In December of last year, Google released its new Google Earth Engine, an application created specifically with scientific research in mind. This new product provides an unprecedented 25 years of satellite images with the goal of enabling more precise climate modeling, based on change studies and mapping trends of the Earth’s environment with a principle focus on identifying areas of deforestation. This short video does a great job explaining the goals and background of this ground-breaking project.

When you think about geospatial technology, more often than not what comes to mind are maps, earth images, and so on. But, in fact, more and more government departments and agencies, notably the DoD, are turning to geospatial technology to increase business efficiencies. According to DISDI Program Manager David LaBranche, quoted in the article “Geospatial Technology Aids DoD Efficiency Drive” in the February 2011 edition of Geospatial Intelligence Forum magazine (PDF), achieving economies of scale, reducing duplicative acquisition of imagery and data, as well as better tracking and management of buildings and other fixed assets are some of the key benefits of geospatial technology. LaBranche also noted that his office, which is located within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment, wants to see geospatial capabilities used by all of the mission areas across the department – an ambition that up till now was quite a challenge to achieve.

Once upon a time GIS sat in its own little bubble – mapping the world obliquely, orthogonally and with untold potential for data integration, location-based intelligence gathering and analysis, and so on. Today that little bubble has burst opening new windows of opportunity that couples the visual power of high resolution GIS imagery with the evolving needs and mandates that drive the AEC industry – sustainable design, an increasingly visually-oriented workforce and a utilities infrastructure system in desperate need of an overhaul. In light of these drivers, GIS and AEC folks are marrying up big time. Take for example a quiet little union that is happening at Autodesk. According to industry publication, GISCafé, in the past year Autodesk has quietly, yet deliberately, disbanded its GIS division and moved it under its AEC Solutions division, once the official headquarters of AEC flagship products such as Revit and Civil 3D.

I recently read an article in Government Computer News (GCN) that discusses how a shift is taking place in the way that geospatial tools are being used by non-traditional federal government employees, such as program officers. GIS has always been a great asset to “in the field” government employees such as emergency response officials, law enforcement agents and civil engineers, but more and more the convergence of geospatial imagery and data toolsets is being used to help senior staff at HQ make informed decisions. Jerry Johnston, GIO for the Environmental Protection Agency, for example, discusses how his agency is redefining how GIS is used, he envisions a time in the near future when “…all of our grants, funding programs and budget formulation will be expressed in map form.” This program-based scenario is quite different from what the traditional GIS user does.

No technology has given us such a literal insight into the world around us than satellite imagery – from our everyday use of Google Maps to more serious applications in the local and national security community. This top down view of the world, combined with actionable data about the terrain, buildings and even persons on the ground, has transformed how emergency responders, law enforcement officials, and others in the security arena act on intelligence, plan and prepare for potential scenarios and adjust tactics from the field. However – traditional geospatial imagery and information has its limits. Say, for example you are a law enforcement official in Arlington, Virginia. While your geospatial app can give you a great view of the roof of a potential suspect’s apartment block, and probably also tell you which apartment your suspect lives in. What if you could use the power of multiple, yet integrated viewpoints, to measure the perimeter of the block, gauge the best surveillance points based on a clear line of sight, plan ingress and egress points, and share this information in pre-raid briefings. Imagine the time saved during the initial “Time on Target”?

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Stopping Crime Before it Starts (link to article?), explores the practice that sophisticated analysis of data can sometimes tell law enforcement where criminals are headed. The notion, known as ‘predictive policing’ uses computer analysis of information about previous crimes to predict when and where future crimes will occur. The LAPD has positioned itself at the center of the predictive policing universe, teaming up with UCLA, where researchers are studying the ways criminals behave in urban settings.

I regularly check out my local Home Owners Association online discussion boards to get the scoop on neighborhood events and happenings. And, living close to the nation’s capital, transportation issues are often top of mind for us all. So I found myself following a popular thread about a local road construction project. Being the resourceful neighbors that we are (and just a little curious to know whether said project would help or hinder commuter traffic) the thread took on it own life as we harnessed our collective information gathering power to get the scoop. One contributor tracked down information from Virginia DOT’s web site; then another posted a Google Maps aerial image of the area; others chimed in with some local hearsay and, eureka, we concluded that our little hometown road project was in fact a step in the right direction towards easing congesting at a major commuter route interchange.

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.

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.