GIS News

MapObjects 2.1 is now available

ESRI has announced the availability of MapObjects 2.1, the newest version of ESRI's powerful set of embeddable mapping and GIS components.

MapObjects 2.1 offers numerous new features including support for AutoCAD 2000 DWG files, ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), image catalogs, ArcSDE 8.1 support, the latest ESRI projection engine, data previously included in ESRI's ArcView StreetMap for geocoding, custom symbols for chart rendering, and a new run-time deployment utility for easier application distribution. MapObjects 2.1 also supports versioning for ESRI's ArcSDE layers; it can connect to any ArcSDE version and allow users to view it. Users can also identify and select versions based on version names. To help users develop Web-based mapping and GIS applications, the new version of MapObjects has built-in compatibility with ESRI's ArcIMS Web connectivity middleware. This means you can use MapObjects to put dynamic, customizable maps on the Internet using the latest ArcIMS technology.
Visit: http://www.esri.com/mapobjects

Larimer county contracts CompassCom to maintain maps

The Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority has contracted CompassCom Inc. of Englewood, Colo., to provide quarterly maintenance of its digital mapping system. This digital map database is the same one, which CompassCom developed last year for Larimer County to enable its E911 dispatchers to pinpoint the locations of emergency calls from cellular telephones. As part of the new contract, CompassCom has devised a written plan to keep LETA's highly accurate street centerline maps up to date. First, CompassCom is establishing a web site on behalf of LETA where its mapping partners can submit updates and changes to the current map database. Many local cities and towns participate in the LETA map project and have access to its maps.LETA is unique in its approach to map development. To defray costs, it developed a digital basemap that could be used for diverse applications by many local departments and agencies in addition to E911.
Visit: http://www.compasscom.com

Government plans GPS to monitor APSRTC fleet.

The Andhra Pradesh Government is planning to introduce GPS for better monitoring of the fleet of buses being operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). According to Mr. B.V. Mohan Reddy, State Transport Minister, the Government will be spending Rs 70 crore on this project."Once the project is completed, every bus in the State can be monitored from the central station. The main idea is to improve efficiency and provide better safety to passengers," he said. The APSRTC, which operates a fleet of over 19,000 buses, has notched up a turnover of Rs 2,500 crore in the last fiscal.

TowerStreet Integrates MapInfo Technology

TowerStreet, a provider of insurance software and services, has integrated advanced technology from MapInfo Corporation into its online point-of-sale (POS) products.

MapInfo provides mapping and geographic information systems that locate and verify specific addresses. TowerStreet is using the technology to automatically assign ISO and carrier-specific insurance rating territories, as well as to instantly validate and verify address information on applications, even for new homes or new streets. "MapInfo is providing TowerStreet with a powerful location-based suite, which enables TowerStreet agents and carriers to better serve their customers," said Michael Hickey, executive vice president, sales & marketing at MapInfo.
Visit: http://www.towerstreet.com/ & http://www.mapinfo.com/

Telcordia Technologies releases of Telcordia Network Engineer, version 2.0

Communications software and solutions provider Telcordia Technologies has announced the release of the next-generation facilities management application, Telcordia (TM) Network Engineer 2.0. Co-developed with MESA Solutions, Network Engineer 2.0 provides a unique and powerful facilities management solution for telecommunications service providers, and is built on the powerful new ArcGIS 8 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platform from ESRI. It is a user-friendly application that designs, documents and manages fiber, copper, wireless and coaxial networks, and offers the capability to document Inside Plant equipment on the GIS. Using sophisticated, object-based technology, Network Engineer 2.0 models all real-world components of the communications network such as cables, splices, structures and cabinets in the outside plant environment, in addition to the chassis, switching equipment and plug-ins for the inside plant view. Network Engineer 2.0 affords an engineering management organization all the necessary tools to plan, design, build and maintain complex communications networks.
Visit: http://www.telcordia.com/ & http://www.mesahq.com/

Japanese Joint-Venture Announced to Develop and Market J-2 Rocket

Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. (IHI) has formed a joint-venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., IHI Aerospace Co., Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Kokusai Sohko Co. to develop and market its new J-2 (or J-1U) medium-lift launch vehicle to be available in early 2006. The venture, to be known as Galaxy Express, is capitalized at US$820,000 (Ľ100 million) one third of which will be paid by the industry while the Japanese government will fund the remaining part. The J-2 will be based on a liquid oxygen/kerosene first stage derived from Atlas tanks provided by Lockheed Martin and powered by a single NK-33 engine supplied by Aerojet. It will feature a liquid methane/liquid oxygen second stage powered by a new engine developed by IHI.