2007 August 30

This issue sponsored by

Professional Surveyor Magazine

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Editor's Introduction

This week, I focus on developments in satellite imagery, with a look at the recently released plan for a national land imaging program and an interview with John Pike, the director of GlobalSecurity.org. Plus a correction and fifteen press releases.

— Matteo Luccio

Developments in Satellite Imagery

Much is happening in the world of satellite imagery:

  • on August 14, the U.S. federal government's Future of Land Imaging Interagency Working Group released a plan for a national land imaging program; MAPPS and ASPRS praised the plan and took some credit for it
  • on August 17, the New York Times reported concerns by civil liberties advocates about a recently disclosed plan to allow emergency response, border control and, eventually, law enforcement agencies greater access to spy satellites
  • on August 21, NAVTEQ announced the release of its new digital terrain model and satellite imagery
  • in the next few months, several new Earth observation satellites are scheduled for launch:

Read more …

Plan for a National Land Imaging Program

The U.S. Landsat program has a 35-year history of providing indispensable land-imaging data. Yet, no U.S. government agency has ever had the responsibility to plan, budget, and be accountable for the continuation of this capability. Now, to fill this gap in management and leadership and provide for long-term continuity of moderate-resolution, multi-spectral land imaging for the United States, a report by the Future of Land Imaging Interagency Working Group (FLI-IWG), A Plan For A U.S. National Land Imaging Program, recommends the establishment of a National Land Imaging Program (NLIP) led by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The establishment of the NLIP would not require Congressional action.

Because Landsat imagery is currently distributed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an Interior Department agency, distribution of imagery will probably not change. The NLIP would convene a Federal Land Imaging Council composed of NASA, the NGA, the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, Homeland Security, and State and other relevant agencies. The plan also calls for the creation of a Federal Advisory Committee on Land Imaging, to be composed of individuals from commercial, state, local government, academic, and nonprofit organizations.

Read more …

Interview with John Pike

John Pike, the founder and director of GlobalSecurity.org, is an expert on defense, space, and intelligence policy.

Read more …

Department of Corrections

Last week's interview with Megan Lawrence failed to acknowledge the two lead scientists on the mini-GIS for the blind: they are Amy Lobben and Steve Fickas. Lawrence is their research assistant on the project. Amy Lobben and Margaret Sereno are her advisers on the fMRI research project.

News Briefs

Please note: I have neither edited nor verified the content of these press releases.

  1. CONTRACTS & COLLABORATIONS

    1. GeoDecisions to Provide Land Use Delineation Services for Erie County, Pennsylvania

    2. Bushnell Enhances the Utility of their GPS Devices by Putting the Power of DigitalGlobe's Satellite Imagery into the Hands of Outdoor Enthusiasts

    3. New CartoSat-1 Stereo Pairs On-Line

    4. Leica Geosystems to Supply WSDOT with Customized GPS System to Proactively Monitor Key Bridge Infrastructures

    5. Scenery Solutions LLC Selects DMTI Spatial To Provide Topographic Features

    6. GIS Server Technology Speeds Sanborn Review Processes

    7. NVision Unveils New Homeland Security Tool for Counter-Terrorism Exercise

  2. PRODUCTS & SERVICES

    1. Bentley Releases Enhanced AutoPLANT P&ID

    2. Topcon TopPad 7.0.1 Software Provides Enhanced Mobile GIS Functions

    3. Hemisphere GPS Introduces Outback S-Lite Entry Level Guidance System

  3. CONFERENCES & TRAINING

    1. Exhibit Floor and Hotel Room Block at GITA's GIS for Oil & Gas Conference Sell Out After Expanding

    2. All Star Panel to Address the Future of GIS at the 2007 GIS in the Rockies Conference

    3. Integrating GIS & CAMA 2008 Conference

    4. International LIDAR Mapping Forum 2008

  4. PEOPLE

    1. ESRI (UK) Strengthens Customer Service and Marketing Teams With New Appointments

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Contact

Please send comments and suggestions to:

Matteo Luccio, Editor
GIS Monitor

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