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The INSPIRE Team is delighted to inform you that the INSPIRE Forum Web 2.0 site is available at the following link

The INSPIRE Forum Web 2.0 site is

  • an open space for the exchange of information, best practice, news, opinions on issues relating to INSPIRE,
  • a meeting place to get to know professionals working in different countries and thematic areas,
  • a learning space where you can download tutorials, workshops, presentations and learn about and participate in upcoming workshops and conferences.

We launched a beta version and asked for people to start groups and discussions, and are very pleased with the response.

A number of groups have already been set up covering thematic, technical and national topics.

For a full list of the groups visit the link below.

Of course, you are very welcome simply to visit the INSPIRE Forum, but there are a number of reasons why you might like to register.

As a registered user, you will be able to:

  • Start or join discussions in the various INSPIRE Forum Groups.
  • Announce your events.
  • Have access to advanced navigation of the forum.
  • Manage and receive automatic notifications on topics you are interested in.

But most importantly, by registering with the INSPIRE Forum, you’ll be joining the INSPIRE community, connecting with professionals working in different countries and thematic areas, sharing knowledge and best practice.

The INSPIRE Team

For more information visit:
INSPIRE Forum web site

Editor’s choice:
Check out the INSPIRE forum groups

GeoConnexion

Sydney, Australia. 7 December 2009 – Presentations, videos and posters from the international conference for Free and Open Source Software for GeoSpatial are now online.

So if you missed the conference, or couldn’t attend all the sessions, you now have a second chance to participate. In particular, I strongly recommend viewing Paul Ramsey’s thought provoking and entertaining keynote speech, “Beyond Nerds Bearing Gifts: The Future of the Open Source Economy” (see link below0.

Almost all presentations, tutorials and workshop material has been collected, and we have videos of 2/3 of all the presentations.

  • Presentations, workshops and tutorials and videos are linked from abstract descriptions at the link below.
  • Videos and Posters can also be found at the links below.
  • Ignight Spatial lightening talk videosat at www.ignitespatial.com/?page_id=181
  • For photos, see www.flickr.com/photos/tags/foss4g2009/

About FOSS4G

FOSS4G is an international Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial conference, which was held in Sydney, Australia, 20-23 October 2009. FOSS4G offered presentations, workshops, demos, an install-fest, and a code sprint. It was presented by the world’s best Developers, Policy Makers, Sponsors and Geospatial Professionals and included the latest geospatial applications, standards, government programs, business processes and case studies. Topics included mobile platforms, location based applications, crowd sourcing, cloud computing, development, spatial standards, integration of cross-agency data, Spatial Data Infrastructures, Sensor Webs, Web Processing Services, Integration of Open Source and Proprietary Software and more.

Media Sponsors

  • Position Magazine
  • Asian Surveying and Mapping Newsletter
  • Geoconnexions Magazine
  • Directions Magazine:
  • GIS Development
  • Baliz Media
  • Slashgeo

Cameron Shorter
FOSS4G Conference Chair,
Geospatial Systems Architect, LISAsoft, Australia
http://www.lisasoft.com
Commercial support for Geospatial Open Source and Open Standards

For more information visit:
FOSS4G 2009

Editor’s choice:
Paul Ramsey keynote speech
Presentations, workshops and tutorials
Videos
Posters

Geo: International

DULLES, Va., Dec. 8 – GeoEye, Inc., a premier provider of satellite and aerial-based geospatial information and services, announced today its Regional Affiliate, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) began directly downlinking high-resolution satellite imagery from the GeoEye-1 Earth-imaging satellite.

In addition to directly acquiring GeoEye-1 imagery, KACST will be able to provide other GeoEye-1 imagery and value-added products to its customers. KACST has the exclusive right to sell GeoEye-1 imagery in Saudi Arabia and the nonexclusive right to sell GeoEye-1 imagery outside of Saudi Arabia.

KACST is an independent scientific organization of the Saudi Arabian government located in Riyadh. It has been GeoEye’s partner and Regional Affiliate for IKONOS satellite imagery collection and distribution since September 2002.

“GeoEye-1 satellite imagery will be an important component of KACST’s effort to create new strategic partnerships and expand our strategic presence in the oil and gas, energy, mining, infrastructure and national, state and local government markets,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Almadi, director, Space Research Institute for KACST. “The satellite’s highly accurate, unprecedented resolution and color imagery will also be beneficial to our ongoing scientific research and operational applications.”

KACST has been an important IKONOS anchor tenant for GeoEye over the past eight years,” said Mr. Matthew O’Connell, GeoEye’s chief executive officer and president. “We share the same vision of excellence, which is one of the reasons our relationship has grown and will continue to prosper with this new commitment to market and distribute GeoEye-1 imagery.”

About KACST

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is an independent scientific organization of the Saudi Arabian government, established in 1977 under the name of Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology (SANCST), and in 1985 renamed as King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. From its inception in 1977, KACST had been carrying out its mission in the promotion of science and technology in the Kingdom by coordinating and cooperating with various universities, agencies, and institutions concerned with research and technology, and encouraging Saudi experts to undertake research that will help promote the development and evolution of the society. KACST is governed by a Supreme Committee, which is chaired by the King and is composed of the ministers of the major ministries to which science and technology are of greatest relevance. For more information, please visit the link below.

For more information visit:
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

Editor’s choice:
GeoEye, Inc.

Geo: International

Remote sensing solutions provider DMCii has introduced 22m imagery to its geospatial image library, complementing its extensive 32m imagery. The new data offers double the number of image pixels per hectare to boost the effectiveness of the DMC system for precision agriculture and deforestation monitoring.

The DMCii image catalogue is organised by geographical location, allowing visitors to preview sample imagery. The highly calibrated ortho-rectified imagery can be delivered for direct import into industry standard image processing applications.

Since the successful launch of the latest generation DMC imaging satellites on 29th July, both UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 have been commissioned and carefully calibrated to match the existing DMC constellation satellites. The standard red, green and near infrared spectral bands have been selected to have the same characteristics as Landsat and provide a reliable data source for many Earth Observation applications with the added benefit of wide area coverage and daily imaging capability.

The two new satellites increase the DMC constellation imaging capacity twenty-fold, enabling DMCii to image the whole world several times per year if required. A direct downlink reception service will be available in Q1 2010 for customers with compatible ground stations, offering near real-time imaging.

About DMC International Imaging Ltd
DMC International Imaging Ltd (DMCii) is a UK based supplier of remote sensing data products and services for international Earth Observation (EO) markets. DMCii supplies programmed and archived optical satellite imagery provided by the multi-satellite Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC). DMC data is now used in a wide variety of commercial and government applications including agriculture, forestry and environmental mapping.

In partnership with the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and the other DMC member nations (Algeria, China, Nigeria, Turkey and Spain), DMCii works with the International Charter: ‘Space and Major Disasters’ to provide free satellite imagery for humanitarian use in the event of major international disasters such as tsunami, hurricanes, fires and flooding.

DMCii was formed in October 2004 and is a subsidiary of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, the world leader in small satellite technology. SSTL designed and built the DMC with the support of the BNSC and in conjunction with the DMC member nations Algeria, China, Nigeria, Turkey and Spain.

For more information visit:

DMCii image catalogue

Geo: International
Source

With funding from the NASA Terrestrial Ecology program we are exploring opportunities for a potential program of field- and satellite-based research in savannas.

Given the global importance of savannas and mixed woody-herbaceous systems it is notable that satellite earth observation and earth system models are poorly adapted for these multi-layer and heterogeneous systems. This
reflects, in large part, the considerable challenge involved in remote assessment of vegetation structure and dynamics in systems characterized by distinct woody and herbaceous layers. However, the new generation of earth observing systems may be able to overcome these challenges.

This study aims to realize the potential of satellite remote sensing in the measurement and modeling of global savannas. As part of this scoping study we plan to assemble a group of experts with a mix of disciplinary and geographical backgrounds to address this issue in a focused workshop to be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, March 2-4, 2010.

People interested in this planning activity and the March workshop are invited to register on the project web site at the link below.

Contacts:
Niall Hanan, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Tel: 970-491-0240
Email: Niall.Hanan@colostate.edu; and

Michael Hill, Earth System Science and Policy, University of North Dakota,
Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
Tel: 701 777-6071
Email: hillmj@aero.und.edu

For more information visit:
Remote Sensing of Savannas web site

Editor’s choice:
Project web site

GeoConnexion

The expiring year 2009 witnessed the installation of the Alice-SC satellite data receiving and processing station at the Voyeikov Main Geophysical Observatory in St-Petersburg.

The station has been developed and installed on the basis of observatory by the ScanEx specialists and enables to work with data, received from polar-orbiting meteo-satellites via L-band (1,7 GHz).

The Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO), established on 01 (13) January, 1849 by the Degree of the Emperor Nikolai I, is the oldest meteorological institution in the world. Now its specialists can handle meteorological satellites data of NOAA (USA), MetOp-A (European meteo-agency) and FengYun (China) in direct readout mode.

To date, MGO, being the leading scientific and methodological center of RosHydroMet, carries out scientific studies and research work in several areas:

— long-term weather forecasting, applied climatology, physics of clouds and active impacts on the atmospheric processes, air pollution;

— methodology of creating and functioning of ground meteorological monitoring networks, atmospheric condition and pollution and chemical composition of atmospheric precipitation monitoring;

— assessment of the hydrometeorological data application efficiency in economic branches.

In addition, The observatory is functioning in the same manner as the World Meteorological Organization on the issues of solar radiation, as the basic CIS organization on meteorological support and certification of methods and tools of meteo measurements, etc.

Currently, equipment for ground-based remote sensing is being designed and developed at the MGO, as well as methods of received data processing. Therefore, Earth remote sensing data application will allow performing a set scientific and research studies on data verification and validation of atmospheric parameters recovery algorithms, based on the measurement data received from the ground and from space.

For more information visit:

ScanEx RDC

Geo: International
Source

Cheddar, England, 13 January, 2010 – Blom, Europe’s leading provider of aerial photography and digital map solutions, will be demonstrating the latest uses of oblique imagery by crisis teams dealing with natural disasters and homeland security issues at the DGI Europe Conference 25-27 January at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

DGI is Europe’s largest annual conference dedicated to the high-level challenges of the defence and national security geospatial intelligence community. Bringing together over 800 Heads of Geospatial Intelligence, GIS, Remote Sensing, Operations, and Imagery and Analysis, the conference provides a unique forum to discuss and debate the development of GIS capabilities across the globe.

As a licensed provider of Pictometry® (the patented aerial oblique image capture system combined with measuring software), Blom will demonstrate how Pictometry Intelligent Images® are transforming disaster planning around the world. Major General Bruce Lawlor, former U.S. Chief of Staff of the Department of Homeland Security and presenter at DGI, will join Blom on stand 27 during the conference to discuss his experiences with oblique aerial imagery and its integration into emergency response planning. Major General Lawlor is the former U.S. Chief of Staff of the Department of Homeland Security whose responsibility for developing Government strategy and policy decision making included overseeing interagency co-ordination, is a strong advocate of integrating metric oblique imagery into emergency response plans. “Immediate, accurate and consistent community safety information has never been more important,” said Lawlor. “Using it to enhance planning and communication with response personnel can make the difference between a timely resolution and an expanding crisis.”

Pictometry® produces multiple, geo-referenced, 3-D like views of locations from five perspectives. The system captures imagery from an angle to reveal greater locational detail than traditional aerial orthogonal image captures and is widely used by emergency responders to see entrances or exit routes and potential obstacles during emergency response planning. Users can also annotate on imagery and make accurate metric measurements of distances, areas, bearings and elevations – directly on imagery. Pictometry users access imagery via image libraries which, to date, contain more than 130 million continually-updated high resolution digital images from locations around the world.

Emergency call takers in the U.S. use Pictometry imagery in numerous ways including street by street views designed to help 9-1-1 Call Centres pinpoint call locations using landmarks and visual references. This cuts crucial seconds off response time, giving responders a ‘know before you go’

advantage. For fire fighters, the Pictometry system is typically used en route to calculate the height of a window, identify utility lines or other obstacles and to provide vital intelligence about the detail of a building or structure that, at the time when decisions need to be taken, is obscured by smoke. Others use Pictometry for search and seizure initiatives, to position surveillance teams, to manage entrances and exits, for crowd control, evacuation efforts and more.

Pictometry-based visual information solutions are continually being developed. Currently, the development of a secure access site for Federal government users is underway which will give users secure access to Pictometry’s entire global image library. Also, a real-time image capture system is being developed which will enable emergency responders to capture and distribute 3-D visual information of events as they occur. The concept for this development was initially conceived as a result of managing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

For more information visit:

Blom

Geo: International
Source

MRSA is a potentially lethal bug which is difficult to combat because it has developed resistance to some antibiotics. Dutch researchers have found that MRSA is mainly spread by patients moving between hospitals and, in an effort to break this transmission cycle, have called for more screening of people who are repeatedly admitted to different hospitals.

These recommendations were based on a large study of the geographical location of different strains of MRSA across 26 European countries.

The original large-scale study, which analysed samples from 450 hospitals across Europe, was published in the journal, PloS Medicine. The goal of the work was to find out more about the distribution of the different strains in order to learn more about how the infection spreads. Based on the geographical analysis, Hajo Grundmann, from the University Medical Centre in Groningen in the Netherlands, concluded that the distribution of MRSA suggested it is transmitted by patients who frequent different hospitals, rather than being spread in the community. Doctors can use an interactive map developed in the study, which is also available to the public, and which offers information on MRSA strains in different locations.

According to the Health Protection Agency, it was already well known that MRSA infections usually occurred in hospitals, and that nursing and residential homes have had problems with MRSA colonisation. A spokesperson for the HPA said a substantial screening programme was already in place and was due to be extended.

Source: based on an article appearing on the BBC News online web site.

Geo: International

Source

AeroGRID has in the last month signed up three new partners to further increase its impressive coverage of high resolution aerial photography. Geomatics of Greece, MapSoft of Serbia and Ofek of Israel, all leading suppliers in their respective countries have joined the AeroGRID consortium.

Geomatics’ activities cover aerial photography and mapping, geospatial data collection and processing, consulting services and applications development. Its high calibre scientific and technical personnel combined with investment in new technologies and state of the art equipment enables the company to undertake the most complex projects. Geomatics is one of the largest and most respected firms in Greece with an extensive collection of high resolution urban photography and mid resolution orthophotos covering several areas and highways of the country.

MapSoft are the leading aerial survey company in Serbia who offer a full range of associated services ranging from photogrammetry to DTM production. MapSoft also has its own mapping portal. They bring aerial coverage of the major urban centres and 30% of Serbian territory.

For more than 20 years Ofek Aerial Photography Ltd has been a leader in geospatial applications, focusing on aerial survey, orthophoto production and high resolution satellite imagery. Ofek also produces its own application software including MultiVision, a unique environment for viewing both vertical and oblique imagery. OFEK has full countrywide cover of Israel including high resolution cover of the major cities.

Partners can sell AeroGRID data within their own markets while their imagery is made available for purchase via the AeroGRID catalogue. New partners with consequential datasets from all over the world are welcome to join in extending what is already the world’s largest commercial high resolution aerial imagery data catalogue.

“Geomatics, Mapsoft and Ofek join a growing list of AeroGRID partners who are each a significant force in their own markets” said Miles Taylor, General Manager. “Our role is to make all this imagery available to the multinational audience much of it via our online Geoshop, thereby making the procurement of worldwide high resolution aerial imagery much more convenient and cost effective,” continued Taylor.

Getmapping Plc

Source

A giant floor map the size of two badminton courts; a phone application that pinpoints locally produced, seasonal food; and a public climate change web portal are among the ideas shortlisted in the GeoVation Awards Programme.

GeoVation – an online initiative supported by mapping agency Ordnance Survey – aims to help individuals, businesses and communities bring their map‑based ideas to life. The Awards Programme, launched in October 2009, has attracted over 300 members and generated more than 220 ideas or ventures.

Eight of those ideas have now been shortlisted by the judging panel, which includes Yahoo’s Gary Gale and Steve Coast of OpenStreetMap, and they will have the chance to win part of a £21,000 development fund at a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style event on 26 January at the Royal Geographical Society, London.

Steven Feldman, GeoVation Champion, comments: “We created GeoVation to encourage worthwhile, exciting and innovative uses of geography, and I believe the finalists all meet those criteria. Our judges had a very difficult time selecting the shortlist simply because of the high quality of the entries, which is a testament to everyone that has taken part.”

One of the shortlisted entries, Mapland, is seeking support for its huge 13 m by 11 m floor map of England and Wales to support the teaching of geography in schools. Another entry, entitled Misson:Explore London, aims to create a mobile phone application to engage young people in a series of playful and thought-provoking missions. The creators see it as a way of challenging what they call an “increasingly risk averse culture.”

Feldman adds: “The range of entries is excellent, from helping to support education to the Open Climate Data Repository, which wants to help the public to understand and analyse climate data.”
All the shortlisted entries will each be given the chance to convince the judges that their ideas deserves a slice of the prize fund, with £10,000 available for first place and two prizes of £5,000 for runners-up. The audience on the day will also have the chance to vote for their favourite idea in a ‘Community Choice’ award, with £1,000 up for grabs.

A full list of the shortlisted GeoVation ideas is available here: www.geovation.org.uk/geovation-ventures-shortlisted/

The GeoVation Showcase is being held at the Royal Geographical Society on 26 January. To attend, register for free at http://geovation.eventbrite.com/
GeoVation will be donating £10 to emergency mapping charity MapAction for each registered delegate who attends the showcase.