Friday, 4 May 2012
GTG Selected for a Software Contract by the City of Milton
GOLDSBORO, N.C. –Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) is pleased to announce that the City of Milton, Florida has upgraded their enterprise GIS visualization suite to the new GeoBlade Vantage Points platform. Curtis Hinton, President of GTG, points out that; “the City of Milton has been a long time user of GTG software products. The application is utilized for visualizing utility accounts, utility consumption, and a host of GIS data. GeoBlade has become the primary way for the City to access key data.” The City of Milton wanted to focus on eliminating stovepipes of data throughout their organization. They see GIS as a window into all of their IT investments. The ease-of-use and sophistication of GeoBlade has made it a success at the City. Julio Garrido, Integration Specialist for GTG, stated; “staff enthusiasm was great in regards to this upgrade. GeoBlade is the perfect toolset for local government. Our open architecture allows us to consume data from any existing database (spatial or non-spatial).”
For more information email sales@geotg.com or call GTG at 888-757-4222 option 2.
GTG is a full-service local government GIS consulting company offering specialized experience in the planning, design, implementation, and procurement of geo-technologies. GTG has unmatched technical GIS capabilities, demonstrated successes, international experience, and a reputation for successfully implementing the right solutions. GTG develops GIS products that spatially enable various enterprise solutions and integrates an organization's IT investment via a common interface. GTG also offers stand-alone products for land management, public safety, public access, touch screen technology, and utilities.
GTG has more than 700 clients located throughout North America and Europe and serves all levels of government as well as the private sector. To support our clients, GTG maintains four offices located across the United States: Headquarters in North Carolina, and regional offices in Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. at 888-757-4222 or you can access our website at www.geotg.com
Four New Lidar Data Sets Available from the NOAA Digital Coast Website
2011 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Lidar: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2011 National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Lidar: Fire Island, New York and Cape May to Absecon Inlet, New Jersey
2010 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Lidar: Columbia River
2009 Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Lidar: Medford
These data sets add to the ever-growing number of Digital Coast lidar data sets that are freely available for customized download. With this latest release, new lidar are available for both U.S. coasts, from a national wildlife refuge in Delaware to the Columbia River system in the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River data set is now the largest lidar data set on the Digital Coast with more than 139 billion points. This survey encompasses approximately 2,836 square miles of territory in four states (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana), covering the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean to the Canadian border, as well as the Snake, Pend Oreille, and Kootenai Rivers. This lidar will be used to support hydraulic modeling work.
These data sets provide lidar in areas that were lacking high-resolution elevation information and highlight the Center’s working relationships with state and federal agencies as part of providing lidar to the larger elevation community.
Arby's® Assesses Market Footprint with Esri Business Analyst
Atlanta-based Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. has license Esri Business Analyst software and business data to help with corporate decision making. The second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the United States, Arby's is using the location-based system to more accurately assess its restaurants and trade areas including growing, remodeling, and relocating restaurants.
"Esri's Business Analyst has saved our GIS analyst countless hours and has had a positive impact on the Business Development department," said Dave Conklin, senior vice president, Business Development, at Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc..
Arby’s can now update the locations of its restaurants and business development activity on designated market area (DMA) maps, which describe the activity taking place in individual markets. These maps are readily accessible to users, including development teams working in the field, through the Arby's intranet. Since the implementation, the teams are able to more easily and quickly monitor the business climate around each restaurant. This provides an opportunity for the organization to model different market scenarios to better serve its current customers and attract new ones.
"We are pleased to provide a single-platform approach for managing and analyzing business data to Arby's staff," said Simon Thompson, director of global commercial industry, Esri. "With an enterprise system, Arby's can scale to meet the changing business landscape with tools that make it competitive in the marketplace."
For more information on how Esri solutions help businesses, visit esri.com/business.
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Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news.
UltraCam Eagle Upgrade for Fugro
Fugro Malta Ltd. is a full service geospatial aerial data acquisition company formed by Fugro in 2011 to streamline its geospatial airborne activities. It serves Fugro Operating companies in the entire EMEA region by providing the resources and operational/technical expertise to successfully acquire the airborne imagery and LiDAR data that they require to complete national mapping, utility, environmental and infrastructure projects.
“We are looking forward to leveraging the UltraCam Eagle’s technological improvements to support Fugro’s imaging, surveying, photogrammetric and GIS services,” stated Gary Smith, Fugro Malta’s Managing Director. “The UltraCamXp has operated well for us over the past year, and we expect the UltraCam Eagle’s updated features to assist us in even more efficient data collection.”
“Microsoft is pleased to accommodate Fugro’s evolving business needs through the UltraCam upgrade program,” said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director. “The combination of lighter weight, smaller physical size, and larger imaging footprint make the UltraCam Eagle a valuable asset to the company.”
The UltraCam Eagle features a PAN image footprint of 20,010 pixels across the flight strip. In addition to the ultra-large image footprint, the UltraCam Eagle includes enhanced electronics for improved frame rate and less noise (72 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high image dynamic) when compared to previous UltraCam systems, and innovative high-resolution, high-performance lenses and state-of-the art CCD technology (@ 5.2 µm pixel size) for sharp images with a high dynamic range. The UltraCam Eagle is the first multi-cone digital photogrammetric camera to offer an exchangeable lens system with 80mm (standard) and 210mm (tele for high altitude flights) and includes filters with curved characteristics to flatten out vignetting, enabling the lens system to operate at its best Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) performance for maximum image sharpness and contrast. This digital camera system boasts a new housing concept with everything integrated into a modular sensor head, including the UltraNav embedded flight management and direct georeferencing system from Applanix, and in-flight exchangeable, solid state storage for high reliability and minimal ground time. Compared to previous UltraCam systems, the smaller physical form factor of the UltraCam system makes it quicker and easier to install, requires less aircraft space, and weighs less for more efficient aircraft fuel consumption.
About Microsoft's UltraCam Business Unit
With its operations based in Graz, Austria, and sales and support teams in North America, Microsoft's UltraCam business unit brings more than two decades of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft's Bing Maps business unit. The division is responsible for the highly successful line of UltraCam digital aerial mapping systems that include the UltraCamLp, UltraCamXp, UltraCamXp Wide Angle and UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors. Rounding out the UltraCam mapping systems offering is the UltraMap workflow software system for processing UltraCam imagery to Level 02 and Level 03 quality data, and with features that include distributed processing with automated load balancing, automated project-based color balancing, and additional quality control tools.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Fugro is a major supplier of airborne mapping and geospatial data services with offices throughout the world. The company collects, processes and interprets data relating to the Earth's surface and subsurface in support of a wide range of public and private organizations in the energy, natural resources and engineering and construction sectors. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and is included in the AEX-Index. For additional information, go to www.fugro.com or contact Gary Smith at +356 2010 5540 or Huug Haasnoot at +31 70 317 0700.
Sanborn Selects VisionMap A3 Camera
The Sanborn Map Company, with headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and VisionMap LLC, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, jointly announced today the delivery of the VisionMap A3 Digital Aerial Camera System to Sanborn. Sanborn, an industry leader in photogrammetric mapping and geographic information systems (GIS), selected the A3 System after thoroughly evaluating other camera systems.
John Copple, Chief Executive Officer of Sanborn stated, “Our clients are demanding very accurate best - value products and the A3 testing we performed verified the performance of the system will meet those requirements. After an intensive review, we choose the A3 from VisionMap because it presented the best value for Sanborn and our customers.” He added, “The A3 camera system provides high resolution imagery from a significantly higher altitude than the standard aerial mapping cameras and it delivers the largest footprint of aerial cameras available today. This translates into cost savings for our customers.”
“We are very excited that such a prestigious, world-class company as Sanborn has chosen the A3 System to meet their critical needs for their demanding customers. It is a large step forward for VisionMap in proving to the US market that the A3 and its processing software is a technology leader in the world-wide aerial mapping industry. With a wide field of view, the A3 collects multi-directional images in both vertical and oblique angles at higher altitudes. This translates into quality images with less flight time and costs,” stated William Perkins, VisionMap LLC’s General Manager.
Sanborn is a full-service company offering quality solutions in the mapping and GIS industry. With technology centers across the US and abroad, Sanborn offers a complete suite of photogrammetric mapping and GIS services backed by a strong commitment to customer service. Founded in 1866 as a fire insurance mapping company, Sanborn has progressively achieved levels of excellence around the US and internationally. See Sanborn’s website at www.sanborn.com for more information. VisionMap LLC is a US company wholly owned by VisionMap LTD of Tel Aviv, Israel. Learn more about VisionMap, the A3 System and its multiple lines of products at www.visionmap.com.
Advanced Explorations Inc. to Commission Extensive Hyperspectral Survey for Anik Project
Advanced Explorations Inc. announced that it has finalized plans to complete an extensive Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging survey on its Anik Nickel-Copper Project located on the western Melville Peninsula in Nunavut, Canada in July 2012.
Hyperspectral Imaging is an airborne remote sensing technique used in mineral exploration to map a wide range of minerals associated with hydrothermal alteration frequently related to potentially economic mineral deposits. Alteration minerals such as oxides, clays, and carbonates have unique spectral signatures and can be identified and mapped using hyperspectral technology.
Regional geological mapping in arctic terrain is costly and very time consuming. The planned Hyperspectral survey will allow the Company to obtain information on surface geology and mineralogy at a scale and in such detail that would take tens of years to obtain through conventional exploration mapping programs. More importantly, the technology can extract key alteration pathfinders to a broad range of mineral deposits. Accordingly, the survey will be used to rapidly identify the area's nickel and copper prospects, but will also be used to extract information on other commodity targets as well.
John Gingerich, President and CEO commented:
"The emergence of a new Ni-Cu belt extending over 80 km of strike provides a very exciting opportunity to discover multiple near surface deposits; however, the large prospective target area provides challenges for rapidly and cost effectively prioritizing targets. The Noranda Group demonstrated hyperspectral surveying could substantially reduce targeting cost and time. Equally important will be our ability to investigate the outcrop spectral signatures for pathfinders to yet undiscovered iron, base metal (nickel, copper, zinc) and precious metal (gold, silver) prospects".
Hyperspectral remote sensing is a technique for mapping materials present on the earth's surface and draws upon a rich legacy of expertise in chemical spectroscopy. It can uniquely map different materials by measuring differences in how sunlight interacts with, and is affected by, different targets on the earth's surface. Recognized as an industry expert, AEI President & CEO, John Gingerich, pioneered these mineral exploration applications and also directed the very first hyperspectral surveys in the Canadian Arctic environments, including a program on Baffin Island, Nunavut for the Geological Survey of Canada ("GSC") in 2004.
The Company has previously announced that it is conducting an Airborne Electromagnetic (EM) and Magnetic survey over identified target areas. This survey, which measures conductivity and magnetic properties of the underlying rocks, will assist in identifying potential Ni-Cu massive sulphide prospects for follow-up exploration. The airborne survey is expected to be completed in June and the hyperspectral survey on the Anik Project is expected to commence in early July.
Anik Nickel-Copper Project
Advanced Explorations announced the discovery of significant Nickel-Copper and Copper-Silver-Gold mineralization on the western side of the Melville Peninsula in 2011 (See Press Release dated 25 November, 2011).
Five zones of nickel-copper mineralization were identified, with better assay values of 0.86% Ni, 0.59% Cu, 0.04% Co and 0.40% Ni, 0.19% Cu, 0.04% Co, and one zone of high grade copper-silver-gold mineralization returned assays of 1.93% Cu, 33 g/t Ag, 0.35 g/t Au and 1.06% Cu, 18.8 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au.
The mineralization discovered is similar to a high grade (8% Ni) nickel discovery reported by the Geological Survey of Canada at Adamson River and, although at early stages of exploration, importantly highlights the potential discovery of a new nickel province, similar to the Thompson Nickel District, Manitoba, Raglan Belt in northern Quebec, the Abitibi Belt in eastern Ontario/western Quebec or the Kambalda Nickel District in Western Australia.
Advanced Explorations has staked approximately 203,000 acres to include the areas of mineralization discovered by the Company and favourable mafic-ultramafic rocks which typically host magmatic nickel-copper sulphide deposits.
The western Melville Peninsula is remote; however, future development of the Company's iron deposits at Roche Bay and Tuktu and establishment of a deep-water port on the eastern side of the Melville Peninsula will provide an excellent logistical base and operational hub for development of any nickel-copper resources delineated.
Esri Releases Free Business Analyst Online Mobile App for Android Smartphones
The BAO application enables users to access up-to-date facts on demographics, lifestyle, and consumer spending for any region in the United States. With it, users can compare any address with another or with the county, state, or United States and analyze an area within one mile of a prospective location. Unlike traditional market research, users can quickly compare and contrast regional information with the regional average and show that data to clients in the field. Reports created in the mobile BAO application can also be e-mailed to share with a broader audience. More extensive data, capabilities, and reports are available through the application with a subscription to the BAO web application.
The BAO application is free and can be downloaded directly from Android Marketplace.
To learn more, visit esri.com/BAOapp.
GIS for New World Systems Users: Centralized Data Access – Enterprise Enablement
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Twenty-five miles west of St. Louis you will find Chesterfield, Missouri. The City is combination of several historical cities including; Bellefontaine, Lake, Gumbo, Monarch, and Bonhomme. With a population of 48,000, Chesterfield boasts the largest strip mall in America and is a major business, retail, and transportation center. Since its founding in 1989, the City of Chesterfield has strived to provide its citizens with the highest quality services. Information Technology is no exception to the push for excellence at the City. Matt Haug, Information Technology Manager, has made it his mission to provide the city with solid technology that allows staff to be more productive and provide better services for the citizens.
As is the case with many cities, a multitude of computer applications and technologies were implemented as the city grew. The city had a number of “home-grown” applications to accomplish their varied tasks. In 2007, the city selected New World Systems Logos suite of products to streamline operations throughout the city. The city now utilizes Logos for financial management, HR/payroll, and community development. Mr. Haug points out that, “moving to a unified platform was important for the city. Integration and data sharing was key. The Logos product allows us to function as a unified organization without silos of data.”
Click here to read the full case study on the City of Chesterfield, Missouri’s use of GIS with New World Systems.
GTG is a full-service local government GIS consulting company offering specialized experience in the planning, design, implementation, and procurement of geo-technologies. GTG has unmatched technical GIS capabilities, demonstrated successes, international experience, and a reputation for successfully implementing the right solutions. GTG develops GIS products that spatially enable various enterprise solutions and integrates an organization's IT investment via a common interface. GTG also offers stand-alone products for land management, public safety, public access, touch screen technology, and utilities.
GTG has more than 700 clients located throughout North America and Europe and serves all levels of government as well as the private sector. To support our clients, GTG maintains four offices located across the United States: Headquarters in North Carolina, and regional offices in Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. at 888-757-4222 or you can access our website at www.geotg.com
Paragon Adds New Traffic Restriction Information to its Planning Pack for the Olympics
Dorking - 3 May 2012 - Paragon Software Systems has updated its free special Planning Pack for companies scheduling deliveries during the Olympic and Paralympic games. The mapping update to the route optimisation software includes the latest traffic restriction information from Transport for London (TfL) covering the Olympic Route Network (ORN) and the Central London Zone (CLZ) and it will also highlight the impact of the various road-based events.
The updated map and specially developed event filters will enable Paragon users to identify the location of their customers’ delivery points relative to the Olympic-related road restrictions and be kept fully aware of road closures and other changes that will be in force during the games. The filters can be fine-tuned so that users can review their customers’ delivery points to within 100 metres of the ORN or a road event, enabling a clear and convenient view of how their deliveries will be impacted.
Many Paragon customers are in the process of planning their transport strategy for the games. This includes modelling routes and schedules that will service the greater demand for consumables (FMCG) and for managing changes to delivery times, unloading times and delivery frequency.
Paragon Software Systems is a market leader in transport optimisation with over 1,500 routing and scheduling systems installed in more than 33 countries. Paragon helps companies reduce transport costs by up to 20 per cent through more efficient deployment of vehicles and drivers. Headquartered in Dorking, UK and with US offices in Dallas, Paragon is a respected pioneer in routing and scheduling with over 30 years of know-how.
Paragon is employed by transport operations ranging from just 10 vehicles at a single site to hundreds of vehicles operating from several sites. The system is used for routing and scheduling optimisation; managing transport resources; strategic planning; scheduling home deliveries continuously as orders are being confirmed; and managing the execution of the transport plan in real time using vehicle tracking technology.
Paragon assists many leading companies with their logistics including ASDA, Royal Mail Group, Harrods, Sainsbury's, AB Agri, CEVA Logistics, Wincanton, DHL Exel, Norbert Dentressangle, Linde, Fuller's, John Lewis, Tesco, Keystone Distribution, Raleigh and many others.
Storm Damage in Finland Documented by Digital Aerial Photos from Blom
“This is a good example of how modern mapping equipment and rapid workflows can be used for new tasks and in different weather conditions than traditionally associated with mapping”, says Håkon Andresen, Director for Business Development in Blom Nordic. “Snow on the ground, longer shadows, less favorable light and challenging weather conditions are handled by our experienced operators making use of the latest technological developments”, he explains.
Recent technological developments make it possible to fly, produce and deliver this kind of projects within a few days after the disaster has taken place. “Fast execution and delivery is critical for our customers and we constantly push ourselves to deliver images and the derived products faster than before”, says Lasse Turunen, Product Manager for Forest Services in Blom in Finland. Lasse continues: “With the need for rapid and updated Geographical Information steadily increasing, Blom is keen on developing these market opportunities in close cooperation with our partners and customers”.
The imagery was photographed with a resolution of 32 cm (GSD) from a flying altitude of 5,300 meters. The images contain both normal colors (24-bit RGB) and the usual infrared information that is commonly used in forestry projects. The project area covered a total 1,620 km2, of which about 90,000 ha is covered by forest. The Finnish Forest center and The Finnish Forest Research Institute have developed methods to estimate the amount of forest damages. The damages are still being evaluated but the current estimates report up to 189,000 m3 of storm felled volume. In total, about 5 percent of the forested area in the project area was damaged. It is evaluated that felling volume across the whole of Finland was 2,000,000 m3. In financial terms, this means that forest with a sales value of 50 – 70 MEUR fell during the storms on the 26th and 27th December 2011.
About Blom
The Blom Group is the largest provider of geospatial services in Europe for both government agencies and private commercial organizations and companies. Blom owns exclusive spatial databases composed of maps, images and 3D models. Focused on online services, Blom provides data and solutions to its customers in many markets and allows its partners to create high added-value applications based on Blom data models and services. This strategy is backed by Blom’s major technical capacity in aircrafts, cameras, laser scanners and mapping systems. This makes it possible for all projects to be carried out within the company, assuring a high quality product is delivered both on-time and to budget. Blom has more than 1,000 employees and offices in 13 countries and its HQ is located in Oslo, Norway.
TomTom Introduces Speak & Go with the TomTom Via 130
Speak & Go recognises over 1,000 commands and their synonyms, so drivers can talk naturally and input addresses with ease. Plus, the TomTom Via 130 takes safe and simple driving one step further, with hands-free calling via Bluetooth® enabling drivers to make and answer calls safely in the car.
“The new Speak & Go feature helps increase focus and concentration by allowing users to keep their hands on the wheel,” says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director of TomTom. “Just say an address, a Point of Interest or simply ‘take me home’, and TomTom plans your route straight away. Interacting with your navigation device has never been easier; it slots perfectly into your everyday drive.”
The Via 130 is pioneering TomTom’s lifetime free daily map changes. Updates are based on reports from TomTom’s Map Share community of 21 million, and help drivers to deal with frequent road changes such as new speed limits and blocked roads. A Map Share service has previously been available to certain customers using maps which are less than 12 months old, but it will now be offered to cover the lifetime of a device.
Also launched today was the TomTom Via 135, which has all of the same features and functionalities as the Via 130, but a larger screen size. The TomTom Via 130 has a 4.3” screen, and the TomTom Via 135 has a 5” screen.
Pricing and availability
The TomTom Via 130 (with a 4.3” screen) is now available for purchase starting from €159*.
The TomTom Via 135 has all of the same features on a 5” screen, and is available for purchase starting from €179*.
New to the TomTom Via 130 and 135:
Speak & Go
Recognises over 1,000 spoken commands and their synonyms, so drivers can speak naturally to interact with their device. This is a vastly improved version of TomTom’s existing voice command and control function.
Other features of the TomTom Via 130 and 135 include:
Hands-free calling via Bluetooth
Allows drivers to make and answer phone calls safely while driving.
Advanced lane guidance
Gives drivers extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions.
Improved IQ Routes
Uses real travel information shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and arrival times at every time of day.
TomTom Map Share
Provides drivers with free daily map changes for life from the TomTom Map Share Community.
Integrated mounting
A convenient foldaway mount that is integrated with the device, so it is always there when needed.
*Prices may differ per country
About TomTom
Founded in 1991, TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is the world’s leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world’s best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.
Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic.
SAM, Inc. Receives National ACEC Engineering Excellence Award
Austin, TX - Surveying And Mapping, Inc. (SAM, Inc.), a nationally recognized provider of geospatial data solutions, has received a national Honor Award in the 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition held by the American Council of Engineering Companies. The competition has been held since 1967 to honor and recognize outstanding achievements within the engineering community for the top 24 engineering projects each year.
SAM, Inc. was recognized for a project that utilized mobile LiDAR mapping to support streetscape improvements for downtown Austin's historic Sixth Street. The project was performed for the City of Austin Public Works Department. The award was given jointly to SAM, Inc. and the City of Austin.
A distinguished panel of 25-30 judges representing industry, government, academia, and media selected the winning projects based on uniqueness, originality, technical merit, value to the engineering profession, complexity and how successfully the projects met the needs of the client.
The award was presented at a gala event held during the ACEC National Conference in Washington D.C. on April 17, 2012. The president of SAM, Inc., Samir "Sam" G. Hanna, attended the event with other executives of the firm to accept the award. The Director of Public Works for the City of Austin also attended the ceremony.
SAM, Inc. is proud to have been recognized with this award for engineering excellence. We are committed to delivering the highest quality geospatial solutions and look forward to providing these for other engineering clients and programs in the future.
Photo available: a high-resolution photo of the award winners is available online at http://www.saminc.biz/photo-acec-national-award
Founded in 1994, SAM, Inc. is a leading provider of complete geospatial data solutions with advanced surveying and mapping technologies. SAM, Inc. offers land surveying, airborne, mobile and terrestrial LiDAR scanning, digital aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering, and geographic information system (GIS) services. The firm's wholly owned subsidiary, SAM-Construction Services, Inc. (SAM-CS, Inc.), also offers a full suite of construction phase services.
SAM, Inc. is one of the fastest growing land surveying and aerial mapping companies in North America and has recently experienced unprecedented growth driven by the electric utilities and oil and gas industries. The company has invested several million dollars in surveying and mapping technology and continues to be an industry leader in advancing geospatial technology expertise.
The firm is able to develop innovative and cost-effective final products through routine integration of data across their service disciplines and continuous investment in training and new technologies. SAM, Inc. combines its experience, qualifications, and resources to solve the most challenging problems and deliver the best value, all in-house. For more information, visit www.saminc.biz.
Intergraph® Announces ERDAS IMAGINE® 11.0.5 Now Available
Intergraph® is proud to announce a new minor release of ERDAS IMAGINE®, now available to all customers with ERDAS 2011 software. Users can download ERDAS IMAGINE 11.0.5 from the product webpage. This release includes changes from all previous service packs released for ERDAS IMAGINE 2011.
ERDAS IMAGINE is a leading geospatial data authoring system, incorporating geospatial image processing and analysis and remote sensing into a single powerful, convenient package. ERDAS IMAGINE enables users to easily create value-added products such as 2D and 3D images, 3D flythrough movies and cartographic-quality map compositions from geospatial data. Intergraph has paired GeoMedia® and ERDAS IMAGINE to deliver a comprehensive suite of image processing coupled with GIS analysis and data management capabilities. GeoMedia is a powerful GIS data management and analysis package that enables users to realize the maximum value of their geospatial resources.
Enhancements since the release of ERDAS IMAGINE 2011 include more Live Link connections between ERDAS IMAGINE and GeoMedia, providing truly connected image processing and GIS products. Brought together by a single organization, users can easily leverage these two products in unison to construct a larger, clearer geospatial picture. Specifically, the Live Link changes enable users to:
Connect the GeoMedia Map Window and ERDAS IMAGINE Viewer
Natively read GeoMedia Warehouse files in ERDAS IMAGINE
Write to GeoMedia Warehouse Attributes in the ERDAS IMAGINE spatial modeler
Export GeoMedia Warehouses to shapefiles
Import shapefiles to GeoMedia Warehouses
Users can also take advantage of other enhancements, including the cloud remover in MosaicPro, a tool for creating seamless image mosaics. Users can now quickly and easily remove clouds from their image mosaics by digitizing cloud areas and manually adjusting the radiometry of individual images. MosaicPro now also allows users to use batch and distributed processing when outputting image tiles. In addition, this release provides support for new sensor models, including the VisionMap A3 aerial sensor and the Pleiades satellite constellation. ERDAS IMAGINE’s classification capabilities are also strengthened in this release by offering new options for supervised classification, spectral angle mapping and spectral correlation mapping.
“While dubbed a ‘minor’ release, ERDAS IMAGINE 11.0.5 incorporates noteworthy changes that provide tremendous value and open up new possibilities for our customers,” said Steve du Plessis, Global Product Line Executive – Remote Sensing, Intergraph. “Since the last release, customers will recognize performance advances enabling processes to run faster, added support for the newest sensors on the market and many smaller changes that contribute to the overall strength and usability of ERDAS IMAGINE. This is a great time for all ERDAS IMAGINE customers to begin leveraging these upgrades to ensure they’re getting the most from their software investment.”
To learn more about ERDAS IMAGINE and the other products within the Intergraph Geospatial portfolio, please visit www.intergraph.com/geospatial/products.
Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph’s industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data to make processes and infrastructure better, safer and smarter. The company’s software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps, and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.
Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I). Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction, operation and data management of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially powered solutions including ERDAS technologies to the public safety and security, defense and intelligence, government, transportation, photogrammetry, and utilities and communications industries. Intergraph Government Solutions (IGS) is an independent subsidiary for SG&I’s U.S. federal and classified business.
Carnegie Mellon Researchers Create Dynamic View Of City Based on Foursquare Check-in Data
Pittsburgh - The millions of "check-ins" generated by foursquare, the location-based social networking site, can be used to create a dynamic view of a city's workings and character, Carnegie Mellon University researchers say. In contrast to static neighborhood boundaries and dated census figures, these "Livehoods" reflect the ever-changing patterns of city life.
Researchers from the School of Computer Science (SCS) have developed an algorithm that takes the check-ins generated when foursquare members visit participating businesses or venues, and clusters them based on a combination of the location of the venues and the groups of people who most often visit them. This information is then mapped to reveal a city's Livehoods, a term coined by the SCS researchers.
Maps for New York, San Francisco and Pittsburgh are available on the project website, http://livehoods.org/. People can help choose the next city to map by voting on the Livehoods Facebook page.
"Our goal is to understand how cities work through the lens of social media," said Justin Cranshaw, a Ph.D. student in SCS's Institute for Software Research.
Part of the emerging field of Urban Computing, the Livehoods project takes advantage of the proliferation of smartphones and the location-based services they make possible. In this case, the researchers analyzed data from foursquare, but the same computational techniques could be applied to many location-based databases.
Livehoods thus provide a powerful new tool that could be used to address a wide variety of urban problems and opportunities. The researchers are exploring applications to city planning, transportation and real estate development. Livehoods also could be useful for businesses developing marketing campaigns or for public health officials tracking the spread of disease.
"In urban studies, researchers have always had to interview lots of people to get a sense of a community's character and, even then, they must extrapolate from only a small sample of the community," said Raz Schwartz, a Ph.D. student at Bar-Ilan University, Israel, and a visiting scholar at SCS's Human-Computer Interaction Institute. "Now, by using foursquare data, we're able to tap a large database that can be continually updated."
The Livehoods project is led by Norman Sadeh, professor and co-director of the Institute for Software Research's Ph.D. program in Computation, Organizations and Society, and Jason Hong, associate professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute. The team will present its findings June 5 at the International AAAI Conference on Weblogs and Social Media (ICWSM) in Dublin, Ireland.
All of the Livehoods analysis is based on foursquare check-ins that users have shared publicly via social networks such as Twitter. This dataset of 18 million check-ins includes user ID, time, latitude and longitude, and the name and category of the venue for each check-in.
In their study of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the researchers found that the Livehoods they identified sometimes spilled over existing neighborhood boundaries, or identified several communities within a neighborhood. The Pittsburgh analysis was based on 42,787 check-ins by 3,840 users at 5,349 venues.
For instance, they found that the upscale neighborhood of Shadyside actually had two demographically distinct Livehoods — an older, staid community to the west and a younger, "indie" community to the east. Moreover, the younger Livehood spilled over into East Liberty, a neighborhood that long suffered from decay but recently has seen some upscale development.
"That makes sense to me," observed a 24-year-old resident of eastern Shadyside, one of 27 Pittsburgh residents who were interviewed by researchers to validate the findings. "I think at one point it was more walled off and this was poor (East Liberty) and this was wealthy (Shadyside) and now there are nice places in East Liberty and there's some more diversity in this area (eastern Shadyside)."
The researchers found that one Pittsburgh neighborhood, the South Side Flats, contained four distinct Livehoods, including one centered on bars popular with college students, another centered on a new shopping district dominated by chain stores and another that focused on a supermarket. Again, these Livehoods made sense to residents familiar with the area.
The study has limitations. Foursquare users tend to be young, urban professionals with smartphones. Consequently, areas of cities with older, poorer populations are nearly blank in the Livehoods maps. "You can literally see the digital divide," Schwartz said. Likewise, foursquare members don't check-in at all of their destinations — hospitals, for instance. But the researchers contend that the limitations are those of the data, not the methodology.
Safe and Blue Marble Geographics’ Partnership Introduces New Possibilities in Data Transformation
Vancouver B.C. - May 1, 2012 - Safe Software and Blue Marble Geographics announced today that they have teamed up to bring the best of both of their products together in one authoring environment to increase the possibilities of what can be achieved in the use and distribution of spatial data. With the release of the GeoCalc Extension for FME, in addition to FME’s industry-leading format support and flexible transformation capabilities, users can have access to Blue Marble’s highly accurate coordinate transformations directly through FME Workbench.
The GeoCalc Extension for FME allows those relying on GeoCalc’s coordinate transformations to bring them into FME’s intuitive graphical user interface where they have access to FME’s unparalleled format support and data transformation capabilities.
“GeoCalc and FME are highly complementary products,” says Patrick Cunningham, President of Blue Marble Geographics. “By integrating the two, our users can take advantage of FME’s excellent data transformation authoring environment, while directly accessing the highly accurate coordinate transformations they rely on in GeoCalc.”
For FME users, access to the Blue Marble coordinate engine means more choice in coordinate transformations, and increased vertical height conversion accuracy and flexibility.
“We are very excited about how this integration will increase the possibilities of what users can achieve with FME,” says Dale Lutz, Vice President of Development at Safe Software. “For example, we are seeing an explosion in the use of 3D data, particularly LiDAR, and GeoCalc’s superior geoid selection means more accurate reprojection results.”
With the GeoCalc Extension, FME users with a valid Blue Marble Desktop GeoCalc license can select the GeoCalc datasource for use in coordinate transformations directly from FME Workbench. Through the Blue Marble Desktop administrative tools, they can also guide end users to preferred coordinate systems and transformations by specifying which GeoCalc systems and geodetic objects are available for import into FME.
The integration also provides access to fine datum shift control, including the option of processing shifts with late binding transformations or direct datum transformations, avoiding the potential loss introduced by using an interim WGS84 datum shift.
The GeoCalc Extension for FME is currently in beta and will soon be available from Blue Marble Geographics. Those interested in more information email Blue Marble at info@bluemarblegeo.com.
Safe Software Inc. is the maker of FME® and the global leader in spatial data transformation technology. FME makes it possible to transform spatial data to use and share. It solves more spatial data transformation challenges across more formats than any other solution, making it easier for professionals to solve data interoperability headaches and help their organizations meet their business goals and required standards. Today, FME is the dominant technology for spatial data transformation. It powers our FME Desktop and Server software and the solutions of more leading spatial data application vendors than any other technology. It's used by tens of thousands of customers worldwide across a wide range of industries. Learn more about achieving total spatial data mastery at www.safe.com.
Blue Marble Geographics of Gardiner, ME is a leading developer and provider of software products and services for highly accurate geospatial data conversion solutions. Blue Marble is known for its coordinate conversion and GIS visualization software expertise including the Geographic Calculator and GeoCalc SDK, as well as Global Mapper. The company has been writing GIS software tools and solutions for almost 20 years and currently serves hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Learn more at www.bluemarblegeo.com.
MAPPS to Testify at Congressional Field Hearing on Federal Geospatial Spending
Reston, VA - May 1, 2012 - MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the association of private geospatial firms, will testify before a Congressional oversight field hearing to advocate for greater coordination of the Federal government's geospatial activities, a coordinated effort to inventory the land the government owns, and a reduction of government duplication of and competition with the private geospatial profession.
John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director, will testify before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the House Committee on Natural Resources. The hearing is on Thursday, May 3 at 9:00 AM (MT) at Pikes Peak Regional Building, 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO.
The hearing "Federal Geospatial Spending, Duplication and Land Inventory Management" will focus on the Federal government's reliance on geospatial data, a need to understand how much of the federal budget is spent on geospatial activities, and the amount of duplication that exists between agencies and the private sector. The hearing will concentrate on legislation introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), H.R. 4233, Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act, a bill to enhance the use of gesoapatial data, products, and services and increase the efficiency of Federal geospatial activities. Witnesses will also testify on the H.R. 1620, Federal Land Assets Inventory Reform (FLAIR) Act, a bi-partisan bill to improve Federal land management by developing a multipurpose cadastre of Federal real property by eliminating duplicative and out of date land inventories.
MAPPS has advocated for the reorganization of Federal geospatial activities, including governance, strategic investment in data, structure, and defining the proper roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including government and the private sector.
In 2009, Palatiello testified at a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing stating "Bold, decisive action is needed to eliminate the extraordinary waste, duplication and inefficiency in the Federal government's geospatial activities, the lack of a strong partnerships in Federal agencies' relationship with State and Local government, and the insidious extent to which there continues to be unfair government competition with the private sector".
Joining Mr. Palatiello as witnesses will be Brian Raber, CMS, GLS, GISP, Vice President, Merrick & Company (Aurora, CO), a member of the MAPPS Board of Directors; Leonard Gilroy, Director of Government Reform at the Reason Foundation; Anu Mittal, Director, Natural and Environment Division, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Brian Myers, PLS, Licensed Land Surveyor, on behalf of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and Dr. Steve Jennings, Associate Professor & Acting Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs.
Following the hearing, the Colorado chapter of MAPPS, CO-MAPPS, will hold a quarterly membership meeting with Rep. Lamborn as the guest speaker. The chapter members will discuss topics involving the private geospatial community in the State. CO-MAPPS has been working with Governor John Hickenlooper's (D) administration on an economic development initiative focused on leveraging the significant concentration of geospatial firms in the state.
Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.
MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.
For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.
NRCS Texas Adopts GTS Technology
The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that works hand-in-hand with the people of Texas to improve and protect their soil, water, wetlands and other important natural resources. For decades, private landowners have voluntarily worked with NRCS specialists to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable agriculture.
In an effort to more effectively collect, document and share geo-referenced information in the field, NRCS recently acquired several Laser Range Finders and G700SE-M GPS-enabled field cameras from Geo Tactical Solutions, Inc. (GTS). Originally intended for Disaster Response and Damage Assessment applications, NRCS has recognized the potential of GTS’s advanced GPS camera systems to bring value to a much wider range of applications such as natural resources surveying, biological surveying and investigations, support for soil and watershed assessments, and farm investigations to name a few.
The Laser Range Finders are used in the field for collecting distance and elevation data, while the G700SE-M GPS cameras are used to geo-tag photographs along with compass heading and detailed attribute data for each photograph using the camera’s ‘memo’ feature. “Combined, these tools give NRCS field scientists and engineers the ability to capture rich photos that answer the critical Who, What, When, Where and Why questions,” explained Todd Lushinsky, Business Development Manager at Geo Tactical Solutions. “By acquiring this data, each image collected is transformed from being just a photo into a powerful information source,” Mr. Lushinsky continued.
The unique ability to easily map photographs collected with the G700SE-M GPS camera was also an important factor for NRCS. The Agency uses an enterprise-level Geographic Information System (GIS) for storing, mapping and sharing geo-referenced information. Having the ability to enhance their geo-database and digital maps with hyperlinked photographs allows users within the Agency to pull up images associated with certain geographic features of interest. Attribute information attached to each photograph such as operator’s name, date of photo capture, time of photo capture, environmental conditions, project ID, etc. may also be stored in the geo-database and made available for viewing by any user with appropriate database access.
This technology is still in its infancy at NRCS Texas. However, the obvious benefits of acquiring more complete and accurate information in the field and integrating photographic data with their enterprise GIS should continue to spark interest throughout the Agency and lead to more beneficial uses.
Geo Tactical Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides advanced GPS cameras, GPS modules, and photo mapping software to military, federal and commercial customers worldwide. Learn more at: http://www.geotacticalsolutions.com/
LizardTech to Exhibit at Several Conferences in May
Seattle, WA - LizardTech®, a provider of software solutions for managing and distributing geospatial content, is set to have a busy month of May, exhibiting at five different conferences.
Showcasing the company’s entire line of geospatial products, LizardTech representatives will be available for product demonstrations and to answer questions at the following shows:
April 30 – May 2 in Houston, Texas at the Esri Petroleum GIS Conference in booth number 511.
May 8 – 9 in Bloomington, Ind., at the 2012 Indiana GIS Conference.
May 15 – 16 in Syracuse, N.Y., partnering with GIS Services at the New York State Geographic Information Conference in booth number 20.
May 22 – 23 in Grantville, Pa., at the 2012 Pennsylvania GIS Conference in booth number 24.
May 29 – 31 in Sao Paolo, Brazil partnering with Engesat International at the MundoGeo Connect Latin America Conference in booth number 28.
The software products demonstrated at these shows will be: LizardTech GeoExpress® software, which enables geospatial professionals to compress and manipulate satellite and aerial imagery,Express Server® software for high-performance delivery and publication, and LiDAR Compressor™software, which turns giant point cloud datasets into efficient MrSID files.
For more information about LizardTech’s geospatial software products, visit www.lizardtech.com. To see a complete list of LizardTech’s upcoming shows, visit www.lizardtech.com/events/
Since 1992, LizardTech has delivered state-of-the-art software products for managing and distributing massive, high-resolution geospatial data such as aerial and satellite imagery and LiDAR data. LizardTech pioneered the MrSID technology, a powerful wavelet-based image encoder, viewer, and file format. LizardTech has offices in Seattle, Denver, London and Tokyo. For more information about LizardTech, visit www.lizardtech.com.
SuperGeo Becomes Strategic Partner of Motorola to Provide Android GIS Solutions
SuperGeo Technologies, the leading global provider of complete GIS software and solutions, announced the local collaboration with Motorola Solutions. SuperGeo will be marketing Motorola ET1, the industrial grade and Android-powered tablet in Taiwan. In this business partnership, Tatung System Technologies Inc., the primarily authorized agent of Enterprise Mobility Solutions in Taiwan, will cooperate with SuperGeo to enhance the local sales.
To assist Motorola Solutions in achieving the wide distribution and introducing the industrial grade and Android-powered tablet— ET1, to a variety of industries in Taiwan, Tatung System Technologies develops join forces with SuperGeo to release the optimal mobile GIS solutions for field mapping applications. Featuring IP 54 standard, MIL-810G certification, high durability, waterproof and shockproof advantages, Motorola Solutions ET1 is designed to endure bumps, supporting stable computing in enterprise environments and maximum productive efficiency of mobile GIS software.
Covering both Windows Mobile and Android operation platforms, SuperGeo’s mobile GIS solutions can be deployed on various mobile devices to assist surveyors in performing spatial data collection and measurement with ease, and further enhancing data accuracy and reliability. To cope with the demand among diverse GIS applications, SuperGeo offers comprehensive mobile GIS software for Android OS including SuperSurv 3, SuperGIS Mobile Tour, and Mobile Cadastral GIS. Enterprise users can employ rugged Motorola Solutions ET1 during outdoor survey, for better manipulation.
As a leading GIS software provider, SuperGeo continually engages in GIS research projects and innovations to provide customers with customizable or ready-to-use GIS solutions. The collaboration with Motorola Solutions and Tatung System Technologies aims to bring ideal mobile GIS solutions for more users. The three-party alliance hopes to satisfy the demands of mobile applications in each business and consequently create a win-win situation for the industry.
Motorola Solution ET1 with SuperSurv 3, the data collection app for Android
More information of Tatung System Technologies, please visit http://www.etatung.com.tw/Motorola.aspx
More information about Mobile GIS software is available at http://www.supergeotek.com/products_all_product_list.aspx
More information about Motorola Solutions ET1, please visit http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/Tablets/ET1+Enterprise+Tablet_US-EN
SuperGeo Technologies Inc. is a leading global provider of GIS software and solutions. Since the establishment, SuperGeo has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art geospatial technologies and comprehensive services for customers around the world. It is our vision to help users utilize geospatial technologies to create a better world.
SuperGeo software and applications have been spread over the world to be the backbone of the world’s mapping and spatial analysis. SuperGeo is the professional GIS vendor, providing GIS-related users with complete GIS solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. More information about SuperGeo is available at www.supergeotek.com
Police Forces Choose RIEGL Laser Scanners from 3D Laser Mapping
Nottingham, UK - 1 May 2012 - More than half of Police Forces awarded funding by the UK's Department of Transport for the purchase of high tech laser scanners have purchased RIEGL devices from 3D Laser Mapping. The state of the art laser scanning systems will be used to rapidly collect evidence at the scene of collisions helping to reduce the length of road or lane closures and minimise congestion on our roads. Data collected by the scanners will be used by Collision Investigators to produce high quality graphics and detailed plans of collision scenes for use in subsequent enquiries and court cases.
14 Police Forces out of 22 awarded funding have ordered a total of 26 RIEGL laser scanners. 3D Laser Mapping has already supplied a number of these devices and is rolling out the remaining equipment supported by a comprehensive training programme. The GBP 2.7 million Department of Transport funding, together with police and the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) contributions, enabled the purchase of 39 scanners by 22 forces in total.
North Yorkshire Police was one of the first to select the RIEGL VZ-400, “We researched the market to determine what laser scanning systems were available and then conducted a week long comparison of two devices,” commented Dave Foster, Senior Collision Investigator. “At the end of this trial we concluded that only the VZ-400 could meet our requirements offering an impressive performance coupled with an ease of use. During this process we liaised with other forces to share our experiences and findings.”
Forensic Collision Investigator Duncan Thurlwell of Essex Police added, “We also undertook extensive research; comparing scanner manufacturers and attending multiple demonstrations and testing events. In the end we chose the RIEGL because of the speed of data capture. It was a primary requirement of the DfT scheme that the chosen scanner should reduce road closure times and we believe the RIEGL scanner will enable us to achieve this.”
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Joint Forensic Collision Investigation Unit drew heavily on the results from independent trials of laser scanning system conducted by the Metropolitan Police Force; existing users of the REIGL VZ-400. “The specification of the RIEGL scanner was not matched by any other on the market. This easy to use device will enable faster evidence collection and the quality of data will enhance the product delivered to the Courts,” commented Gary Baldwin, Supervisor of the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit.
The RIEGL VZ-400 laser scanners purchased have been proven to provide a significantly greater level of detail and colour compared to other laser scanners and can be used during the day, even in low light conditions, and at night. The VZ-400 utilises unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse weather conditions. Achieving accuracies of 5mm at ranges of up to 600 metres the VZ-400 can measure up to 122,000 points per second with a 100 x 360-degree field of view
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. 3D Laser Mapping is also the RIEGL Premier Distributor for the UK, Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa and the leading distributor of TerraScan software.
For further information see www.3dlasermapping.com
RIEGL has over thirty years experience in the research, development and production of laser rangefinders, distancemeters and scanners. Primarily a technology company RIEGL specialise in producing technically innovative solutions for specific applications working in partnership with organisations such as 3D Laser Mapping to produce powerful turnkey solutions for multiple fields of application.
For further information see www.riegl.com
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