Using geospatial data is more than just locating points on a map or being able to identify your location via cell phone. Geospatial data can also aid in improving public safety and emergency responsiveness. Geospatial solutions, including Google Earth Enterprise and Google Maps API, are being adopted by many cities across the country to aid in improving the quality of life for their residents.

Caron Beesley, Editor, [acronym] Mike Evanoff, Geospatial Engineer for Google Earth Enterprise. Originially published in [acronym] magazine, Issue 11 Mike joined Google’s federal team in June 2006, and has traveled the globe to help a broad range of federal, state and international government agencies put Google Earth to use in their organizations. Earlier in his career, Mike was a Navy Commander. Google Earth Enterprise helps organizations with imagery and other geospatial data make that information accessible and useful to all employees who need access via an intuitive, fast application.

By Beau Turner, Director of Business Development, Building Solutions Group, Avatech Solutions Originially published in [acronym] magazine, Issue 11 Building teams are looking more closely at Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the midst of the worldwide economic crunch. In fact, IPD is emerging as the standard for early collaboration and powerful decision-making in the building industry. IPD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) together can further boost productivity and reduce risks. What is IPD? IPD is an arrangement between designers, engineers, contractors and owners where all share in both the risks and rewards for a given project. Experience reveals four main benefits to using IPD:

Want a birds-eye view of your house? How about a high-resolution image of your construction site? You no longer have to be a spy to see this data: Satellite imagery has found a place in our everyday lives. But satellite imagery is more than just a curiosity. It’s easier than ever to use this technology for many applications from construction to natural disaster recovery. Many industries, including federal, state and local agencies, and natural resources, architecture, engineering and construction companies, use satellite imagery as an essential part of their jobs.

Lori Ward, Director, Commercial Sales GeoEye Originially published in [acronym] magazine, Issue 11 In 2005, three high-resolution commercial remote sensing satellite companies served as the flagships of what appeared to be a growing remote sensing industry in the United States. Commercial satellite imagery was raising the profile of remote sensing solutions to prospective government and private-sector users. Investors were bullish, and with companies like Google showing interest, and the U.S. Government signing long-term contracts, the future of the commercial satellite imagery looked promising. Five years later, the quantity and quality of, and demand for, commercial imagery have all increased tremendously. This article looks at the early years of commercial satellite imaging, provides an update on the current state and, on the eve of new EnhancedView contract awards from the U.S. Government, speculates on its future.

Caron Beesley, Editor [acronym] online sat down for a five minute interview with Cadalyst columnist and Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen. Lynn speaks to more than 30,000 users worldwide each year. For the past sixteen years she has written a monthly column in Cadalyst magazine called “Circles and Lines” and is the voice behind the popular Cadalyst videos – “Tips and Tricks Tuesday with Lynn Allen”. Lynn started using AutoCAD® software with Release 1.4, over 20 years ago, and she taught at the corporate and collegiate level for 13 years before joining Autodesk. You can follow Lynn on her blog http://lynn.blogs.com/ and on Twitter @Lynn_Allen. Here are some things you might not know about Lynn!

In December 2008, a partial power outage at Denver International Airport interrupted normal operations during one of the busiest travel days of the year. While gate activities and air traffic control were not affected, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checks had to be done manually. The three-hour outage led to longer than usual wait times for passengers trying to get through security, with ensuing disruptions in their travel plans. For airports and air traffic control facilities, the loss of power for even a few minutes can critically impact operations. Power is what keeps flight and ground systems operational, terminals and concourses open for passengers, cargo moving, and related organizations such as TSA and immigrations and customs functioning. Electrical power is also crucial to support functions such as restaurants, retail outlets and parking facilities.

Map-making has come a long way since Lewis and Clark set off on their cross-country trek to the Pacific Northwest more than 200 years ago. By offering views from above and below, today’s detailed geospatial data lets first responders and public safety officials respond to emergencies quickly and collaborate across agency boundaries.

By Beau Turner, Director Business Development, Building Solutions Group, Avatech Solutions Originially published in [acronym] magazine, Issue 10 The severity of the current economic downturn has seen the public sector striving to increase the value of its services. While private construction projects languish due to the credit crunch, new government building projects are emerging to create jobs and keep the economy moving. In the midst of this opportunity, government decision makers are under even more pressure than usual to ensure optimal use of tax dollars.

Many government agencies continue to drive innovation and achieve cost savings while adjusting to budget cuts and increased pressure for accountability from taxpayers. Here is [acronym] online’s pick of some of the more notable public sector projects that have achieved more with less through design, engineering, and process management innovation.