We are capable to deliver data in high resolution (Solar and PV parameters up to 9 arcsec = approx 250 m). Consult our maps in SolarGIS iMaps
  • Typical format: ESRI ASCII GRID, spatial reference EPSG:4326 (also known as GCS_WGS84); Another format on request
Download Sample Data

Provided ZIP files contain ASCII GRID file and PRJ project file:
Annual sum of Global horizontal irradiation (GHI), average 1994-2010, (ZIP, 814 KB)
Annual sum of Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI), average 1994-2010, (ZIP, 932 KB)Parameters of both sample data sets:
  • Grids 800x600 pixels, resolution 00:00:09 = 9 arcsec (approx. 250 m)
  • Geographic coordinate system, World Geodetic System 1984 (GCS_WGS84)
  • region of Central Slovakia, Europe (North:49.5°, South: 48°, West: 19°, East: 21°)

Snapshot of the samples



Point Data (Vector)

  • Point data represent selected characteristic for a particular site
  • In special cases, regular point data can replace GRIDed data (e.g. Clickable maps for Google Earth)
  • Typical format: ESRI Shapefile or KML/KMZ, spatial reference EPSG:4326 (also known as GCS_WGS84); Another format on request

Download Sample Data
Provided ZIP files contain point shapefile with attribute table and predefined examples of color legends for QGIS and ESRI ArcMap software:
Site data (point, vector) with attributes GHI, DNI, TEMP, selected locations in Slovakia, (ZIP, 932 KB)
Regular point data (vector) with attributes GHI, DNI, Elevation, TEMP, region in South-Africa, (ZIP, 459 KB)

Snapshots of the samples



Image Data/Maps

  • High quality cartographic representation of selected climate parameter, supported by terrain shading
  • Can be used as Google Earth overlay map or as an image in your GIS to compose your own map with additional layers
  • Typical format: georeferenced image file (PNG with transparency or GeoTIFF), spatial reference EPSG:4326 (also known as GCS_WGS84); Another format on request
  • Download Sample DataBeside GeoTIFF file the samples also provide KML file to open data in Google Earth application
GHI: Western Cape, South Africa (ZIP file, 3.6 MB)
GHI: Slovakia, Europe (ZIP file, 2.5 MB)


Free Download of Solar Radiation Maps: Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI)



The maps of Global horizontal irradiation for various countries and regions are available on this page to download. SolarGIS database is the source of solar data represented on the maps.

Global horizontal irradiation is the most important parameter for evaluation of solar energy potential of a particular region and the most basic value for PV simulations.
Notes and Terms of use

The maps are free for public use, their reproduction and adaptation is authorised provided the following source is acknowledged:

SolarGIS © 2015 GeoModel Solar

By downloading a free map, you acknowledge that GeoModel Solar retains all rights, titles, and interest in the information provided by the maps, including the copyright, SolarGIS logo and all other intellectual property rights, and that GeoModel Solar has the right to make these maps available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

GeoModel Solar makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose of the free maps. You agree that GeoModel Solar is under no liability for any loss or damage (including consequential damage) that you may suffer from the use of the free maps.

Some national language versions of the free maps are not available due to missing translations. Please, feel free to contact us for correction of actual translations or addition of missing ones.

The list of maps is being enlarged and updated continuosly.

To get access to the maps, please follow the link here.

America's Top-Earning Toll Agencies



from Niall McCarthy




The 122-mile long New Jersey Turnpike has gained notoriety for its tolls. Every year, the authority running that stretch of road collects the most revenue of any toll agency in the United States - a whopping $1.4 billion. Annually, America's toll agencies take in $13 billion in revenue and the New York tri-state area accounts for nearly a third of that. Drivers in that region have to fork over about $4 billion in tolls every year.





This chart shows revenue collected by top U.S. toll agencies in 2013.

Κυριακή 27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015

VRML/3D and GIS



BY CAITLIN DEMPSEY MORAIS



VRML is the acronym for Virtual Reality Modeling Language. VRML and 3D modeling has taken hold in the field of GIS. Find resources about VRML, 3D modeling as it relates to GIS.

GeoVRMLOverview of GeoVRML brought to you by Sandy Ressler, the former About’s Guide to 3D Graphics/Virtual Reality.

More GeoVRMLFurther notes on GeoVRML by Sandy Ressler, 3D Graphics/Virtual Reality writer.

A Commentary on GeoVRMLReport from 1999 that appeared in the International Journal of Geographic Information Sciences (issue 4 of volume 1). The report reviewed the recommended practices and modifications to the VRML 97.

Pavan Virtual Reality Kit for Mapinfo GISCreate VRMLs using MapInfo with this add-on.



Virtual 3D GISArticle entitle Virtual 3D GIS’s Functionalities Using Java/VRML Environment by Kyong-Ho Kim, Kiwon Lee, Ho-Geun Lee, and Young-Lyol Ha. Originally published in 1998.

Arc Macro Language – AML



BY CAITLIN DEMPSEY MORAIS



AML is the native programming language of the ArcInfo Workstation GIS software. AML is most commonly used in the 7x versions of ArcInfo.

AML Basics
PDF file on the basics of AML. Make sure you have Adobe’s (www.adobe.com) free Adobe Reader installed on your machine in order to sucessfully open up this URL.

ArcScriptsOver 150 free AML scripts are available from ESRI’s ArcScripts page. Find AML scripts covering almost every spatial function. Choose “languages” from the dropdown menu to select “AML” before you search.

Eykamp’s Experience

Two in depth descriptions of AML development from this web site which is actually Christopher Eykamp’s detailed resume. Good explanation of some of the capabilities of AML usage.

GRASS to ArcInfo

AMLs written to convert GRASS raster and vector files to ArcInfo format. Written for GRASS version 4x.

Hydrology AMLs

A plethora of AMLs relating to hydrological spatial functions. Delineate watersheds, download and process DLGs, or create a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) from the AMLs available on this site.

USGS AMLs

Two AMLs from the USGS page to create ArcInfo elevation grids from DEMs. Also find AMLs for working with imagery and more.



Visual Editor for AML

Windows 95/NT based AML editing program.

Your Mobile Portfolio: Make it Your Own



BY LOWELL BALLARD


Lowell Ballard, Director of Geospatial Solutions for Timmons Group, discusses the importance of making users feel like a part of your company’s ecosystem by developing a mobile portfolio.


In last month’s article, I focused on the concept of how to roll out your mobile offerings and creating a mobile portfolio. The article, “David or Goliath: Your Mobile GIS Portfolio,” centered around key decisions any successful company will face when delving into the production of mobile applications. This key decision centers on creating a single (typically larger) application that works to solve many business needs at once or, conversely, creating a set of smaller (more focused) applications. These smaller applications typically are lighter in scope, complexity and are honed in on a particular business need. I also previously highlighted the importance of being an advocate for the creation of smaller more focused applications, if at all possible. It’s much easier to turn around a dinghy versus the Titanic and this was a key argument for advocating the development of smaller applications.

This month I will discuss some important things to consider when creating smaller applications as well as the successful development of a “portfolio” for your mobile products. I will use Google as an example because they are a highly-complex organization with aggressive growth strategies. Google has many products in their portfolio. It’s their corporate goal to create an “ecosystem” of ways to interact with you, get your attention, solve a problem for you and of course, drive a few highly-tailored ads your way in the process. Examples of these applications include Google+, Google Search, Google Play, and everyone’s favorite – Google Maps. Every one of these applications resides on my iPad. While Google wants your experience to be consistent and positive in all of these applications, they also made a concerted effort not to unify them into the “Google Universal Engine” iPad application. They are part of the Google Ecosystem – but they are a collection of dinghies, not the Titanic.

In order to make your users feel like they are part of your “ecosystem” you have to ensure they know they are working with one of your applications. A key consideration comes early in the process through identification and brand standardization. This means many things to a variety of people; however, at its core it’s a very simple concept. As an organization you need to have standards for how you present yourself. The most common sense standard is your logo. While it doesn’t always have to be exactly the same – it needs to have a set of options that are consistent. Examples may include a color version and a black-and-white version, or perhaps a vertical and horizontal version. The important thing is that a set that should be used across all media types (digital, print, etc.). If you are creating a series of mobile applications, it should be understood that the logo needs to exist and should be consistent from application to application. Another, perhaps less intuitive, consideration is the fonts you use in your applications. Again, fonts can very subtle or very compelling. Fonts alone can very easily help you to identify with a company. If you look at Google’s previous font – it is highly consistent both in the company name and product offering.




This connects us to them and ensures we know we’re part of the Google ecosystem and have not jumped off to another application. Next month I will continue on this theme of creating your own ecosystem and ensuring that, when users are part of it, they know they’re part of it – whichever part that may be.

What is the Difference Between Geomatics and GIS?



Two Disciplines With Different Roots: Geomatics and GIS
In the world of geography, two disciplines are often mistaken as the same one.

These two fields are Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems.

They share a lot of resemblances. But they’re different.

Universities treat Geomatics and GIS as two separate curriculums.

But what makes them different?

We outline some of the key differences between Geomatics and GIS below:

The First Usage of Geomatics and GIS
Where did the terms Geomatics and GIS originate?

To get a better understanding of the terms, you have to look at the origins of the definitions.

What were their intentions of the terms?

Both the origins are Canadian but had completely different intents on their definitions of Geomatics and GIS.

Let’s take a look at Roger Tomlinson’s and Michel Paradis’ view of their definitions.

Roger Tomlinson’s GIS


In the early 1960s, Dr. Roger Tomlinson, the father of GIS, developed of the world’s first true operational GIS in as part of the Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS). The Canada Land Inventory (CLI) helped determine land capability for rural Canada by mapping data related to soils, agriculture, forestry and land use.

Roger Tomlinson first used the term “Geographic Information System” in his paper “A Geographic Information System for Regional Planning”.

It was during Roger Tomlinson’s tenure with the Canadian government in the 1960s when he initiated the development of the Canadian Geographic System (CGIS).

Canada is the second largest country in the world. Because of its sheer size, paper maps and analysis was cumbersome and inaccurate. This is why the idea for a computerized Canadian Land Inventory (CLI) was developed in 1964. But it wasn’t until 1971 that it became fully operational.

What was the purpose of the CLI?
The CLI managed soil, drainage and climate characteristics on the Canadian landscape. Because the CLI data was used to determine land capability for crop types and forested areas, it became a key decision-making tool for land use in Canada.

Many consider CGIS as the roots of Geographic Information Systems. CGIS was unique because it adopted a layer approach system to map handling. Since this period of time, GIS has evolved into a computer-based tool for storing and manipulating map-based land data.

Michel Paradis’ Geomatics

Michel Paradis is known as the father of Geomaticscreating the term in the 1980s as a unifying umbrella for today’s multi-disciplinary challenges. The vision of Geomatics was to master individual technologies and geographic data collection techniques with a focus on the synergies obtained from when properly combining digital technologies from different disciplines.

Michel Paradis was a photogrammetrist working for the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Quebec Provincial Government.

He is credited for creating the term “Geomatics” or“Geomatique” in French in the mid-1980s. The idea of Geomatics was derived from his keynote paper at the 100th anniversary symposium of the Canadian Institute of Surveying (which became the Canadian Institute of Geomatics).

What was the idea of Geomatics that Michel Paradis wanted to convey?

The term Geomatics that Paradis wanted to convey was to encompass how modern technology data acquisition was becoming commonly involved in disciplines such as surveying, photogrammetry, geodesy and hydrography. It was meant to be a broad term to encompass every method and tool from data acquisition to distribution.

In 1986, the Laval Surveying Department in Quebec, Canada developed the first academic program in geomatics in the world, replacing its current surveying program.

The Field of Study: Geomatics
Geomatics is a scientific term for gathering, storing, processing, and delivering geographic information. Geomatics is an umbrella term for every method and tool from data acquisition to distribution. It focuses on mathematics, computers and Earth science.

If you were to look at a university curriculum for Geomatics (or Geomatics Engineer) you’d see subjects like land surveying, geodesy, remote sensing, photogrammetry and other scientific studies.

This doesn’t mean GIS analysts don’t work with remote sensing or survey data because they often do.

The focus of Geomatics is based on products, services and tools involved in the collection, integration and management of geographic data.

The Field of Study: Geographic Information Systems
Not to be confused with Geographic Information Science (GISci), GIS is a very powerful tool that essentially does four things:


  • Collects geographic data
  • Stores and edits it
  • Analyzes it
  • Visualizes geography on a map

GIS puts data collection, storage, analysis and visualization into action.

Take any real world problem with a geographic nature – climate change, pipeline networking, environmental monitoring – GIS is your most efficient, effective and cost saving tool at providing a solution to data management, analysis and visualization of this problem.

GIS isn’t just mapping software.

It’s geography in action.

It’s about finding solutions to real world issues geographic in nature.

A GIS curriculum usually comprises of subjects like database management systems, programming, remote sensing, cartography and geostatistics.

Different Concepts. Different Roots.
GIS emerged as a tool to respond to land planning and decision making. Roger Tomlinson recognized the importance of accurate and relevant data by creating the Canadian Land Inventory and the first GIS.

While Geomatics is a subject describing every method and tool for geographic data acquisition. From photogrammetry to land surveying, Geomatics is a scientific term in response to the modern data acquisition techniques in these fields.

However, these are the roots of the definitions of Geomatics and GIS. Often, definitions can evolve and encompass latest technological development.

What do these fields share in common?

They are both in their youth stage. The term Geomatics was introduced in 1981 and GIS in 1968.

… And both are progressing exponentially with new, exciting developments.

Σάββατο 26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015

NASA created detailed 3D map of Greenland’s ice sheet



By Aleks Buczkowski






Deep ice sheets close to North and South Poles are a natural storage of historical records of climate changes over last thousands years. Using ice-penetrating radar data, NASA scientists have built the comprehensive map of layers deep inside the ice of Greenland.

Greenland’s ice sheet is the second largest mass of ice on Earth, containing enough water to raise ocean levels by about 20 feet (6 m). This new map, prepared on the basis of radar scans collected by Operation IceBridge, gives scientists data to determine the age of large swaths of Greenland’s ice as well as to monitor its melting which dramatically accelerated over the past two decades.



The radar works by sending signals into the ice and recording the strength and return time of reflected signals. From those signals, scientists can detect the ice surface, sub-ice bedrock and layers within the ice. Scientists are especially interested in knowing more about ice from the Eemian period (115,000 to 130,000 years ago) that was roughly as warm as today. Based on historical knowledge we could try to predict the future climate changes.

Source

Foursquare predicts based on location data that Apple will sell 13-15M iPhones this weekend



By Aleks Buczkowski


Analysis of location data can give you answers to many questions. Foursquare is trying to prove that you can use location specific data about people behavioral patterns to predict iPhone sales during the first weekend it hits stores around the world.

The company analyzed foot traffic at Apple stores leading up to the launch of the iPhone 5, 5S, and 6 and combined it with Apple’s public sales data to come up with a prediction that during the launch day foot traffic will be about 360 percent of a typical Friday, which means that iPhone sales could be between 13 million and 15 million over the weekend (last year it was 10m).

Are these estimations correct? One could argue that it’s an easy to make guess. We’ll see next week. You can get some more details on how 4sq did the calculations here.

Below you can find an interesting visualization that shows a foot traffic at the One Stockton Street Apple store in San Francisco during a typical week.

First Horizons Contracts for Yotta Australia



Yotta Australia
, the authorised distributor of Horizons software for Australia and New Zealand, has won its first contracts for the visualised asset management platform. The recently signed software and service agreement will see Horizons being used to support two large-scale Maintenance Alliance Contracts encompassing more than 7,500kms of arterial road network for VicRoads, the road and traffic authority in the state of Victoria. Yotta Australia worked in partnership with Fulton Hogan, who successfully bid for the VicRoads tenders, demonstrating the power of Horizons for asset management, strategic works planning and scenario modelling.

“The inclusion of Horizons within our bid was a key selling point and differentiator,” commented Glenn Johnston, National Manager – Infrastructure Services at Fulton Hogan. “With support from Yotta Australia, we were able to communicate our proposals clearly and precisely and demonstrate how we would use the software to strategically plan works, making use of all available data to deliver better outcomes for the road network and the greater community.”

Fulton Hogan, a specialist with more than eighty years’ experience in the transport infrastructure sector, was awarded two Maintenance Alliance Contracts by VicRoads. Covering the Eastern and South Western Region, Fulton Hogan will deliver a complete range of maintenance services across the highways realm for an initial period of five years, with a possible extension of an additional five years. Yotta Australia supported Fulton Hogan throughout the bid process, using Horizons to demonstrate different scenarios and options available as part of the tender offering.

Horizons, a visualised asset management platform, was launched in the Australia New Zealand region in early 2015. Already established in the UK and Europe, Horizons is a cloud based solution designed to make it easier for asset managers to visualise, manage and optimise all their asset management strategies and records in a unique and effective way. Since launching to market in 2012, Horizons has revolutionised asset management across a range of applications and is now used in the UK by around 50 local authorities in addition to service partners and maintenance contractors.

Contacts:
Shivani Prashar
Email Contact
+44 (0)1926 319 613
www.yotta.co.uk

Wondering about Mobile GIS?



By Matt Sheehan


Are you wondering about Mobile GIS? Looking to improve how your field staff get their work done, looking to provide access to maps and GIS from any device and any mobile platform? In this article we will discuss some of the core elements of mobile GIS.
Mobile GIS Platform

Often a first question for those of us looking to use or build mobile GIS apps is: which mobile platform should we target – Apple, Android, Windows? At one time, this singular question was popular. We were focused on one platform, then often the popular choice was targeting Apple devices; the iPad and iPhone. But things are changing. The popularity of mobile devices means users have a mix of Apple, Android, and Windows devices. Cross-platform is increasingly the focus of today. That is mobile GIS apps which run on any device. Mobile Web GIS is one of the best cross-platform solutions. Ever more of our mobile development, as a company, is web focused for this reason.


Mobile GIS Device Type
Smartphones, tablets and the new phablets are today’s popular mobile GIS device types. Smartphones are the most common, and have come a long way over the last few years. Screen size and capacity have increased. Smartphones with 5″ screens, fast processors and large storage capacity are common. That dramatically improves the user experience particularly with GIS apps. In general terms though it is still true that smartphones are best used with simple apps. For GIS that means viewing maps and map layers, routing, and simple data collection. Many GIS tools or more complex functionality demand the larger screens of tablets and laptops. That brings up an often overlooked mobile device type the laptop. Laptops remain popular mobile devices. They are often used at remote base stations, and in vehicles. One reason why mobile Web GIS apps are ever more popular is because they are cross-device or run on any mobile device type including laptops.



Offline Maps and Offline GIS
Two years ago there was a huge demand for offline GIS. And there were no solid solutions. That has now changed. Technology has advanced, now there are new ways to build offline enabled GIS mobile apps. We have argued for the longest time that all mobile apps should be offline enabled. That applies to mobile GIS apps used both in remote and populated areas.

Why?

Poor or no wireless connectivity is a very common challenge. If your mobile GIS app does not have the ability to use locally stored maps and data it will often be slow or unusable; a huge frustration to users. There are still not enough good offline enabled GIS apps available. Those that have been released are commonly native, or targeted at one platform or device. As we have discussed above there is an increasing demand for cross-platform, cross-device mobile GIS apps. In our case that means building mobile Web GIS apps which are offline enabled.

GIS Platform
With the popularity of cloud computing we now often hear the term GIS Platform. There are many out there including Esri’s ArcGIS, GISCloud, MapBox. These are usually relatively low cost GIS services which take little time to set up and configure. They provide the maps and GIS muscle for your mobile GIS app. The most suitable platform depends on your needs. ArcGIS is arguably the most comprehensive and complete, it is a true enterprise solution for use across the organization. But others should not be overlooked.
Mobile Web GIS

We’ve mentioned mobile Web GIS a number of times in this article. The development of cross-platform, cross-device, offline enabled mobile GIS apps has become an increasing part of our company focus. Web based mobile apps are easier to build and maintain, provide advanced functionality and most importantly run anywhere, regardless of which device you use.

That is very powerful!
Are they a solution to all mobile GIS problems? No. But from our experience the majority. If performance, access to mobile sensors, and/or working with large datasets are part of your requirements then a native app may be the best choice. A recent super helpful development is the ability to convert a mobile GIS Web app to a native app (actually called hybrid) using PhoneGap/Cordova.

So there you have it. Mobile is revolutionizing GIS. Now we can use GIS anywhere, anytime on any device. We will focus over the next few blog articles on digging deeper into mobile GIS.

Παρασκευή 25 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015

Chimpanzee Behavior Analyzed Using Innovative GIS Application Offers Insight to Our Human Past



BY ZACHARY ROMANO



If it can be mapped, GIS, can be used to conduct analysis. A group of scholars used this fact to develop an innovative new application of GIS to understand stone tool use behaviors in chimpanzees during nut-cracking season. The team conducted a study in Guinea on the variation in stone tool use among these primates and GIS was used to analyze the spatial patterning of wear on the tools at the end of the season. The study could successfully identify distinct, spatial differences in active and passive tool use and exhibited the reliability of this method.

Researchers from Italy were one of the first to develop an accurate GIS technique for assessing the use of tools in chimpanzees. Nearly 47 experimental sessions were conducted, which called for the purposeful placement of nut piles and numbered stone tools within the study area. The chimpanzees nut-cracking behavior was video-recorded and the battered tools were later analyzed. Preliminary morphometric GIS analysis allowed the researchers to identify the basic topography of the surface and to classify whether the tool was used for nut cracking or the wear was caused by something else.

For enhanced precision, this method quantified indices for two important physical features: polish, or the flat sheen on a rock, indicative of intensive tool use, and depression, or indentation, a key feature of nut cracking activity. Human artifacts found in assemblages from as early as the Late Stone Age to the Holocene era were also analyzed within this framework and were directly compared to the patterns on the chimpanzee tools. If similarities were seen, this would provide evidence to the evolution of humans from primates. This has opened the door for GIS methods to be used when studying human evolution. Moreover, it builds off the Human Genome Project where the rich dataset allowed researchers to map the geographic movement of genetic markers out of Africa, which is one of the predominant theories for human evolutionary migration patterns. These genetic markers indicated the general path and branching points of early humans as they left the African continent after the last Ice Age.


A) VIEW OF THE EXPERIMENTAL AREA IN THE FOREST OF BOSSOU, GUINEA. RESEARCHERS RECORD THE NUT-CRACKING BEHAVIOR EVERY YEAR, USING SEVERAL VIDEO CAMERAS WHILE STAYING BEHIND A SCREEN OF VEGETATION, C. 20M DISTANCE FROM THE WILD CHIMPANZEES USING TOOLS. B) FEMALE USING A STONE HAMMER AND ANVIL TO CRACK OPEN NUTS. NOTE THE ASSORTMENT OF STONES ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH IS PROVIDED BY THE RESEARCHERS, ALONG WITH THE PILES OF NUTS. FROM ENITO-CALVO A, CARVALHO S, ARROYO A, MATSUZAWA T, DE LA TORRE I (2015).

Data from the experiments showed that there are in fact unique patterns associated with both active and passive tool use. The GIS portion of the analysis was also blind in that the researcher only had a 3D visualization of the tools’ surface and not the actual artifact. These results were compared to the behavioral data collected and indicated that the presence of marks concentrated on the center rather than the edges of a tool were thought to potentially be explained by chimpanzees who had not mastered the technique of nut cracking. Conversely, the intensive wear on the side of a stone would indicate a more sophisticated use of the tool. Such a potential finding offers a foundation for further analysis. Although the behavioral conclusions are still ongoing, due to the lack of research precedents with this method, the chimpanzee study has provided evidence in favor of morphometric analysis for archaeology and its ability to offer significant results.

More:

Benito-Calvo A, Carvalho S, Arroyo A, Matsuzawa T, de la Torre I (2015) First GIS Analysis of Modern Stone Tools Used by Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Bossou, Guinea, West Africa. PLoS ONE 10(3): e0121613. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121613

Thinknear launches a dedicated location-based advertising tool for politicians



By Aleks Buczkowski





Thinknear – the Telenav owned location-based ad network might have found an interesting niche. The company have just launched a new platform that aims to bring geomarketing into politics.

The new tool is called ThinkPolitical and it has been designed particularly to help political marketers to message voters and campaign influencers based on place, whether it’s to extract direct donations or, ultimately, get them out to vote.

It makes a lot of sense as it is estimated that spending on digital media during the 2016 political races might exceed $1 billion. Half of it will be spent at the state and local level. Thinknear suggests that with traditional adverting as much as $0.73 of every political dollar is being spent outside of a campaign’s political boundary or voting district. With the new platform the company aims to reduce that form of wasted ad spending.

The idea behind the platform is similar to how location-based ads works in any other market. Thinknear uses geo-data to understand and build deep consumer profiles. It takes into account all available data such demographic details (e.g. age, income, and gender) as well as spatio-temporal behavioral patterns to determine a person’s political preferences. Based on that the company will serve a relevant ad to particular voters. The goal might be to get donations or keep them informed directly before opponents — or “the media” — do.

I’ve got still one year to the nearest elections in the US. I guess that we’ll see a similar productions in portfolios of all major location-based advertising companies. What it shows is what every reader of Geoawesomeness knows: location matters.

Micronet and PTV Group Announce Distribution Agreement



Germany-based PTV Group today announced that Micronet Enertec Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQCM: MICT), a developer and manufacturer of rugged computers, tablets and computer-based systems for the commercial Mobile Resource Management (MRM) market and for the defence and aerospace markets, will distribute PTV's truck and fleet specific navigation solution PTV Navigator.

PTV's professional navigation solution always calculates the most efficient route for trucks based on the type of vehicle, including a wide range of attributes such as HGV restrictions, clearance heights, load capacity of bridges and hazardous goods restrictions. Routing avoids residential areas and narrow side roads, pedestrian zones and unsuitable turning manoeuvres.

Based on a sophisticated concept of software tools, PTV Navigator goes far beyond the functionality of standard navigation systems. It thus enables drivers to drive smoothly while being provided with a lot of useful information during the trip. For example, the risk and speed alert systems warn drivers of speed traps and speed limits via audio and visual alerts. Live traffic information, which is almost indispensable for truck navigation, helps to find the best route and to predict the actual time of arrival. The Truck Parking app allows for integration of 20,000 truck parking spaces along European roads, including 27,000 insider tips like industrial areas. This way, it is much easier for drivers to drive and rest according to legal regulations.

In a world that is becoming increasingly networked, PTV's Navigator provides multiple, easy-to-use interfaces which facilitate communication with other software programs (API). The navigation system can thus be combined with numerous scheduling applications, allowing users to forward transport jobs directly to the navigation system. This also facilitates the roll out process, in particular for whole fleets.

"Micronet's new breakthrough platform, the rugged Android tablet A-317, is perfectly designed for professional applications and has successfully passed our strict testing procedures. It gives me a great pleasure to establish this new distribution agreement with Micronet," says Michael Hubschneider, Senior Product Manager Logistics, PTV Group.

“We’re pleased to be working with PTV to leverage the power and effectiveness of our A-317 and the PTV Navigator,” said Micronet Chief Executive Officer, Shai Lustgarten. “Fleet companies and drivers need tablets inside the vehicle that can withstand the rigors of heavy duty driving and job sites while being as easy to use as a smart phone. By capturing and delivering data to the PTV Navigator, Micronet is helping transportation providers optimize fleet operations.”

420 words. Author's copy kindly requested!

PTV. The Mind of Movement
PTV Group plans and optimises everything that moves people and goods worldwide – be it transport routes, distribution structures or private and public transport. The company offers software, data, content, consulting and research. Thanks to expert knowledge in traffic and transport planning, PTV occupies a unique position.

Environmentally-compatible and cost-effective mobility requires finely-tuned coordination of flows of traffic and goods, so that people and products can reach their destinations safely and efficiently. The focus here is on road safety, climate protection and future-proof mobility concepts. PTV solutions in transport logistics, traffic planning and traffic management help to achieve this, even in real time.

In the Logistics business field, PTV’s portfolio ranges from software for scheduling transport routes and trips to distribution planning and fleet management, including truck navigation and parking. A special online service provides real-time transparency during the transport process and across the entire supply chain. In the Traffic business field, PTV offers software, data and scientific techniques for modelling and simulating traffic networks. This helps traffic and city planners in over 120 countries to organise optimal traffic flow.

PTV's headquarters have been located in Karlsruhe – a centre of innovation and development – since the company was founded in 1979. Around 600 employees around the world are working on powerful solutions for public administration, government departments, trade and industry.

The German company PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG is a member of PTV Group. www.ptvgroup.com.


Contact:
Petra Gust-Kazakos
Global Communications PTV Group
Tel.: 49-721-9651-546
Fax: 49-721-9651-684
E-Mail: Email Contact

TerraGo Publisher® Enables Cloud-based GIS Portals for the Enterprise


New extensions make it easier than ever for Esri ArcGIS® users to create web-based portals that provide on-demand, customized maps and lightweight GIS applications to all enterprise and mobile users


TerraGo, a pioneer of geospatial collaboration and mobility software, announced today the availability of TerraGo Publisher® for ArcGIS® Server version 6.8. The release provides powerful new features that help companies create map portals and web services that extend the power of ArcGIS to all enterprise users.

For ArcGIS users and developers, TerraGo Publisher includes a new Python package, called PubPy, which exposes TerraGo Publisher functions to ArcGIS’s extension language ArcPy®. PubPy can be accessed from both ArcGIS for Desktop and ArcGIS for Server. This enables the easy creation and automation of portable, interactive maps that are accessible as web services. For end users, this means on-demand, self-service access to customized maps and data. This gives non-GIS users access to the exact map they need, in desktop and mobile environments, in both online and disconnected workflows.

“TerraGo’s new Python functions provide easy-to-use export and configuration capabilities through ArcPy interfaces, which can be published as web services,” said George Demmy, Chief Technical Officer at TerraGo. “PubPy represents a major leap forward in simplifying and automating the creation of free, lightweight GIS applications for non-GIS users.”

With TerraGo Publisher, GIS users are able to create and share interactive OpenGeoPDF maps accessible by any user with universal, free software. OpenGeoPDF is a collection of technologies that combine open spatial database features and application logic within portable, intelligent maps. In essence, OpenGeoPDF is the incorporation of the Open Geospatial Consortium’s (OGC) GeoPackage standard to store feature attributes in a universally accessible PDF container.

About TerraGo
TerraGo develops software applications and mobile apps that make it easy for our customers to collect data, share information and work together anywhere, any time. From sharing feature-rich maps and imagery to deploying on-demand apps for a mobile workforce, TerraGo builds intuitive products that enable collaboration from any place on the planet.

Founded in 2005, TerraGo invented the industry’s most widely adopted geospatial collaboration technology with its innovative GeoPDF products and is revolutionizing field data collection with its TerraGo Edge mobile platform.

TerraGo’s customers include the world’s leading defense and intelligence departments, government agencies, non-profits and commercial enterprises in every industry, with over 2,000 global customers based in over 70 countries and all 50 US states.

For more information, visit http://www.terragotech.com.

Πέμπτη 24 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015

DigitalGlobe’s Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery Program Renewed



DigitalGlobe, Inc. (NYSE: DGI), a leading global provider of commercial high-resolution earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions, today announced that the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has executed the next year of the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery (Global EGD) program under the NGA EnhancedView contract starting Sept. 1, 2015.

This agreement builds on more than a decade of service providing the NGA and its customers with unclassified, sharable, high-resolution imagery in support of operational planning, emergency response, and situational awareness.

Global EGD products are available in ready-to-use formats, and the platform enables access to more than 6 billion square kilometers of high-resolution earth imagery to thousands of government users. DigitalGlobe keeps Global EGD current by uploading more than 1 million square kilometers of new imagery every day. The median delivery timeline for this imagery is less than four hours after downlink, and as quickly as 11 minutes. This next year agreement for Global EGD includes even easier access and expanded content for government end users in classified domains.

“We are proud to continue delivering the Global EGD service to the NGA and its end users around the globe,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, DigitalGlobe President and Chief Executive Officer. “This program exemplifies the value that DigitalGlobe provides with our best-in-class commercial imagery that is unique in its ability to meet demanding U.S. Government requirements.”

For more information on the Global EGD platform, or to sign up for access using your .gov or .mil email address, please visithttps://evwhs.digitalglobe.com.

About DigitalGlobe 

DigitalGlobe is a leading provider of commercial high-resolution earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions that help decision makers better understand our changing planet in order to save lives, resources and time. Sourced from the world's leading constellation, our imagery solutions deliver unmatched coverage and capacity to meet our customers' most demanding mission requirements. Each day customers in defense and intelligence, public safety, civil agencies, map making and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, navigation technology, and providers of location-based services depend on DigitalGlobe data, information, technology and expertise to gain actionable insight.

Special note about forward-looking statements 

Certain statements contained herein and in other parts of our reports, filings, and public announcements may contain or incorporate forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future financial performance. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or “looks forward to” or the negative of these terms or other similar words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words.

Any forward-looking statements are based upon our historical performance and on our current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. A number of important factors could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the loss, reduction or change in terms of any of our primary contracts or decisions by customers not to exercise renewal options; the availability of government funding for our products and services both domestically and internationally; changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including cost-cutting initiatives, the potential deferral of awards, terminations or reduction of expenditures to respond to the priorities of Congress and the administration, or budgetary cuts resulting from Congressional committee recommendations or automatic sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011); the risk that U.S. government sanctions against specified companies and individuals in Russia may limit our ability to conduct business with potential or existing customers; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation; the loss or impairment of any of our satellites; delays in the construction and launch of any of our satellites or our ability to achieve and maintain full operational capacity of all our satellites; delays in implementation of planned ground system and infrastructure enhancements; loss or damage to the content contained in our imagery archives; interruption or failure of our ground system and other infrastructure; decrease in demand for our imagery products and services; increased competition, including possibly from companies with substantial financial and other resources and services, that may reduce our market share or cause us to lower our prices; our inability to fully integrate acquisitions or to achieve planned synergies; changes in satellite imaging technology; our failure to obtain or maintain required regulatory approvals and licenses; changes in U.S. or foreign law or regulation that may limit our ability to distribute our imagery products and services; the costs associated with being a public company; and other important factors, all as described more fully in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.




Contact:

Media Contact
Edelman for DigitalGlobe
Traci Brodnax, 212-729-2138
Email Contact
or
Investor Relations Contact
Fred Graffam, 303-684-1692
Email Contact

Intermap Technologies® Makes Earthquake Data Available for Risk Scoring via InsitePro™



Intermap Technologies (TSX:IMP), (ITMSF: BB), a leading provider of location-based solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Atkins, one of the world's most respected design, engineering, and project management consultancies, to include their natural catastrophe risk and hazard data archives, including North American earthquake data, in its InsitePro software product.


InsitePro is Intermap's cloud-based risk assessment software designed to help property insurance underwriters assess location-based risk. With its configurable analytic engine, InsitePro allows users to design risk scoring analytics that address specific business needs. InsitePro applies reliable peril and geospatial data in a way that fits a carrier's approach to risk.

"InsitePro's flood analytics are changing the way flood insurance is priced and delivered," stated Product Manager Ivan Maddox. "With the Atkins agreement, Intermap will be offering risk scores for all natural perils, including earthquake, hail, tornado, and wind (straight-line and hurricane). InsitePro can now replicate the innovation brought to flood risk assessment across these other perils, delivering custom analytics to underwriters that are based on dependable data and their own view of risk."

Using InsitePro, carriers can automate the risk pricing activities that they are comfortable with and identify risks that need further analysis by an underwriter. It offers fast answers for most properties and allows the carrier to add value where appropriate. Including all perils will enable a carrier to write complete property coverage for homes and businesses to differentiate themselves from carriers that only offer standard coverage.

For more information, please visithttp://www.intermap.com/software/insitepro.

Register for Intermap News Alerts athttp://www.intermap.com/pressreleases.

About Atkins 

Atkins ( www.atkinsglobal.com) is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, employing some 18,000 people across the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Europe. They build long-term trusted partnerships to create a world where lives are enriched through the implementation of their ideas.

About Intermap Technologies 

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap Technologies is an industry leader in geospatial solutions on demand with its secure, cloud-based Orion Platform®. Through its powerful suite of software applications and proprietary development of contiguous databases that fuse volumes of geospatial data into a single source, the Orion Platform is able to provide location-based solutions for customers in diverse markets around the world. For more information please visit www.intermap.com.

Intermap Reader Advisory 

Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", "expect"," project", "estimate", "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. You can find a discussion of such risks and uncertainties in our Annual Information Form and other securities filings. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law.
SOURCE Intermap Technologies Corporation
Contact:
Intermap Technologies Corporation
Intermap Technologies, Ivan Maddox, InsitePro Product Manager
Email Contact +1 (303) 708-0955

PTV Vissim 8 - Efficient, convenient and elegant



The new release of the world's leading traffic simulation software is now available

The world's leading traffic simulation software is waiting for you, with new features and functionalities: with PTV Vissim 8, scenario management is now included in modelling. Other new features include the simulation of overtaking manoeuvres, as well as eye-catching graphics in the user interface and simulation output.

The scenario management in particular is highly practical: In PTV Vissim 8, it is now possible for different planning alternatives to be modelled as scenarios in a project, and for created scenarios to be used as templates for further modifications. "This new feature makes the development of multiple planning alternatives incredibly efficient," says Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schlaich, Director Traffic Software Product Management & Services at PTV Group. "Planning alternatives no longer need to be redeveloped from scratch every time, but can instead be adapted on the basis of an initial scenario and saved as an alternative." The highlight here is that changes such as a modification to demand can be saved directly in multiple scenarios with a single click.

In the fast lane
PTV Vissim 8 puts not just planners, but also the vehicles within a simulation in the fast lane, as the new version makes overtaking in the opposite lane possible. This feature allows you to model overtaking slower vehicles such as trucks in non-urban areas, for example. "Overtaking manoeuvres take many different factors into account, just like in reality," says Schlaich, "including current speeds, gaps in front of the vehicles being overtaken, or the look-ahead distance, for example." In this way, overtaking vehicles can deviate from their desired speed as they move into the opposite lane, and can increase their speed in order to perform the manoeuvre. Similarly, users can parameterise the look-ahead distance on individual road sections in order to correctly model aspects of traffic safety with regards to collision hazards.

Little helpers
The new version looks particularly elegant thanks to new graphics parameters in the network editor, which allow users to include useful, individual details in their simulation displays. As well as a digital clock displaying the simulation time or the duration of the simulation in seconds and the compass pointing North, you can also include a user-defined logo in your screenshots and video recordings - either your own company logo or that of your client.

Further information: You can find more information on the new features and functionalities of PTV Vissim 8 on our website at http://ptv.to/ptvvissim8. Our product management team will also be presenting the new version on 29 September and on 1 October through free English-language webinars. If you are interested in taking part, you can sign up at http://ptv.to/ptvvissim8webinar.

PTV. The Mind of Movement
PTV Group plans and optimises everything that moves people and goods worldwide – be it transport routes, distribution structures or private and public transport. The company offers software, data, content, consulting and research. Thanks to expert knowledge in traffic and transport planning, PTV occupies a unique position.

Environmentally-compatible and cost-effective mobility requires finely-tuned coordination of flows of traffic and goods, so that people and products can reach their destinations safely and efficiently. The focus here is on road safety, climate protection and future-proof mobility concepts. PTV solutions in transport logistics, traffic planning and traffic management help to achieve this, even in real time.

In the Logistics business field, PTV’s portfolio ranges from software for scheduling transport routes and trips to distribution planning and fleet management, including truck navigation and parking. A special online service provides real-time transparency during the transport process and across the entire supply chain. In the Traffic business field, PTV offers software, data and scientific techniques for modelling and simulating traffic networks. This helps traffic and city planners in over 120 countries to organise optimal traffic flow.

PTV's headquarters have been located in Karlsruhe – a centre of innovation and development – since the company was founded in 1979. Around 600 employees around the world are working on powerful solutions for public administration, government departments, trade and industry.

The German company PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG is a member of PTV Group. www.ptvgroup.com.

Sonja Koesling
PR & Marketing Traffic Software at PTV Group
Tel.: 49-721-9651-7361, Fax: 49-721-9651-684
E-Mail: Email Contact