In News 
National Geographic Rushes Out New Map of Afghanistan
Millions of Americans eager to follow developments in Afghanistan will soon have available an up-to-date map of that country, rushed into print by the National Geographic Society. The new map was produced in five weeks, far shorter than the several months it normally takes to create the detailed maps for the magazine. The new Afghanistan maps are included in the December issue of National Geographic magazine, currently in the mail to subscribers and on sale at news stands Dec. 1. A map of Antarctica had originally been planned for the December issue, Carroll said. That will be released in February. The two-sided map is titled ``Land in Crisis.'' One side is a political map, showing Afghan cities and towns, rivers, mountains, passes and airports, as well as other details. The other side shows a satellite image of Afghanistan and includes a timeline of the country's history from the first Anglo-Afghan war in 1838-1842 to the present conflict, as well as mini-maps of Afghanistan's ethnic groups, droughts and earthquakes, Taliban and Northern Alliance strongholds, and refugee camps in the country. In addition to the maps distributed with the magazine, more than 50,000 copies of the map will be provided free to teachers around the United States. There is also an online version of the map, which the magazine will update to reflect developments in the region. It can be found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/landincrisis.
Top Stories
Landsat 7 Images for $US 350 from RGI
Resource GIS and Imaging Ltd. (RGI) announced today an introductory price of $US 350, $CDN 560, for all Level 1G Landsat 7 images produced from raw Landsat 7 data archived by Natural Resources Canada, the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS). The CCRS archive of raw Landsat 7 data for over 64,000 Landsat 7 scenes, covers all of Canada, Eastern Alaska, most of the Continental USA and Northwest Cuba and is updated daily. RGI has been a value added processor of Landsat data since its inception in 1993. The Company began distribution of Landsat 7 images under sublicense from CCRS on October 11, 2001. The initial Landsat 7 products being distributed by RGI include Geo-located Images (level 1G), 12.5m Natural Colour Images and Orthorectified Images. RGI also provides a range of custom Landsat 7 products for specific applications. For more information on RGI's Landsat 7 products and prices go to www.rgi.bc.ca/landsat7/landsat-c.htm.
The latest SICAD-UT version offers improved recording, handling and administration
The new version of SICAD-UT processes an extremely wide range of data formats, simplifies geo-referencing and makes it easier to correct distortions. With its on-screen digitizing (OSD) available for the first time, the application accurately fits the maps available in raster format into the current representation. Separation into different raster layers enables simple construction of hybrid compositions. With faster data generation and rapid access to the data, the latest version of SICAD-UT reduces the recording workload. Users can generate lines more quickly and have immediate access to a wide selection of different types and labels. The concept of original coordinates enables parallel use of precise survey points and representation coordinates without increasing the workload. In terms of evaluation and information, SICAD-UT V3.2 determines the shortest line distance, which is then used as a basis for optimizing networks and locating faults. Using the SICAD-UT V3.2 network information system, users can simplify task distribution, show the task status more clearly and define specific application profiles. The latest version of the standard application for public utilities is based on the use of the internet/intranet with SICAD-UT-WEB. The powerful information system provides users of network information throughout companies with additional access mechanisms, selection options and attribute data navigation.
Visit: www.sicad.com
Direccio General de Carreteres of the Catalan selects Intergraph to manage corporate GIS initiative
Intergraph Mapping and GIS Solutions has announced that the Direccio General de Carreteres (DGC) in Barcelona, Spain has chosen Intergraph's GeoMedia technology as the platform for its new corporate GIS. Project implementation will be a joint venture between Intergraph Spain and SYSIGSA, a local engineering company and a Team GeoMedia Registered Solutions Provider partner. The DGC's corporate project is the first component of a larger planned GIS
system within the Catalan Public Works Ministry and Land Planning. The Web-based and client/server-based GIS will assist DGC with road management mobility planning, security traffic assessment, pavement maintenance, and road network planning. The current project comes in four modules and is in development. The first module is scheduled for the beginning of 2002 with the remaining modules operational by year's end. DGC's choice of GeoMedia technology supports the need for accurate data model definition following the GTF (Geo Transportation Format) and GDF (Geo Data Files) standard Transportation Models. Several GeoMedia products will be used including GeoMedia Professional, GeoMedia Transportation, GeoMedia Transaction Manager, and GeoMedia WebEnterprise as well as Intergraph's
Dynamo product for cartographic generalization and what-if analysis.
Visit: http://www.intergraph.com/imgs
SPATIALinfo solves City of Renton's search for CAD and GIS data management solution
SPATIALinfo, a specialist supplier of network and spatial information solutions, has announced that its SPATIALnet™, SPATIALmover™, SPATIALmodeler™ and SPATIALweb™ products have been selected by the City of Renton, Washington, after more than two year's searching by the City for suitable products to solve its CAD and GIS data management requirements. The City of Renton has over 4 gigabytes of spatially referenced data largely stored and managed as AutoCAD® drawing files, used to prepare maps and analyses in support of its operations. The City has found the proprietary data format to be complex and time-consuming to maintain, often forcing the continual re-creation of subordinate datasets, introducing scope for error and data duplication. SPATIALinfo will help to model and create the Oracle database that will operate as the warehouse for the City's spatial data. SPATIALinfo will use a configuration of its specialized migration software, which, amongst other things rapidly transforms AutoCAD drawing and graphics properties and attribute data into fully modelled relational database information at the element level.
Visit: http://www.spatialinfo.com/sinews.htm
GeoMicro's AltaMap Server powers the next generation Real-Estate Information System in Ohio
GeoMicro, a developer of premier Internet mapping applications, is proud to announce that Lucas County, Ohio, has released a new version of their popular Auditor's Real Estate Information System (AREIS) Online web application. At the heart of the system is GeoMicro's AltaMap Server software suite. AREIS Technology refers to a series of products, developed in-house, that enable the taxpayers of Lucas County to view public records pertaining to Real Estate parcel information. The products include a client-server application located in the Real Estate Office, a CD-ROM GIS Viewer that is sold for $10.00, and the most recent edition - the updated AREIS Online web application.
Visit: http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/areis/areismain.asp & http://www.geomicro.com
LBS, GIS, the AGI and Laser-Scan to run a seminar on Data for LBS - Straight to the Point
The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) is running a seminar to address the role of GIS within the Location Based Services industry: Data for LBS - Straight to the Point. Laser-Scan is taking part in the one-day event later this month with a presentation on Business to Consumer Applications from our Business Development Manager Nic Snape. Location based services, where information is delivered to a mobile phone user on the basis of their current position, have recently generated a new interest in the potential of GIS technologies and spatial data. Whilst existing services provide answers to questions such as Where is my nearest …?, the potential for sophisticated services delivering traffic dependent driving instructions are soon to emerge. YEOMAN, Laser-Scan's parent company, are already operating such services to a pilot audience and intend to roll out a full scale commercial system early in 2002. Nic's presentation examines the role of GIS for such consumer services, and looks at some of the challenges in realising the vision of vehicle navigation on existing mobile technologies.
Visit: www.laser-scan.com
BEELINE Technologies to sell tractor guidance technology to Caterpillar Agricultural Products
BEELINE Technologies, Inc., of Fresno, California, has confirmed that they have signed an agreement with Caterpillar Agricultural Products Inc., of DeKalb, Illinois, to supply components for the new Cat® Auto-Guide(TM) Satellite Navigation System. The Auto-Guide system will be factory installed on Caterpillar's new Challenger® MT700 series tractors and features NovAtel Inc. Global Positioning System technology. The Cat Auto-Guide system is powered by NovAtel's high accuracy GPS receiver - the OEM4. David Vaughn, NovAtel's President and CEO adds, ``One of the real advantages of this receiver is that it can be easily upgraded to multiple levels of accuracy after installation. As the operation's practices change, the system can be upgraded from a one-meter system to one that is capable of down to centimetre level accuracy, without removing or replacing the original hardware.'' The fully integrated system is a reflection of NovAtel's proven GPS technology, along with BEELINE's strong application and market experience in developing multiple generations of agricultural guidance solutions.
Visit: http://www.cat-ag.com/ & http://www.beelinenavigator.com/
Asia News
Insat 3C launch in January
BANGALORE, Nov. 19 - COMMUNICATIONS satellite, Insat 3C, is to be launched on January 16 next year. European launch service provider, Arianespace, today said that 3C would be launched on its current workhorse, Ariane 4, from the Kourou spacepad in French Guiana.
ISRO sources said Insat 3C has undergone the tests and would be airlifted from the Bangalore satellite centre on December 1. The Indian agency has to replace its aging 2C with 3C and the procured 2DT with 3A, which will follow 3C next year.
3C is being accommodated as a single passenger considering ISRO's urgency and the long relationship it enjoys with Arianespace. Normally, it should become operational a month after launch. The satellite with telecom and weather payloads was earlier scheduled for launch some time in September-October on the new launcher, Ariane 5. But Ariane 5 flights were suspended after a faulty double launch in July 12 involving Japan's DTH satellite BSat1B and European test payload Artemis.
For Arianespace, 3C will be the eighth ISRO contract. It has also been signed up for launching the next two, 3A and 3E. Meanwhile, the powerful Ariane 5 may be resumed in late January 2002. Mandatory tests including the Aestus engine ignition on November 10 have cleared it for launch.
Arianespace controls over 50 per cent of the launch market and has lofted 130 of the 207 geo-stationary satellites currently in operation since 1979.
Source: Busines Line, November 19 2001
Chinese Resources Satellites Make Use of Military Technology: Expert
CHONGQING, November 19 (Xinhuanet) -- China has converted militarytechnology including satellite technology into civilian use, sources revealed today.
Sources say that the country's resources satellites are currently making use of military technology in the ambitious western region development scheme.
At a hi-tech trade fair held in the municipality of Chongqing, Wang Zhimin, a China Resources Satellite Application Center expert,said military technology has helped satellites survey land and water resources, and monitor floods and forest fires.
Wang added that resources satellites can also play an importantrole in monitoring ecological changes in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.
According to Wang, detection of water contamination in the Yellow River Delta in 1999 helped the local government to take prompt action to curb pollution.
The fair has attracted the industries of aerospace and aviation,and weapon manufacture. Their projects now span civilian fields from new materials, electronics and communication to biological medicine.
The Beijing Aerospace and Aviation University has signed 11 agreements to convert military technology into civilian use, involving 10 million yuan (1.21 million US dollars)
Source: Xinhua News Agency
Tibet to Launch 9 Key Tech Projects
TIBET,November 20 (Xinhuanet)--Plans are being mapped by technological departments for 9 key technological projects to be launched in Tibet to push a vigorous growth of local economy in the coming 10 years,according to today's Peopledaily.com.
The focus of projects planned as reported will be on the four areas of agriculture, industry, social and hi-tech development. Nine key technological projects include making most of hi-tech intellectual resources, developing superior crop strains and high-quality stock breeds, developing environment-friendly feature products, technology demonstration, promoting use of new energy technology, updating medical treatment, ecological environment construction, popularizing science and technology and exploiting use of plateau biology resources.
Achievements Made in the Past:
Over the past five years Tibet has completed construction of 389 key research projects, of which 9 has won national awards. It has also surmounted lots of technical difficulties in the economical and social development as well as established many hi-tech enterprises.
China Launched Technological Projects in Western Areas:
China has launched a series of projects aimed at developing technology in its western areas. Those projects include personnel training, international cooperation, and domestic research programs. China has given priority to high-tech development over the last decade and announced plans to continue with that endeavor.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
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