•GIS • GPS September 2020 Volume 19 Issue5 • CAD • REMOTE SENSING • PHOTOGRAMMETRY • SURVEYING • CARTOGRAPHY • IMAGE PROCESSING • BUSINESS GEOGRAPHICS GeoConnexion International Magazine

EMERGENCYDISPATCH HOWTOSENDUAVSTOMONITOR SITUATIONSAUTOMATICALLYANDSAFELY

MAKING CONSTRUCTION BOMB-PROOF SCANNING AT THECLIFF-FACE

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©2020 Hexagon AB and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Leica Geosystems is part of Hexagon. All rights reserved. DISTANCE LEARNING Editorial: Rob Buckley, Editor -GeoInternational [email protected]

PeterFitzGibbon, Editor -GeoUK [email protected] COVID-19 IS MAKING US ALL SOCIALLY +44(0) 1992 788249 DISTANT. BUT WE’RE ALL HAVING TO Eric van Rees,NewsEditor LOOK AT NEW WAYS OF UNDERSTANDING +34-958281507 LOCATION AT A DISTANCE [email protected] ROBBUCKLEY Columnists: EDITOR GeoInternational [email protected] LouiseFriis-Hansen, FIG DanielKatzer, Hinte Messe Alistair Maclenan, Quarry OneEleven SimonChester, OGC

GeoUK Mark Poveda, Modern Surveying TerriFreemantle, Observations Seppe Cassettari, GEO:Innovation

Publisher: MaiWard +44(0) 1223 279151 [email protected]

News reports of successful early trials of emergencysituations to monitor them. But Advertising: vaccines forCovid-19 arewelcome,but it’s without pilots,how can this be done safely? MickiKnight, Sales&MarketingDirector hardtotellwhen –orevenif–the worldwill On page 36, meanwhile,Vincenzo +44(0) 7801 907666 returntonormal following the pandemic. Massimi shows howacombination of optical [email protected] Thefuturealways turns out differently to and radar imagerycan be used to monitor what we think it will be,sopredictions of disasters and the following reconstruction Mailing Address & business as normal areundoubtedly going at adistance.Inparticular,hereports on Subscription Enquires: to be as wrong as those that suggest there work done in Indonesia following the 2018 GeoConnexion Limited, will be massivechanges to society. tsunami, wherethe groundwas treacherous PO Box594,Cambridge, In the near-termatleast, we’restill and in some cases practically liquid. CB10FY,United Kingdom collectively going to be socially distancing On page 39, Mary Jo Wagner looks at +44(0) 1223 279151 from one another to avoid contracting or howtechnology has changed hands-on [email protected] spreading the disease.For many, it’s already surveying.Acliff is adangerous location [email protected] ingrained behaviour and the idea of close foranyone to survey, and 13 years agoPaul proximitytoothers is not just adistant Reichardt surveyedaCalifornia cliff-face www.geoconnexion.com memorybut almost alien and terrifying. from aboat using atotal station. Even so, Maybe that’s whyitfeels likewe’re it was aprecarious and dangerous job.But Design: subconsciously looking fornew ways to nowwehave UAVs andtogether with fellow Lucy Carnell work at adistance,eveninsurveying –often surveyorRobertLafica, he has developed AT GraphicsLtd without other or even anypeople involved. anew photogrammetric technique for www.atgraphicsuk.com In this issue of GeoConnexion International, surveying cliffsthatdoesn’t involveanyone forexample,the OGC reportsonpage 26 its putting their lifeatrisk in aboat. work with machine learning.Indangerous Lastly,onpage 42,AndreGessner areas such as wildfiresorthe Arctic,we considers the legacies of past conflicts: understandably want to avoid loss of life, so unexploded bombs.HamburginGermany automatic sensors and remotesensing are was subjectedtovast quantities of ordnance the order of the dayBut with the Internet during the Second WorldWar andany of Things,5Gand other technology about construction siteinthe cityneedstoknow to deliver the corresponding huge deluges if there’sachance that unexploded bombs GeoConnexion International of newdatainresponse,only machines arelocated under the surface.And that’s not ISSN:1476-8941 is publishedbyGeoConnexion Limited aregoing to be able to process it. ajob whereanyone wants to get tooclose. Themagazine is publishedseventimes ayearand is fully protectedbycopyright.Nothinginitmay be reprinted Equally,onpage 34, Ellen Malfliet looks at Ihope youenjoythe issue and or reproduced wholly or in anypartwithout thewrtten howUAVscan be automatically dispatched to find it useful in your work. permission of the editor.

www.geoconnexion.com 3 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

30. BUILDING AT SPEED 42. MAKING ACONSTRUCTIONSITE An indoor positioning technology originally developed for ‘BOMB-PROOF’ use with cars is finding applications in other sectors, including 3D stereoscopy is being used in Hamburg to discover where construction. Jennifer Edis looks at how it works and what the Second World War bombs might still be located on construction challenges were in adapting it sites. Andre Gessner explains how

34. HELP FROM THESKIES UAVs are agreat tool for emergency responders. But getting them to situations quickly, safely and automatically will take NEWS ANDEVENTS accurate positioning information and navigation, writes Ellen Malfliet 6. EMERGINGTECHNOLOGY

36. SEEINGAND FEELING THEDAMAGE 14. ANNOUNCEMENTS In adisaster, optical data can be used to monitor damage and 16. PRODUCTSHOWCASE reconstruction over large areas. SAR data makes it possible to ‘sense’ the ground’s motion. Vincenzo Massimi explains 18. ASIANSPOTLIGHT how the two can be combined –and are being used in the reconstruction of Indonesia, following the recent tsunami REGULARCOLUMNS

39. ON THEFACEOFIT 3. EDITORIAL 13 years ago, Paul Reichardt surveyed aCalifornia cliff-face 19. ON LOCATION from aboat using atotal station. When asked to capture a precise orthomosaic and topographic map of its structure this 25. INTERGEO year, he approached Robert Lafica for aless precarious method. 26. OGCUPDATE Together, they developed anew photogrammetric technique for cliff surveys. Mary Jo Wagner reports 28. FIGUPDATE

SEPTEMBER2020–PAGE 44

Cover: UAVs areagreat tool foremergencyresponders.But getting them to situations quickly,safely and automatically will takeaccurate positioninginformation and navigation (page 34)

4 September2020|GeoConnexion International Magazine

NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

PROSTAR JOINS TRIMBLE’S GIS BUSINESS RIEGL USA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE WEBSITE, PARTNER PROGRAM ULTIMATELIDAR.COM, IS LIVE Trimble announced that ProStar has joined Trimble’s GIS Business Partner Program. As Anew websitetodocument the ongoing partofthe program, ProStar has implemented the Trimble Precision SDK (Software construction projectprocess of the new Developer Kit) to integratehigh-accuracypositioning capabilityinits PointMan mobile North American office,isnow live. Riegl’s application running on smartphones and tablets using Trimble GNSS receivers. construction company, DPR, as well as ProStar provides field crewswith an easy-to-use mobile data collection solution RIEGL USA team members areusing the designed to capture, record andprovide real-time visualization of the precise latest RIEGL LiDAR equipment on-site locations of subsurfaceinfrastructure, while utilizing acentralized database to throughout the construction process permanently and securely storeand shareutility location recordsinthe cloud.By of the building.The RIEGL technologies adding the Trimble RSeriesand Trimble Catalyst receivers to the ProStar workflow, being used on this projectsupport users can confidently access high-qualitydata and identify potential conflicts to avoid qualityassurance and qualitycontrol, accidents,disruption of services and costly delays to infrastructureprojectsimpactedby resulting in moreaccurateand time- not knowing the precise locations of buried utilities. www.trimble.com saving deliverables forthe field.Onthis website, visitors will find out howRIEGL’s state-of-the-art-instruments can aid the construction process, video and photo updates from the site, videos of key milestones,and much more. Over time Riegl will be adding morecontent such as wide area mapping /overview of the surrounding areas of the construction siteusing RIEGL high altitude airborne LiDAR, data fusion of terrestrial,mobiles, unmanned,and airborne laser scan data sets foranextremely comprehensive LiDAR data set of the area and RIEGL LiDAR scan data acquired by abrand new acquisition platform. www.riegl.com HEXAGON TO SUPORT EAU DE PARIS IN AGRICULTURAL AID PROJECT Hexagon’s Safety&Infrastructuredivision announced Eau de Paris, France’s public water company, has selectedHexagon SIMACTIVE SOFTWARE USED FOR OIL AND GAS geographic information system (GIS) technologies to supportits new SEISMIC EXPLORATION agricultural aid project. Designed to SimActive, adeveloper of photogrammetrysoftware, announced that its Correlator3D enhanceresource protection in the productisbeing used by Texas-based company Dawson Geophysical foroil and gas catchment areas of Paris, the projectis seismic exploration. Orthomosaics and elevation models aregenerated from aerial expectedtofinancially supportnearly imagerytoaid in planning of seismic surveys.Dawson uses amedium format camera from 200 farms in the adoption of more Phase One to flyoverareas of between 20 and 200+ squaremiles.The collectedimages sustainable agricultural systems.Hexagon’s arethen processed by SimActivesoftware to derivehighly accurategeospatial data M.App Enterprise system from its and identify points of interest. Finally,mappers use the imagerytospot hazards and plan Geospatial division will enable farmers, routes in advance. www.simactive.com Eau de Parisand the Seine Normandy WaterAgencytocollaborate throughout the lifecycle of the projectwith maps, dashboards,smartforms and specific workflows. Thesolution will integrate farmers’requests from the field,including alphanumeric and graphic information, with validation and monitoring capabilities.The platform will enable Eau de Paristoguide farmers through the process,fromgrant request to transition completion. www.hexagon.com

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VIRTUAL SURVEYOR DRONE SURVEYING SOFTWARE UPDATE Virtual Surveyorhas introduced newfunctionalityinVersion7.3 of itspopular drone surveying softwaretocreateasimplified workflow formonitoring earthworks progress at construction sites.The productiveworkflow enables construction managers to quickly calculatecut-and-fill changes overtime forcomparison with the Earthworksdesignplan. Virtual Surveyorsoftwareisapowerful construction monitoring tool because it bridges the gap between Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)photogrammetricprocessing applications and engineering design packages.The softwaregenerates an interactiveonscreen environment with drone orthophotos/DSMs and/or LiDAR point clouds wherethe user can comparemultiple drone surveys in amatter of seconds. www.virtual-surveyor.com

FUGRO WINS INNOVATE UK ‘FIRST OF THURAYA AND TELESPAZIO SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT FOR GLOBAL A KIND’ FUNDING TO SUPPORT RAIL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY INNOVATION Thuraya, the mobile satelliteservices subsidiaryofthe UAE’sAlYah Fugroisone of the successful companies to win innovation SatelliteCommunications Company(Yahsat), has signed apartnership funding from Innovate UK’s ‘First of aKind’(FOAK2020) agreement with Telespazio,ajoint venturebetween Leonardo (67%) competition under the theme of optimised and cost-effective and Thales (33%), to distributeits products and services worldwide. rail maintenance.The FOAK2020 awardwill fund nine months Telespazio customers in critical sectors such as government, maritime, of development of Fugro’s Innotamp project in collaboration energy and reliefcan noweffectively integrate Thuraya’smobile with Network Rail.Aworld-first fortrack maintenance,the funded solutions with their ownplatforms to enable awide range of comms- projectwill demonstratehow track alignments generated using on-the-move and comms-on-the-pause applications. Thuraya’s Geo-data from Fugro’sRaildata Solution can be directly mobile satellitenetwork enables seamless voice,data and broadband uploaded to atamper’s computertooptimise tamping of railway services on land,atsea and in the air,covering over160 countries lines.The FOAK2020 innovation programme,funded by the across Europe,Africa, Asia and Australasia. In the UAE, Telespazio’s main Departmentfor Transport (DfT)and managed by Innovate shareholder Leonardo has along historyofcollaboration based on UK, aims to demonstratehow proven technologies can be the supply of naval technologies,trainer aircraftand newgeneration integrated intoarailwayenvironment forthe first time (‘first helicopters.Inthe country, Leonardo and Telespazio arealso engaged of akind’demonstrations). It encourages innovation in the rail in Earth Observation, satellitenavigation, telecommunications and industryusing noveltechnologies such as RILA and newwaysof geo-information activities. www.thuraya.com applying data. www.fugro.com

SBG SYSTSTEEMSM RENEWS ITS POPULAR LINE OF MINIATURE INERTIAL SSENE SORS SBG Systems announcedan the third sensors called the Ellipse Series.The line is generation of itsits popular line of miniature composed of four models: the Ellipse-A is inertial sensors calledc the Ellipse Series. amotion sensor,the Ellipse-E provides This renewedproductline benefits from a navigation with an external GNSS receiver, 64bit architecturarchitect eallowing high precision the Ellipse-N is asingle antenna RTKGNSS/ signal processingproce .All the INS/GNSS now INS and the Ellipse-D is adual-antenna RTK embed a dual-frequencd y, quad GNSS/INS. With its new64-bit architecture, constellationsnstell GNSS receiver for the Ellipse Series 3rdgeneration enables centimetriccentime position and higher the use of high precision algorithms and orientationorientat accuracy. Thecompanyis technology used in high-end inertial systems proud to present the thirdgeneration such as rejection filters,FIR filtering,etcetera. of itsp popularopular rangera of miniatureinertial www.sbg-systems.com

8 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCED ITS A GAME CHANGER FOR THE EUROPEAN INTENTION TO ACQUIRE VRICON RAILWAY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Maxar Technologies,atrusted partner and innovator in Earth AWorkPlan forthe European RailwayTrafficManagement System Intelligence and Space Infrastructure, announced its intent to exercise (ERTMS), published by the European Commission in Maythis its call option to takefull ownership of 3D data and analytics year,lists satellitepositioning as one of the game changing firm Vricon,for approximately $140 million, or approximately $115 technologies underpinning futureevolutions of the system million net of estimated cash at closing.Tofund the transaction, and akey element to be included in future Technological Maxar intends to issue $150 million in aggregateprincipal amount Specifications forInteroperability (TSI). TheERTMS is amajor of newsenior secured notes.Maxar has also agreed to repurchase industrial projectthat aims to makerail transportinEurope safer $150 million in aggregateprincipal amount of existing notes using and morecompetitive. As asafetysystem, the ERTMS enforces the proceeds of the recent sale of itsMDA business.Vricon is aglobal train compliance with speed restrictions and signalling and provider of satellite-derived 3D data fordefenceand intelligence consists of equipment installed both on trains and along the markets,with softwareand products that enhance 3D mapping,Earth railwaytracks.According to the latest Work Plan, theERTMS will intelligence data, militarysimulation and training and precision-guided become the backbone of railway digitalisation in Europe, munitions.The companywas formed as ajoint venturebetween Maxar allowing forthe introduction of newtechnologies,including but and Saab in 2015 to combine patented Saab IP with Maxar commercial not limited to automatic train operation, satellitepositioning and satelliteimagerytobuild highly accurate, immersive3Dproducts at other technologies capable of optimising rail performance and sscale.cale. wwwwww..maxar.commaxar.com capacity. www.gsa.europa.eu

www.geoconnexion.com 9 NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

LACTEC AND EOMAP SIGN AN PARROT PARTNERS WITH AIRT’S DRONES UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIP IN BRAZIL Parrot, aEuropean drone group,announced anew partnership with Lactec-areference the Miami, Florida-based Airborne International Response Team centreininnovation (AIRT).AIRTisthe 501(c)3 non-profitorganisationsupporting Drones andtechnological ForGood and the official home of Droneresponders,afast-growing research -and the program supporting the use of UASbypublic safetyand emergency German company services organisations around the globe.Parrotwill supportthe Eomap -specialized disaster response and humanitarian missions of AIRTand the inremotesensing public safetytesting conductedbyDroneresponders with donations forenvironmental of both financial supportaswell as Parrot’s most advanced drone services -signed a technology.Available in August 2020, the Parrot ANAFI USA features partnership to carry an industry-first 32x zoom, 4K HDR video and thermal imaging out projects in the capabilities.ANAFI USA is an ultraportable,secureand durableaerial area of monitoring aquatic environments,using geospatial camera platform. www.parrot.com intelligence technologies in Brazil.Researchers and specialists from the twocompanies have already worked together to investigateenvironmental damage in the Doce RiverBasin and the adjacent coastal region, following the ruptureofthe oretailingsdam in Mariana (MG) in 2015. Combining Lactec and Eomap’s expertise,itwas possible to generateacomplete pictureofMariana’s environmental disaster. Theexperts applied analysis of satelliteimages,modelling of collected field data, which allowedtoidentify howthe tailings mud spread through the riveruntil reaching the ocean, compromising the water qualityand the biota. This work will continue,now,inthe assessment of the reflections of the floods registered in the state of Minas Gerais, earlier this year. www.eomap.com

AIRBUS SIGNS CONTRACT WITH OPTUS FOR ONESAT Airbus Defenceand Space has wonacontractfor afully reconfigurable telecommunications satellitefromAustralia’s second largest telecommunications company and satelliteoperator Optus.The satellitewillbebased on Airbus’new standard OneSat productline and is Airbus’ first contractfromthe Australian operator.Airbus will deliver an end-to-end solution,including designand manufactureofthe Optus 11 spacecraft, as well as an advanced digital suite to manage the digital payload and operatethe end-to-end satelliteresources,providing Optus with aturnkey system and the abilitytoadd hosted payloads such as SBAS.What sets Optus 11 apartisits abilitytoadjustits coverage,capacityand frequency, through on boardprocessing and activeantennaswith beam forming capability. www.airbus.com

TECH SOFT 3D HELPS FIELDWIRE RAPIDLY BRING BIM VIEWING TO ITS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLATFORM Tech Soft 3D,the provider of engineering startedupdon’t have aWi-Ficonnection, and areas.That made offline supportaneed-to- softwaredevelopment toolkits,announced theremight not even be LTEor3Ginthose have. www.techsoft3d.com that HOOPS Platformisbeing used to powerthe FieldwireBIM viewer. Fieldwire is changing the futureofconstruction with its productivitytools forthe construction field.The company’s field management platform–which is accessible via browser, tablet, or smartphone –gives customers access to critical project-related information while they’re on the job. Fieldwirehad always offered robust 2D plan viewing capabilities,but sought to evolve the productwith newfeatures around 3D model viewing, to better supportits customer base.Additionally,itwas important forFieldwiretosupport BIM viewing on both weband mobile,while providing offline capabilities forthose mobile users as alot of construction projectsites that arejust getting

10 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

THE UAVOS COMPANY HAS SUCCESSFULLY TDI-BROOKS PURCHASES FIRST US-BASED TESTED HIGH-ALTITUDE FLIGHT OF THE UVH- WINGHEAD SYSTEM FROM SEAHORSE 170 UNMANNED HELICOPTER GEOMATICS TheUVH -170 unmanned TDI-Brooks added to their toolboxthe first US-basedNorbit helicopter of UAVOS Winghead system supplied and supportedbySeahorse continues to proveits Geomatics.This is the first dual head Winghead sold in North value to mountainous America. Adding the Winghead to our arrayofsurveyservices areas operations by will allow TDI Brooks to offer professional seabed surveys flying surveillance in amoreefficient manner.Norbit raises the bar of innovation missions at an altitude in the marketplace with is Winghead system, adding it to the of 16,400ft(5000m). small list of high resolution multibeam echo sounders on TheUVH-170 has the market. This newtightly integrated 1024 beams,0.5 x0.9 successfully conducted degrees of resolution, frequencyagile 200-700kHzecho sounder, its first high altitude with asoftwareconceived to makethe hydrographer’swork flight reaching out to moreproductive,and with its distinctiveNorbit curvedreceiver the height of 16,400ft array, represents aradical departurefromany other sonar in this (5000m). Therotary- category. www.tdi-bi.com wing platformwas carrying the Gyro- stabilized two-axis gimbal with integrated Radio data link.The payload was of 8,800lb (4kg) weight. The flight time was twohours and the climb rate over 1m/s was from 13,120ftto16,400ft(4000m to 5000m). TheUAV high altitude capabilityhas been achievedthrough modifying the fuel injection system of the 4-strokegasoline propulsion system. Theenhancements of the fuel injection system enable the practical ceiling to be increased significantly. It can be very precisely tuned depending on the operating conditions.The UAVengine improved fuel injection technology significantly increases fuel-efficiencyofrotary-wing UAV. www.uavos.com

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www.geoconnexion.com 11 NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

SATELLITE FOR US AIR FORCE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES AS PART SOLITA AND UNIFLY JOIN OF L3HARRIS’ RESPONSIVE CONSTELLATION CONTRACT FORCES TO SECURE AND L3HarrisTechnologies launched the latest in ademonstration series of end-to-end small ADVANCE INTERNATIONAL satellites as partofaU.S. Air Forceconstellation the companyisresponsible fordeveloping. DRONE AIRSPACE As the prime contractorfor the firm fixed-price development space mission, L3Harrisis Solita, aNorth European provider of designing,developing,building,testing and deploying the satellites.The companywill data-driven digital transformation task,command and control the satellitesystem, as well as perform on-boardprocessing and business designand Unifly, a of data to deliver imageryproducts directly to war fighters on tactical timelines.The global provider of Unmanned Traffic Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles SecondaryPayload Adapter, or ESPA-class,satellite Management, have announced their system will use L3Harris’fully reprogrammable payload platform —allowing partnership.Byjoining forces,the operators to reconfiguresmallsat payloads on orbit to changing missions.The company’s partners areable to createimpact High Compaction Ratio unfurlable X-band reflectorisalso on boardtoenable high-speed by combining data foroperational data communication. www.l3harris.com use and UTM technologies,tofurther streamline the safeintegration of drones intothe airspace and support operators and enterprises to BRANDT COMPLETES SOKKIA CANADA ACQUISITION advance their operational use of drones. TheBrandt Group of Companies announced that, effectiveJuly 2, theyhave successfully www.unifly.aero acquired the assets of Ontario-based Sokkia Canada. This acquisition, which directly affects the Ontario and Quebec markets,makes Brandt the exclusivedealer forSokkiaoptical surveyinstruments,accessoriesand parts forthe entireCanadian market. Thenewssignals Brandt’s entryinto CentralCanada’s geopositioning technology market and is the latest in agrowing list of acquisitions and dealer agreements made by the Regina,SK-based companysince their purchase of Ontario/Quebec/Newfoundland and Labrador John DeereConstruction &Forestrydealer Nortrax in late2019. The Sokkiaproductline-up will be distributed and supportedthrough the company’sBrandt Positioning Technology division and includes total stations,Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers,data collectors,digital levels,and afull complement of field accessories. www.brandt.ca

GENEQ ANNOUNCES F100 THE NEW HIGHLY INTEGRATED GNGNSSSS RERECECEIVIVERER Geneq announced the F100, amulti- constellation GNSS receiver with very high leveloftechnology integration. TheF100 device is an evolution of the well-known F90 with newfeatures that will fulfilthe surveyor’sdemands in termsoffield performance, flexibility and cost-effectiveness.F100 tracks multi-constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo,Beidou) and can maximizethe acquisition and tracking process with all-in-view GNSS frequencies.Providing maximum performance foraccuracy and real-time measurements,F100 also supports RTK correction service, including RTXservice that can get cm levelaccuracywithout abase station. TheF100, with its advanced technology, ensures ahigh performance even in PCI GEOMATICS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH GEOCLOUD harsh environment such as under heavy PCI Geomatics,adeveloper of remotesensing and photogrammetrysoftware, announced canopy. TheF100 has an excellent that Geomatica Cloud will nowoffer anew pay-as-you-go option,available on the combination of GNSS, 4G, Bluetooth and GeoCloud marketplace.With this announcement, PCI Geomatics is expanding the Wi-Fiantenna. With this highly integrated GeomaticaCloudoffering to include anew pay-as-you-go option, in addition to the communication features,this innovative already available monthlyand annual subscriptions.GeoCloud’s intuitiveuser interface GNSS Receiver F100 has abuilt-in 5watt provides immediateaccess to the rich features of Geomatica forprocessing satellite, SAR, radio that is enabling effectivebaseline of aerial,and UAVimagery. www.pcigeomatics.com 10km. www.geneq.com

12 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine NEWS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES THE NEW GEODATABASE MANAGER XI Schneider Electric,aprovider of Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions forutilities and communication providers, announced the launch of the newGeodatabase Manager XI (GDBM XI). GDBM XI automates the tasks formaintaining a continuously up-to-date UtilityNetwork,managingboth the database and network forcompleteness and accuracy. Through use of automation, GDBM XI can free up the end-user time by 12%. Built exclusively for Esri’s UtilityNetwork,GDBM XI givesutility field crewsconfidence that theyare workingfrom the most current customer data. GDBM XI is partofthe ArcFM SolutionXISeries,anecosystem of applications that streamline the designand construction workflow,enabling utilities to get work done moreefficiently. www.se.com

ATLANTIC PURCHASES FIRST PHASE ONE INDUSTRIAL LARGE-FORMAT CAMERA IN THE USA Atlantic recently purchased anew Phase One Industrial 280MP large-format Aerial Solution to better serve its clients.The upgrade substantially increases Atlantic’s abilitytoefficiently capturea large area with extreme accuracyand quality. ThePhase One Industrial 280MP Aerial Solution is alarge format camera system that easily integrates with smaller gyro- OutstandingOutstanding ProductivityPro stabilized mounts creating acompact and Affordability and lightweight system foruse in awide range of aircraft. At its heart, the iXM-RS 280F is a dual lens metric camera, with 90mm lenses forcapturing RGB information, adding anear infrared (NIR) camera generates a4-band configuration, useful in agriculture &forestryand pipeline monitoring missions. www.industrial. phaseone.com

www.geoconnexion.com 13 PEOPLE AND AWARDS

AWARD PEOPLE PEOPLE

LeicaGeosystems EUMETSAT Robert BLK247 Wins Councilappoints MankowskiJoins Security Industry Philip Evansas theExecutive Association’s Best next Director- Board of theWorld New ProductAward General Geospatial Industry Council Leica Geosystems,partofHexagon, TheCouncil of Europe’s operational announced its 3D surveillance product, the satelliteagencyfor weather andclimate, BentleySystems,aglobal provider of Leica BLK247, wonthe SecurityIndustry EUMETSAT,has appointed Philip Evansasthe comprehensivesoftwareand digital twin cloud Association’s (SIA)2020 Best NewProduct organisation’s nextDirector-General forafive- services foradvancing the design, construction, Award. TheBLK247 was demonstrated as part year term,starting on 1January2021.Evans and operations of infrastructure, announces of SIA’s annual NewProductShowcase Awards will take over thereins of the 30-Member- that RobertMankowski, Bentley’s senior vice competition held at this year’s virtual ISC Stateorganisation fromAlain Ratier,who president of digital cities,has been named to the West tradeshow. Since its inception in 1979, will retireatthe end of 2020 afterserving executiveboardofthe WorldGeospatial Industry the SIA NewProductShowcase has been the nine-and-a-half yearsasDirector-General. Council.Mankowskileads Bentley’s digital cities securityindustry’spremier productawards Evans achievedahighly successful career at solution area,which provides infrastructure programme.New products arereviewedby the UK MetOffice,whereheheld strategic engineering,digital twin software, and services apanelofjudges with extensiveindustry and operational senior management positions to help cities that aregoing digital.Hehas over experience,and in 2020, following significant and servedasmember of the Executive 20 years’experience in softwaredevelopment deliberations,the 30 judges presented awards Board, afterleading the remotesensing and has co-invented severaltechnologies now fortechnologies covering 23 productand instrumentation group in the 1990s.Inhis last used in the OpenFlows productline.Bentley’s service categories.The BLK247 was selected position at the MetOffice,Chief Operating digital cities applications enable engineers to forits innovative sensor-merging design Officer,Evans was responsible forthe full plan and designmoreefficient cityinfrastructure. and use of edge computing to bring anew operational deliveryand infrastructureofthe Mankowskijoined Bentleyin2004 as partof leveloftechnology to the securityindustry. organisation, leading ateam of 700 people. Bentley’sacquisition of Haestad Methods,a www.hexagon.com He also represented the United Kingdom on pioneer in object-oriented hydraulicanalysis the EUMETSAT Council overthe past twoyears software, whereheservedaschief technology www.eumetsat.int officer. www.bentley.com AWARD

The2020 PEOPLE AERIAL SURVEY SERVICES Recipientof theArthurC. John Kimmance Lundahl-Thomas appointedasnew C. Finnie Lifetime MD of Ordnance Trackair Services Ltd Achievement Award Survey National MappingServices TheUnited States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced TheHonorable Ordnance Surveyhas appointed John Susan M. Gordon as the 2020 recipient of Kimmance as Managing Directorofthe the Foundation’s Arthur C. Lundahl-Thomas National Mapping Services business C. Finnie Lifetime Achievement Award. unit. John will lead ateam tasked with Gordon is the 16th individual to win this providing location data and expertise prestigious award. She was recognized as to customers across Great Britain, partofUSGIF’svirtual GEOConnectSeries including public sectorcustomers, Main Stage event. Gordon was sworninas businesses and developers.John see web site www.aerialsurvey.com the fifthprincipal deputydirectorofNational will drivethe deliveryofthe recently excellent selection of pre-owned Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As launched Public Sector Mapping aerial survey aeroplanes PDDNI, Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Agreement(PSGA),ensuring that and sensors. Intelligence Community(IC)and managing location data continues to support the ODNI, particularly focused on advancing critical infrastructureand services, Some CCNS4 components intelligenceintegration across the IC, underpins decision making,drives now available. efficiencies and delivers both societal expanding outreach and partnerships,and Consultancy to help you with and economic benefits.Through driving innovation across the IC. Gordon, with you overseas projects. nearly three decades of experience in the IC, the PSGA John will lead the National servedinavariety of leadership roles spanning Mapping Services team to creategreater Network of survey aeroplanes numerous intelligence organizations and opportunities forthe public sector and for hire world-wide disciplines.She servedasthe deputydirector commercial customers through new of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency data, improved access to OS data and ANYTHING aerial survey. newfreedomstoshare. www.os.uk (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. www.usgif.org please email [email protected]

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GEGEOOCCUEUE GRGROUPOUP EOS POSITIONING SYSTEMS RELEASES EOS TOOLS PRO FOR RELEASES TRUE WINDOWS VIEW 615/620; RIEGL/ EosPositioning Systems,amanufacturer of high-accuracyArrow Series GNSS receiversfor APPLANIX-BASED UAS the GIS, engineering,construction, and surveying community, announced the release of Eos LIDAR SYSTEM Tools Profor Windows 10. EosTools Proimplements powerful newfeatures that enables users to exploit all four global GNSS constellations and astate-of-the-art NTRIP client GeoCue Group announces the release to access RTKbases andRTK networks alloverthe worldvia NTRIP,DirectIP, andwireless of their newTrueView615 and True radios.Eos Tools Proincludesnew features forboth field professionals and application View 620 UASLIDAR/Imagery3D developers. www.eos-gnss.com imaging systems (3DIS). GeoCue’s True View 615 &620 areequipped with RIEGL’s miniVUX-2UAV laser scanner integrated with dual INTRODUCING THE MESA 3 SMART CARD READER photogrammetric cameras.Position and Orientation is provided by an JuniperSystems Limited announced the Mesa 3SmartCardReader. This military-ta y ggraade,de, CCACC/PIV-/ Applanix APX-15 (True View 615) or compatible smartcardreader integrates with the Mesa 3Rugged Tabletlet to extreme accuracy APX-20 (True View provide the ultimate, two-tier authentication solution for data protectionn 620). All True View 3D Imaging Systems in industries with securityrequirements.Developed forindustries that arebundled with Applanix POSPac, requireadditional authentication, personal identities can be verified and True View EVOpost-processing access to sensitiveinformation can be controlled easily.Applications forthhee softwareand True View Reckon data Mesa 3SmartCardReader include the military, government agencies,law management solution. TheTrue enforcement, public utilities/critical infrastructure, emergencyservices,andd View 615/620 systems arecompact, medical fields.The Mesa 3SmartCardReader is apowerful Windows 10 surveygrade 3D Imaging Sensors device that offers the securityorganisations need when users areaccessingng designed forsmall Unmanned Aerial sensitiveinformation. Therugged designmakes itweather resistant, Systems.The RIEGL laser scanner and standing up to temperaturechanges,rain, and snow, and ensures that thee dual photogrammetric cameras have device can be used in anyenvironment. www.junipersys.com been carefully configured to provide afused LIDAR/imagery field of viewof up to 120°. www.geocue.com HEXAGON CONNECTS SLOPE STABILITY MONITORINGNG WITH MINE OPERATIONS Hexagon’s Mining division and IDS GeoRadar,aHexagon company, jointly announced the mining industry’s first straightforwardintegration of systems forsafetyand radar-based slope stabilityhazards.The single platform is partofthe newly released HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System(CAS) 4.6.Itmeans mines can nowreceive real-time equipment visualization with timely alerts about hazardous areas forpeopleand machinery. Workers andequipment areprotected from injury-threatening events by being forewarned of no-go-zones.No-go zones areidentified in IDS GeoRadar’s IBIS Guardian software, which creates geofencedzones and hazardmaps,and is correlated with radar alarms.Guardian’s integration with CAS 4.6 and complementarmentaryyHHxxGNGN MinePnePrrootectecttssoolutions,lutions, Personal Alertand Tracking Radar, ensuresthatalarms areeaautomaticallyutomatically triggered when ano- go zone is approached. www.hexagon.com

SEPTENTRIO UNVEILS ASTERX-M2 SXSX Septentrio,aprovider of high-precision GNSS positioningngs solutions,olutions, announced the launch of AsteRx-m2 Sx OEM board. With this GNSS receiver Septentrio pioneers anovelapproach to high-accuracy positioning.Septentrio’s latest coreGNSS technology isintegrated with asub-decimeter correction service enabling simplee plug-and- playpositioning solutions. High-accuracypositioningngisa is avvailableailable directly out of the boxasGNSS corrections areautomaticallytically streamed to the receiver.This significantly simplifies the user’s GNSSNSS receiver set-up process and eliminates completely the hassle ofcor rections service subscription and maintenance. www.septentrio.comrio.com

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IXBLUE, WOOLPERT PARTNER TO DELIVER LIDAR TERRA DRONE CORPORATION SOLIDIFIES MAPPING SERVICES TO NEW ZEALAND COUNCILS SOUTH ASIA PRESENCE Woolpert, and iXblue Sea Information NewZealand and TerraDrone Corporation (TDJP), industries such as Oil &Gas, Operations division, partofthe Councils areworking together aTokyo-based technology Telecommunications,Power, French based iXblue Group,have to develop 3D models of companyand one of the global Construction, Agriculture, been awarded twosignificant landscapes that contribute leaders in the Unmanned Aerial Government Agencies,among airborne LiDAR mapping projects to the economic development Vehicles (UAV)total solutions others.The objectives arenot so in NewZealand covering over of regional NewZealand.The provider and enabler,isnow much to competeagainst the 38,500 squarekilometres for LiDAR information has intended officially in Malaysia. With areal existing Drone Service Providers the Hawke’sBay and Waikato use with land management physical presence in morethan (DSP), not aiming to be the regional and local councils. decisions,roading design, 15 countries,TDJPincorporated number one DSP in Malaysia, These projects arepartofthe precise understanding of sea- their latest entity, TerraDrone nor not even to disrupt what NewZealand government’s levelrise impacts,stormwater Technology Malaysia Sdn was already disrupted by the Provincial Growth Fund design, and geohazardmapping Bhd (TDMY) in Kuala Lumpur existing DSP.Instead,TDMY’smain LiDAR programme in which including surface change,faults, on 24th February2020. Based objectiveistobring the TDJP’s MinistryofBusiness,Innovation liquefaction and slips. in Technology Park Malaysia, global and industrial technologies and Employment, Land www.woolpert.com TDMY will be providing drone to Malaysia so as to spur Malaysia’s survey, inspection and drone Industrial Revolution. industrial services for multiple www.terra-drone.net

INDIA: RESEARCHERS TO PREDICT FLOOD DAMAGE USING SATELLITE DATA As India recovers from the devastating specialists will use Earth Observation (EO) the monsoon rains in both 2018 and 2019. effects of cyclones Amphan and Nisarga, data from satellites to assess the likely The2018 Keralan floods led to hundreds of world-renowned water researchers, HR impacts of flooding on buildings and deaths,huge landslides,and temporarily Wallingford, will develop amethod to farmland across the country. Theresults displaced hundreds of thousands of people. predictdamage from future flooding. of the projectare expectedtoinformthe The financial and livelihood costs were Working forthe MetOffice Weather and waysimilar challenges aretackled around immense,with theFinancial Times reporting ClimateScience forService Partnership the world. Initially,the work will focus on an estimated US$2.7bn worthofdamages to (WCSSP) India projectand supported three areas in Kerala, Southern India,which homes,roads and huge tracts of farmland. by the UK Government’s Newton Fund, experienced devastating flooding during www.hrwallingford.com

AUSTRALIAN COLLABORATION TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING GYROSCOPE TECHNOLOGY Australian researchers and industrypartners will collaborate solutions areexpensive, large or energy-hungry.The to designand manufacturethe world’smost precise, newprojectled by navigation system manufacturer compactand cost-effectivegyroscope,inanew $AUD8.7 Advanced Navigation,with research partners RMIT million project. Ultra-high-performance gyroscopes University, TheAustralian National University(ANU) and can be used to improvethe navigation and safety commercial partner Corridor Insights,will cut the cost of of autonomous cars,correct the course of satellites ultra-high-performance gyroscopes by 85%. Theprojecthas travelling at 11,000 km/h and enhance the precision of been supportedthrough an $AUD2.8 million Cooperative drones used forremoteinspection of infrastructure. While Research CentreProjects (CRC-P) grant to Advanced accuratepositioning is acritical function in industries such Navigation, announced by Australian Minister forIndustry, as transport, infrastructureand space,current technical Science and Technology,Karen Andrews. www.rmit.edu.au

18 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine ON LOCATION

THE INTERNET OF BINS A GEOANALYTICS COMPANY IS TRYING TO WORK OUT Contest and awarded the team US$100,000 –good value,when youknowthat those HOW TO TRACK THE HOW, WHERE AND WHAT OF WASTE twogiant multinationals estimatethat reducing wasteand pollution can unlock AROUND THE WORLD, REPORTS ALISTAIR MACLENAN US$4.5 trillion of neweconomic output! People understand ‘food miles’–the concept that moving food over great distances ‘Global smartwastecollection technology’isa recently –efficiently transporting viruses has asignificant environmental impact. The very prosaic description foraninterconnected was neverpartofthe plan –and wastehas idea is the same fortrash, but providing network of sensors,data and algorithms not been immune to those headwinds. information upon which awaiting industry that can identify and track wastefrom Under its ‘National Sword’policy, China can makedecisions is not so straightforward. source to destination. But being British, Iam declared itself out of the rubbish game.On It isn’t easy to ingest data that describes genetically predisposed to enjoyapun, so I 1January2018, the countrythat had handled all manner of types of waste, its amount, much prefer to call it the ‘internet of bins’! nearly half the world’swastebanned the import its starting location and final resting Household wasteisusually in the news of manyplastics and other wastematerials. place.Formats, regulations and levels of when people express fear or anger about‘state Some countries stepped intothe void, indifference towards those regulations snooping’–it’s probably forsimilar reasons that but all of us who createand accept waste varywildly from countrytocountry. drunk drivers express fear or anger at police know that out of sight is no longer out of But the Topolytics WasteMap officers snooping with their breathalysers.But mind,and arequiterightly demanding that analytics platformtakes data from earth the need foraneffectiveand global waste our governments know howitisproduced, observation satellites,in-situ sensors,CSV management system cannot be ignored and whereitgoes and howitisprocessed. files and digitised manifests to provide is trumping people’s worries of being fined Thewonderfully named,‘ArtofPossible’ priceless insight intothe local,national forputting acan in the cardboardbin. event series promotes Scottish excellence and international movement of what is TheWorld Bank’s What aWaste 2.0 report and in May, Ijoined the ‘FutureofSpace Data’ becoming an ever moredangerous cargo. estimates that worldwasteproduction will workshop.The presenters included sustainability As the model growsand the wastemiles be nearly three and half billion tonnes by campaigner and successful businessman Mike arebetter and moreaccurately understood, 2050. Given “atleast 33% of this wasteis Groves,who explained howheand his Topolytics their financial impactcan be evaluated.That is mismanaged globally todaythrough open team areusing acombination of global data atangible reason forcreators and processors dumping or burning”, this terrible figure acquisition, sophisticated algorithms and location to takeaction –and there’sthe small matter of represents aviable threat to all lifeonearth. to createaplatformthat will track the how, saving the planet’s fragile ecosystem as well. Could youimagine that avideo of a whereand what of waste, all around the world. plastic strawbeing pulled out of asea turtle’s Google and SAP recognised that as a Alistair Maclenan is founder of the nose would exist or that it would be real?! valuable ambition when theyjudged Topolytics geospatial B2B marketing agencyQuarry Globalisation has had atough time to have wontheir Circular Economy2030 OneEleven (www.quarry-one-eleven.com)

www.geoconnexion.com 19 CHC NAVIGATION 1 EOS POSITIONING 2 COMPANY SHOWCASE

Ourregular‘CompanyShowcase’feature is the opportunityfor suppliers of goods Creating Value for Geospatial Eos Positioning Systems® (Eos) is the and services from all branches of the Professionals leading provider of submetre and geomatics industrytoacquaintreaders CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) is aglobal centimetre GNSS (GPS) receivers for the with their latest offerings.Innovation is provider of innovative GNSS positioning mapping community. Our technical team keytosuccess in today’sgeomatics market and navigation solutions for terrestrial designed the world’s first Bluetooth® place… one wheretraditional boundaries and aerial surveys, conventional GNSS GNSS receiver for any device or app, arebeing blurred by the latest trends in surveys, 3D mass data acquisition, including Apple iOS devices. convergenceand functionality, and it is precision farming, unmanned The Eos Arrow Series™ GNSS receivers vital thatuserscan takeadvantage of navigation and robotics, real-time GNSS bring submetre and centimetre accuracy these technological advances. infrastructure, and so on. to iOS, Android, and Windows devices. They are compatible with all field data- Surveying equipment nowincorporates GNSS, Since 2003, CHCNAV has made the collection and other mobile workforce GIS, Laser-based and communications,as digitization process possible by apps. With real-time positioning and well as optical capabilities to offer ever higher merging technologies, from millimeter rugged design, teams get reliable accuracyand greater local processing power precision GNSS sensors to LiDAR, from accuracy in tough field conditions. The at lowercost. RemoteSensing,inthe widest marine drones to UAV photogrammetry, Arrow 100 and Arrow Gold utilize all sense, achievesnew levels of resolution and from optical surveying to rugged GNSS/ four global constellations, free SBAS precision from Laser,LiDAR, satellite, and aerial INS sensors. corrections, support RTK networks, and sensors,including those carried aboardanew With aglobal presence and distributors provide an option for Atlas satellite-based generation of UAVs.The huge volumes of in more than 120 countries and over differential correction services. Solutions geodata captured by these and other sensors 1,200 employees, CHC Navigation are available for underground utility and devices areincorporated in ever more [Huace:300627.SZ] is recognized as one mapping and laser offsets/sideshots. innovativeinformation and location based of the fastest-growing companies in the Visit www.eos-gnss.com for more services that supportpublic and privatesector geospatial industry. information. decision makers at all levels,aswell as citizens. Contact Us: Look also foradvances linked to the www.eos-gnss.com convergence between technologies,from +1 450 824 3325 (Canada) CAD and BIM suites nowincorporating GIS and decision supporttools to smart Technical Support: phones used to collectand disseminate Our technical team will return all location-tagged data forcommercial and inquiries promptly with next-business citizen-oriented Open Source applications. day response. We encourage you to For field use,consumers arenow spoiled please contact us. Please mention forchoice with awide varietyofportable Geoconnexion in your inquiry. rugged and semi-rugged geodata collection devices based on PDA, tablet and notebook computers.And,ofcourse,the advent of data and softwareashosted services via the Cloud presents newchallenges and opportunities for users everywhere.

This is an exciting decade forall sectors of the geomatics industry, with innovation powered by creativity, convergence and advances in several allied technologies.Watch this space to keep yourself up to date!

Next AvailableShowcase: Spring 2021 (Published March/April) CHC Navigation 599 Gaojing Road, Building D, EosPositioning Systems EntryDeadline: January2021 Shanghai, 201702, China. ACanadianCompany Phone: +86 21 5426 0273 Tel: +1 450 824 3325 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.chcnav.com www.eos-gnss.com

20 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine HEXAGON 3 JUNIPER SYSTEMS 4 KOREC 5

Hexagon is aglobal leader in sensor, software and autonomous technologies. •Low batterycausing down time. We are putting data to work to boost •Work delays and lost data because efficiency, productivity and quality someone dropped the data logger. across industrial, manufacturing, •Waiting inside till the rain stops. infrastructure, safety and mobility When your day is packed with too much applications. work and not enough time, the new Our technologies are shaping urban Mesa® 3Rugged Tablet keeps up with and production ecosystems to your long work day. become increasingly connected and autonomous –ensuring ascalable, Choose your operating system – sustainable future. Microsoft® Windows or Android® with Google Mobile Services. The versatile Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) Mesa 3deliverspowerful performance, has approximately 20,000 employees long battery life and rugged reliability. in 50 countries and net sales of KOREC specialises in providing approximately 3.9bn EUR. Learn more Supplied as standard: measurement solutions, surveying at hexagon.com and follow us •Juniper Rugged™ equipment and mapping systems for @HexagonAB. •IP68 water/dust/shock proof the UK and Ireland. We are proud to be •Toughened sunlight-readable display The Smart Digital Reality™ one of the largest and most successful •RainMode touchscreen Trimble distributors in the world. We Hexagon’s Smart Digital Reality™ is a •High capacity battery also proudly stock UAV solutions via digital replica of acomplete physical our partners senseFly &Parrot, and world, where all associated things, Pair the Mesa 3with the Geode GNS2 – handheld mobile mapping solutions places and processes within it are our real-time, precision sub-metre, multi- from GeoSLAM. machine-readable and subject to the GNSS receiver –for adatacollection power of algorithms. Every Smart Digital solution that’s efficient, dependable and Our mission is to profitably help Reality has three defining characteristics: ultra-rugged. as many People, Businesses and • Digitally accessible: Provides Organisatios as possible be as seamless access to physical world effective as they can be. information in adigital world KOREC customers can therefore • Infinitely connected: Draws and depend upon asales consultancy acts on data from multiple sources and support team that has been fully simultaneously trained to meet the needs of UK and • Autonomously intelligent: Leverages Irish geospatial professionals in adiverse data to make unaided decisions and range of industries which include; becomes smarter over time survey, construction, engineering, rail, monitoring, utilities &forestry.

Visit our new look website today;

Hexagon Head Office Hexagon AB (Publ) P.O.Box 3692, SE-103 59 Stockholm, Sweden Lilla Bantorget 15 Juniper Systems Ltd KOREC Group SE-111 23 Stockholm, Sweden Birmingham, U.K. UK 0345 603 1214 Telephone: +46 8601 26 20 +44 (0) 1527 870773 Ireland +353 (0) 1456 4702 Fax: +46 8601 26 21 [email protected] [email protected] hexagon.com www.junipersys.com www.korecgroup.com

www.geoconnexion.com 21 LASER TECHNOLOGY 6 MYZOX 7 OXFORD TECHNICAL 8 SOLUTIONS

Myzox is the leading manufacturer OxTS offers arange of high-precision and supplier of world infrastructure Inertial and GNSS navigation systems development as atop brand of surveying for measuring motion, position and accessories and measuring tools related orientation. to construction and civil engineering. All products contain asix-axis Global sales network has been more than inertial measurement unit and either 50 countires, and having No.1 market incorporate aGNSS receiver or are share in Japan and South East Asian compatible with many external GNSS countries. receivers on the market. Inertial navigation systems combined Myzox products lineup cover wide with GNSS provide highly accurate variety of demands for various fields of measurements of position, acceleration, land surveying, construction and civil velocity, true heading, roll, pitch, etc. in engineering. real-time and post-process. Especially, Myzox focus on development Laser Technology’s reflectorless GNSS jumps, dropouts and multipath of accessories which increase work measurement technology is the ideal errors near trees and tall buildings efficiency with high-end instruments solution for collecting field data. Fieldwork are corrected by the tightly-coupled such as robotic total stations and laser is simplified as occupying measured navigation algorithms. locations is no longer arequirement in scanners. OxTS products integrate with other order to obtain GNSS coordinates. LTI’s Also, it’s important point for us to develop complimentary technologies including laser rangefinders integrate with GPS/ accessories with robust and repairable LiDAR and Photogrammetry sensors and GNSS devices and GIS software for a structure for long term use in order to are used across multiple applications in streamlined data collection experience. minimize accessory cost at end-users. Now fieldworkers can remotely position many industries providing users with features while measuring and recording Myzox new 360 prism, R-360, is the typical true georeferenced outputs that they additional attribute data such as heights, product of these policies and very useful can have full confidence in. widths and clearance values. This with hire/rental business by repairable Our OxTS Georeferencer and Boresight integrated GNSS solution enables you indivisual prism cubes. Calibration software gives users the to safely position yourself to capture ability to combine INS data with raw high accuracy coordinates around trees, LiDAR scanners to output highly buildings, or dangerous terrain, and accurate 3D Pointclouds. works even in unfriendly conditions for traditional RTK workflows. The TruPulse® laser rangefinder family of products are the most popular professional-grade laser measurement tools in the world for field measurements and mapping. With the option of continuous measurement, LTI rangefinders turn into manual scanners, allowing quick recording of only the needed data.

Stand: #E23_07 Hall 23

Oxford Technical Solutions Laser Technology, Inc. Myzox Co., Ltd. Park Farm Business Centre, 6912 S. Quentin St, Suite A 401 Yamagoe, Nagakute, Middleton Stoney, Centennial, CO 80112 Aichi 480-111 Japan OX25 4AL Phone: +1 (303) 649 –1000 Tel: +81-561-64-2210 Tel: +44 1869 814 250 [email protected] Fax: +81-561-63-7770 email: [email protected] www.lasertech.com www.myzoxjapan.com www.oxts.com

22 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine QUARRY ONE 9 RIEGL 10 SXBLUE GPS 11 ELEVEN

CheckOut theNEW RIEGL GENEQ Inc. is the developer and OnlinePlatformsNow! manufacturer since 2003 of the popular SXBlue GPS family of GNSS receivers. 2020 has been avery unique year where everyone has had to think outside of the With revolutionary technology, our box and to work in new spheres! mapping-grade receivers are the first to achieve sub-meter accuracy in real time RIEGL has enhanced their online activities without post-processing. to keep their customers and prospects up to date on the latest developments in The iSXBlue is the world’s 1st GNSS RIEGL’s Ultimate LiDAR Technology. receiver that connects via Bluetooth to any Smartphones, PDAs, Tablets and Notebooks.

Powered by its 372 channels, the SXBlue Platinum is the Ultimate Survey Grade GNSS receiver designed for RTK centimeter accuracy with any GIS application, including ESRI Collector and Survey 123.

You can now have the whole cm real- time solution with our new CORS Base Station the Net20 Pro.

For surveyors looking for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, our NEW F100 is the smart GNSS receiver with state-of-the- art positioning and communication technologies.

We also have the most extensive accessories catalog for all of our receivers. GET NOTICED IN THE CROWD Using these QR-Codes, you can get access to: You are working in an ever more RIEGL NEWSROOM competitive marketplace and to rise The platform for anything and everything above the noise, your key sales and NEW at RIEGL! marketing messages must be seen, Register at https://newsroom.riegl. understood and acted upon. international/ to learn about the latest To achieve these critical business goals, projects, product news, conferences and every geospatial company in the world exhibitions, webinars and podcasts! needs to stop talking about what it RIEGL RiCAST Podcast Channel is they can do and focus on what it is Here, you will find abroad list of podcasts they can do for their prospects and on the most diverse LiDAR topics. No customers. matter where you are -enjoy listening! RIEGL Webinars at RIEGL’s Video Lab That’s what we do for our clients Gain immediate access to an extensive list of RIEGL webinars with detailed information and insights into multiple topics and special features. GENEQ inc. The RIEGL online community is looking 10700 Secant St. forward to welcoming you! Montreal, QC., Canada H1J 1S5 RIEGL Tel: (514) 354-2511 Quarry One Eleven e-mail: [email protected] 1-800-463-4363 [email protected] newsroom: newsroom.riegl.international E-mail: [email protected] www.quarry-one-eleven.com www.riegl.com www.sxbluegps.com

www.geoconnexion.com 23 TALLYSMAN X TALLYSMAN X VEXCEL IMAGING X

Discover Tallysman®’s Line of Discover Tallysman®’s Line of Better strategic decisions through Exceptional Helical Precision GNSS Exceptional VeroStar™ Precision intelligent imagery Antennas GNSS Antennas Developing cutting-edge digital Tallysman®’s helical antennas provide The VeroStar™ wideband antenna aerial cameras and photogrammetric high-accuracy positioning in avery provides best-in-class low elevation processing software with constant light (10 gembedded or 42 ghoused) angle tracking of GNSS and L-band product upgrades and world-class and compact form factor (H =60mm correction signals. The wideband support has made Vexcel Imaging a xD=45mm). Helicals are ideal for spherical antenna element enables market leader in the geospatial arena. many applications, such as lightweight the VeroStar™ to deliver ±2 mm phase The industry-leading UltraCam aerial autonomous vehicles, handheld centre variation (PCV), making it ideal for sensor portfolio covers applications land survey devices, and automotive all high-precision surveying, positioning, from nadir to oblique to wide- positioning. and machine control applications. area data collection. The UltraMap The Helical line features aprecision- Tallysman’s VeroStar™ line of precision photogrammetric software suite offers tuned helical element (±3 mm PCV) GNSS antennas consists of pole mount aprocessing workflow for highly that provides an excellent axial ratio and surface mount models. The pole automated generation of exceptional without the need of aground plane. All mount VSP6037 provides full GNSS quality point clouds, DSMs, ortho Tallysman®’s housed helical antennas band coverage while the VSP6337 imagery and 3D textured TINs. come in arobust military-grade plastic provides triple-band coverage (L1/L2/ This end-to-end technology is the basis enclosure, while embedded models L5, G1/G2/G3, E1/E5ab, B1/B2/B2a) for Vexcel’s cloud-based aerial image are mounted using aring that traps the and the VSP6237 provides dual-band library providing organizations with antenna circuit board to any flat surface. coverage (L1/L2, G1/G2, E1, B1). The location-based insight and intelligence surface mount VSS6037 and VSS6337 through high-resolution vertical and Helical models offer full, triple, dual, provide full and triple-band support, oblique imagery along with other digital and single-band GNSS coverage, with respectively. All VeroStar™ models are representations of the world. The Vexcel L-band correction services supported by also available with L-band correction Data Program (VDP) is already powering several helical models. service support. the Geospatial Intelligence Center (GIC), Discover Tallysman®’s exceptional Discover the exceptional VeroStar™ an initiative launched by the National Helical family for all your precision family of antennas for all your precision Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to applications. applications. provide its 1,100 members with best- For product inquiries: of-breed aerial pre- and post-disaster For product inquiries: imagery. Tallysman Wireless Inc. Tallysman Wireless Inc. Intergeo 36 Steacie Drive 36 Steacie Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Online event Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 13-15 October 2020 K2K 2A9 K2K 2A9

Tallysman Tallysman General Inquiries Tel: +1 613 591 3131 General Inquiries Tel: +1 613 591 3131 Vexcel Imaging Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.tallysman.com www.tallysman.com www.vexcel-imaging.com

24 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine INTERGEO 2020 UPDATE INTERGEO DIGITAL 2020 TRADE FAIR EXHIBITORS MEET VISITORS, CONFERENCE SPEAKERS MEET THEIR AUDIENCE - EVERYTHING AS USUAL. AND YET EVERYTHING IS NEW! BECAUSE IN THIS SPECIAL YEAR 2020 INTERGEO WILL TAKE PLACE IN PURELY DIGITAL FORM WITH OVER 200 EXHIBITORS AND AROUND 150 LECTURES AND KEYNOTES.

Forthe first time,the international Geo- addition to the exhibitors’offerings,visitors to IT communitywill meet in virtual space INTERGEO DIGITAL 2020 will also be able to between 13-15 October.Visit the theme takeadvantage of the Stages programme on platforms SmartCitySolutions and Interaerial the topics of geoinnovation, BIM, drones and Solutions digital from the comfortofyour own SmartCityasusual. home at INTERGEO Digital! Digital is the only waytoreachthe market CONFERENCE with atop programme in these extraordinarytimes.The topthemes At the three-day CONFERENCE, around 100 of INTERGEO DIGITAL 2020 focus on current speakers will reportonthe contribution issues worldwide: the all-encompassing geodesy and geoinformation aremaking to digitalisation, questions of climateprotection, climateprotection, the digitalisation of the and the urgent need forexpansion of the construction industryand the resilience of our infrastructure. As always,the EXPO and cities.The programme includes technological CONFERENCE will focus on highly professional trends such as block chain, cloud computing knowledge transfer and the networking of and artificial intelligence.SmartMapping auniquely innovativeindustry. INTERGEO shows official cartographyinupheaval.The DIGITAL is supportedbythe sponsors programme includes first-class keynotes and Autodesk,Hexagon and Trimble. lectures on standardisation in digital planning and construction, as well as developments EXPO enablesglobal matchmaking and projects in Building Information Modeling More than 200 exhibitors will present their (BIM). Thechallenges and requirements of products and solutions to an international cities arethe focus of the CONFERENCE in the audience at INTERGEO DIGITAL EXPO from 13 SmartCitytheme area. Climateprotection to 15 October 2020. As always,EXPO means and adaptation to climatechange will global matchmaking forexhibitors and visitors. deal with the roadmap forthe climateand Thefocus will be on individual communication environmental policychallenges of our between the players. time –atalocal,regionaland global level. A and SAPOS opens-up formass market Through their profiles,exhibitors offer particular focus herewill be the “EU Green applications.All these topics arepresented the entirespectrum of activities that they Deal -Challenges forLand Management”. under the umbrella of POSITIONALE. Thetwo have shown at the trade fair stand in the Thepublic sectorisincreasingly exploiting sessions of the POSITIONALE takeplace on past. From individual discussions,product the potential of satelliteremotesensing. 15.10. from 9.30-12.30 with top-class speakers. presentations to panel discussions,exhibitors Forexample,Copernicus nowoffers image- have the opportunitytomaintain contactwith oriented processes under the keyword“AI”for Geodesy,Geoinformation, Digitisation, BIM, their customers and meet newcustomers detecting changes and,thus,toupdatethe SmartCities and UAVs:The international across all time zones.Visitors can reach the basic geodata. TheGeodetic Spatial Reference Geo-IT industrymeets from 13-15 October at supplier directly via search and orientation uses radar interferometrytomonitor ground INTERGEO Digital! Programme,exhibitors & functions and automated algorithms.In movements; GNSS celebrates its 30th birthday, products listing and tickets at www.intergeo.de

www.geoconnexion.com 25 OGCUPDATE

INNOVATIONS IN MACHINE LEARNING

WE AREABOUT TO BE SWAMPEDINLOCATION DATA. multiple recommendations forhow OGC web services can better supportmachine learning, ANALYSINGITWILLBEYONDHUMAN CAPABILITY,SOTHE such as developing experimental webservices to enable interoperabilityatthe model level OGCISEXAMINING HOWMACHINE LEARNING CANBE and improving webservice interoperability USED INSTEAD. RYAN AHOLA REPORTSONTHE RESULTS with Earth observation exploitation platforms. In OGC Testbed-15, the potential SO FARAND WHAT TESTSARE NOWBEING PLANNED of OGC standards to enable machine learning applications foroperational natural resources activities was explored. We areatthe beginning of arevolution. OGC has created acommunityforum on While arange of topics were examined, Technologies such as UAVs,nanosatellites, artificialintelligence in geoinformatics.The Iwill discuss twoapplications in detail. earth observation satellites,5Gand the OGC GeoAIDomain Working Group (GeoAI Internet of Things areset to become DWG) brings together geoscientists,computer Forestry management ubiquitous.Thatmeans location data scientists,engineers,entrepreneurs,and Forestryoperations arecomplex. Planning will become ever moreimportant in decision-makers from academia, industryand harvest activities requires consideration our lives,which poses achallenge for government to develop,share andresearch of manyfactors such as access (road today’smapping experts: howcan the latest trends,successes,challengesand availability), logistics,and weather this revolution improveexisting and opportunities in the field of AI and machine (appropriateweather conditions for supportnew,mapping applications, learning with geospatial data. TheGeoAI DWG harvestand construction). With historical and howcan existing technologies worksinteractively with the OGC Innovation information and current trends available to supportthisfundamental change? Program, including making recommendations provide insight intothese considerations, Thevolume of location data regarding innovation in OGC Testbeds. thereisanopportunityfor machine available todayismassive. Butfuture To explorethe potential of OGC learning to provide strategic information to location-centric technologies such as standards to enable machine learning augment the forestry planning process. 5G sensors and autonomous vehicles mapping,Natural Resources Canada has In OGC Testbed-15, asimplified mean the worldwill experience supportedresearch in OGC’s Testbed-14 and experiment was proposed to determine exponential increases in location data. Testbed-15 initiatives.These provide an agile, if machine learning,supportedbyOGC Making sense of such vast quantities collaborativeexperimentation environment standards,could optimise the deliveryof will not be possible with traditional, wherethe futureofgeospatial standards forestryproducts from source to market. human-centric mapping approaches. application and use can be explored. This encompassed productrouting,road Machine learning technologies will be OGC Testbed-14 provided the starting construction, and economic factors (historical critical to ensurewecan continue to derive point forthis effortwith an examination of lumber and fuel prices). Reinforcement important insights from location data. To howmachine learning can be supportedwith lLearning was used due to the complexity preparefor this future, the OGC has created OGC webservices,and howmachine learning of variables and the desired outcomes.A anew working groupand isfostering inputs and outputs can be published through potential five-year spatial harvest plan scenario innovation through the OGC Testbeds. OGC webservices.The resultssuggested was developed through this approach.

26 September2020|GeoConnexion International Magazine Application of the approach showedthat webservices meeting the Arctic geographic definition could be discoveredwithout prior knowledge of their existence.While promising, substantial challenges were identified, particularly around the completeness of webservice metadata.The presence of incompleteorinaccuratemetadata resulted in improper positiveidentification by the model.Thisrepresents achallenging problem as machine learning approaches areonly as good as the information theyare provided. Ensuring webservices can properly enable machine learning approaches will gain greater importance overtime as increasing quantities of spatial information require automatedapproaches foraccess and use.

Thefuture Research has shown that OGC standards can supportthe use of machine learning for mapping –animportant finding,asincreasing data volumes makeautomated discovery and analysis approaches necessary. To advance the use of machine learning towards operational spatial analysis,Natural Resources Canada plans to continue its collaboration with OGC. Our nextendeavour is OGC Testbed-16 wherethe potential of OGC standards to supportwildfire planning and response will be explored.With climatechange increasing OGC standards allowspatialdata infrastructures (SDI), such as Arctic SDI, to provide information the frequencyofdevastating wildfiresthat on demand.Machine learning can improvediscovery of available services within an SDI impactmanynations,understanding the potential of newtechnologies to help us manage these eventsiscrucial.Asgeospatial Results of the forestrymanagement OGC Testbed-15 explored machine standards will playanimportant role in the experiment reveal thatinformation provided learning of available webservices through provision of information to manage these through services implementing OGC geographic location. Theaim was to events,working to understand howthey standards can successfully enable amachine identify services that provide spatial can enable newapproaches is important learning approach to provisionally plan information forthe Arctic.The machine formapping experts and agencies to forestryoperations.While this work provided learning approach used positiveand consider as theyplan futureactivities. interesting ideas,additional research is negativetrainingdata to enable model necessarytodetermine howmachine learning recognition of typical characteristics of data Ryan Ahola is an environmental scientist outcomes can be implemented within forestry representing Arctic and non-Arctic areas. at Natural ResourcesCanada. The operations to achieve practical results. Using ascoring approach, webservices author would like to thank Brian Low With aviewtowards this work,several that fitthe characteristics of Arctic data at the Canadian Forest Servicefor his improvements to OGC standards were would be kept, with others rejected. help in putting this article together proposed,including better support of dynamic,high frequencyaccess to OGC WebServices,and advancing the implementation of OGC APIs to better supportmachine learning applications.

Webservicediscovery Many organisations offer spatial information through webservices that can be freely accessed.For example,approximately 3,500 webservices representing about 86,000 layers,are provided by Canadian organisations and collated on the nrcan.gc.ca website. Given this quantityand varietyofdata, discovering requiredinformation through factors such as theme or geographic location is important. Machine learning presents an opportunitytoidentify web services meeting specificcriteriawithout having knowledge of their existence. Testbed-15 architectureillustrating howmachine learning can leverage existing OGC webservices

www.geoconnexion.com 27 FIGUPDATE

MODERN TIMES

HOWREADY AREGEODETICSURVEYORGANISATIONS establishing,operating andmaintaining a CORS network;and increased training in TO MODERNISETHEIR NATIONAL GEODETIC REFERENCE geodetic theoryand implementation. FRAMES?RESPONSES TO AUNQUESTIONNAIREREVEAL Resourcing THECHALLENGES,ASWELL AS POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS. Acapacitydevelopment resource plan to increase personnel,investment, training, RYAN KEENAN AND ROBSARIB CRUNCH THENUMBERS scholarships and grants fromnational sources as well asexternal assistance (preferably Theneed to modernise geodetic reference building/training,educational and facilitated by a‘centralised’group); improve frames (GRFs) has highlighted the importance resource-related.There is oftenalack awareness of funding options,eligibility of establishing the foundations foreducation, of organisational abilityand supportto and access mechanisms from national training and capacitybuilding (ETCB) to ensure justify the establishment and ongoing and international sources; and introduce that the related infrastructureand systems maintenance of geodetic infrastructureand mechanisms forsuccession planning of aresustainable.Recognising this,the ETCB systems. As aconsequence,outsourcing is staff and participation in regional capacity working group of the United Nations (UN) apreferred option, especially when there development events andworkshops. Global Geospatial Information Management is adesiretoestablish aGRF quickly,in (GGIM) Subcommittee on Geodesy (SCoG) lieu of learnhow to do it domestically. Education created aquestionnairethat asked national Identifying and prioritising the skillsets More resources forand coordination of geodetic surveyorganisations (GSOs) to and the most appropriatepeople to attend information sharing and exchange events examine their present and futurecompetency relevant training and workshops is also ledbyacademia, FIG, IAG, UN GGIM and needs in termsoftheir national GRFs. difficult, and even though many‘experts’ UN SCoG ETCB thatfocus on: advocacy Analysis of the responses areavailable to provide training in core and benefits of aGRF to decision-makers, revealed the following: competencies,thereisnoformal system to stakeholders and community; data sharing; •Current andtarget competencylevels access this capacityorsupportthe‘providers’. regional corecompetencies,new GNSS arehighly dependent on the size, Thereisalso alack of resources and geodetic technologies,applications location, topographyand tectonic pertaining to budget, equipment, software, and systems; and learning mechanisms setting of their member state. geodetic and supporting infrastructure. that arewidelyaccessible,easy to discover, •Most want to “upskill” Training and educational institutes and intuitively usable,and interchangeable. •All have challenges maintaining their facilities were oftenlacking,and thereis current and target competencies in all adeficiencyinpolicies, legislation, and Collaboration andknowledge exchange relevant technologies and techniques supportorwillfromdecision-makers. Augmented capacitydevelopment workshops as their organisations evolve detailing the technical aspects of GRFs, •Most anticipated the necessaryduration to Thefollowing solutions were standards and practices,sharing geodetic and improvecompetencytobeeight years,with identified: geospatial data, along with exploring novel 45% expecting to need up to four years. Training to raise GRF competencies or web-based means of engaging with the Themajor challenges to GRF-competency Primarily in the areas of improved tertiary privatesector, academia and independent identified were institutional,capacity education on surveying fundamentals; experts to provide advice,and support.

28 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine Increasedregional alliances Recent activities in South East Asia and the PacificIslands indicatethat pathways that have led to moderatesuccess areregional cooperation between other member state GSOs and involvement with development partners and professional organisations to address both geospatial and GRF challenges or specificoperational or technical topics.

Nextsteps Moving forward, GSOs would benefitfrom an independent holistic evaluation of their current competencies,current and future resources; and alignment and harmonisation of their target competencies with their or their countries’strategies,visions and outcomes.Upon completion of this analysis, theyshould createacapacitydevelopment plan (CDP) in consultation with other regional member states,and the assistance and supportofall sectors of industry. CDP initiatives fornational GSOs should also incorporatethe concepts of the UN GGIM and WorldBank’s Integrated Geospatial Information Framework –one of the nine strategic pathways of the IGIF,‘Capacity and Education’, is integral to achieving acountry’sgeospatial information management, governance, technological and people outcomes. To aid respondent assessments of current and futurecompetencies,amatrixofthe common Ryan Keenan and RobSarib aremembers necessities of amodernGRF,categorised intofour levels,with an increasing levelofcompetence, of UN SCoGETCBand FIG AP CDN knowledge and know-howper level, was generated

www.geoconnexion.com 29 INDOOR POSITIONING BUILDING AT SPEED AN INDOOR POSITIONING TECHNOLOGY ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED FOR USE WITH CARS IS FINDING APPLICATIONS IN OTHER SECTORS, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION. JENNIFER EDIS LOOKS AT HOW IT WORKS AND WHAT THE CHALLENGES WERE IN ADAPTING IT

30 September2020 | GeoConnexionInternationalMagazine Theadvent of the use of GPS technology Networksofground-based transmitters fortesting andcontrol has delivered offer asignificant solution forlarge-scale unprecedented accuracyinthe measurement radio-positioning.With autonomous of speed and position. Applications synchronisation of terrestrialtransceivers, involving amoving target benefitfromthe theydeliver highly accurate, completely high dynamic capabilities that have driven autonomous position solutions forhigh- technological advances in sectors including end applications including the military. automotive, mining and construction. Ultra-wideband (UWB) beacon systems However, the relianceonGPS transfers use base stations,reference transponders its limitations to anytechnology intowhich and external computing powertodeliver it is integrated.The most common problem 5cm accuracy. Theseare commonly used encountered is loss of satellitesignal when fortransport applications with permanent aclear line of sight to the skyisrestricted installations forrail positioning and portable because the receiver is indoors,underground, systems forautomotivetesting,which when in an urban canyon, or obscured by natural combined with an inertial measurement unit or manmade obstacles such as dense tree (IMU) can bring accuracycloser to 3cm. coverage or passingunder abridge. Whilst these solutions areeffective, Positioning technology has adapted theyhave limitations.Cost-benefitratios over time to meet the demands of many can be prohibitiveifthe robust levelof sectors craving the capabilities of GPS in such accuracyisbeyond what is required or,in environments.Indoor positioning forhigh the case of construction, if the installation volume location and tracking is commonplace is not permanent. Theprerequisiteof in warehousing,logistics,and tracking large amounts of hardwareincluding base people and goods.With relatively lowspeed, stations,bespoke receivers,reference stations dynamics and accuracy, it is scalable and and processing computers not only has integrates well with other automated systems. cost implications,but the complexitycan However, the demands of other sectors impede integration with other systems. have posed moreofachallenge to indoor Additionally,solutions that have been positioning systems (IPS). Automotive developed forasingular application can applications requirecentimetreaccuracy at maketransitioning or integrating with high speeds with seamless transition from other applications convoluted.The time GPS to IPS. Autonomous vehicle control has and difficultylevel of installation can be equal requirements with the addition of limiting forapplications wheresites arenot operating in large and,inthe case of mining permanent or forfacilities with multiple and tunnelling,often hostileenvironments. locations.And finally,thereisthe simple issue Construction is perhaps the most demanding of cost. Limited budgets can makesolutions sectorofall,requiring all these capabilities unfeasible or push the price of an integrated combined with the need foraflexible and productbeyondarealisticprice point. transferable installation due to the variety When devising asolution that overcomes and relative short-term operation of sites. these limitations,weevaluated several Open air construction has reaped the existing technologies.WiFiand other non- benefits of GPS technology,but the sectorhas UWB radio signals arecost-effectiveand been somewhat neglectedwhen it comes to proven technologies,but aregenerally IPS. My company, Racelogic,which previously inaccuratedue to their reliance on signal specialised in the automotivemarket, recently strength rather than time of flight. Optical launched anew indoor positioning system systems present the oppositeevaluation, called VIPS (VBOXIndoorPositioning System), with high accuracyatthe expense of high which we believe offers asolution that will costs.Theygenerally also requirealarge provide the construction industrywith an amount of calibration and can be fragile in accurate, affordable and adaptable IPS to challenging environments,asthe system bring GPS technology to anyconstruction site. canlose lock and struggle with reacquisition However, indoor positioning systems if thetarget passes behind an obstacle. arenot anoveltechnology,sowhat Conventional UWB,while aproven isdifferent about VIPS and whydoes technology in warehouse and similar Racelogicbelieve it is ideal forapplications applications involving the tracking of alarge in the construction industry? number of slow-moving tags and easily modifiable to track asmaller number of items Construction challenges at ahigher rate, still retains acentralised Thechallengesfaced by IPS have been met structurerequiring data communications with arange of technology solutions,each and time synchronisation to all of the with its ownstrengths and target applications. in-building infrastructure. Additionally,

OPEN AIRCONSTRUCTION HASREAPEDTHE BENEFITSOF GPSTECHNOLOGY, BUTTHE SECTOR HASBEEN SOMEWHAT NEGLECTEDWHENITCOMES TO INDOOR POSITIONING www.geoconnexion.com 31 INDOOR POSITIONING

integrations. Perhaps most importantly,itis affordable,and it is the price point that has seen VIPS generateintereee st from VIPS was originally designed foruse with cars,but has since been adapted to sectors including adiverse range of customers. construction VIPS and its sister technology VPRS (VBOX the use of acentral computer to calculate –for example,the floor plan of abuilding Precision Ranging System) locations leads to larger and oftenvariable or construction site–inknown positions arebeing developed for latencyofthe position data at the target. that have been manually surveyedusing a applications including handheld laser,total station or,iftime is of the indoor/outdoor surveys, Intelligenceonthe move essence,aself-survey. Afull VIPS system can snagging,AR, machine Thebase technology we selectedto be deployedin25minutes and provide 2cm control,crane safety,depth develop VIPS was UWB,due to the positive accuratepositions immediately.The small size measurement and automated balance of cost and performance forindoor of the beacons makes installation possible in guided vehicles.Itisalready being used in applications.However, as detailed above, almost anyenvironment and its portability the drilling of foundations in adense urban aconventional warehouse style system lends itself to multiple usage locations. construction siteinSan Francisco,inthe US. has significant limitations regarding the AUWB receiver on the target object Thesimplicityofits installation and use, infrastructurearound the test area. communicates with the beacons and uses paired with high performance accuracy To overcome these limitations,the trilateration to determine its position. This data also makes VIPS attractivetosystems intelligence of the VIPS system is housed is combined with the measurements from a integrators.Optical tracking systems are in the mobile unit on the target, thus highly accurateinertial measurement system, starting to reduce in pricetothe point allowing the rest of the system to be providing real-time, 3D position to within wheretheyare nowbecoming practical for simplified and removing the need forany 2cm, including the option to output attitude, manyapplications.However, theystill suffer special cabling or timing synchronisation pitch (±0.1°), roll (±0.1°) and heading (±0.5°). from the fragilitypreviously mentioned between the in-building equipment. The in that once lock is lost on atarget, they fixedstructureonly requires power, and Taking learningfrom carsto can takeasignificant amount of time to forshortterminstallations this can easily construction re-acquireit. This is especially true if the be supplied via small batterypacks. In line with Racelogic’s automotiveheritage, target is moving at the time.Using multiple In addition to simplifying the installation VIPS was initially developed forthe automotive tracking systems is aviable solution but it and setup process,this on target approach testing market. However, it was essential re-establishes the issue of prohibitivepricing. allows the system to operatewith alow that it was flexible in its designand rangeof Combining the affordabilityand and constant latencyinthe position output, potential applications so that it overcame performance of VIPS with this newgeneration something that is critical formanymachine manyofthe limitations of existing systems. of robotic optical systems has other benefits. control type applications that have come When considering construction Theoptical system can further increase the to expectthis from GPS position sources. applications,the levelofperformance speed of the VIPS set-up process and once in As aresult,VIPS delivers better than delivered by VIPS was undoubtedly apriority, place,VIPS provides an effectivepartner to the 2cm accuracywith an updaterateof but this had to be combined with other optical system. If the moreaccurateoptical 100 times asecond,makingitideal capabilities specifictothe needs of the system does lose position it can reference fordynamic applications.The levelof construction industry. Itsease of set-up and the VIPS provided location and use it to seed accuracyismaintained with seamless non-permanent installation options means the optical tracking system, greatly reducing transition from GPS to VIPS with that it does not add excessivetime to project the reacquisition time.Ifalso combined with reacquisition in less than 0.2 seconds. plans and can be transferredbetween an inertial system to smooth the transitions VIPS delivers this performance by using sites.Itisalso adaptable,sothat integration between VIPS and optical positioning,the final anetwork of independent beacons placed with other technology and machineryis output can maintain optical qualityposition around the perimeter of the operation area simple,with flexibilitytoallowfor bespoke even in environments whereline of sight to the optical system is frequently obscured. A FULL VIPS SYSTEM CAN BE DEPLOYED IN 25 MINUTES AND Jennifer Edis is brand marketing manager PROVIDE 2CM ACCURATE POSITIONS IMMEDIATELY at Racelogic (www.racelogic.co.uk)

32 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine FIND YOUR PATH TO UNMANNED Discover how UAS can give you a competitive edge, your X factor. Hear new ideas, make valuable connections and experience groundbreaking technologies that will take your business to new heights. Only at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2020.

A FULLY VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE | OCTOBER 5 - 8 REGISTER NOW | XPONENTIAL.ORG EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HELP FROM THESKIES UAVS ARE A GREAT TOOL FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS. BUT GETTING THEM TO SITUATIONS QUICKLY, SAFELY AND AUTOMATICALLY WILL TAKE ACCURATE POSITIONING INFORMATION AND NAVIGATION, WRITES ELLEN MALFLIET

“112,what’s youremergency?”It is a busy hindered by challenges in the terrainsuch ground-based network transfers these data afternoon in the emergencycentre. A call as bodies of water ordense forests. onto the internetfor others to seeinreal-time. comesindescribing aroadaccident ona The use ofUAVsin emergency Flightsbeyond visual line of sightrequire remote highway along the coastline. The managementrequires a new approach, where tracking via qualified ground equipment. dispatcherlocates theapproximate location their management does not take up additional A space-based radio networkismade on a map and createsaflight path that resourcesbutisinstead integrated intothe up of satellites that cancommunicate automatically gets routed tothenearest UAV. responders’existing dispatch platform. Assoon with devices on Earth.Aspace-based Kilometres away,asleeper UAV asthe emergency call is received in the control radio network also includes ground-based automatically dispatches towards the scene centre, thedispatcher generatesaflight path. infrastructureformaintaining thesatellites and of the accident,scoping thesituation. Thesystemvalidatesandrefinesthistrajectory, so on.Communication withaspace-based Minutes after the initial call,images from taking into account stable information radio network requiresoneormoresatellites the scene reach the emergency centre. The such as legislation aswell as constantly to be within radio range of the Earth-based dispatcherknowsexactly which materials changing datasuchas weather conditions. device–understood to be anobstruction- to sendtogetthesituation under control. free path between theEarth-based device Soundslikescience fiction? It could Wirelesscommunicationchannels and satellite,asgenerally the frequencies be reality in the next coupleyears. Thegeospatial aspect is of vital importance. chosencannot pass through objects. UAVs can be agreat toolforemergency Safe executionofautomated flight means The mostcommontypesofspace- responders to reply faster to emergency the UAV needs to have 100% clarity based radio networks are navigation situations and to assess the situation to about where it is going and what to do if – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou dispatch the proper services and materials. connection is lost. Procedures for handling – and communication. Navigation is a This is especially important in areas that “loss of communication”involve sending requirement for almost all UAVs if they are difficult to reach. Distance is a very an emergency response team after the fly automatically on trajectory or mission important dimension. The response needs to UAV to re-establish communication flights. It is unsafe but possible for a UAV be immediate and fitting to the situation at a fixed timeframe after it is lost. to fly without a communication system, hand. Underestimating the materials needed To ensure there is sufficient positioning as only the last known position is available for the situation creates problems down the accuracy, two wireless system come into and remote control is not possible. line, as the ambulance or fire crew discovers it play. A double connection is created with A ground-based radio network consists is underequipped to tame a rapid escalating a wireless navigation system to satellites in of base stations placed in a mesh network crisis. Likewise, materials that are dispatched space and a wireless communication system to provide direct radio communication with unnecessarily can be sorely needed elsewhere. to ground-based radio networks devices in a specified geographical UAVs offer a solution: quick, cheap (LTE). Both are necessary and work area. The existing 4G mobile and easy to dispatch, they can cross in sync: the satellite system provides network provides an internet vast distances in minutes without being the positioning data, whereas the connection to make the tracking

34 September2020|GeoConnexion International Magazine information available to thecommunity. Energy in compliance withtheEuropean and accurate scopeofthe situationat Othertracking systemscommonly used in Delegated Regulation and ASTM F3411 hand leads to better, faster deployment of aviation, such asFLARM orADS-B,lackthe standardrequirements forUAVflights.The the right materials.Thesafe integrationof necessary certified ground infrastructure to broadcast data can be assessed in real- UAVs in the wider ecosystemisacondition send tracking information to the internet. time by the generalpublicusing a mobile of paramount importance totakefull Moreover, widely deployingthosesystems scanner app and bylawenforcement advantage of the economic,societal and would require anextensivedeployment personnel through the useofasecured environmental benefits UAVshave to offer. of new antenna infrastructure. application onamobile device. Since noaffordable tracking system for Backtoour control centre.The Ellen Malfliet is CMO at Unifly UAVs was available, Uniflydeveloped BLIP dispatcher creates the missionandthe call (www.unifly.aero) in compliance with the ASTM standards is sent toadistributed UAVnetwork. UAVs and the new European UAVlegislation. are activated and programmedtoflytotheir BLIP receivespositioning information from destinations when needed. This requires an satellites andbroadcasts itsposition over integration betweentheflightcontrollerand 4G: the satellite communication protocols the UAV management system to support accept the tracking information,the 4G fully automatic autonomous operations. network makes it available to the ecosystem. The dispatcher createsacorridor,a The use of a trackersuch as BLIP that temporaryno-flyzone along the UAV’s combines various satellite communication path. Muchlike an ambulancetoday protocols enhances the positioning accuracy. weaves its waythrough a trafficjam,an TheBLIP devicessendbinary tracking data emergency UAV needs to takepriority over the LTE4Gmobile network using overother UAVtrafficinthe area. To encrypted data.Adata collectorreads, ensure this pathiscleared,thesystem checks and decrypts the incoming data from immediately communicates the UAV’s the BLIP, convertsthedata to JSONformat trajectory to all other users. Creating and forwards it to Unifly’sPublic REST API the flightpathandoutfitting the UAV to make it available toother applications, with a trackerprovides a high levelof including the UTM platform, the operators accuracyandremote control.This, in turn, or third-party real-timemapping software. eliminates theneedforalocalpilot. In addition to the transmission of The dispatcher creates a corridor, a temporary no-fly tracking data, BLIP broadcasts the UAV’s The future is bright zone along the UAV’s path. Creating the flight path Remote Identification, 3D location and UAVs can provide a clear benefit to and outfitting the UAV with a tracker provides a high take-off position over Bluetooth Low emergency management. An immediate level of accuracy and remote control over the UAV

Emergencyresponders want to use UAVs to reply faster to emergencysituations and to assess the situation to dispatch the proper services and materials

www.geoconnexion.com 35 DISASTER MANAGEMENT SEEING ANDFEELING THE DAMAGE IN ADISASTER, OPTICALDATACAN BE USED TO MONITORDAMAGEAND RECONSTRUCTION OVER LARGEAREAS.SAR DATA MAKESITPOSSIBLE TO ‘SENSE’THE GROUND’S MOTION. VINCENZO MASSIMI EXPLAINS HOWTHE TWO CANBECOMBINED –AND AREBEING USED IN THERECONSTRUCTIONOF INDONESIA, FOLLOWINGTHE RECENT TSUNAMI

Around the globe,manytypes of natural and risk and reconstruction monitoring.In a“building motion”map.This provides disasters can affecthumanity: earthquakes, particular,synthetic apertureradar (SAR) data the levelofconcernofeach monitored tsunamis,volcanic eruptions, floods,hurricanes can acquireimages in anyweather condition element, which can be updated monthly or wildfires. These disasters harmlives and and independently of the light from the sun. using the SAR data acquired periodically by the economy, especially fordeveloping SAR interferometry(inSAR) takes satelliteconstellations such as Sentinel-1. countries,wherethe mortalityishigher and advantage of aseries of images acquired Optical images,onthe other hand,are thereare usually longer-termconsequences over time,allowing users to followthe an excellent aid formonitoring changes in foreconomic growth, development, evolution of deformations of the ground, vast areas.Whether theyare acquired from and povertyreduction. Governments so theycan monitor instabilities.Itallows satelliteorairborne platforms,itisquite need appropriateriskmanagement formillimetre-scale measurements of intuitivethat optical data can be useful for strategies to respond to disasters quickly changes in ground deformation. analysing the effects of extreme events, and to minimise human suffering, Persistent scatterer interferometry comparing the images acquired immediately environmental harmand economic loss. (PSI) uses SAR satelliteimages to generate afteranevent with the historical ones. Earth observation can contributeto ground motion maps.Adetailed map of What is less widespread is the use of mitigating the impactofdisasters by providing buildings in the areas affectedbythe disaster optical data to monitor reconstruction hazardmapping,supporting services for makes it possible to fuse data from ground activities in areas affectedbydisasters.It the assessment of exposure, vulnerability, motion and the terrain, thus generating is in this area that the extraction of geo-

A floating mosque in Palu that collapsed due to the tsunami on 28 September 2018 in Indonesia (© Arif Nur Rokhman on Unsplash)

36 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine GEOINFORMATION FOR A SMARTER WORLD

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Ground motion maps in Palu beforeand afterthe earthquake master plan forrecovery and reconstruction. Indra and Planetek Italia contributed to the implementation of this plan with abatch of Earth observation-based services.The primaryinformation provided was related to terrain deformation mapping (beforethe earthquake) followedbythe updateofterrain information mapping (afterthe quake) and reconstruction monitoring with VHR images. Themain purpose was to help the local authorities better understand the hazards,so theycan makemoreinformed decisions in elaborating aredevelopment master plan. Indra and Planetek delivered regular monitoring of the reconstruction status based Howground/building motion measurements integratewith VHR images to monitor reconstruction on the VHR optical satelliteimages and the classes of motion of everysingle monitored element based on the measurements of the displacement of the monitored elements and their nearby areas.The integrated information delivered allowedfor the characterisation of the movements of the wide areas and of each single building,based on the PSI ground motion map,and to retrieve reconstruction and rehabilitation statistics based on the interpretation of the VHR satelliteimages. Pre- and post-event maps were delivered through the business intelligence visualisation tools of our Rheticus platform, to supportthose involved in reconstruction. Theground motion maps delivered coveredthe liquefaction and landslides areas.The webapp demystifies the complexityofPSI by simplifying the analysis Example of one PS displacement (mm) overtime computedthrough the PSI of the movements –evenassmall as few millimetres –ofeach measured point located analytics from images servestoobtain while controlling anyrisks related to a on buildings and infrastructureelements in quantitative measures and indicators: territoryincontinuous transformation. the urban and peri-urban zones.For each forexample,tomonitor the stateof measured point, the webinterface provided reconstruction compared to what is planned, Supporting reconstruction apop-up windowthat shows detailed to better supportland management. On 28 September 2018, a7.5 magnitude information about the groundmotion. Using optical and SAR data, continuously earthquakestruck the island of Sulawesi, Meanwhile,the ‘building motion’ acquired forareas affectedbydisasters, Indonesia (see GeoConnexion International dashboardprovides the levelofconcernfor enables the creation of indicators and September 2019). Theepicentrewas Palu, each monitored element everymonth, based metrics,which can be an essential resource the provincial capital located on abay on on the ground motion map.This enables forlocal authorities.The Earth observation the island’s northwest coast. Thequake users to watch overthe reconstruction and data helps to better understand the hazards triggered atsunami that swamped the city keep under control and mitigatethe risks associated with seismic activity, flooding,and with 10-metrewaves. Thecombination of related to the instabilityofreconstruction landslides,sousers can makemoreinformed the earthquake, tsunami, soil liquefaction, areas,which still have to settle afterthe decisions in the redevelopment master plan. and landslides claimed well over 2,000 lives, earthquakeand the subsequent tsunami. Afterwards,monitoring the reconstruction destroyed homes,buildings,infrastructures, and extracting analytics about the progress and farmland in several districts. VincenzoMassimi is Rheticus technical of the worksenables users to monitor the Recognising the need to relocate specialist at Planetek Italia implementation of the plan in extensive settlements from the liquefaction-prone areas, (www.planetek.it). Various other areas,highlighting delays and critical issues the Indonesian government developed a colleagues contributed to the article

38 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine SURVEYING ON THE FACE OF IT 13 YEARS AGO, PAUL REICHARDT SURVEYED A CALIFORNIA CLIFF-FACE FROM A BOAT USING A TOTAL STATION. WHEN ASKED TO CAPTURE A PRECISE ORTHOMOSAIC AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF ITS STRUCTURE THIS YEAR, HE APPROACHED ROBERT LAFICA FOR A LESS PRECARIOUS METHOD. TOGETHER, THEY DEVELOPED A NEW PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TECHNIQUE FOR CLIFF SURVEYS. MARY JO WAGNER REPORTS

When surveyorPaul Reichardt approached says Lafica. “Myphotogrammetrysoftwareis up,established vertical and horizontal RobertLafica, owner of Central Coast Aerial top-notch at triangulating nadir images,but parameters,and capturedmeasurements Mapping (CCAM), about acquiring acliff- I’dnever triedoblique drone images.With to the house and the lot and as much of face survey, he was frank in his response: oblique images,the land that’s closer to the the edge face of the cliff that we could.It “I’ll try, but I’mnot sureitwill work.” camera is quiteclear but it’s less clear the was precarious and crazy, but it worked.” As aspecialist in photogrammetry, Lafica further away it is.Iwasn’t sureifthe software However, when he was requestedto is skilled in producing detailed 3D stereo- could calculatethose odd angles to properly capturethe bluff again, Reichardt tapped based topographic maps,orthophotos and triangulate. That was abig question mark intohis long workingrelationship with orthomosaics and surface models –CCAM because without accuratetriangulation, I Lafica and approached him forasafer,more has been providing such products since 1977. couldn’t properly map or mosaic the cliff.” efficient and moreaccuratetechnique. And he’s provided photogrammetric services Reichardt needed a1.2cm orthomosaic manytimes fortraditional cliff surveysusing No more crazy, please of the entireareaofinterest (AOI), a3cm 3D fixed-wing aircraftthat collectnadir images. Thebluff in question sits just off the topographic contour map of the cliff face This survey, however, was unique. famed PacificCoast Highway1inCayucos, and top-of-bluff surface and avector-based It requiredimaging the side of the cliff California. Perched precariously on topof (digital terrain model (DTM) accurateto3cm. to produce aprecise orthomosaic and the nearly 12m-high bluff is asweeping Thetopographic map needed to have 30cm topographic map of its structureand residence that Reichardt knew well –13 contours and also clearly showthe mean integrity.Lafica was confident he could years earlier,heperformed the same high water (MHW)line,which delineates capturethe 250m-long bluff with his coastal cliff surveywith atotal station. privateand public foreshoreboundaries. UAV; the challenging unknown was the “Because of the length and steepness of Given the small AOI, the abilitytotilt the abilitytoaccurately triangulateoblique the bluff,you have to be about aquarterofa UAV’scamera foroblique imaging,and Lafica’s images and map them in stereo. mile (250m) offshoretoget thefull face,” says willingness to push his photogrammetry “A drone would allowmetocapturethe Reichardt, aprofessional land surveyorand technology,the conditions were favourable cavesand pockets along the cliff face,which photogrammetrist with Terrain Group.“We fortesting andpotentially proving anew you can’t get with a traditional nadir angle,” took a boat out to a rock, set the instrument photogrammetric mapping concept.

Photogrammetrist RobertLafica preparesthe UAVfor launch.

www.geoconnexion.com 39 SURVEYING

Paul Reichardt, measures one of the ground control targets with aTrimble R8 receiver To capturethe cliff side,Lafica flew the UAVwith the camera angled at 40º

From all angles Lafica and Reichardt went to the bluff in Februarytosurveythe site,timing their arrival with the lowest tide window. WhileLafica prepared the UAV, Reichardt set out six black and whiteground control point (GCP) targets around the property and along the beach and then used his Trimble R8 GNSS receiverto measuretheir positions to within 1.2cm. They also established four checkpoints,orphoto ID points,around the AOIasqualitycontrol points forthe phototriangulation process. Aftersetting ground control, Lafica immediately launched the UAVbeforethe tide washed away the GCP targets on the beach. Flying at an altitude of 40m, the UAV coveredthe sitefromboth nadir and oblique camera angles in nine passes,collecting 158 photos at an average groundsample distance of 1.3cm. To capturethe cliff side, Lafica flew the UAVabout 27m away from its face and angled the camera at 40º. The finished 3D topographic contour map of the site, including the mean high-water line. While Lafica was capturing the aerial survey, Reichardt used the Trimble R8 and a5600 total station to collectthe property with multiple connections across the Afterthe final triangulations were corners and some top-of-surface elevations images to match images to each other. finished,Lafica movedall the photos to his to integrateintothe 3D topographic map. Afterthe initial triangulation, Lafica then photogrammetric workstation to produce In less than twohours,they zoomed intoeach phototolocatethe aDTM andviewthe imageryinstereoand were packing up to go home. control point targets and attached precise createthe precise 3D topographic map.He “Ittook me 2.5 days to completethis cliff coordinates to each target in theimage. compiled terrainbreak lines across the entire survey13years agowith my conventional With that additional georeferencing, cliff face –fromthe rockybase of the bluff methods,” says Reichardt. “Robertand Idid it UASMaster then performed the final to the top–that were accurate to 0.3cm inone evening.That’s ahuge time savings, triangulation, connecting all the imagery and symbolised planimetric features such as but even moreamazing is the end result.” to the ground controland setting the dense trees and brush, structures,fencing images in the correct positional accuracy andscattered rocks and boulders.Healso Full frontalmapping in 3D fororthorectifying and mapping. delineated the MHW contour line along the To begin the mapping process,Lafica Thetruetest of the software’s shoreaswellasthe water surface elevation first needed to tie photos together to triangulation capabilities came next, when line to precisely illustratethe position of orientatethe project. Because he captured Lafica loaded the 80 oblique images into the tide line at the time of data acquisition both nadir and oblique images,he UASMaster foraerial triangulation. To in relation to the MHW line –acritical processed the twoimage sets separately, his surprise,the softwareautomatically map element forReichardt’scustomer. beginning with the nadir imagery. deciphered the unique characteristics of off- “With conventional surveying,it’sdifficult Lafica loaded the 127 nadir photos,the nadir imaging and processed them just as well to scale the face of acliff to get equal UAVGNSS data and the GCP positions into as traditionalUAV photos –all in 45 minutes. elevation forthe survey to the MHW line,” says Trimble’s Inpho UASMasterphotogrammetric “Toaccurately tie the oblique images Reichardt. “And it’s challenging to acquire the softwaretoautomatically triangulate together,the softwareneeded to use detail of arockybluff.But Robertnailedit. the images.Processing the images in different routines and algorithms to Themap hadaperfect MHW line,the water batches,itautomatically pinpointed figure out puzzles likethe camera lens surface elevation line,the exactness of the 6,368 common features or tie points (TPs) distortion values.And it did,”saysLafica. break lines and all the rocks and structures.

40 September 2020 | GeoConnexion International Magazine SURVEYING

Theside viewofthe property perched precariously on topofthe bluff

three yearsago,” says Lafica, “but this is beyond what Ithought Icould achieve in stereo mapping.Most importantly,this success givesusthe opportunitytooffer a unique service and build newbusiness.” Lafica used Trimble’s Inpho OrthoVista orthorectified images intoaseamless orthomosaic If Reichardt approaches Lafica about It’s an incredible amount of detail that Ithink intoone seamless,colour-balanced and acquiring acliff-face surveyagain, hisresponse only aphotogrammetrist can provide.” geometrically correct orthomosaic of the maystill be frank,but he’ll likely answer Lafica also created orthophotos and entireAOI at a2Daccuracyof3cm. with amuch moreassured,“Ican do that.” then used Inpho’s OrthoVista module,the About one week afterthe field survey, photogrammetrytool forcreating seamless Lafica delivered the 3D topographic map, MaryJoWagner is afreelancewriter orthomosaics,tostitch each orthorectified the orthomosaic and avector-based DTM who has been specialising in the image together.Inabout twohours,the to Reichardt. “Weprovedthatwecan map geospatial industryfor 27 years.She can softwaremosaicked the orthophotos in stereo from nadir drone imageryabout be reached at [email protected]

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www.geoconnexion.com 41 3D VISUALISATION

MAKINGA CONSTRUCTION SITE ‘BOMB-PROOF’ information from the GEKVdepartment to 3D STEREOSCOPY IS BEINGUSEDINHAMBURG TO conductanon-site search if it is suspected DISCOVERWHERE SECOND WORLD WARBOMBS thatunexploded ordnance might be present. MIGHTSTILL BE LOCATEDONCONSTRUCTION SITES. Twoviews Since 2004, all analysis of wartime aerial ANDRE GESSNER EXPLAINS HOW photographs by the GEKVhas been done digitally.The department interprets wartime Hamburgisone of the German cities Every discoveredimpactpoint is precisely aerial photographs to clarify whether or not that suffered most during the Second measured and allowance is made forthe theremight be unexploded ordnance present. WorldWar.Between 18 May1940 and unexploded bomb’s drift. In the beginning,it 3D stereoscopyhelps to differentiatebetween 17 April 1945, atotal of 213 air raids was assumed that the maximum difference small craters and mounds,what aresuspected were flownagainst Hamburgand some between the point of entryintothe ground locations of unexploded bombs,and what 107,000 high-explosivebombs,three surface and the final location would be aretreecrowns or open manhole covers. million incendiarybombs and 300,000 between 4m and 5m. “But todayweknow “A very important element of our work phosphorous fire-bombs were dropped. that it could be as much as 9m,”saysThomas is spatial 3D-stereo representation, because Before anyconstruction work begins Otto,the head of the department. “Last that lets us see whether ablack spot on in Hamburg, it is necessarytoprecisely year,three unexploded bombs were found the image is asubsidence or an elevation: reviewwhether unrecoveredunexploded in places whereduring the 1990s searches Asubsidence can be an indication of an bombs might still be buried on an were made forthem in aradius of 5m around unexploded bomb that entered the ground, intended construction site. Therisk and the impactpoint and nothing was found.” but did not detonate,”explains Otto. unexploded ordnance survey(GEKV) In Hamburg, asurveymust therefore He cites another example in which department of the HamburgFireService is also be conductedbeforeany construction overlapping twophotos helps to determine responsible forcategorising construction work.This requires the siteowner or the asuspectedcase.“Stereoscopymakes it sites in the municipal area in termsoftheir party wishing to excavate the ground to easier to see whether or not the intermediate potential risk forthe presence of ordnance. submit an application to the GEKV. The floors were present in damaged buildings. Categorisation is based on the evaluation applicant then receives amap section of the If theywerestill there, that partofthe site of historical aerial photographs,sourced planned construction sitecontaining the is no longer under suspicion, but if none of from both Allied and German armed forces most precise information possible about the floors remained,itmost definitely is.” from the period between 1940 to 1946. potential dangers so that these can be Aprerequisitefor an interpretation of this Whereavailable,secondary sources such investigated at as lowacost as possible.A type is that twophotographs of the same as logbooks or other written records. privateservice provider uses this detailed scene taken at different times areavailable.A

42 September2020|GeoConnexion International Magazine automation stops.Every aerial photograph earmarkedfor interpretation was scanned in at high resolution. Forthis,itwas of the utmost importance to use only rawdata, because subsequent image processing can corrupt the information content. Softwarewas developed based on Esri’s ImageServertechnology to achieve the fastest possible image retrieval.Thomas Otto adds that one major advantage of these efforts is that several staff can nowworksimultaneously and in parallel on the same image,something that was previously not possible on physical photographs.“That was abig step towards speeding up our procedures,” he says. However, Otto says attempts to use artificial intelligence have not paid off:“We’ve tested and examined that very intensively. Pixel-based patternrecognition gets us nowhere, because the number of hits in automated image analysis is much toolow. Working out what aresuspectedlocations of unexploded bombs,and whatare tree crowns or open Just think:Only aproportion of the bombs manhole covers: 3D stereoscopyhelps to differentiatebetween small craters and mounds that areactually documented in awartime aerial photograph have been verified! continuous series of images by reconnaissance That’s waytoo uncertain! As supporters of planes was taken in most cases,with the systematic digitisation and automation, camera being triggered at fixedintervals. even we have to admit defeat here. We However, the altitude at which the planes trust digitisation and automation only flew was not constant, resulting in distortions whereitmakes sense,ormorespecifically in the aerial photographs.Suitable measures whereitbenefits obtainingthe best and enable these distortions to be almost most reliable result. To us that means: eliminated,sothat interpretation with very professional GIS softwareplus monitors plus accuratepositioning is nevertheless possible. ahuman specialist forprofessionalanalysis “When adarkspot can only be seen andthe most reliable interpretation.” on one photoit’sobvious that this is an artefact, or conversely it maybethe case that An incendiarybombweighing 1.8kgthatstruck AndreGessner is head of marketing ablack dot on the mono image reveals for Hamburg. An impactbysuch abombistoo small at Schneider Digital examplethe presence of just an advertising and cannot be directly verified in wartime aerial (www.schneider-digital.com) column in the stereo image,” explains aerial photographs photograph interpreter Matthias Otto. Thedepartment uses Schneider Electric 3D PluraViewmonitors forstereoscopy. Thomas Otto asserts that “working in darkened rooms likeinthe 1990s is athing of the past since the arrival of 3D PluraViews”. Asystem with shutter glasses had previously been used, “which put agreat strain on the eyes”and the reflection from the monitors was so great that “although youcould see yourself very clearly,you could only recognise the aerial images moderately”, he recalls with agrin. The27”and 28”stereo passive3Dmonitors nowused overcome these issues,offering resolutions of 4K/UHD per eyeand are certified forall common 3D stereo software applications in GIS, photogrammetryand mapping.The main interpretation software used by the department is Erdas Imagine from Hexagon Geospatial and ArcGIS from Esri.

Thedelugebegins Prior to digitisation, therewerejust over 200 applications to the department; today thenumber is around 11,000 per year.To keep on topofthe deluge of orders and to speed up procedures,intensiveefforts were made to pull out all the process Reconnaissance photos taken by Allied planes reveal wherebombs were dropped

www.geoconnexion.com 43 September/October 2020 Contents VOLUME 18 // ISSUE 5 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & GEO:INNOVATION MACHINE LEARNING 56. Stand and deliver! 48. Practice makes perfect Seppe Cassettari sets his sights on Britain’s muddled and costly addressing Richard Flemmings discusses the system and argues that enough is importance of training data in applying enough Machine Learning to the classification of Earth Observation imagery

52. Creating pictures by measuring time

A radical new method of imaging which harnesses Artificial Intelligence to turn time into visions of 3D space could help cars, mobile devices and health monitors GEO:POLICY develop 360-degree awareness 57: Unlocking the power of location

‘Our vision is that by 2025 the UK will have a coherent national location data framework.’ So says the Geospatial Commission in a recently-published policy paper. Here, we summarise the measures it proposes to do just that

GNSS 54. Going places with SDR receivers

As Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers find their way into many and EVENTS varied applications, Etiido Uko and John Polak explore their benefits for satellite 60. Extracting real value from navigation and positioning GeoAI

HIGHWAYS 61. On the road to digital transformation

Steve White explains how council highways departments can break free of existing data silos and help make it happen

Departments & listing

45. News Extra Events listing can now be found on 47. Modern Surveying www.geoconnexion.com 50. Observations Onward and upward! With job losses, recession and Covid-related new National Space Innovation Programme3 Australia, as well as an anticipated relaxation Peter Fitzgibbon, Editor gloom hogging the headlines, causes for are expected to help the sector grow out of of Covid-related import controls elsewhere optimism seem strictly limited. All the more the pandemic, said Neil Evans, Investment should all help boost confidence. reason, then, to take heart from the findings Manager for the Space Sector at the DIT. The survey finds that many companies of a survey, unveiled at the end of July during Although Covid had impacted customer are beginning to revisit previously-identified a webinar co-chaired by the Department for demand at home, he noted that demand trade and investment opportunities. “Our International Trade (DIT) and the UK Space from overseas had held up somewhat better. teams are seeing this at first hand,” says Evans, Agency, which suggests the UK space sector is In summary, around 50% of respondents had who adds that while the small sample of weathering the storm better than most. experienced the same or increased demand companies represented may not represent the Although the survey represents feedback over pre-pandemic levels. On the supply side, whole picture, it nevertheless gives reason for from just 44 companies1, 80% of them 50% of respondents again reported little or optimism. expect to be up to pre-Covid capacity within no change. Reason for optimism is also to be 1. Those wishing to participate in the monthly six months. And with the right adaptation, found in the survey’s finding that expansion survey can make their views known by logging-on 75% of them expect the sector to make a full plans remained intact for many respondents. to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XZV6NSW recovery. Much of this will be contingent on The survey also gives a clear indication that 2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leading- the-new-space-age-government-backs-ambitious- government support and direction and, here, while the remainder of this Financial Year will plans-for-the-uk-in-space last year’s announcement of a National Space prove challenging for exporters, a recovery 3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ Council to join-up departmental activities and during the next FY is widely expected. A call-for-applications-national-space-innovation- formulate a national strategy2, as well as the strengthened DIT presence in Indonesia and programme-nsip

NEWS EXTRA

Airbus Partnership Supports 4 Earth Intelligence Vision for Satellite Services Earth observation company 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI) is partnering with Airbus Defence and Space to release the power of Airbus very high resolution satellite imagery for applications such as climate resilience, air quality monitoring and environmental mapping. As a Diamond Reseller, 4EI has privileged access to the Airbus OneAtlas Platform, which gathers multi-source, multi-resolution data and value-added layers. Under the partnership, 4EI will derive a series of earth observation products and services using a wide range of satellite data including the daily updated multi-resolution and Silicon Sensing’s inertial premium optical satellite data (Living Library), the curated global imagery layer updated annually (Basemap) and the WorldDEM measurement technology to equip dataset, for 3D analytics and rendering. www.4earthintelligence.com first small SAR satellite from iQPS Silicon Sensing Systems’ high performance DMU30 micro electro- mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) has been selected by the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) of Fukuoka, Japan, for the control system of Japan’s first X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) small satellite. This is a 1m resolution, high-performance, X-band SAR-satellite weighing only 100Kg. Ultimately, iQPS plans to deploy 36 of these satellites, offering an earth observation data service to support tasks such as disaster management as well as land and infrastructure surveying. In this environment the advantages of Silicon Sensing’s MEMS technology over traditional high-performance options, such as fibre optic and ring laser gyro devices, are clear. The DMU30, Silicon Sensing’s highest performing IMU, is an ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)-free product that matches the performance of a FOG unit but is far more rugged, ideal for operating over extended periods in the harsh space environment. www.siliconsensing.com

1Spatial announce the release of 1Data Gateway v2.1 1Spatial, a global provider of Location Master for users with no training required and can be Data Management (LMDM) software and deployed on the cloud or on-premise. It offers solutions, announced the general release internal, external and supply chain users a of 1Data Gateway v2.1. 1Data Gateway is a secure, fully scalable and customisable product web-based portal for spatial data validation, to handle both spatial and non-spatial data processing and analytics. It provides a simple files. This release includes several powerful automatic rejection of submissions, giving and controlled way to deliver validation rules, new features, including the introduction of customers more control over validation corrections and data enhancement processes conformance thresholds which enable the of their data. www.1spatial.com

www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 45 NEWS EXTRA

Cityscape and Bluesky MetroVista 3D Models Bring Virtual Reality to the Property Sector Cityscape Digital is using photorealistic 3D mesh models from aerial mapping company Bluesky to create live, interactive 3D environments to illustrate proposed city developments. A specialist in computer-generated imagery (CGI) solutions for the property sector, Cityscape has already created a number of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences using Bluesky MetroVista models, for clients including Canary Wharf Group and Greycoat Real Estate. Cityscape was one of the first to embrace CGI for the property sector producing multi-media experiences using gaming technology. Cityscape created its first marketing animation based on the Bluesky data creating a virtual tour and film of the Vinters Place landmark central London office development. Using the Unreal Engine gaming platform, Cityscape has also utilised the Bluesky MetroVista data to support a bid by Canary Wharf Group to develop a prime real estate location in central London. www.bluesky-world.com

4 Earth Intelligence Heat Hazard Data Supports Resilience Planning across UK The UK’s first street level map of areas potentially at risk from extreme weather conditions has been warmly received since its launch. Created by earth observation company 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), with support from the Ordnance Survey through Central government and the NHS must its Covid-19 Response licencing, the free at point of use Heat Hazard Postcode now use UPRNs and USRNs to unlock the data is already being used to plan the provision of urban green spaces, assess power of place vulnerable populations and inform climate change strategy. Early adopters of the From 1st July, Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRN) and Unique Street Reference data include the Greater London Authority Numbers (USRN), which are the unique numerical identifiers for UK property and street (GLA), numerous local authorities and locations, will be the standard for central government and NHS organisations for referencing several central government departments. and sharing property and street information. These unique identifiers are now openly Derived from satellite imagery and available and royalty free for use on Open Government Licence (OGL) terms. Mandating the use created using automated algorithms, of UPRN and USRN location data in this way is set to revolutionise the way that organisations the 4EI data identifies hot spots, usually use and connect data across all service areas, within and between organisations. Each identifier within urban areas, where temperatures is a golden thread that leads to greater accuracy, cost savings and increased productivity. can be up to 3-4 degrees higher forming All applications that use data sets containing properties and streets must use the correct what is known as an Urban Heat Island identifiers and should be verified via a trusted source, such as GeoPlace. www.geoplace.co.uk (UHI). www.4earthintelligence.com

Microsoft Bing Maps adds TomTom data to its maps The Microsoft Bing Maps Platform is powered by multiple data providers and, to ensure it is using the best data, that mix of providers evolves and improves over time. In February last year, Microsoft and TomTom announced TomTom’s map and traffic data would be incorporated into mapping scenarios across Microsoft Azure and Bing, in addition to powering Azure Maps. Microsoft says the partnership with TomTom will enhance their mapping portfolio, helping to deliver the best mapping experience across multiple platforms. As a result, Bing Maps is switching to TomTom for base map data for all regions outside of China, Japan, and South Korea. The process of rolling out the new TomTom base map data to Bing. com users and Microsoft first party products began in March 2020. www.greymatter.com

46 September 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com MODEODERRNN SUSURRVVEEYYINGNG

Technology gives us the ability to learn about the world in new ways Be curious -and thrive Mark Poveda finds there is no time like the present to prepare ourselves for an uncertain future

over the last few months. Unlike a full-time degree or masters, lifelong learning is something that can be Mark Poveda Responding to change achieved in regular, small, bite-sized chunks. is Group Commercial If coronavirus has taught us anything, it is Take our own KOREC GEOSCHOOL, which ran Director of KOREC that, as people, we are adaptable, resilient for 48 sessions over the spring and summer. Group (www. and fast to respond to change (it’s also With each session lasting around 30 korecgroup.com) taught us that people we encounter on the minutes, we covered a huge range of topics street or in the supermarket have a widely from mobile mapping, data workflows, It’s my pleasure to have been handed the varying concept of what two meters looks planning drone missions…the list goes on! baton of this column from my colleague and like - but that’s another issue). By finding time to build these small, good friend, Neil Pollock, who has made the Looking towards an autumn that may be regular chunks of learning into our busy leap from co-worker to customer as he joins filled with uncertainty, how can we continue working days, we are slowly but surely the team at Three Sixty Mapping. I hope that to adapt our businesses, our working updating our knowledge and awareness of I can emulate the success that Neil made of practices, and ourselves, to ensure that we the ever-changing industry in which we work this column, albeit in my own style. are best-placed to ride out the potential – which could give us that crucial edge when I should kick-off with a little about me coming storm? we most need it. – as Group Commercial Director of KOREC, For me, one of the best ways to remain To put it another way, and quoting the I steer the commercial direction of the resilient is to constantly be adding to my famous inventor, Alexander Graham Bell: company, managing relationships with our pool of knowledge about our wide and “There cannot be mental atrophy in partner organisations and ensuring that our varying industry. Such is the pace of change, any person who continues to observe, to customers have access to the most up-to- in terms of the technological developments, remember what he observes, and to seek date and most relevant geospatial products workflows, new working methodologies & answers for his unceasing hows and whys and services. Working out of our Dublin client expectations, that relying on a degree about things” office, I have an overview of both the UK & obtained over a decade (or two!) ago, just As mappers, surveyors and builders, it Irish markets – a perspective that I hope to isn’t sufficient any longer. is not only our job, but our obligation to share more of in future columns. continue to observe, ask questions, and to I take on this column at an interesting New strings to our bow be curious about our fascinating and ever- (if challenging) time - with the news that In order for us to survive as organisations changing industry. the UK has entered the worst recession and as individuals, we need to regularly on record, and predictions that Ireland’s add those figurative strings to our bow, 1. https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy- economy may contract by up to 9% this in order to give us the edge and to retain euro/economic-performance-and-forecasts/ year.1 These figures are certainly dramatic, that competitive advantage. Happily, the economic-forecasts/summer-2020-economic- but they are unsurprising, given the almost technology is here to enable us to do this, forecast-deeper-recession-wider-divergences_ total shutdown of businesses and services quickly, easily, and even enjoyably. en#economic-forecast-map

www.GEOconnexion.com // September/October 2020 47 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE &MACHINE LEARNING

Practice makes perfect Richard Flemmings discusses the importance of training data in applying Machine Learning to the classification of Earth Observation imagery

It is a truism, accepted for more than 60 GIS, ML is about optimally solving a specific For the purpose of this discussion we years, that the output of a computing process problem. ML can also be used to achieve will consider supervised ML, i.e. a learned is only as good as the data that goes into it. new levels of efficiency, productivity and response based on examples of the correct Garbage in garbage out (GIGO) or, in the UK, potentially accuracy, although it should come answer. The quality and integrity of these Rubbish in rubbish out (RIRO) assumes that with a warning! examples, known as training data, are erroneous, out-of-date, inaccurate, or simply therefore critical if we are to have confidence unfit-for-purpose data will, when logic is Making sense of data in the process outputs. Let’s not forget applied or analysis undertaken, produce There are a number of subdivisions of ML rubbish in = rubbish out. incorrect or unreliable outputs. with classifications including supervised As already mentioned, there is a vast Within the GIS sector this has never been learning vs unsupervised, and also different resource of EO data already available … one more relevant, for data is being collected at classification or learning algorithms. In that is being continuously expanded and an unprecedented rate: country-wide aerial simple terms, a supervised learning model updated. However, this resource is only of surveys are gathering imagery at 12.5 cm uses algorithms that learn on a labelled data value if information can be derived from the resolution; national mapping programmes set before being evaluated against a training raw data. So how do we ensure that we get are capturing 500 million geospatial data set. Unsupervised models, in contrast, the best results possible using ML? Again, features, and some 700 Earth Observation do not require training data - the model assuming we are using supervised ML, we (EO) satellites are imaging the globe’s entire tries to make sense of the data by extracting need to show the computer what to do, and landmass every day. features and patterns on its own. then we need to provide examples of what This wealth and volume of data - and happens when this process is executed potentially valuable information - sits correctly. alongside staggering improvements in computer performance that allows data to be Decisions, decisions automatically queried or classified. Artificial One supervised learning methodology for Intelligence (AI) and its subset Machine classification, regression and other tasks is Learning (ML) are also making significant known as Random Forest (RF). This operates inroads within our sector and being hailed as by constructing a multitude of decision trees a possible solution to potential data overload. during the training process and generates an AI is the overarching concept of output based on the mode of the classes for intelligent machines that can simulate classification and the mean output of all the human thinking capabilities and behaviour individual trees for regression. while ML is a subset of AI that sees machines Having used RF to create a variety of By Venkata Jagannath - https://community.tibco. learning from data and or experience com/wiki/random-forest-template-tibco-spotfirer- data layers, recently launched as the Country without being explicitly programmed. Most wiki-page, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia. Intelligence suite, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI) importantly, especially within the field of org/w/index.php?curid=68995764 has gained considerable experience in the

48 September/October 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE &MACHINE LEARNING

However, this would be impracticable training, does not require a great deal of and potentially costly for, say, regional parameter adjustment and fine tuning, with or global classification studies requiring the default parameterisation often giving continuous updates. The amount of excellent performance. Notwithstanding, training will also impact classification as the outputs of 4EI’s Country Intelligence accuracy, with the optimum size usually GIS suite can vary enormously depending on related to the choice of classifier and the the study region, we continuously refine the dimensionality of the input data. selection of training data used. The training data used must also be So, in conclusion, it is really no surprise capable of producing the same outputs that the more considered the selection of that are required of the finished product, training data, the better the outputs of thereby preventing mislabelling or Machine Learning will be. Training data classification problems due to pixel should be relevant, current, accurate, mixing. Multiple studies have suggested complete, and all those other positive that a proportional approach can achieve attributes we commonly associate with higher overall accuracy, but it is important geographic data and analysis. However, it is to know the proportions of the map also important that consideration be given classes prior to making the map. to the desired outputs of the workflow. As The selection of training data for this article started with an adage, it seems analysis should reflect the area that is fitting to conclude with a few more that being studied and the currency of that seem particularly apt, so, ‘you can’t make a data; after all, it’s important to compare silk purse out of a sow’s ear’, ‘practice makes use of ML to process EO data. like with like, so there is no point applying perfect’ and even sometimes there is no Although the RF method of Machine training data from an urbanised area to need to ‘use a sledgehammer to crack a nut’. Learning has been used to good effect, one that is sparsely populated, or in using we still need to be mindful of the learning data from a similar region that is out-of- process and the training data employed. So date. Richard Flemmings is Partner and what is the optimal training data size? And CTO of 4 Earth Intelligence (https:// what constitutes a sufficient amount of Practice makes perfect www.4earthintelligence.com) based in training data? One advantage of the RF methodology Bristol and with offices in Abu Dhabi, As you may expect, there is no easy for satellite image classification is that it UAE. He holds an MSc in Geographical answer to this question. The selection of is not sensitive to noise or overtraining Information Science and has been training data – its source, content, coverage, as the output is based on the average involved in the geospatial industry for currency, detail, accuracy etc. – is directly outcome rather than a weighted value. more than 18 years, gaining world-wide comparable to the outputs required. For Random Forest is also computationally experience in delivering innovative and example, for a small area requiring a more much lighter than some other methods technically demanding projects. Richard is detailed classification, it may be possible and there are multiple open-source a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society to create training data from field surveys implementations that can be utilised. (FRGS) and a Chartered Geographer and higher resolution source imagery. In addition, this workflow, after initial (CGeog GIS).

ML IN ACTION: COUNTRY INTELLIGENCE DATA

In these 1:20,000 scale images, a Random Forest Supervised Machine The 4EI Country Intelligence suite includes six distinct layers Learning approach has been employed to classify LandSat-8 satellite that are provided as a mixture of point, line and polygon features. imagery for Ethiopia (pictured left). The output Land Cover data The layers; Demographics, Land Cover, Points of Interest, Significant (right) follows the USGS classification structure with a confidence Events, Transport and Wealth Index, have all been created using measure given to the final data layer. The methods adapted by 4 Earth satellite imagery in combination with other geospatial and archival Intelligence have ingested training data derived from earlier Land resources together with different analysis and interpretation Cover studies. Although deployed to LandSat-8 imagery within this workflows including ML. The data is already available, off the shelf, example, the approach is adaptable to provide outputs at different for a number of countries across the Middle East and Africa and other levels of detail in the future. areas can be produced on request.

www.GEOconnexion.com // September/October 2020 49 OBSERVATIONS

Averting catastrophe Part 2 With the recent catastrophe in Beirut fresh in mind, what further disasters-in-the- making can we prevent or mitigate? Terri Freemantle speaks to Murray Purves at Riskaware to discuss another potentially volatile situation and how satellite data and mathematical modelling is being used to assess the risk

Above Image: The FSO SAFER (pictured centre) with (left) a Sentinel 2 satellite overview image acquired in Terri Freemantle mid-June 2020 Right: a WorldView 3 satellite close-up view, also acquired in mid-June (Satellite image ©2020 is an Earth Observation Specialist with the Satellite Maxar Technologies) Applications Catapult, based at Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire (www.sa.catapult.org.uk) Can you talk me through the mathematical modelling undertaken and what were In a lonely area of the Red Sea, off Yemen’s the biggest challenges of this analysis? West Coast, rests an unassuming oil The Riskaware team brought together tanker which holds a dirty secret. This its capabilities in both atmospheric tanker - the FSO SAFER - is an abandoned and oil spill dispersion modelling to floating oil terminal with a cargo of bear on this urgent problem. We used over one million barrels of oil. NOAA’s HYSPLIT model to undertake the Since the outbreak of the Yemeni atmospheric dispersion modelling portion civil war in 2015, the SAFER has fallen of the study, with our own MarineAware into a state of disrepair, and there are model used for the oil spill modelling. concerns in the international community Because of the uncertainty concerning that the vessel is at risk of releasing its the state of the SAFER, it was difficult to cargo into the environment, either from estimate exactly what a potential release an oil leak from the vessel itself or from may look like - both in terms of the amount an onboard explosion/fire, leading to of pollution, and the way in which it the release of pollutants. It represents would be released (e.g. spilled into the a ticking timebomb that would have a water, or burned causing air pollution). catastrophic economic and environmental In the absence of accurate and up-to- impact on vulnerable ecosystems and local date information regarding the condition of populations, many of whom rely on the Murray Purves the vessel, we took a ‘worst-case’ approach: waters of the Red Sea for their livelihoods. initialising the models with a source term But how can the relevant authorities Applications Catapult to apply its incident representing the rapid release of all the assess the potential impacts of a release modelling expertise to predict the potential vessel’s cargo, either into the water as for from the vessel? I am speaking with Murray impacts of a release of air and water-borne an oil spill model) or into the atmosphere. Purves, Senior Consultant at Riskaware, to pollution from the SAFER. This would The fact that the SAFER is at risk of find out how data and technology can help. better inform the international discussion releasing a large amount of pollution surrounding the fate of the tanker and the is a given. However, we don’t know Murray, how did Riskaware become risks it poses to the region. We undertook when a release may occur. Additionally, involved with this work? this work on behalf of the UK’s Department weather and tidal conditions in the Riskaware was contracted by the Satellite for International Development (DFID). region are highly seasonal, with changing

50 September 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com OBSERVATIONS

utilising data corresponding to a randomly sampled release time within this period. The outputs from these model runs were then processed to generate combined ‘probability of exceedance’ plots. Rather than showing the output from a single prediction of oil/air pollution dispersion from a release, these plots represent the risk of certain areas experiencing heavy contamination should a ‘worst-case’ release occur.

I think we can safely say this analysis is a clear example of using data to drive impact, can you explain how this work has been actioned at the practical policy level? The results of these modelling campaigns have been used by DFID to contribute to the international conversation surrounding the vessel, with the results being disseminated internationally at the highest levels. We consider ourselves very privileged to have This Riskaware risk impact analysis (left) predicts an oil spill four times larger than the Exxon Valdez. Recovery been asked to work on this project. We aim to could take more than two years and potentially cost up to $20bn. Heavy contamination and pollution could apply our experience with incident modelling extend as far as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, with some oil passing beyond into the Gulf of Aden. The analysis in a way that can hopefully help bring about a (right) predicts the impact of air pollution resulting from of an onboard fire and/or explosion. More than 8,000 water wells would be at risk of contamination, reducing access to water and increasing the risk of disease constructive outcome in a complex situation, outbreaks. Up to 60 humanitarian organisations could suspend services due to unsafe air, cutting services by providing actionable intelligence that for seven million people in need. These maps are based on MarineAware oil spill and HYSPLIT atmospheric can be used to affect positive change. dispersion modelling outputs and show the areas predicted to be most at risk of contamination for a release occurring between July and September Murray, thanks for sharing your prevailing winds and currents. This conditions we can use; instead, we took insight on this unique analysis. means that a release occurring in July, for a statistical approach. We took three This project was funded by the example, might travel in a very different years of historical data and separated it UK’s Department for International direction to one occurring in January. into four roughly seasonal periods. For Development. If you would like to find Unlike the model source term, there each of these periods, hundreds of model out more about Riskaware, please visit is no obvious ‘worst case’ set of weather runs were carried out, with each run https://www.riskaware.co.uk/

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www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 51 AI & ML

Creating pictures by measuring time A radical new method of imaging which harnesses artificial intelligence to turn time into visions of 3D space could help cars, mobile devices and health monitors develop 360-degree awareness

Photos and videos are usually produced by information about photons instead of their Those graphs are then turned into a 3D capturing photons – the building blocks of spatial coordinates. image with the help of a sophisticated neural light – with digital sensors. For instance, network algorithm. The researchers ‘trained’ digital cameras consist of millions of pixels Stopwatch for photons the algorithm by showing it thousands of that form images by detecting the intensity Their process begins with a simple, different conventional photos of the team and colour of the light at every point of inexpensive single-point detector tuned to moving and carrying objects around the lab, space. 3D images can then be generated act as a kind of stopwatch for photons. Unlike alongside temporal data captured by the either by positioning two or more cameras cameras, measuring the spatial distribution single-point detector at the same time. around the subject to photograph it from of colour and intensity, the detector only Eventually, the network had learned multiple angles, or by using streams of records how long it takes the photons enough about how the temporal data photons to scan the scene and reconstruct it produced by split-second flash of a pulse of corresponded with the photos that it was in three dimensions. Either way, an image is laser light to bounce off each object in any capable of creating highly accurate images only built if one gathers spatial information given scene and reach the sensor. The further from the temporal data alone. In the proof- of the scene. away an object is, the longer it will take each of-principle experiments, the team managed In a new paper published in July in the reflected photon to reach the sensor. to construct moving images at about 10 journal Optica, researchers based in the UK, The information about the timings of frames per second from the temporal data, Italy and the Netherlands describe how they each photon reflected in the scene – what although the hardware and algorithm used have found an entirely new way to make the researchers call the temporal data - is has the potential to produce thousands of animated 3D images – by capturing temporal collected in a very simple graph. images per second.

52 September 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com AI &ML

Fig. 1. 3D imaging with single-point time-resolving sensors. The approach is divided into two steps: In step 1, a pulsed Fig. 2. Numerical results showing 3D imaging from a laser beam flash-illuminates the scene, and the reflected light is collected with a single-point sensor -in this case, single temporal histogram recorded with a single-point a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) - that provides a temporal histogram via time-correlated single-photon time-resolving detector. (a) Temporal trace obtained from counting (TCSPC). In parallel, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera records 3D images from the scene. The ToF camera operates the scene [shown in (c) as a colour-encoded depth image]. independently from the SPAD and pulsed laser system. The SPAD temporal histograms and ToF 3D images are used (b) 3D image obtained from image retrieval algorithm to train the image retrieval Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Step 2 occurs only after the ANN is trained. During when fed with the histogram from (a). The colour bars this deployment phase, only the pulsed laser source and SPAD are used: 3D images are retrieved from the temporal describe the colour-encoded depth map. histograms alone.

Dr. Alex Turpin, Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Fellow in Data Science at the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, led the University’s research team together with Prof. Daniele Faccio, with support from colleagues at the Polytechnic University of Milan and Delft University of Technology. Dr. Turpin said: “Cameras in our cell- phones form an image by using millions of pixels. Creating images with a single pixel alone is impossible if we only consider spatial information, as a single-point detector has none. However, such a detector can still provide valuable information about time. What we’ve managed to do is find a new way to turn one-dimensional data – a simple measurement of time – into a moving image Dr. Alex Turpin which represents the three dimensions of Fig. 3. Experimental results showing the performance space in any given scene. of the system recovering the 3D image from temporal “The most important way that differs world situations. histograms in different scenarios. The first column shows temporal histograms recorded with the SPAD sensor from conventional image-making is that Dr. Turpin added: “The single-point and TCSPC electronics [rows (a)–(d)] or with the RADAR our approach is capable of decoupling light detectors which collect the temporal data transceiver [row (e)], while the last column represents altogether from the process. Although much are small, light and inexpensive, which 3D images measured directly with the ToF camera of the paper discusses how we’ve used means they could be easily added to existing for comparison to the reconstructed images (second column). The colour bars describe the colour-encoded pulsed laser light to collect the temporal data systems like the cameras in autonomous depth map. The white scale bar corresponds to 80 cm at from our scenes, it also demonstrates how vehicles to increase the accuracy and speed 2m distance. we’ve managed to use radar waves for the of their pathfinding. same purpose. “Alternatively, they could augment we’re keen to start examining our options existing sensors in mobile devices like for furthering our research with input from Adaptable method the Google Pixel 4, which already has a commercial partners.” Dr Turpin continues: “We’re confident that simple gesture-recognition system based Note: Although the described the method can be adapted to any system on radar technology. Future generations experiments used a ToF camera, the paper which is capable of probing a scene with of our technology might even be used notes that any other 3D imaging system, short pulses and precisely measuring the to monitor the rise and fall of a patient’s such as LiDAR, stereoimaging, or holography return ‘echo’. This is really just the start of a chest in hospital to alert staff to changes devices, could be used for collecting the whole new way of visualising the world using in their breathing, or to keep track of their ground-truth data for the training process. time instead of light.” movements to ensure their safety in a data- Currently, the neural net’s ability to compliant way. The team’s paper, titled ‘Spatial images create images is limited to what it has been from temporal data’, is published in Optica, trained to pick out from the temporal data of Next step the monthly scientific journal of The scenes created by the researchers. However, “We’re very excited about the potential Optical Society. The research was funded with further training and even by using of the system we’ve developed, and we’re by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the more advanced algorithms, it could learn looking forward to continuing to explore Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, the to visualise a much varied range of scenes, its potential. Our next step is to work on a Engineering and Physical Sciences Research widening its potential applications in real- self-contained, portable system-in-a-box and Council (ESPRC) and Amazon.

www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 53 GNSS Going places with SDR receivers As Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers find their way into many and varied applications, Etiido Uko and John Polak explore their benefits for satellite navigation and positioning

Image: Shutterstock

Receivers that process Global Navigation easily updated to implement changes in an can be seen in Fig.1. Satellite System (GNSS) signals for existing GNSS, or to work with a new one. The process of signal reception and navigation and positioning purposes are Satellite navigation has thousands of processing in a GNSS SDR begins with usually configured as specialised hardware. commercial, civil, and defense applications identifying all probable satellites to be used, However, it is a field undergoing continuous where SDR receivers can be very easily using user-provided or locally stored data. change in which such hardware can no integrated. They can also be combined with This process is followed by the acquisition longer be considered a viable and practical other location technologies to improve their stage in which the SDR uses software solution. The major satellite-based systems functionality and accuracy. In comparison, to emulate a multichannel receiver, by – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou - are entirely hardware-based receivers are usually assigning the PRN (Pseudo Random Noise) continually being improved with the addition constrained to particular applications. Even codes of individual incoming signals of new technologies. slight upgrades in a GNSS would require to particular channels. Typically, most Likewise, regional, as well as disproportional changes to implement in the channels (about 12) are dedicated to master augmentation satellite systems, undergo receiver hardware. system signals, while a few (2-3) handle regular updates. Conventional hardware receivers exhibit augmentation systems signals. The receiver Furthermore, various new GNSS systems high performance in signal reception channels switch to the tracking stage after are currently being developed around the and processing. However, they lack the signals have been received. This stage world. Hardware receivers lack the crucial flexibility and configurability that have involves some critical operations such as flexibility required to keep up with all these become a priority in the field of GNSS. The tracking of synchronization parameters and changes and upgrades. This has led to the use of ad-hoc hardware to create flexibility frame detection. development and application of Software is considered impractical and inefficient. The navigation stage is the final stage. Defined Radio (SDR) technology in GNSS SDR receivers provide high versatility and The receiver calculates the user position receivers. configurability while providing equal or by collecting all the data received from superior performance. every channel, aligning it into a coherent Hugely flexible set, and running the navigation routines SDR receivers offer numerous benefits SDR architecture to estimate positions. Signal processing in in satellite navigation. Because of their These characteristics are a result of an SDR each channel is performed independently configurable architecture, these highly architecture that comprises an antenna, a of the others, while final calculations of flexible receivers can work across different front end (FE), an analog to digital converter positioning equations require a combination GNSS systems without any hardware (ADC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array of all received data. In entirely software SDR change. Only a simple software upgrade or (FPGA) + Digital Signal Processing (DSP) unit, systems, the PC board performs all signal reconfiguration is required. They can also be and a host system such as a PC. This system processing as well as navigation functions.

54 September/October 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com GNSS

Fig.1: Block Diagram shows how SDR would fit into a GNSS. SDR is a one-block solution, taking care of the front end to the digital signal processing before sending the data to the host.

On the other hand, in hybrid software/ GNSS systems are as follows. GPS: L1 to implement upgrades to a GNSS system. hardware systems, the FPGA performs a (1.563 - 1.587 GHz), L2 (1.215 - 1.2396 GHz), Furthermore, because GNSS systems employ portion of signal processing. The PC board and L5 (1.164 - 1.189 GHz) bands. Galileo: E1 different technologies, it is necessary to performs the remaining part of signal (1.559 - 1.592 GHz), E5a/b (1.164 - 1.215 GHz), use specific hardware receivers for specific processing, plus navigation functions and E6 (1.260 - 1.300 GHz). GLONASS: G1 GNSS systems. This makes it impossible and man-machine interfacing (output (1.593 - 1.610 GHz), G2 (1.237 - 1.254 GHz), and for a hardware receiver to switch between & input interface between PC and user). G3 (1.189 - 1.214 GHz). BeiDou: B1 (1.561098 systems or work with more than one system The DSP allows the functions of an SDR GHz), B2 (1.20174 GHz), and B3 (1.26852 simultaneously without additional hardware to be reconfigured to work with different GHz). Regional navigation satellite systems and extensive programming. systems, making them very flexible. The such as Japan’s QZSS and India’s NavIC also SDR receivers, on the other hand, are signal processing, planned time schedule, utilise frequencies in the L band. All these highly upgradeable. Through simple software navigation, positioning, and man-machine frequencies are available with SDR GNSS updates, they can be augmented to work interfacing differ from one GNSS to another. receivers. Provided that a high Radio Front with multiple constellations using the same SDR receivers can be easily reconfigured to End (RFE) and sufficient computational SDR platform. This capability makes them work with different satellite systems, e.g., power are available, simple, compact, and highly functional and accurate as they can An SDR configured to operate with GPS can robust SDR receivers are cable of receiving simultaneously receive and process signals be reprogrammed for GLONASS with simple and processing signals at all the frequencies from various GNSS systems. They can also software changes. employed in GNSS. be upgraded via software to implement changes in current and future GNSS systems. Varying processes and technologies Keeping up-to-date Finally, SDR receivers provide the possibility The various GNSS systems in existence all GNSS systems are continuously being of integrating satellite navigation with other perform the same broadly-defined function upgraded to increase their accuracy and positioning systems such as inertial or indoor of employing satellite constellations for reliability. Augmentation systems such as navigation that use local sensors. geospatial positioning. However, the MSAS (Japan), EGNOS (Europe) and WAAS Etiido Uko and John Polak are both with processes and technologies involved in (USA) also undergo regular updates. Typical Per Vices of Toronto, Canada (www. performing this function vary, with differing hardware receivers are at a disadvantage in pervices.com) a leading RF and digital multiple access techniques, code length, this multifaceted, ever-changing context. systems innovator, supplying multiple precision, and frequency range. Such receivers may require extensive industries with wireless communication The two multiple access techniques hardware changes or even replacement ssolutions.olutions. employed by GNSS systemss are C CDMADMA (Code Division Multiple Access)cess) and FDMA (Frequency Division Multipleple Access). The former employs the same frequency and bandwidth to guarantee multiple access to satellites in a constellation. It is used in GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, and NavIC. In FDMA, each satellite in a constellation possesses its frequency slot for transmittingtting the ranging signal. GLONASSSS employs FDMA Fig.2: Two of the most robust, versatile, and advanced commercially-available SDR transceivers are offered by Per Vices. for signal generation combinedbined w withith CDMACDMA These feature a hybrid architecture that combines high-performance with field programmability and full architectural signals to improve position accuracy. and algorithmic reconfigurability. These products offer up to 16 independent radio chains with 1 GHz bandwidth The operational frequencies of current configuration on each chain. They also come with extremely powerful processors.

www.GEOconnexion.com // September/October 2020 55 GEO:INNOVATION

StSeppe Caanssettari setsd his sightsan on Britaind’s muddledde and costlyli addressingve systemr! and argues that enough is enough

During a recent visit to Norfolk to help out being at the wrong end of a one-way street, Costing UK plc with some building renovation we had to or avoiding certain types of traffic calming Government (in various forms) has, in recent take receipt of several deliveries, large and measures, may seem an inconvenience, but years, pushed ahead with making much of small. The structure on which we were can pose major issues for our logistics and the national geospatial reference material working is an old farm building in a small supply industry. freely available through Open licencing. Yet rural community. The access road is about one of the key geo reference systems that five kilometres in length (or 2.75 miles for Bit of a muddle nearly all of us use in one way or another those still more happy dealing in old money) It is clear we have got ourselves into a bit of remains subject to commercial licencing. And with the village taking up the last 500 a muddle over the way we create and licence the cost is generally not cheap. metres. Around 50 properties large and small new addresses and then allocate the geo Perhaps it is now time for government to line the road, all of which are named but referencing, firstly in the form of a postcode step in and untangle the mess and make the none of which are numbered. and, secondly, a national grid reference. UK address data open and freely available While this is typical of many villages, it There are too many actors with a vested so that we all work on a single standard does present delivery drivers with a problem. interest in the process, all claiming rights in database. Implementing GIS solutions The address-finding solutions they use the resulting national address database. often reveals the existence of poor address can locate the centroid of the postcode, While local authorities are responsible databases, many created in house in an ad unhelpfully located some distance away from for defining street names and house hoc fashion via forms, telephone enquiries the property, but they have no easy means numbers, a new or amended address goes and on-line submissions. Few adhere to the of picking up the actual building. On several to Royal Mail which owns and controls the national addressing standard (BS7666). This occasions we had to stand on the drive and postcode system and will create a new one is a significant problem that should not be wave down the delivery van as it trawled as appropriate. Finally, Ordnance Survey has underestimated – it costs UK plc and needs up and down the road. Drivers grumble at a role in allocating the national grid location to be tackled sooner rather than later. time wasted; we get cold, and everyone gets for each address. frustrated. Clearly, we all need access to Copyright of the national address file Dr. Seppe Cassettari individual geo referencing for each property, is claimed by the Ordnance Survey; Royal is a GIS professional, not just to the postcode level. Mail own the PAF file, and local authorities with more than 25 Many address-finding solutions do not, claim some ownership of the other address years’ experience and probably cannot for reasons of licencing elements. It is no wonder users get confused in developing and and cost, use the existing national address about ownership and copyright and where applying geospatial data through OS AddressBase (or one of the the boundaries lie. Recent court cases on technologies in many commercial derivatives). the creation of a third-party grid reference the public, private Having worked with some on-line map system outside OS copyright demonstrate and educational providers to help increase the accuracy of both the complexity of the legal position and sectors. He was most their property locating tools, this is not an the desire from users of address data to have recently CEO of issue confined to small rural communities. a more transparent system of creation and The Geoinformation Group (now Verisk’s The problem of route optimisation, e.g., use. Geomni UK business)

56 September 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com GEO:POLICY

Unlocking the power of location ‘Our vision is that by 2025 the UK will have a coherent national location data framework.’ So says the Geospatial Commission in a recently-published policy paper. Here, we summarise the measures it proposes to do just that

Although its publication was overshadowed by the sombre news that the COVID-19 death toll had passed the 42,000 mark, the 71-page document1 sets out an ambitious roadmap based on a detailed market study and the 200 responses made to its 2018 Call for Evidence.2 In doing so, it reprises the Commission’s work to date and goes on to identify location data opportunities, trends and challenges for the UK. In launching the initiative at the Digital Leaders Online Summit in mid-June3, Commission chair and self-confessed data geek Sir Andrew Dilnot was joined by fellow board members Thalia Baldwin and Kru Desai to describe what promises to be “A tremendous, innovative and enjoyable ride over the next five years.” For those who recollect earlier frustrated attempts to introduce a national strategy, Sir

www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 57 GEO:POLICY

IMPROVE ACCESS

The Commission’s objective here is to streamline, test and scale the development of new and existing location data to ensure it is findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable and of high quality. To achieve this, it will: • Prepare for the national roll-out of a National Underground Assets Register (NUAR) based on pilots in the North East and London.4 • Improve access to better data that, from 2020, improves the UK housing market • Assess how location data can support the future of mobility and next- generation transport networks. • Identify how improved access to location data can support environmental outcomes. • Identify a targeted approach, such Sir Andrew Dilnot (front centre) and members of the Geospatial Commission as pilots, that supports delivery of a national land use framework. Andrew offered cause for optimism. “What PROMOTE AND SAFEGUARD • Explore ways to rationalise the is different this time is that a great deal public sector’s procurement of Earth of thought was given to structures that Here, the Commission accepts that the Observation data and services. would enable our public sector partners decentralised nature of location data in the • Work with partners to invest further work together and have a voice in central UK is both a strength and a challenge. It in location data quality, and access government. It is for this reason that the argues that incentives are needed to combine improvements across the public Commission is located within the Cabinet data across domains and make it more sector. Office, giving us a degree of independence accessible to innovators, while safeguarding yet having direct access to more of the national security, IPRs and individual privacy. levers of government.” The strategy’s To achieve this, the Commission will: ENHANCE SKILLS emphasis on ‘location’ as opposed to • Publish recommendations by the end of ‘geospatial’ was, he said, a deliberate 2020 for policy interventions that support Developing more people with the right choice … one intended to make the subject growth, competition and innovation location data skills and tools to meet the comprehensible to a wider public audience. • Publish guidance by the end of 2021 for UK’s future needs is the Commission’s The policy paper kicks-off by pointing measuring the economic, social and priority. To further this it will: to ‘the complex and fractured policy environmental value of location data • Produce a skills demand study in 2020, landscape surrounding the UK’s geospatial • Develop a set of harmonised and machine- pinpointing sectors and roles where data assets’, and, as Minister of State Lord readable data licences for the use of public geospatial skills are needed now and in True, points out in his opening remarks, sector location data by the end of 2021. the future. ‘You can’t use an old map to explore a new • Identify high-value opportunities and • Convene a broadly-representative skills world.’ incentives within the private sector for the forum during 2020 to tackle specific In accepting that its transformative sharing of data to drive economic growth, skills challenges in a coordinated way vision will take time – and a coordinated as well as the concomitant barriers. • Work with employers and professional approach – to materialise, Sir Andrew • Provide guidance on how to unlock bodies to develop geospatial Dilnot identifies four priorities for its value from sensitive location data while apprenticeships for the public and ongoing work, and the measures it mitigating security, ethical and privacy risks. private sectors by 2021 proposes to: • Promote the success of organisations that • Pilot an International Geospatial Service use location data and champion the UK’s in 2021 to showcase and export UK • Promote and safeguard the use of geospatial interests overseas expertise abroad. location data. • Improve access to better location data. • Enhance capabilities, skills and awareness, ENABLE INNOVATION • Enable innovation. The Commission proposes two key actions under this heading to enable and maximise Location data already has a significant the commercial opportunities for innovation: impact on our lives, says Sir Andrew in his • Establish a Location Data Innovation Programme in 2020 to ensure that innovative uses introduction. ‘Better location data will help of location data feed into existing innovation catalysts (such as the Geovation hub) us to make more informed decisions on across the UK everything from where to build new schools • Work alongside the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise to support Scotland’s and hospitals, to how to manage precious first Geospatial Network Integrator. The intention here is to accelerate the development resources such as land and energy, creating of an emerging geospatial cluster from 2020. economic, social and environmental value.’

58 September 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com GEO:POLICY

location sensors, increased connectivity, cloud computing and the rise of Artificial Intelligence. In delivering its programme, the Commission will adopt an open and collaborative approach; prioritise action in areas of greatest opportunity and impact; and move in an iterative way to learn from pilot projects, monitor innovation and adopt new ideas. A collective and collaborative effort will be required to achieve its goals says the Commission, which also calls for flexibility as new technologies, ideas and pilot project outcomes call for fresh thinking. To keep track of progress, the Commission will publish annual plans, as well as a mid-point refresh of its strategy. This will include an up-to-date perspective on how its strategy is aligned with the core location data held by its six public sector partners (the Geo6).6

1. ‘Unlocking the power of location. The UK’s Geospatial Strategy, 2020 to 2025.’ (https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/ unlocking-the-power-of-locationthe-uks- geospatial-strategy) 2. https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/804285/ CfeEresponses1.pdf 3. https://virtual.digileaders.com/ 4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ national-underground-asset-register-project- update 5. https://ggim.un.org/IGIF/ 6. The British Geological Survey (BGS). The Coal Authority. The UK Hydrographic Office. HM Land Registry (HMLR). Ordnance Survey. In identifying areas of opportunity, the Geospatial Commission says location data will be the unifying connection between things, systems, people and the environment The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)

To ensure its approach is compatible with international best practice, the Commission’s work will be based on the UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF).5 This is focused on integrating location information with other types of data to deal with societal and environmental issues. The UK’s geospatial expertise will, says its policy paper, also actively continue to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In terms of opportunity, the Commission identifies nine areas of potential across a range of UK industry sectors and public services (see illustration). These could have an economic benefit to the economy of up to £11 billion per year, it says while, more immediately, it could form the basis of innovations and collaborations that help tackle the Covid-19 threat and help manage future dangers. Underpinning these opportunities will be half a dozen technology trends that that are most likely to affect the use of location The strategy builds on reports, surveys and pilot projects sponsored data. These include the proliferation of cheap by the Geospatial Commission over the past two years

www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 59 EVENTS EXTRACTING REAL VALUE FROM GeoAI James Haworth and Andrea Ballatore review some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s virtual GISRUK Conference

urban analytics. It’s all too tempting to apply autocorrelation and heterogeneity. Importantly, the latest deep learning techniques from while many deep learning techniques computer science to geospatial data when, such as convolutional neural networks are often, traditional models will work just as designed for raster data, cities are built on well and are more interpretable. True artificial networks (transportation, communications, intelligence, in the context of urban analytics power, water, social networks) and GeoAI ‘is about how we can use things like AI and techniques should natively account for this. data science to really extract the value and the Finally, it’s unwise to talk about the subject influence from these methods and approaches.’ of GeoAI without addressing the topics of ethics and data privacy. In the current climate, GeoAI for raster and vector networks people are being encouraged to volunteer The 21st to 23rd July saw the 28th edition of the Keynote speaker Prof Tao Cheng of UCL’s more personal data at a greater spatial and Geographical Information Science UK (GISRUK) SpaceTimeLab has worked extensively with temporal resolution than ever before. It conference and the first to be run online in AI techniques for spatio-temporal data, is important that we, as practitioners and the post-COVID-19 world. The theme of this with applications in transport, crime and potential users of this data, redouble our efforts year’s conference was AI and Urban Analytics, environmental resilience. For Prof Cheng, it’s to make sure we adhere to the highest possible a topic brought into stronger focus by the vitally important that GeoAI is able to account standards, while drawing on the vast array current urgent need for intelligent systems for the special properties of spatial and of skills the geospatial community possesses and approaches to deal with the pandemic. spatio-temporal data, such as spatial structure, to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. AI has long been of interest to the Co-organisers of GISRUK 2020 were geospatial community, dating back to the Dr. James Haworth, lecturer in Spatio- 1990s with Stan Openshaw’s pioneering temporal Analytics with the Dept. of Civil, work on the topic. As geospatial scientists we Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at have always worked with large and complex University College London, and Dr. Andrea datasets, whether related to earth observation Ballatore, lecturer in Big Data Analytics or human behaviour, so we have naturally and GIS with the Dept. of Geography, gravitated towards AI as a way to deal with Environment and Development Studies at this. This has gathered pace in the last few Birkbeck University of London years with the emergence of deep learning and Prof. Mark BirkinProf. Tao Cheng a crystallisation of concepts and techniques ADVERTISER INDEX centred on the term GeoAI, summarized in keynote speaker Krzysztof Janowicz’s 2019 COMPANY PAGE paper on the topic (https://www.tandfonline. com/doi/full/10.1080/13658816.2019.1684500). AUVSIXPONENTIAL xponential.org33 CHCNavigationchcnav.com20 GeoAI is here to stay ComercialUAV Expo Europe expouav.com/europe 15 GeoAI was a consistent thread throughout EoSPositioningSystems eos-gnss.com 5, 20 GISRUK2020, with many contributions making GENEQInc.sxbluegps.com 23 use of the latest deep learning techniques GeoConneixon geoconnexion.com 63 in applications ranging from land use and Intergeo 2020 intergeo.de37 land cover classification to modelling urban ION GOSS ion.org 51 street networks. GeoAI is here to stay and is fast becoming more accessible to researchers Juniper SystemsLtd junipersys.com 21 and practitioners, thanks in no small part to KORECGroup korecgroup.com 21,64 the efforts of the big tech companies. Bruno LaserTechnology, Inc. lasertech.com9,22 Sánchez-Andrade Nuño of Microsoft AI for Leica Geosystems AG leica-geosystems.com2 Earth fully acknowledges that geospatial is MyzoxCo.,Ltd.myzoxjapan.com22, 29 hard, and doing it at scale in the cloud is even Oxford TechnicalSolutions oxts.com 22 harder. Initiatives like AI for Earth and Google’s PhaseOne industrial.phaseone.com 13 Earth Engine aim to take the latter aspect out of Quarry One quarry-one-eleven.com23 the equation so we can focus on the research. Rieglriegl.com 7, 23 However, while the benefits of GeoAI in SchneiderDigital schneider-digital.com11 many geospatial tasks, particularly related to image data, are undeniable, there is still Tallysmantallysman.com 24 work to be done. In his keynote address, Mark Topcon Positioningtopconpositioning.com/recovery 17 Birkin, Turing Programme Director in Urban UDT-Undersea DefenceTechnologyudt-global.com 41 Analytics and Professor of Spatial Analysis and Vexcel Imaging vexcel-imaging.com24, 64 Policy in the School of Geography, University of Leeds, cautioned that we are yet to realise To advertise call:Micki: +44(0)7801 907666 or Mai: +44(0)1223 279151 the full potential of GeoAI, particularly in

60 September/October 2020 // www.GEOconnexion.com HIGHWAYS On the road to digital transformation Steve White explains how council highways departments can break free of existing data silos and help make it happen

Local authorities put a great deal of time specialist knowledge to use effectively. They activities. For example, by combining data and money each year into maintaining are also generally locked down via account relating to gullies, roads, arboreal services and developing the nation’s highways and profiles and permissions, and incorporate and historical flood data, authorities could surrounding infrastructure. There is much to different user interfaces. All this makes it compare historical events with the predicted be gained from coordinating activities that difficult for other departments or users impact of leaf fall and tree debris. This would help keep these assets in optimum condition across the organisation to access and make help identify and optimise gulley cleansing and informing the public of work intended use of them. This, in itself, limits knowledge- activity to minimise future blockages and and/or completed. Think of the benefit, sharing, but it also makes cross-training and flooding. for example, if green spaces teams could skilling of other users across the organisation collaborate with highways departments, not challenging. Finding a way forward only to plan more aesthetically pleasing road These departmental applications rarely So what’s the answer? How can those schemes but also help with their ongoing incorporate mechanisms to facilitate responsible for highways and surrounding maintenance. data sharing on a real-time basis, and infrastructure across the UK start to break Unfortunately, the reality for many is that departments themselves can be very down data silos and connect teams to help individual departments and service areas protective about ‘their’ data. With data drive digital transformation? continue to work in isolation, drawing on ‘locked’ within such silos, and with limited or Ultimately, it comes down to better their own siloed data and relying exclusively non-existent ways of sharing it in real-time, use of technology, processes and people. on their own teams of people. opportunities to utilise information across One particular way in which businesses can departments to maximise efficiencies and break down data silos and connect teams Barriers to transformation transform service delivery are lost. It can is to adopt a common data set and single Departments tend to have a narrow focus on also result in multiple copies of the same application across all service areas. This their own area of activity and responsibility. or similar data being maintained across means data is shared and can be layered and While they may desire to utilise a broader the organisation, thereby wasting time and reported upon to generate forecasts, spot set of information to improve their decision- effort that could be better deployed in other trends and institute preventive measures. making, there are a number of barriers in the ways. By having an open Application way. Having a common data set would enable Programming Interface (API), data can First, the software applications used multiple departments to make the most of be shared between different systems to by individual departments are, typically, each other’s data to make better decisions ensure efficient end-to-end processes are specific to each service area and may require and improve highways maintenance implemented. There is only one version of

www.GEOconnexion.com // September 2020 61 HIGHWAYS

and efficiencies can start to be realised. The potential to support cross- departmental ways of working and benefit the maintenance and development of our highways infrastructure long into the future is clearly ready to be realised. Highways departments need to take note, and adapt their working practices to take full advantage. Steve White is head of digital transformation accounts at asset management software and services provider Yotta (https://weareyotta.com/) based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Yotta’s Alloy platform seamlessly connects people, systems and assets, is scalable across a myriad of asset types, and integrates with all systems through powerful APIs the truth, and multiple sources of the same story. The danger is that they simply end up data do not need to be maintained across the as additional silos of data and information organisation. that are not available to the wider Additionally, using a common mobile organisation. and desktop User Interface/User Experience In order to support better cross- (UI/UX) and a common way of leveraging department decision making, the data from the application, cross-skilling and deploying a wide range of IoT devices needs to be resources is made quicker and more efficient. assimilated into a single application that Allowing data to be augmented in this way allows users across the organisation to see across different service areas brings greater and make decisions in combination with insight, resulting in greater value to the other data sources and multi-departmental organisation and its customers. activity. We are now seeing more local authority The Digital Future departments, including highways and Many organisations are trialling IoT and infrastructure teams, looking to deploy sensors that provide a wide variety of multiple sensor types and combine their point solutions such as air quality, noise, data with other information to make smarter temperature, asset condition or fill levels. decisions. This ability to trigger specific With IoTbT sensors now beeiing trialled by many These are effective as far as they go but, activity based on combining the results of organisations, the need for data assimilation and typically, only represent a small part of the multiple data feeds means that new insights integration becomes ever stronger

By combining data relating to gullies, roads, arboreal services and historical flooding, authorities can identify and optimise gulley cleansing activities to minimise future flooding from blockages caused by leaf fall and tree debris

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