 The 2007 InterGeo event in Leipzig this
week was well attended with estimates approaching 15,000 people from
more than 80 different countries. This event provides a unique
perspective as it combines on one tradeshow floor all of the
disciplines that create, manage, analyze, display and distribute
geospatial data. It includes both manufacturers and suppliers, and a
significant number of small to medium sized businesses (SME's) The
breadth of companies represents the entire geospatial value chain
including surveying, GPS, photogrammetry, 3D visualisation and data
integration.
Change in the spatial community is on
the horizon. A movement is underway to take GIS to the next level.
The power of the convergence of CAD and GIS systems was a recurring
theme, and several exhibitors on the floor displayed tools for 3D
data collection and visualization. There was also a strong focus on
systems to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure design, build
and operate industry.
The vision of process-centric content,
which seeks to add value to data and toolsets, fits neatly into the
focus of many of the companies that displayed their products and
discussed strategies with us. Following is a summary of the focus of
some of the companies that we met with.
1Spatial are focused on the
quality of data, integration of tools and 3D. They chair the data
quality working group for OGC, and are interested in transferring the
semantics of the data into the process to make certain that the data
that’s delivered is fit for purpose and can result in higher levels
of re-use.
Bentley is focused on moving GIS
to the next level, with geospatial building blocks that include
desktop, web publishing, server technology and industry applications.
They view INSPIRE-based standards as a given now, and feel their
tools based on open and interoperable technology (XML, .Net, OGC) are
poised for wider adoption. The launch of Bentley Map extends data
capture and editing tools with database interface and spatial
analysis functions.
Carlson Software is emerging as
a player in the civil survey sector within Europe and offers a new
standalone Carlson Survey 2008 product. The company is designing
products that are open and offer field-to-finish solutions for both
CAD and GIS markets.
Definiens now offers a Definiens
Extension for ArcGIS product that will provide Earth observation and
land use managers greater flexibility for deriving intelligence from
satellite and other imagery.
Infotech provides the capacity
to deliver content to support the business case. They’re focused on
global delivery with a rigorous data quality control and assurance
methodology to ensure the accuracy of information.
Infoterra’s TerraSARx
satellite was successfully launched and will undergo load testing
shortly. The delivery of data will come within the next few months.
Intermap has just completed
flying and collecting a digital elevation model for all of Germany at
a .75 M vertical accuracy. They’re getting close to completing the
entire United States, having recently delivered the entire Gulf Coast
region to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Their data is
being used by the automotive industry to improve safety and
navigation. Predictive adaptive lighting is one application that
harnesses knowing what’s around the corner on the road ahead.
They’re also working heavily with the insurance industry. Intermap
feels there’s an ongoing need to educate the market on what to do
with 3D data.
ITT displayed a new DEM
Extraction Module suitable for use with a number of different
satellite types. Also featured was the company's feature extraction
module. Again, users are seeing the benefits of automated processing
as it impacts 3D data visualisation. CREASO, a German company,
teamed with ITT to display their new product for processing SAR/InSAR
data.
JENOPTIK is a German-based
camera manufacturer that is a member of the team with RapidEye that
will launch the upcoming RapidEye missions to establish a new Earth
Observation System. The company’s JSS 56 camera will become part of
the initiative.
Leica Geosystems have held a
large market share in upstream data capture, and they aim to have a
role all along the spatial data value chain. Change is a primary
driver of their business, with a focus on delivering on-demand data
that monitors and maps change. This focus on dynamic information
products incorporates a Web services delivery, live feeds from
sensors, and a collaborative work environment that connects people.
The company also presented several new hardware and software
technologies including an automated grading system for agricultural
and construction applications.
Magellan Professional is now
owned by Shah Capital, and they’ve become a marketing-driven
company. They’ve outsourced non-core functions such as
manufacturing and logistics and have invested heavily in engineering
and R&D. The ProMark3 RTK is designed to bring survey-quality
measurements to the masses. It’s an easy system to use at the
lowest cost and lowest weight in the industry. Look for rapid new
product development from this company.
Topcon feels that the science
and art of surveying is changing and that the role of professionals
will change as they become integrators of data from automated
sources. They plan on offering a seamless and integrated solution
that helps surveyors transition from scientist to application
specialists. Aimed at automating the phases of a job site with
real-time information that achieves cost benefits. Positioning has
become a commodity and they aim to get beyond the hammer and peg to
offer 3D models and eventually heads-up displays that help everyone
on the job site achieve the design plan.
Trimble has recently bought a
number of companies that fit into their vision for delivering a
system for a 'connected construction site' that transforms surveyors
into data managers. They are aimed at 4D construction management that
tracks people, stationary and portable assets as well as vehicles –
tying processes into scheduling for maximum efficiency. Recent
company purchases like INPHO of Germany, are adding high-end
photogrammetry processing capabilities into the traditional surveying
hardware mix of the company.
In summary, INTERGEO 2007 at Leipzig
saw an increase in the numbers of laser scanning solutions and remote
sensing products. A large presence of 3D applications and
technologies point toward future development. It appeared that
CAD/GIS integration is also gaining momentum as a shift toward the
creation of 'connected' systems is beginning to take hold. These
systems are more than interoperable systems alone, and they are more
than data integration. They represent an understanding of wider
workflow processes and how data connects to workflows to increase
understanding and efficiency.
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