Blog – City Wayfinding

Riding the Rails and Rethinking Our Geospatial Mess

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:08:55 GMT

Yesterday I made the questionable life choice of taking a train from DC to NYC. It’s been a while since I’ve done the whole American-rail experience, and apparently, I forgot that here in the States, train travel feels less like gliding through Europe and more like hitching a ride in the back of a semi truck driven by someone trying to make their delivery window before the sun explodes.

About 45 minutes in, I realized I should’ve popped a Dramamine. I’ve had smoother rides on those sketchy airport shuttles that feel like they were engineered during a smoke break behind the terminal. The cabin rattled, the tracks complained, and I suddenly understood why half the EU rolls their eyes at us. They get sleek, quiet, efficient trains. We get nostalgia for covered wagons.

And honestly, the whole thing reminded me of something painfully familiar: bad geospatial data.

Because this is exactly what lousy source data feels like to an analyst. A shaky, jarring, borderline headache-inducing mess you’re forced to ride out because someone, somewhere, made a decision based on efficiency that absolutely wasn’t.

Those of us who cut our teeth 20 years ago remember when geospatial analysis was fun. An art form, even. You had room to be creative, to shape something meaningful out of messy inputs. You were a cartographer, a detective, and the person who kept the mission glued together with context no one else could see.

Today’s analysts? They’re handed a dumpster fire of source data and told to “do the minimum to meet requirements” because the budget is basically lunch money, the kind of budget where an entire AFD product might be valued at less than what I’d pay two men for four hours of landscaping in STL. And thanks to federal contracting contortions like LPTA, dressed up as BVTO cosplay, everyone pretends we’re investing in quality while actually racing to the bottom, as if it were a sport.

And yet we still expect analysts to perform miracles. Or worse, we expect AI/ML to fix everything as if training algorithms on subpar data will magically produce anything other than a statistically elegant hallucination. Spoiler alert: garbage in still equals garbage out, even when you add a transformer architecture.

But before you start typing your resignation letter or pouring a drink way too early in the day, there is hope. Because, despite the chaos, there are still brilliant people out there pushing boundaries, breaking rules, and pushing forward with both hands. And you know where they gather?

Geography 2050.

It’s the closest thing our community has to an underground society of geospatial greatness. On the surface, it appears to be a typical conference: coffee that tastes like disappointment, and panelists going through the usual slide shuffle. But the good stuff happens in the hallways. The after-hours conversations. The whispered confessions of people who actually build things, actually solve problems, and actually say out loud what everyone else is thinking.

That’s where you meet the ones who care about the future of this field. The ones who still see the potential. Those trying to ensure that the next generation of analysts experiences more than triage work, bad source data, and whatever budgetary fever dreams LPTA and BVTO have in store for us.

So yeah. The train ride was rough. The data world is rougher. But the people? There’s still gold in this community. You just have to know where to look.

And apparently, one of those places is a hotel hallway in New York in late November.

GIS for Good: Mapping Hope in a Changing World

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:54:34 GMT

Let’s be honest: the pace of today’s news cycle is ridiculous, and not in a charming way. You can’t even drink your morning coffee without getting smacked in the face by another crisis, another conflict, or some political circus designed to fry your last remaining brain cell. Scroll a little deeper and suddenly social media is feeding you a parade of end‑of‑the‑world nonsense: alien attacks supposedly being covered up, secret underground civilizations planning their comeback, and, of course, the 3I Atlas conspiracy crowd convinced fragmentation is a sign of impending galactic collapse. It’s nonstop, and it’s exhausting in a way caffeine can’t fix.

And still, buried in all that noise, there’s one quiet force that cuts through the chaos with more honesty than most headlines manage all year:

GIS.

Not glamorous. Not loud. And let’s be honest, half the world only remembers it exists when GIS Day rolls around and everyone suddenly becomes a born‑again cartographer for exactly 24 hours. But despite the annual parade of “Look, I made a map!” posts, GIS is absolutely essential. Because every time we need to understand what is actually happening in the world, GIS is the tool that gives us a fighting chance.

My colleague Brian Monheiser always says, “Every map, every dataset, every visualization tells a story of connection, courage, and community.” He’s right. Even if he’s annoyingly quotable.

Seeing the World So We Can Change It

GIS isn’t just technology. It’s context. People to places. Places to systems. Systems to outcomes.

Whether it’s a major metropolitan area moving millions through a transit network or a rural region struggling to survive drought and displacement, spatial data is what turns uncertainty into understanding. It turns overwhelm into clarity and guesswork into direction.

At its core, GIS is about seeing , and once you can see, you can finally do something .

Where Technology Meets Humanity

Today’s GIS tools, whether commercial or open-source, are doing the work that actually matters: supporting life-advancing, life-supporting, and life-saving missions around the world.

After my recent podcast conversation with Frank Romo (RomoGIS), I was reminded that GIS isn’t just data. It’s responsibility. It’s representation. It’s people. It puts humanity on record without filters, spin, or whatever today’s trending narrative pretends to be.

We don’t map because it’s cool tech. We map because GIS provides an unvarnished truth about the world as it is. What isn’t seen can’t be understood, and what isn’t understood never gets fixed. GIS forces us to deal with reality as it is, not as we wish it were.

Where GIS Makes a Difference

Disaster Response

After earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, or floods, GIS shows risk, safe zones, damage, access routes, and recovery efforts in near real-time. Programs like T-Kartor Iris® , Esri®’s Disaster Response Program, and HOTOSM turn mapping into something that saves lives.

Public Health

Pandemics. Outbreaks. Health inequities. GIS keeps track of what’s moving where, who’s at risk, and how fast decisions need to happen.

Food and Water Security

Farmers, scientists, planners, and policymakers rely on GIS to understand land use, drought, crop health, and shifting resources.

Climate and Conservation

Deforestation, migration paths, coastal risk. GIS is the lens that shows what’s happening before the damage becomes irreversible.

Community Empowerment

Tools like T-Kartor Iris® , StoryMaps, and open civic data platforms empower communities to tell their stories, make informed decisions, and build trust through shared visibility.

Open Data, Open Hearts

Some of the most meaningful GIS work isn’t driven by big budgets or massive institutions. It comes from open-source communities.

Projects like OpenStreetMap , MapAction , and countless local mapping collectives show what’s possible when volunteers around the world choose collaboration over apathy. Entire regions that were once unmapped now exist on the global stage because ordinary people decided their communities deserved to be visible.

When data opens up, opportunity does too. When maps are shared, voices get louder. When communities collaborate, lives change.

Why It Matters

Every point on a map is a person. A family. A responder. A traveler. A student. Someone who isn’t just a data point, but a real human dealing with real consequences.

GIS cuts through the noise and provides them with more than just a dot on a screen. It gives them presence, weight, and visibility that can’t be ignored. It forces leaders to face the truth, compelling them to make decisions grounded in reality rather than wishful thinking. It gives the world clarity when everything else feels like static and spin.

It’s humanity’s lens. Not just showing where things are, but why it all matters in the first place .

Looking Ahead

GIS Day isn’t about the software or the hype. It’s about the people who make it matter.

The analysts. The volunteers. The planners. The coders. The responders. The community builders. The dreamers.

From humanitarian mappers to defense analysts, public health experts to city planners, geospatial professionals everywhere use GIS to help us understand our world and shape a better one.

When we map with purpose, we don’t just chart terrain. We chart hope , healing , and human progress .

But here’s the part most people skip: GIS isn’t magic. It’s work. It’s grind. It’s thousands of people showing up every day to make sense of a world that refuses to sit still.

The headlines scream, the conspiracies spiral, the noise never stops, but GIS keeps pulling us back to what is real. What is happening? What needs fixing? It is the unfiltered baseline that the rest of the world often overlooks.

So even if the spotlight briefly hits us once a year, the impact isn’t annual. It’s daily. Quiet. Consistent. Relentless.

We keep showing up. We keep delivering clarity. We keep mapping the truth because someone has to.

And that consistency? That’s the part that actually moves the world forward.

Frontlines Remade: Why Tactical METOC Matters More Than Ever

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:22:38 GMT

The nature of frontline warfare has shifted dramatically during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and when I think about the modern frontline, it's striking how much it has changed in just a few years. What used to be a clearly defined line on a map has transformed into something far more complex: a layered, constantly observed operational environment where weather and local conditions can dictate whether an action succeeds or fails, and whether people live or die.

Frontlines today aren't single, static lines. They're made up of belts and zones where presence, exposure, and risk overlap in unpredictable ways. Burned tree lines, ruined settlements, and scattered wreckage reshape how people see, move, and survive.

Behind these belts lies an extended "grey zone" where persistent aerial observation and intermittent fires shape daily life. Defensive positions are dispersed and hidden, urban ruins, cellars, improvised shelters all creating countless small pockets where situational awareness is critical.

Living and Moving Under Constant Watch

Battlefields today are saturated with aerial sensors. Daylight movement is often too risky; resupply happens during narrow, low-visibility windows. Logistics are strained. Personnel wait long hours for rotations that depend on fleeting opportunities, and not just tactical timing, but weather conditions down to the hour.

And it's not just the physical terrain. The sky itself has become an operational domain. A continuous, layered picture created by unmanned systems and small sensors watching several kilometers deep. Add in constant electronic warfare and contested communications, and the environment becomes even more fragile and complex.

Why Weather Is More Tactical Than Ever

Weather has always been a factor in military operations, shaping visibility, mobility, and the tempo of war for centuries. What's changed is the precision, speed, and scale at which local conditions now influence modern operations.

In today's layered, sensor-saturated battlefields, weather isn't background information; it's a tactical force multiplier. Micro-scale meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) data directly shape:

Visibility windows for safe movement and resupply
Sensor performance across optical, infrared, and radar
Rotary-wing, VTOL, and UAV operations
Communications and EW propagation
Human endurance and equipment reliability in harsh conditions

When the difference between moving or waiting, engaging or holding, is measured in hours - or even tens of minutes - having accurate, localized METOC at the unit level becomes survival-critical.

How Iris METOC Brings Weather into the Fight

That's precisely why we built T-Kartor Iris METOC: to give leadership, logisticians, and humanitarian actors localized, near-real-time environmental intelligence at the tactical edge.

We combine high-resolution forecasts tuned to microclimates with sensor data from UAVs and weather stations to refine short-term predictions. More importantly, we translate all of that into mission-oriented indicators, visibility corridors, sensor performance windows, and safe transit periods and layer them right onto the operational map.

And because frontlines rarely have perfect connectivity, Iris METOC is designed to run in constrained networks and still deliver critical insights even when bandwidth is limited.

Beyond Operations: The Human Impact

It's not just about tactical advantage. Better weather intelligence reduces unnecessary risk to civilians and responders, improving humanitarian routing, evacuation planning, and the timing of movements that protect and save lives.

Weather Has Never Been a Footnote

Throughout history, weather has shaped the outcome of battles. But in today's operational reality, it's no longer a backdrop; it's a decisive factor woven into every decision. Every movement, every rotation, every action is influenced by local conditions that can shift in minutes.

Systems like T-Kartor Iris METOC bring atmospheric science to the tactical edge, turning raw data into actionable, human-centered intelligence. They give leadership, logisticians, and humanitarian actors the clarity to act faster, safer, and smarter when every minute and every meter matters.

This isn't about predicting the weather. It's about owning the operational advantage it creates.

If you're interested in seeing how localized METOC can reshape planning, reduce risk, and save lives in contested or complex environments, let's connect. I'd be glad to walk through a real-world scenario.

Reimagining How We Share Information. Together.

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:44:28 GMT

When challenges arise or new opportunities appear, our instinct is often to gather more data. We analyze, interpret, and build insights. But information on its own rarely changes outcomes. It's when we share it, securely, thoughtfully, and with purpose that it truly begins to make a difference.

For many years, our focus has been on collection and analysis. Today, we need to give equal attention to what happens next: how knowledge moves between people, teams, and organizations. Intelligence that remains locked away is only potential. But when it reaches the right hands, at the right moment, in the right format, it can guide better decisions and stronger cooperation.

When we get this right, we don't just improve processes, we build trust, coordination, and shared strength across sectors and borders.

Security as the Foundation for Trust

Sharing information is not only about making it available. It's about making it available safely. Modern technologies now allow us to share data and services across different security levels, opening new possibilities for collaboration, even in sensitive environments.

But with this capability comes responsibility. Security needs to be part of the design from the very beginning, from classification and transmission to storage and access in the field. When security is embedded in every step, it becomes an enabler of trusted and scalable collaboration, not a barrier.

Speaking the Same Language Through Open Standards

No two organizations are alike. Some work with large global platforms, while others depend on tailored local systems. When infrastructures are tied to a single vendor, silos form, and flexibility is lost.

Open standards offer a way forward. By ensuring systems can "speak" to each other, they allow critical information to flow securely and efficiently. Building flexibility through open standards isn't just a technical choice, it's a way of making sure we can work together, no matter what tomorrow brings.

Staying Flexible in a Changing World

Even the most advanced systems cannot predict every situation. What makes the difference is the ability to adapt quickly. That may mean adding new interfaces, supporting emerging standards, or solving unexpected problems in real time.

In moments of crisis, responsiveness matters more than perfection. Agility helps organizations navigate uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities. This is where strong partnerships and trust between teams become essential.

Using Bandwidth Wisely

Networks have limits. In critical situations, every second counts, and overloaded systems can create bottlenecks. By sharing only what has changed, and timing larger updates for quieter moments, we keep essential information moving when it's needed most.

Thoughtful bandwidth management isn't just technical housekeeping, it's a way to keep communication clear and reliable when pressure is highest.

Quiet Resilience: Preparing for Offline Moments

True resilience means continuing to work even when the network goes down. Local servers, synchronized with the latest data and ready to operate offline, provide a quiet but essential strength.

In a crisis, when teams can keep going without relying on constant connectivity, they don't just endure, they remain effective. Offline readiness is what keeps operations steady in the face of the unexpected.

From Collection to Collaboration

Information is not meant to be locked away. It is meant to be shared securely, thoughtfully, and with purpose. Whether coordinating across agencies, managing a crisis, or building new collaborative platforms, the same principles apply:

Build trust through secure sharing
Use open standards to connect diverse systems
Stay agile in the face of change
Manage bandwidth carefully
Prepare for offline continuity

By rethinking how we share information, we turn intelligence into real-world impact. We build systems that don't just react to crises but help us anticipate and respond together.

This is not only about technology, it's about people working together with shared purpose. If we can achieve that, information becomes more than data: it becomes a force for coordination, preparedness, and positive change.

Cartography and Design

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:29:59 GMT

From the earliest cave markings to carved stick charts and drawn maps, early humans relied on visual tools to communicate complex ideas. Where to find water, how to travel safely, or what dangers to avoid were too critical to leave to memory alone. Early maps served as powerful forms of storytelling and communication, passing knowledge across generations. They transformed lived experience and spatial awareness into shareable formats others could see, interpret, and act upon. In this way, maps were among humanity's first acts of design: an intentional shaping of information into a visual form with the goal of guiding others.

I view cartographers as 'specialized designers' because effective cartography requires more than technical accuracy; it requires a grasp of design fundamentals. The seven principles of design—emphasis, balance, contrast, repetition, proportion, movement, and white space—are as crucial to mapmaking as they are to branding, illustration, or interface design. A map without balance may overwhelm the eye. A map without contrast may bury its most important features. And a map without thoughtful emphasis risks leaving users unsure of what matters most. In this sense, every map is a designed object, and every cartographer is a designer working within a highly specific medium.

Yet the connection between cartography and design runs deeper than shared principles. Both fields are fundamentally user-centered. A graphic designer considers how a person will navigate a website, comprehend an infographic, or connect with the visual identity of a brand. Similarly, a cartographer anticipates how a user will interpret a route, identify landmarks, or assess the terrain of a landscape. In both practices, success depends on empathy: understanding what the user needs, predicting where they might struggle, and creating visual language that guides them intuitively toward clarity.

Cartography, then, is more than a technical exercise in representing geography. It is a creative discipline rooted in problem-solving. Every choice, from the thickness of a line to the hue of a color palette, shapes how information is perceived and used. For example, a designer might choose warm colors to draw attention to urgent information, while a cartographer might use the same approach to highlight areas of risk on a hazard map. Just as a poorly designed interface can frustrate or confuse its users, a poorly designed map can mislead, overwhelm, or even endanger. Conversely, a well-crafted map inspires confidence, encourages exploration, and conveys information in ways words alone cannot.

The narrative power of maps also underscores their kinship with design. A brochure or advertisement might tell the story of a company or product, while a map tells the story of a place, a journey, or a phenomenon. A transit map, for instance, communicates how a city functions and how people move through it. A thematic map illustrating the spread of disease doesn't just record numbers; it tells a story of urgency, patterns, and human impact. In both design and cartography, the aim is not only to present data but to frame it in a way that resonates emotionally and intellectually with the audience.

By recognizing cartographers as specialized designers, we acknowledge the artistry behind the science. Maps are not static records of geography. They are purposeful visual narratives that bridge raw data and human experience. Whether guiding a traveler through a city, helping emergency responders in a crisis, or preserving cultural memory, effective cartography balances accuracy, aesthetics, and accessibility .

In today's world, where data visualization plays an ever-growing role in how we understand complex systems, the overlap between design and cartography is more relevant than ever. Digital mapping platforms, interactive dashboards, and immersive geographic visualizations rely on the same design principles as traditional print media. Both fields are tasked with making complexity simple, translating overwhelming amounts of data into experiences that are usable, memorable, and meaningful.

Cartography and graphic design share a common purpose: to help people see, understand, and connect. They are disciplines united by empathy, clarity, and storytelling. Qualities that ensure their enduring value in a world where visual communication is more important than ever. Maps, like all great designs, are not just about looks, but how they help us understand and engage with the world we live in.

Why T-Kartor Iris™ is Built for the Mission

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:49:16 GMT

Trusted Where It Matters Most

When I joined T-Kartor, I stepped into a company with a legacy of trust, precision, and purpose. I also stepped into one of the most capable platforms I’ve seen so far: T-Kartor Iris™ .

It didn’t take long for me to understand why Iris has become the foundation for so many mission-critical environments across NATO, national defense, and public safety. This is more than a geospatial data platform. Iris is a trusted system of record, a secure bridge across networks, and a living example of what interoperability looks like when done right. Iris was designed to meet the realities of defense and high-security operations, segmented environments, varying security levels, disconnected systems, and strict governance. It handles all of it with confidence.

Behind every feature is a powerful philosophy: that data should be controlled yet accessible. Whether it’s unclassified or NATO Secret, everything in Iris is cataloged, validated, and governed with precision. But just as important is that the valuable data is easily available, instantly, at all instances, and to all roles that should have access.

This kind of security and standards heavy solutions, typically have a very limited development speed. Being built on open-source components and fully owned and managed by T-Kartor, I was surprised how agile and extensible the Iris platform is. It allows it to evolve quickly and respond to customer needs. It also gives flexibility to run in any environment, cloud, on-premises or hybrid.

Iris integrates with everything from drones and satellite feeds, to battle management and operational management systems. Whether sharing weather models or supporting a federated mission network during a NATO exercise, Iris constantly adds value by simplifying the workflow and keeping all data secure.

As Head of Product Management, my job is to help shape the next phase of innovation at T-Kartor. A solid foundation is already there, and Iris is trusted for a reason. Now we will build on that trust and solve even more challenges for our customers in an efficient and user-friendly way. We are also bringing Iris to new domains and new countries, to allow true interoperability also between nations.

If you're looking for a geospatial platform that’s operationally proven and ready to scale, I invite you to take a closer look at Iris and reach out.

T-Kartor Iris™ is Interoperability Without Compromise

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:45:05 GMT

When we started working on the next generation of Iris, the goal wasn't to build just another content management platform or data portal. We were trying to solve a deeper, more persistent problem that nearly every organization inevitably faces: the inability to connect information from systems that were never designed to work together in the first place.

Whether a government agency manages sensitive spatial data or a coalition of partners responds to a crisis across borders, the challenge is always the same. Data is often stuck in silos, systems are traditionally built by vendors using proprietary formats, and people who need answers fast are left waiting while teams scramble to translate, convert, and clean up the mess.

This was the pain point Iris was designed to eliminate.

Iris isn't about locking anyone into a new way of working. It's about unlocking the value of what you already have. Built on a mix of open source and proprietary tools, Iris enforces open standards and promotes integrations with the tools you already use. Whether you're working in a secure environment or an open one, Iris is built to adapt.

We designed this next generation of product to be containerized and lightweight enough to run anywhere. In the cloud. On-premise. Even on a single-board computer, if that's what the mission calls for. It scales elastically, deploying microservices as needed, not as dictated by a rigid architecture. This isn't just DevOps-friendly, it's DevOps-native.

More important than any other feature, we insisted that Iris maintain the flexibility and interoperability that our customers have grown to love Iris for. So, every time Iris indexes a new dataset, it automatically creates an OGC web service endpoint to ensure that content is discoverable, usable, and shareable across your entire ecosystem. ISO-compliant metadata is enriched and exposed. And if you're using a federated setup, an update to one instance of Iris is immediately reflected in all other connected instances. No delays. No duplicated effort. Just a simple, easy way to ensure an authoritative set of content is discoverable between all endpoints of your organization.

That kind of real-time interoperability matters. It's what enabled T-Kartor to support Arctic Strike 2025, an exercise involving multiple countries and countless streams of spatial and non-spatial data. Iris played a critical role in bringing information together, in open standard formats, to unify the environment and support collaboration and decision-making across participants.

This is what modern spatial data infrastructure should look like: not a monolithic platform forcing everyone into the same workflow, but a flexible system of systems that connects what's already working and extends what's possible.

At T-Kartor, we're not just building tools. We're building trust across networks, teams, and time zones. And Iris reflects that philosophy. It's built to move fast, scale intelligently, and deliver the information you need when it matters most.

If your mission depends on critical information management, the next step isn't just about upgrading systems. It's about unlocking new possibilities for collaboration, awareness, and decision-making. Iris is already doing that for mission-critical teams around the world. The question is: what could it do for yours?

Let's explore that together!

Guiding Every Journey: The Story Behind London’s Wayfinding

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:49:10 GMT

When you think of London, certain icons come to mind: the Underground map, the double-decker red buses, the rhythm of a world-class city in motion. But behind that rhythm is a quiet, powerful system helping millions of people find their way every day. Legible London, the city's pedestrian wayfinding network.

We're proud to say that for more than two decades, T-Kartor has been at the heart of it.

From the first Legible London signs to the thousands of maps across bus shelters, bike stations, and Tube exits, T-Kartor has worked alongside Transport for London (TfL) to make one of the busiest, most complex cities on Earth feel navigable, human, and connected.

In February 2024, TfL once again trusted us with a new contract to continue that work.

Why It Matters

Wayfinding isn't just about maps. It's about shaping experience. Creating confidence, promoting exploration, and supporting a shift toward sustainable, multimodal transportation. When people know where they are and where they're going, they walk more, connect more, and engage more fully with the amenities, attractions, and businesses around them.

London understood that. They made it a priority to reduce private vehicle use, improve air quality, and create a city where the pedestrian comes first. Our role was to help build the tools to make that possible.

The Results

Over the years, we've delivered:

2,000+ pedestrian signs
800+ Cycle Hire docking maps
800+ transit posters
250+ “spider maps" for bus services
6,000+ directional panels
Countless pop-up and event-based maps, including for the 2012 Olympics

Behind each of those solutions is a powerful cartographic database and a production system that updates, adapts, and scales with the city's needs. These aren't just signs, they're part of a living system that adapts to the city's pace, changes, and needs.

What Changed Because of It

The numbers speak for themselves:

65% reduction in pedestrians getting lost
87% support from users for the rollout
22% increase in satisfaction with city navigation
A lasting shift in how one of the world's leading cities communicates space to the public

Legible London has become part of the city's visual identity, alongside the Tube map and the double-decker bus. We're honored that our work helped shape that.

Why T-Kartor

This success is grounded in great design, elevated by a data-driven production system, GIS integration, and tools that enable fast, accurate map creation at scale. Our approach delivers quality, consistency, and responsiveness, and TfL recognized that.

They chose T-Kartor because we deliver. We deliver under pressure, across thousands of assets, and ahead of the biggest events on the global stage.

What Comes Next

The work in London isn't finished, and neither is our mission. This partnership has opened doors to cities around the world that want to follow London's lead, building walkable, multimodal places where people don't just pass through but truly belong.

Our message is simple:

Your places and spaces. Their experience. Our expertise.

That's wayfinding done right!

Which Industries Should Consider Adding More Geospatial Technology to Their Workflows?

Mon, 12 May 2025 20:47:47 GMT

In today's data-driven world, knowing where something happens is often just as important as knowing what is happening.

That's where geospatial technology comes in. By analyzing the spatial aspects of data—location, proximity, movement, and patterns—organizations can uncover insights that lead to better decisions, more efficient operations, and new opportunities.

Geospatial technology includes tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS tracking, remote sensing, and spatial analysis software. While it's already a mainstay in fields like transportation and urban planning, many industries are just beginning to tap into its full potential.

Below, we explore seven sectors that stand to benefit from adopting or expanding their use of geospatial tools.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences, and geospatial technology can elevate those experiences in several ways.

Hotels and resorts can use location-based services to personalize offers and recommendations based on guest movements or preferences. For example, resorts can analyze guest flow to optimize the placement of amenities and improve signage.

Additionally, geospatial analysis can assist in choosing new hotel locations by assessing foot traffic, nearby attractions, and demographic data. For destinations in disaster-prone areas, GIS helps with risk mapping and emergency planning, ensuring guests' safety and business continuity.

Construction and Logistics

In construction and logistics, precision and timing are everything.

Geospatial technology enables real-time tracking of vehicles, materials, and personnel, improving coordination across job sites. Construction managers can use drones and satellite imagery to monitor site progress and document changes.

Before a single brick is laid, GIS tools assist with terrain analysis, environmental impact studies, and zoning compliance.

For logistics operations, route optimization powered by geospatial data reduces fuel costs and delivery times while increasing customer satisfaction.

Medical and Healthcare

Geospatial tools are transforming how healthcare providers assess and respond to community needs. GIS can track disease outbreaks, identify at-risk populations, and allocate resources effectively during public health emergencies.

Hospitals and emergency responders use geospatial analysis to optimize ambulance routes and response times. It also supports long-term planning, helping health systems decide where to open new clinics or expand existing services based on population trends and accessibility data.

Retail

Retailers are increasingly relying on location intelligence to make smarter business decisions. Whether it's deciding where to open a new store or how to optimize marketing campaigns, geospatial data plays a crucial role.

Retailers can analyze customer demographics, foot traffic, and competitor locations to find prime real estate. Inside stores, geospatial data can help with layout optimization and in-store analytics.

For e-commerce and omnichannel operations, spatial analysis supports last-mile delivery planning and inventory distribution.

Food Service

From fast-casual franchises to high-end restaurants, the food service industry is leveraging geospatial tools to serve customers more efficiently. Location analysis helps determine where to open new locations based on population density, competition, and consumer behavior.

Route optimization tools reduce delivery times and ensure food safety for food delivery services, especially when managing temperature-sensitive orders.

Supply chain management also benefits from GPS tracking, which ensures that ingredients are delivered on time and in compliance with food safety standards.

Education

Educational institutions can use geospatial tools in both operational and academic contexts. School districts often use GIS to design efficient bus routes, ensuring student safety and reducing transportation costs.

Spatial analysis also helps plan new schools or adjust district boundaries based on enrollment projections and demographic shifts.

GIS is becoming a valuable teaching tool in the classroom. Students learn to interpret maps, analyze environmental issues, and understand complex spatial relationships, preparing them for careers in a data-rich world.

Real Estate

Few industries face a greater influence from location than real estate.

Geospatial technology empowers real estate professionals with data on property values, neighborhood trends, and environmental risks. Whether a developer is looking for the next hot area or a buyer is comparing listings, spatial data helps make more informed decisions.

Interactive maps allow potential buyers or tenants to visualize a property in the context of nearby schools, transportation hubs, and amenities. Predictive models can even forecast future land use changes, helping investors stay ahead of the market.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

Geospatial technology is no longer just for scientists and surveyors—it's a powerful business tool that can benefit almost every industry.

From improving customer experiences to optimizing operations and planning for the future, spatial data unlocks new insights that static data cannot.

At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

How Smart Wayfinding Solutions Benefit Communities

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:50:28 GMT

Wayfinding is a central part of our work at T-Kartor, and we believe in its power to build, maintain, and grow strong communities.

Many of us use different forms of wayfinding every day to get around and travel. At its core, wayfinding is about understanding our position in relation to a place and planning effective routes.

Wayfinding also plays into other community areas—let's explore those and discuss the benefits.

Accessibility

Thoughtful wayfinding design makes environments more inclusive. Well-designed navigation tools are critical for people with disabilities.

Tactile signage, braille markers, audible signals, and clear, high-contrast maps allow individuals with vision or mobility impairments to travel independently and confidently.

Wayfinding also contributes to cognitive accessibility. Easy-to-follow signage helps people with developmental disabilities or memory impairments navigate complex environments like hospitals, campuses, or city centers.

When cities prioritize inclusive design, everyone benefits.

Tourism

Visitors rely on wayfinding more than locals, and great signage can make a confusing trip memorable. Tourists who feel confident navigating a city are more likely to explore further, spend more money, and leave with a positive impression.

Wayfinding connects travelers to local businesses, historic landmarks, attractions, and transit options. A well-designed system helps tell a city's story—through fonts, colors, and symbols that reflect local culture—and strengthens its tourism appeal.

Public Transportation Use

Wayfinding helps make public transit systems less intimidating, especially for new riders or non-native speakers.

Consistent, clear signage at bus stops, train platforms, and transfer points encourages more people to use sustainable modes of transportation. Digital and physical tools that show estimated arrival times, accessible paths, and real-time updates improve the overall transit experience.

When people understand how to get where they're going without getting lost, they're more likely to rely on public transportation over personal vehicles.

Events and Community Building

From art festivals and concerts to parades and holiday markets, public events thrive when attendees can easily navigate them.

Wayfinding signage—such as event maps, directional arrows, or color-coded zones—makes it easier for people to find what they're looking for, avoid congestion, and enjoy the experience.

Effective wayfinding can also help reinforce a neighborhood or city's identity. Incorporating local themes, art, or language into the design strengthens a sense of place and encourages civic pride. In this way, wayfinding does more than direct—it connects.

Sustainability

Wayfinding can promote environmentally conscious behaviors by making walking, biking, and transit more appealing. Signs that mark pedestrian-friendly routes, bike lanes, and greenways encourage residents and visitors to leave their cars behind.

Cities can reduce emissions, traffic congestion, and travel's environmental impact by guiding people to sustainable transportation options and helping them feel secure and informed; this is especially important in urban planning as communities aim to meet climate and sustainability goals.

Health and Fitness

Good wayfinding design can encourage healthier lifestyles. Signage that promotes walking routes, trails, parks, or exercise facilities makes it easier for people to get moving. When a city is easier to explore on foot or by bike, more people take advantage of the opportunity to stay active.

Small cues, such as distance markers, "10-minute walk" signs, or maps showing safe paths, can inspire more physical activity and support public health initiatives.

Families

Parents navigating public places with children benefit from clear, family-friendly wayfinding.

Signs that point to restrooms, stroller-accessible paths, food vendors, or kid-friendly zones help reduce stress and make outings more enjoyable.

Intuitive wayfinding in parks, zoos, museums, or public plazas allows families to feel more comfortable and confident, encouraging them to return and further engage with their community.

Public Safety

Wayfinding plays a crucial role in public safety, especially during emergencies. Signage that points to exits, shelters, medical stations, and emergency contact points can save lives.

In large venues or during crowded events, wayfinding helps prevent bottlenecks and directs people away from danger.

For first responders, good wayfinding design means faster response times and easier access to key locations. It also improves safety by helping pedestrians avoid high-traffic areas or construction zones.

Connect with T-Kartor

Wayfinding is more than a practical tool—it's a powerful way to shape how people interact with a space.

Whether enhancing accessibility, supporting public transit, or promoting community events, effective wayfinding makes our environments safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable.

T-Kartor provides high-security solutions for the public safety sector, enabling collaboration among public safety agencies, crisis management teams, and civil defense organizations through secure information sharing and decision support.

Reach out to our team today to learn more!

Teaching the Next Generation of Geospatial Leaders

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:42 GMT

We've learned the importance of reading to children and introducing math concepts early over generations of children. However, parents can go beyond reading and mathematics – children will respond to many subjects from a young age with proper introductions.

Since geospatial classes are not yet ubiquitous nationwide in elementary and middle schools, why not teach children the foundations until then?

Whether you are a parent who happens to be a geospatial veteran or want to help educate the next generation, check out these ideas to help the next generation develop integral geospatial skills and understanding.

Incorporate Toys in Teaching

Early development psychologists assert that play is one of the most integral parts of learning in early childhood (before they enter kindergarten). Children learn so much about themselves and the world around them through play.

Globes, (age-appropriate) puzzles, board books, and even traditional toy vehicles like trains and cars can help children develop an early sense of geography.

Another idea is to use sidewalk chalk on the driveway to create "roads" for the kids to drive their toy cars!

Teach Map Literacy Early

In addition to all the books your child wants to read, consider throwing a few maps in the shuffle.

Paper or digital maps are visually interesting to children, and even if they may not fully comprehend the text on the map, you can walk them through what they see. They may notice the colors, shapes, and textures on a physical map, which builds the foundation for understanding maps later.

Keep Maps Around the House

When children have books around the house, they pick them up and want to read; the same goes for maps.

Consider including paper or digital maps around the house, in the kid's rooms, playrooms, or even in an office or study. Incorporating maps into your home fosters a natural curiosity and interest in what they entail.

Even if the child isn't initially interested, maps can make beautiful decorations!

Get Outside & Explore

Getting outside with younger children can sometimes be a hassle, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Whether parents spend time with their children outdoors, in cities, neighborhoods, or elsewhere, they give their children a way to learn about the world around them.

Here are some ideas for getting kids in a geospatial mindset while out and about.

Cities: Look at all the buildings and architecture around you. How are the streets configured? Talk about best safety practices. Look at city maps or directories and challenge them to plan a route somewhere (or use public transportation!).

Neighborhoods: Compare and contrast houses, count the types of trees or gardens they see, examine the roads and sidewalks, map out where rainwater runs, etc. Check out neighborhood parks and other municipal buildings as well.

Nature: Look at flora and fauna, name the natural elements you see, watch for animals, and discuss how to find your way around. Challenge them to notice and remember elements around them so that they can easily find their way back.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a navigation sport with Swedish roots. Clubs worldwide practice it. Orienteering involves using a map and a compass to find control points in unfamiliar terrain while moving quickly.

While this sport may be intense for younger children or teens, there are also activities like orienteering in scouting, geocaching, or even planning a hike using a compass. The idea is to encourage kids to learn how to navigate unfamiliar terrains and areas without using mobile phones or GPS devices.

Enjoying the fundamental skills of orienteering (using a map and a compass) can create a love for geography and the outdoors that may one day translate into a career in geospatial.

Create Your Own Maps

While geospatial is highly technical in many projects, creativity always goes a long way (in fact, the field tends to attract many with a graphic design background).

Students who can think outside the box can excel in any industry. Try stretching creativity with children by challenging them to create their own physical or digital maps, depending on their age and resources.

Younger children can create maps for the backyard, their favorite park, a relative's house, etc. If they have a favorite book or TV show, you can take it further and encourage them to create a map for that universe.

These challenges will push them to think about what goes into map development and what to include, how to organize map elements, and how to present their map to a reader/user.

Explore Different GIS Programs

One of the best parts of the geospatial industry is how accessible data and programs can be (at least in terms of education!).

If your child's school doesn't offer GIS classes yet, or if your child doesn't have room in their schedule, you can show them programs at home. Let them try ArcGIS Online (be sure you are using it for personal use only and check restrictions), or show them the wealth of open-source databases.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

We hope these ideas and tips will be fruitful in teaching the next generation of geospatial leaders. Though we can never fully know what the industry's future will look like or how new technologies will change the work, we know that the fundamentals of geospatial are great for all children to learn.

Introducing Iris 2.10

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 23:07:44 GMT

At T-Kartor, we are dedicated to continuously evolving our geospatial intelligence solutions. We are thrilled to announce the release of Iris 2.10 , our most powerful and feature-rich update yet. This latest release introduces significant enhancements that empower users with more flexibility, efficiency, and security in managing their geospatial data.

A More Intuitive Style Editor

Designing and managing map styles just got easier! With Iris 2.10 , we introduce a new graphical style editor , building on the improvements made in version 2.9. Users can now create and modify raster and vector data styles through an intuitive UI, making geospatial visualization much more accessible. Additionally, SLD (Styled Layer Descriptor) support is now integrated, further expanding customization options.

WMC in WMC—More Complex Map Services

We understand the need for scalability and seamless integration. Previously, WMC datasets in Iris were limited and unable to be embedded within other WMC datasets. That changes with 2.10. Now, users can combine multiple complex products into a single dataset , streamlining map service creation and allowing for more comprehensive geospatial analyses.

Stronger Security with OAuth2 Integration

Security remains a top priority, and we are expanding authentication options. Iris 2.10 now supports OAuth2 , providing an additional layer of access control while retaining previous security options, such as Active Directory integration ; this means organizations can seamlessly align Iris with their existing security infrastructure.

Improved Crawling Capabilities for Large-Scale Data Management

Handling large amounts of data has never been smoother. With Iris 2.10 , we introduce new configuration options for vector data ingestion using metadata files. Now, users can determine whether vector files in a folder should be:

Combined into a single vector dataset
Processed as individual vector datasets. This flexibility enhances the way large-scale geospatial datasets are structured and managed.

Enhanced Error Reporting for Faster Troubleshooting

We know that efficient issue resolution is key to maintaining seamless operations. The error reporting system in Iris now includes context-based information , capturing a snapshot of the user's view at the time of the issue; this makes it easier for administrators to diagnose and resolve problems quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Next-Generation OpenStreetMap (OSM) Capabilities

For those utilizing offline, air-gapped OpenStreetMap databases , Iris 2.10 introduces a completely redesigned solution with significant enhancements:

WMS/WMTS services for seamless map rendering
Vector tile support for high-performance visualization
Styling using MapLibre specifications , enabling rich, customized mapping
Incremental updates via diff files , keeping data current without requiring full reprocessing
Improved installation and maintenance workflows , making deployment more efficient

Introducing the Iris TileServer

Expanding the ecosystem of Iris, we are excited to introduce Iris TileServer —a powerful standalone component designed to generate vector tiles from PostgreSQL databases or MBTiles files . The TileServer utilizes the OGC API - Tiles standard , enhancing interoperability with existing clients. Key benefits include:

High-performance tile generation and caching
Seamless integration with existing geospatial workflows
Optimized rendering for complex geospatial datasets

Pushing the Boundaries of Geospatial Intelligence

With Iris 2.10 , we are taking a giant leap forward in making geospatial data management more flexible, secure, and scalable . Whether you're a government agency, defense organization, or enterprise managing critical geospatial assets, these enhancements will help you achieve greater efficiency, interoperability, and precision .

We look forward to seeing how our users leverage these powerful new features. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to evolve Iris into the most advanced geospatial intelligence platform available.

Explore Iris 2.10 today and experience the next generation of geospatial intelligence.

The Importance of Design and Aesthetics in Geospatial

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:56:04 GMT

When people think about geospatial technology, they often focus on the technical aspects—data accuracy, spatial analysis, and GIS programming. While these elements are critical, one essential factor that is frequently overlooked is design and aesthetics .

Well-designed geospatial tools help decision-makers absorb information quickly, improve situational awareness, and enhance user experiences. Good design can distinguish between confusion and clarity, whether a defense strategist analyzes battlefield terrain, an emergency responder navigates a crisis, or a city planner optimizes transportation networks.

The Intersection of Geospatial and Design

Geospatial technology has always been a blend of science and art. Traditional cartography relied on color, typography, and layout principles to create functional and visually appealing maps.

Today, with the rise of GIS applications and digital mapping, the need for strong design principles is more significant than ever.

In modern geospatial applications, UX (user experience) design plays a key role. Geospatial professionals must consider how users engage with spatial data when designing interactive maps, GIS dashboards, or mobile navigation apps. Even the most robust GIS tools can become difficult to interpret and use without thoughtful design.

Why Aesthetics Matter in Geospatial

Clarity & Readability

Geospatial data can be incredibly complex, containing multiple layers of information. A well-designed map or GIS interface simplifies this complexity, making it easier for users to extract insights.

For example, effective color contrast, symbol hierarchy, and clear labeling can ensure that critical information stands out at a glance.

User Engagement

Like a well-designed website keeps users engaged, an aesthetically pleasing map encourages interaction. Whether a public-facing web map or a military-grade GIS interface, users are more likely to explore and trust visually coherent and professionally designed information.

Decision-Making

Every second counts in public safety, defense, and disaster response. A well-designed geospatial interface allows decision-makers to process information faster, leading to more effective and timely responses. Poorly designed maps can lead to misinterpretations, delays, or costly mistakes.

Key Design Principles for Geospatial Professionals

Color Theory in Mapping

Color is one of the most dynamic tools in geospatial design. Different hues can distinguish terrain types, population densities, or risk levels. However, it's essential to consider colorblind accessibility and avoid using too many colors, which can create confusion.

Typography & Labeling

The text on a map should be easy to read and positioned strategically. Labels should not overlap or clutter the visual space. Choosing the right font size and style ensures that information is legible without overwhelming the user.

Hierarchy & Emphasis

Not all data points are equally important. Design choices such as bolding key features, adjusting line thickness, and using size variations can help the user focus on the most relevant information.

Simplicity vs. Detail

A typical design challenge in geospatial applications is balancing detail with usability. Overloading a map with too much information can make it difficult to read, while oversimplifying it may leave out important context. Finding the right balance is key.

Real-World Applications of Design in Geospatial

Defense & Military Operations

Military and defense organizations rely on geospatial data for strategic planning and real-time decision-making. High-contrast, clearly labeled maps ensure that personnel can quickly assess terrain, threats, and movement patterns.

Public Safety & Emergency Response

Responders need immediate, actionable insights during disasters. Well-designed GIS dashboards can display live updates on hazards, evacuation routes, and resource distribution, improving response efficiency.

Wayfinding & Navigation

City wayfinding systems and transportation maps depend on intuitive design to help people navigate urban spaces. Effective wayfinding maps minimize confusion and improve accessibility for all users.

Environmental & Climate Mapping

Visualization is critical when presenting climate data. Thoughtfully designed climate maps can make abstract concepts like global temperature rise or deforestation trends more comprehensible, driving awareness and action.

The Role of Artists and Designers in Geospatial Teams

As geospatial technology advances, the need for design expertise is growing.

Many geospatial teams now include professionals with backgrounds in graphic design, UI/UX, and digital media. These experts help refine GIS interfaces, improve map readability, and enhance data visualization.

Collaboration between geospatial analysts and designers ensures the most effective presentation of data. A beautifully designed map is an aesthetically pleasing and compelling communication, analysis, and decision-making tool.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

By incorporating design principles, geospatial professionals can create tools that are not only functional but also visually compelling. As the industry evolves, the intersection of geospatial science and design will continue to shape how we interact with and understand the world around us.

Reach out to our team today to learn more!

Tips for Starting a Career in Geospatial

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:58:05 GMT

The geospatial field is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements and increasing reliance on location-based data.

Whether you're a student charting your career path or a professional looking to pivot into a new industry, there are numerous ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this multidisciplinary domain.

Here are some quick tips, including potential educational ventures and key topics to explore as you embark on an exciting and potential-driven geospatial journey.

Pursue a Degree in a Relevant Field

Academic programs provide a strong foundation in geospatial science and related disciplines.

Degrees in Geospatial Science, Geography, or Geoinformatics are excellent starting points. However, the field's multidisciplinary nature means you can enter through Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or Civil Engineering degrees.

Graduate programs offer opportunities to specialize in remote sensing, geospatial analytics, or spatial data science.

Earn Professional Certifications

Certifications validate your expertise and enhance your employability.

The most widely recognized certification is the industry GIS Professional (GISP) certification, which can be obtained through various avenues.

Some programs have technical certifications that pertain to their tools and software (such as ESRI's technical certifications, which are ideal for those using their tools). There are still others, such as ASPRS, which offers certifications for remote sensing and photogrammetry professionals.

Participate in Workshops and Bootcamps

Short-term, intensive courses can quickly build your skills in specific areas.

Many organizations and educational institutions offer workshops on tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, and Python for GIS. These practical sessions provide hands-on experience and help you tackle real-world challenges.

Gain Practical Experience Through Internships

Internships and apprenticeships are invaluable for learning on the job.

Seek opportunities with government agencies, private geospatial firms, or NGOs to gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and visualization. (T-Kartor also offers hands-on, practical internships. Get in touch to let us know if you're interested!)

Leverage Online Learning Platforms

Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer flexible, affordable courses on GIS, geospatial analysis, and programming.

Other programs, such as ESRI's Academy, provide specialized tutorials and certifications tailored to their tools.

Core GIS Skills

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) form the backbone of geospatial science. While there are many different facets to understand, you'll need to master some core competencies.

Spatial analysis and cartography to understand and visualize geographic data.
Data management , collection, and visualization techniques.
Popular GIS software , including ArcGIS, QGIS, and AutoCAD.

Remote Sensing

Remote sensing involves analyzing data captured by satellites, drones, and other sensors. Again, you'll want to be up to speed on some key areas.

Satellite imagery analysis for environmental monitoring and urban planning.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for creating high-resolution maps.
Principles of photogrammetry , which transforms images into 3D models.

Programming and Data Science

Programming skills are essential for automating processes and analyzing large datasets.

Python and R for geospatial applications.
JavaScript is used to create interactive maps and web applications.
Machine learning and big data analytics to derive insights from complex geospatial data.

Geospatial Databases

Understanding how spatial data is stored and managed is crucial.

Spatial data structures and relational databases like PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
Techniques for querying and manipulating geospatial data.

Specialized Applications

Geospatial science has numerous applications, so consider specializing in one of the following key areas.

Environmental modeling to assess climate change impacts.
Transportation and urban planning to optimize city layouts and infrastructure.
Public safety and emergency management for disaster response and risk assessment.
Military and defense applications, such as mapping and surveillance.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Success in geospatial science often requires skills beyond technical expertise.

Project management skills to lead geospatial initiatives.
Knowledge of policy and regulatory frameworks that influence geospatial work.
Communication and storytelling abilities to convey insights effectively through maps and visualizations.

Building a Strong Geospatial Career Path

You'll need to blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience to excel in the geospatial field.

Start by taking courses or pursuing a degree to build foundational skills. Complement your education with certifications and workshops to stay updated on industry standards and emerging technologies. Seek internships or entry-level roles that allow you to work on real-world projects, and don't hesitate to explore interdisciplinary fields that align with your interests.

Engaging with the geospatial community can also accelerate your learning and career growth. Join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, and participate in online forums to connect with experienced professionals and stay informed about trends.

Connect With T-Kartor

How T-Kartor’s Heart Grew Three Sizes This Year

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:50:42 GMT

As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, we at T-Kartor can't help but reflect on a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that made our hearts grow—perhaps not unlike a certain green character from Whoville.

Yes, inspired by Dr. Seuss's whimsical world, we're taking a page (or rhyme) from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas to look back at 2024 and ahead to the bright horizon of 2025.

In 2024, though the world was quite busy,

T-Kartor never faltered, even when things got dizzy.

From maps to wayfinding, geospatial galore,

We charted new paths; we opened new doors.

A Year to Celebrate

This year, our global team accomplished remarkable feats:

We advanced wayfinding solutions for cities and spaces, helping people navigate with confidence.
We forged partnerships that made a real impact, from safety to sustainability.
We begin to celebrate 40 years of T-Kartor—a legacy of innovation and excellence.

None of this would have been possible without our employees' dedication, our customers' trust, our partners' collaboration, and the unwavering support of our families and friends.

A Message of Hope

As we turn the page to 2025, let's take inspiration from the Whos of Whoville, who taught us that community and kindness can shine the brightest even in challenging times.

Here's to a new year of hope, peace, and prosperity. Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and make the world a more thoughtful, more navigable place.

A Thank You (Seussian Style)

To our team near and far, from east to the west,

You're the heartbeat of T-Kartor; you're truly the best.

To our partners and clients who've walked by our side,

Your trust is our compass, our map, and our guide.

To our families and friends, whose support means so much,

You're our anchor, our strength, our magical touch.

What's Ahead In The Coming New Year

In 2025, we're charting new courses, tackling bold challenges, and continuing to lead the way in geospatial solutions. We're ready for what's next and hope you are too.

As Dr. Seuss reminds us, "Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." And at T-Kartor, the spirit of community and innovation keeps growing, just like our hearts.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,

Mats Pålsson & Simon Bailey

Geospatial Innovations to Watch for in 2025 and Beyond

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:00:00 GMT

The geospatial industry is constantly undergoing transformative change, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for location-based insights across various sectors.

From real-time applications to ethical considerations, these trends could define the industry's trajectory in 2025 and beyond.

Here's a look at some emerging trends that have begun reshaping geospatial technology and its applications.

Real-Time Geospatial Applications

The rise of real-time GIS is revolutionizing how we capture, process, and analyze data. Thanks to integrating IoT devices, sensors, and 5G networks, geospatial platforms can now process and visualize data during generation.

The capability of real-time data analysis is vital for traffic management, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, where rapid decision-making is critical. By leveraging edge computing, we can reduce latency, enabling faster insights and actions.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are no longer optional in geospatial workflows—they are essential. These technologies automate complex tasks like feature extraction, object detection, and predictive analysis.

For instance, AI can analyze historical and real-time traffic patterns to optimize urban transportation systems. Furthermore, as these technologies mature, they will enhance natural resource management, urban planning, and disaster mitigation.

Digital Twins

Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical spaces enriched with real-time data—are gaining traction across industries. These tools enable organizations to simulate scenarios, optimize operations, and improve resource allocation.

For example, urban planners can use digital twins to model infrastructure projects, anticipate potential issues, and make data-driven decisions.

Visualizing and interacting with virtual environments in real-time is invaluable for planning and maintenance.

Location-Based Services

The demand for location-based services (LBS) continues to grow, driven by retail, logistics, and healthcare industries.

These services leverage geospatial data to provide personalized experiences, optimize supply chains, and enhance customer engagement.

For instance, businesses use LBS for targeted marketing, while logistics companies rely on them for efficient route planning and fleet management.

Advancements in Geospatial Data Collection

Technologies like drones, satellites, and LiDAR are redefining how geospatial data is collected. These tools offer unprecedented accuracy and speed, enabling detailed mapping of hard-to-reach areas.

Applications range from monitoring crop health in agriculture to inspecting infrastructure in construction.

Moreover, advancements in mobile mapping technology are making real-time data more accessible, fostering innovative uses across various sectors.

Integration of GIS with BIM and CAD

The convergence of GIS with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is breaking down traditional silos. This integration allows for comprehensive planning that encompasses both interior and exterior environments.

For example, combining GIS and BIM can help create holistic urban resiliency plans, ensuring that infrastructure and buildings are optimized for functionality and safety.

Customized Geospatial Solutions

As industries recognize the value of geospatial technology, the demand for tailored solutions is rising.

Customized applications enable businesses to harness geographic data for specific needs, from precision agriculture to energy network optimization.

This trend is particularly evident in construction and environmental management, where bespoke tools enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Focus on Data Privacy and Policy Development

The increasing use of geospatial data raises significant ethical and legal questions.

Ensuring data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible usage are becoming paramount. Governments and organizations are developing policies to facilitate secure data sharing and prevent redundancy in data collection.

These efforts aim to balance innovation with protecting individual and organizational rights.

Transforming Industries Through Geospatial Insights

The above trends are not isolated—they are interconnected and collectively drive the evolution of the geospatial industry. Whether it's the seamless integration of technologies or the ethical considerations shaping data policies, these developments pave the way for a more dynamic and impactful geospatial ecosystem.

Industries like agriculture, transportation, energy, and urban planning stand to benefit significantly.

For example, geospatial technology aids precision agriculture by monitoring crop health and optimizing water use. In urban planning, real-time data and digital twins improve infrastructure development and disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, energy companies use GIS to map and monitor pipeline networks, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Preparing for the Future

The future of the geospatial industry is bright, but success depends on how effectively organizations adapt to these emerging trends. Embracing innovation, investing in advanced tools, and fostering ethical data practices will be key.

As we look toward 2025, it's clear that geospatial technology will continue to play a critical role in solving complex global challenges. By staying informed and proactive, businesses and professionals can unlock the full potential of geospatial technology, driving growth and delivering impactful solutions in an increasingly data-driven world.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

GIS transforms public safety by providing actionable insights, improving resource allocation, and enhancing agency communication.

As we move towards a more data-driven approach to public safety, GIS will continue to be crucial in building safer, more resilient communities. For agencies looking to enhance their capabilities, investing in GIS technology is a step towards a safer future.

T-Kartor Iris Updates: Enhancing User Experience & Capabilities

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:42:17 GMT

By Erik Ravhed, Product Manager

At T-Kartor, innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our cutting-edge geospatial information management platform, Iris , empowers users with tools to integrate, visualize, and analyze complex data. We're excited to share the latest Iris updates, designed to deliver even more robust capabilities and a streamlined experience for our customers and partners.

Here's a look at what's new:

A Fresh Look for the METOC Client

The METOC client now boasts a new look and feel, aligning seamlessly with the Iris client's modern design. Alongside this visual refresh, we've introduced several user experience enhancements. These include:

Vertical slider for elevation that provides more intuitive control.
Fine-grained map layer controls give users greater flexibility in customizing their views.

Revamped Style Editor

The Iris style editor has been completely reimagined, offering a sleek interface and expanded functionality. Key updates include:

Support for MapServer styling syntax , allowing users to apply advanced features to symbolize vector features and raster datasets.
The ability to preview changes before applying them , ensuring users can verify and refine their styles with confidence before sharing them broadly.

This update empowers users to create highly customized, visually compelling maps with ease.

Enhanced Iris Client Features

The Iris client has received several notable updates to improve functionality and user efficiency:

Detailed Spatial Searches: Users can now perform more precise spatial queries.
Simultaneous Feature Information Collection: It's now possible to gather information about multiple features simultaneously, displayed in a table view linked to the map for quick reference.
Flexible Catalog Search Filtering: In addition to the default intersect operation, users can now configure search results with two new options:
Contains: Returns results when the search area is entirely within the search result .
Within: Returns results when the search result is entirely within the search area .

These improvements make extracting meaningful insights and interacting with data in Iris easier than ever.

Ongoing Component Upgrades

With version 2.9, we've made significant upgrades to many core components within Iris, ensuring optimal performance and security. Updates include:

Elasticsearch for enhanced data indexing and searching.
Tomcat for reliable server performance.
Spring Framework for robust application development.

These upgrades are part of our continuous commitment to ensuring Iris remains cutting-edge, secure, and scalable for our users.

Looking Ahead

We're proud of these advancements and excited to see how they enhance the workflows of our customers and partners. As always, our mission is to empower users with tools that not only meet their needs but also inspire new possibilities.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these updates—what excites you most, and what would you like to see in future releases? Together, let's continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible with Iris.

Thank you for being part of the journey!

Celebrating Geography Week: Theorose School’s Journey of Education, Compassion, and a Shared Mission to Empower Future Leaders

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:18:35 GMT

In the Tranta Hill suburb of Accra, Ghana, an inspiring story is unfolding at Theorose School. Founded by educators Theodore and Rose Awadzi in 1995, this community-focused school has been providing high-quality, accessible education for nearly three decades. Today, with the combined efforts of T-Kartor team members Dela Awadzi and Mercedes Fernandez, along with the support of T-Kartor, Theorose School is poised to reach new heights in digital learning.

This story of support is a perfect example of the spirit of Geography Week. Dela, whose parents founded Theorose School, grew up immersed in a world of maps, geography, and a love for learning. Watching his father, a soil scientist, conduct research and transition from traditional maps to digital GIS technology sparked his passion for geography. Now a member of T-Kartor's team, Dela saw an opportunity to give back to the school that has meant so much to his family and community. Together with Mercedes Fernandez from T-Kartor's Administrative Operations Team, Dela worked to bring eight Chromebooks to Theorose, opening up new avenues for learning and exploration.

Since these Chromebooks arrived, the impact has been profound. Teachers at Theorose can now integrate digital learning tools into the classroom, giving students access to interactive lessons, online reading portals, and resources from around the world. This technology has enabled students to compete nationally, using platforms like the Academy online learning tool.

Three young girls from Theorose recently participated in a national reading competition sponsored by local companies and UNESCO. Competing against older students from across Ghana, they brought home the first-place trophy —a testament to their hard work and the expanded resources made possible by the donation. As part of their win, the girls earned an incredible opportunity: a trip to Dubai. This victory is not just a trophy but a life-changing experience, showing these students the vast possibilities that education and dedication can bring.

But this story is about more than just Chromebooks; it's about the deeper connections and shared values that make efforts like these possible. The T-Kartor team embodies a commitment to education, compassion, and global awareness, values that are at the heart of Geography Week. T-Kartor's mission is lived out not only through its technology but also through the dedication of its people—like Dela and Mercedes—who lead with a passion for making a difference.

Theorose School's journey began with the vision and dedication of Theodore and Rose Awadzi, whose commitment to quality education has transformed the lives of countless children in their community. The school's ongoing success is a powerful reminder of the impact that individuals, families, and communities can achieve when they work together toward a shared goal.

Thanks to the support of Dela, Mercedes, and the T-Kartor team, Theorose School is now equipped with the digital tools needed to keep expanding that legacy, helping students in Ghana step into the future with confidence, curiosity, and the digital skills to thrive in a connected world.

As we celebrate Geography Week, we invite others to join us in this journey. Many schools like Theorose exist across the globe, filled with eager learners but limited resources. By uniting our skills, compassion, and resources, we can help create a world where children everywhere have the tools to build a brighter future.

If the impact of this story inspires you and would like to support Theorose School's mission, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can help bring even more resources, opportunities, and hope to these young learners in Ghana. Reach out to us to learn how you can make a difference, and join us in empowering the next generation of leaders.

Improving Public Safety with GIS Capabilities

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:46:56 GMT

In a world where data-driven solutions are becoming the norm, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing public safety.

From emergency response to crime prevention and disaster management, GIS provides actionable insights, helping public safety agencies make informed decisions.

Explore how GIS revolutionizes public safety and why it's essential for building safer communities.

Understanding GIS in Public Safety

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are frameworks that collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data. At its core, GIS enables organizations to map out information and identify patterns, relationships, and trends in data; this is especially beneficial in public safety, where timely and accurate information can make a critical difference.

The key features of GIS include data collection, real-time mapping, and spatial analysis. By combining these elements, public safety agencies can comprehensively understand various incidents and challenges, allowing them to respond effectively.

For example, during a natural disaster, GIS can provide real-time updates on affected areas, helping first responders allocate resources where needed most.

Applications of GIS in Public Safety

Emergency Response and Disaster Management

One of the most impactful applications of GIS in public safety is in emergency response and disaster management.

Real-time mapping during emergencies like floods, wildfires, or hurricanes can help emergency services track the spread of the disaster and identify safe evacuation routes.

GIS also assists in pre-planning by highlighting high-risk zones based on historical data, allowing agencies to develop targeted response strategies.

During a recent wildfire in California, GIS was used to map the fire's progression and predict its potential path. This information was critical in organizing evacuation efforts, informing the public, and directing firefighting resources effectively.

The ability to visualize data in real-time helps emergency teams respond swiftly and mitigate damage.

Crime Analysis and Prevention

GIS is also instrumental in crime analysis and prevention. By mapping crime incidents and analyzing patterns, law enforcement agencies can identify hotspots and deploy officers to the most needed areas; this proactive approach helps prevent crime and builds a sense of security in communities.

An example of this can be seen in the city of Chicago, where the police department uses GIS to map out crime trends. Officers can identify patterns and anticipate potential incidents by analyzing data such as time of day, location, and type of crime; this allows for strategic deployment of patrols, which has reduced crime rates in several neighborhoods.

Enhancing Traffic Safety

Traffic safety is another area where GIS has proven to be a game-changer. GIS can identify high-risk areas, or "black spots," where accidents frequently occur by analyzing accident data.

Traffic management agencies can use this information to implement safety measures, such as installing better signage, adjusting traffic light timing, or redesigning hazardous intersections.

For example, in New York City, GIS was used to analyze traffic data and identify intersections with high accident rates. The city then made targeted changes to these intersections, such as adjusting traffic signals and improving pedestrian crossings, significantly decreasing traffic accidents and fatalities.

Public Health and Safety Monitoring

Public health is closely tied to public safety, and GIS is pivotal in monitoring and responding to health crises.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, GIS was extensively used to track the spread of the virus, identify hotspots, and plan vaccination efforts. By visualizing data on infection rates, health officials could allocate resources efficiently and implement targeted lockdown measures.

In addition to pandemic response, GIS tracks the spread of diseases like the flu, monitors air quality, and identifies areas with high pollution levels. This information helps public health agencies make data-driven decisions that protect community health.

Benefits of Using GIS in Public Safety

The integration of GIS in public safety offers several benefits to the community at large.

Data-Driven Decision Making : GIS provides accurate and up-to-date information, reducing the guesswork in decision-making. Public safety agencies can analyze data to make informed choices, enhancing effectiveness.

Improved Resource Management : GIS helps in the efficient allocation of resources. Whether deploying emergency vehicles during a disaster or assigning police patrols based on crime patterns, GIS ensures that resources are utilized where they are needed most.

Enhanced Communication : By providing a common platform for sharing data, GIS improves coordination among different agencies. Fire departments, police, and emergency medical services can access the same real-time information, leading to better collaboration and faster response times.

Faster Response Times : GIS enables quicker responses to emergencies through real-time data visualization; this can be the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Integrating GIS with Other Technologies for Public Safety

The effectiveness of GIS can be further enhanced by integrating with other technologies.

Drones equipped with GIS capabilities can provide aerial views of disaster areas, aiding search-and-rescue operations.

Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, such as flood or traffic sensors, can feed real-time data into GIS systems, offering a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used alongside GIS for predictive analytics, helping agencies anticipate incidents and optimize response strategies.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing GIS for Public Safety

Despite its benefits, implementing GIS in public safety comes with challenges.

Data privacy is a significant concern, as handling sensitive information requires strict security measures. The high initial cost of GIS software, hardware, and training can also be a barrier for some agencies.

Additionally, integrating GIS with legacy systems may require significant effort and expertise.

To overcome these challenges, public safety agencies must invest in proper training and develop clear data privacy policies. By doing so, they can maximize GIS's potential while addressing its limitations.

Future Trends in GIS for Public Safety

The future of GIS in public safety looks promising, with advancements such as cloud-based GIS solutions and increased use of real-time data. These developments will make GIS more accessible and enhance its capabilities.

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, is expected to play a more prominent role, allowing agencies to anticipate incidents before they occur and take preemptive measures.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

GIS transforms public safety by providing actionable insights, improving resource allocation, and enhancing agency communication.

Modernizing Geospatial with AI and ML

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:10:10 GMT

By Simon Bailey

In geospatial tech, we're witnessing a shift—AI and ML are reshaping the field with possibilities that stretch beyond efficiency gains and cost cuts. However, one challenge continues to surface: many organizations still approach these tools as "plug-and-play," expecting seamless integration into workflows designed years ago. This view can hold us back from fully unlocking the potential of AI and ML.

At T-Kartor, we've encountered these hurdles and have made it a priority to rethink workflow modernization. Our journey began in 2020 while working within NGA's Best Value Trade-Off contracting environments. Though the goal was to prioritize quality, these environments often revert to a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable mindset. We learned that true progress demands more than simply adopting AI/ML. It calls for adaptive workflows that allow these technologies to reach their full potential.

Why "Plug-and-Play" Falls Short in Geospatial

Traditional workflows, shaped over decades, often rely on manual steps that don't align with the strengths of AI and ML. When organizations try to incorporate AI/ML outputs into these setups, they sometimes face inconsistencies that can fuel skepticism. We've seen that it's not the technology that needs questioning but the underlying processes.

Our Approach: Adaptive, Feedback-Driven Workflows

At T-Kartor, we advocate for workflows that adapt and improve as they go. AI and ML work best when they're allowed to learn from real applications and ongoing feedback. Rather than viewing AI/ML outputs as final answers, it's more effective to see them as tools that get sharper over time. Small tweaks—like automating data validation—can save hours of manual work, while sometimes more significant adjustments open new possibilities altogether.

What Success Looks Like: Faster, Smarter, Leaner

For us, success means results that come quicker, cost less, and deliver with precision. AI and ML integration isn't a one-time overhaul; it's a journey. As we continuously refine both our models and our workflows, T-Kartor helps organizations remain adaptable and ready for what's next.

The Big Picture: Building for the Future

AI and ML aren't simple add-ons. They're powerful tools that call for responsive, adaptable workflows to thrive. At T-Kartor, we're here to guide organizations through this transition, equipping them not just to adopt AI and ML but to make them work. It's a commitment to efficiency, to cost savings, and ultimately, to future-proofing our processes. The potential is vast, and we're just getting started.

Mapping New Realities for a Dynamic World

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:51:20 GMT

By Simon Bailey (T-Kartor) & Brian Monheiser (GEO261)

We are living in a period of unprecedented change. The phrase "interesting times" barely scratches the surface of the seismic shifts reshaping our world. As we grapple with the impacts of global climate change and a burgeoning global population poised to surpass 10 billion, we face a future marked by drastic transformations in our planet's physical and political landscapes.

The challenges ahead are formidable. As populations migrate, searching for necessities like water, food, and shelter, they will face the cruel ironies of drought and flooding occurring simultaneously. We will witness the rise of humanity's greatest adversaries: disease, famine, and war. Yet, within this era of change, there lies a profound opportunity for those equipped to navigate it. The key to not just surviving but thriving in these turbulent times lies in our ability to harness and utilize geographic data and intelligence. To us, geospatial technology is not merely about location—it's about sustaining, supporting, and advancing life.

At the heart of adapting to and managing these global shifts is mapping and wayfinding—the foundational elements that enable societies to respond to change effectively. High-quality maps and wayfinding systems are not just tools; they are lifelines offering multiple benefits.

Practical Benefits: From safe and efficient navigation that aids daily commuting to critical roles in emergency response and urban planning, these tools help us design functional and resilient infrastructures. They also enhance access to essential services and social amenities like schools, businesses, daycare centers, shopping complexes, and sporting events, pivotal for community well-being and social cohesion.

Educational Benefits: Geospatial tools not only enhance spatial literacy and historical awareness but also prepare individuals for a more interconnected and data-driven future. They allow us to visualize not just where things are, but why they are there and how they came to be—insights that are crucial for anticipating and adapting to future changes. By using mapping and wayfinding technologies, educators and learners can delve into urban growth patterns, climate change impacts, resource distribution, and historical events that shape our world. This equips the next generation with the analytical skills needed to tackle tomorrow's challenges, from sustainable urban planning to environmental conservation. Interactive learning experiences foster critical thinking and problem-solving, ensuring that students are ready to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world. Geospatial literacy becomes a tool for empowerment, promoting innovation and resilience as society navigates complex global issues.

Technological and Economic Benefits: Geospatial technologies support a wide array of sectors, including GPS, GIS, and augmented reality, driving forward industries such as logistics, real estate, and tourism. This integration boosts local and regional economies by optimizing transportation networks and enhancing tourist experiences.

Environmental and Social Benefits: These tools are indispensable in environmental conservation efforts, agricultural sustainability, and in designing inclusive public spaces that are accessible to all. Geospatial technologies aid in precision farming, allowing for the efficient use of water and soil resources, optimizing crop yields, and ensuring food security for growing populations. They enable communities to adapt to climate change by mapping shifts in arable land, managing water resources, and planning sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, geospatial solutions contribute to the creation of inclusive urban and rural spaces that promote accessibility and community cohesion.

Appreciation and Enjoyment: Beyond their practical utility, maps, and wayfinding systems offer aesthetic value and enrich our lives through recreational and exploratory activities such as hiking, travel, and urban exploration. High-quality wayfinding systems are not only functional but also foster a deeper connection to our surroundings by encouraging engagement with public spaces and natural environments. These systems enhance our experiences by providing clear, accessible navigation that invites people to explore new areas with confidence—whether that's venturing into a scenic trail, navigating a historic city center, or finding hidden gems in a national park. The joy of discovering new places, understanding their layout, and learning about their cultural or natural significance transforms movement into an enriching experience. Wayfinding tools make this journey seamless and enjoyable, promoting outdoor activities that benefit physical health, mental well-being, and social interaction. In this way, maps and wayfinding systems inspire curiosity and exploration, encouraging a greater appreciation for the world around us and fostering a sense of adventure that transcends routine travel.

As our world changes before us, the collaboration between open-source geospatial communities and proprietary geospatial solutions and services is vital.

This synergistic approach leverages the collective strengths of both paradigms, combining the innovation and adaptability of open-source solutions with the robust, scalable solutions offered by proprietary systems.

By embracing both, we cultivate a holistic geospatial strategy that enhances our resilience and adaptability. This ensures that geospatial technologies remain at the forefront of not only understanding but also shaping our world.

The Imperative for Investment in Geospatial Technologies

As we acknowledge the critical role of geospatial solutions in navigating our world, it becomes clear that substantial investment is essential. Our elected officials and business leaders at all levels—from states to cities and towns—must make serious commitments to invest in geospatial technologies to adapt to and thrive in these global changes. Without this crucial investment, communities risk being left behind, unable to leverage geospatial intelligence's powerful tools for managing emergencies, planning urban spaces, and driving economic growth.

Investing in geospatial technology is not merely a technical upgrade but a fundamental enabler of sustainable development and resilience in the face of global challenges.

As we look towards the future, appreciating and investing in quality maps and wayfinding systems means equipping ourselves with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world. These systems are not just about understanding our present but about anticipating our future —guiding us safely and sustainably through the challenges ahead.

How Technology & Passion Are Saving Lives in Ukraine

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:35:48 GMT

By Tord Strømdal (DEMINE Foundation) & Simon Bailey (T-Kartor)

In a world that seems to be growing more complex by the day, technology has the power to simplify, to heal, and even to save lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in Ukraine, a country where 30% of the land is contaminated with deadly landmines and unexploded ordnance .

For the children playing outside, the farmers cultivating their fields, and the rescue workers trying to save lives, this silent, invisible threat is ever-present. But there is hope—hope born from innovation, collaboration, and a shared mission to create a safer world.

We are DEMINE Foundation and T-Kartor. Our organizations have joined forces in a mission that is not just about clearing landmines, but about restoring communities, sustaining life, and creating a safer, more hopeful future for millions.

The Urgency of Now

DEMINE Foundation was created as a response to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine and had one goal: to eradicate landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) from Ukraine and other conflict zones. In Ukraine, landmines are not remnants of past conflicts; they are an active threat that endangers civilians every day all over the country.

With current technology and methods, clearing the estimated 174,000 square kilometers of contaminated land in Ukraine would take over 750 years—a timeline we simply cannot accept. Better technological alternatives exist but are horrifically expensive, rendering them practically useless. So, we set out to create a drone-based, AI-powered detection platform – using low-cost, commercially available technology to detect and map these deadly devices.

With modern drone technology, modern sensors, and modern artificial intelligence being cheap and powerful, we simply set out to make this a reality. But while our vision is realistic, we constantly face a significant challenge: time. Developing the necessary tools and systems from the ground up would take years—years we couldn't afford as more lives were lost daily.

A Partnership Born from Shared Values

This is where T-Kartor entered the picture. As a leader in geospatial intelligence and mapping technology, T-Kartor shared our belief in the power of technology to drive humanitarian progress. Their expertise in developing precise, real-time maps and managing multidimensional spatial data was exactly what we needed to accelerate our mission.

Together, we've merged DEMINE's cutting-edge mine detection platform with T-Kartor's advanced geospatial solutions. This partnership shaved at least one year off of our development time, allowing us to bring life-saving tools into the field much, much faster.

Technology Meets Humanity

At its core, this partnership is not about technology— it's about people . It's about the farmers who are prevented from farming their lands, it's about the rescue workers who are killed or wounded by explosives when doing their jobs, and it's about people being unable to return to their homes out of fear of booby-traps. It's simply about returning the Ukrainian land to its rightful users, the people of Ukraine.

With Demine's landmine detection data being fed into T-Kartor's NATO-classified mapping technology, we will be able to map and present landmine data in the perfect system. The data can be communicated in real-time to deminers on the ground, allowing them to plan and perform demining efforts more efficiently and safely. The impact is immediate: more land is being cleared, more lives are being saved, and the path to recovery is becoming shorter for communities across Ukraine.

The Power of Collaboration

The strength of this partnership lies in our shared commitment to humanitarian causes.

At DEMINE, we are a diverse team of volunteer contributors: machine learning experts, software developers, 3D model specialists, EOD professionals, unmanned platform developers, and field operatives with on-the-ground experience from Ukrainian minefields. We are donating our time, knowledge, and resources because we believe in the restoration of Ukraine.

T-Kartor brings a similar ethos to the table. Their history of supporting projects that span disaster response, defense, and public safety reflects their deep commitment to using technology for good. Together, we are creating a model for how technology and collaboration can meet the urgent needs of post-conflict zones globally.

Looking Ahead

While our initial focus is on Ukraine, this partnership has the potential to extend far beyond its borders. Landmines are a global problem, affecting communities from Angola to Vietnam, where the financial cost of mine clearance is simply too high.

Our efforts in Ukraine will serve as a blueprint for speeding up demining operations worldwide, ensuring that the technology we develop here can be adapted and deployed in other conflict zones.

We are also committed to training local teams and providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize these advanced tools effectively. By empowering local deminers, we are not only speeding up the process of land clearance but also building a sustainable future for these communities.

A Call to Action

While the invasion in Ukraine may feel like a lifetime ago in other parts of the world, it is still a very real, very serious, and very urgent situation for those living through it on a daily basis.

The challenge to save these innocent lives continues to grow more complex by the day, which is why it is so crucial, now more than ever, for anyone who can lend a hand with such efforts.

Our work has the potential to make an enormous impact, but we cannot do it alone. We need your support—whether it's through sharing our story, donating resources, or simply spreading awareness and keeping Ukraine on the agenda. Together, we can make a difference in post-conflict areas, giving people the safety and security they deserve.

We invite you to join us in this mission. With every step we take, we are not just clearing landmines but clearing the path to a better future for Ukraine and beyond.

Let's use technology to serve humanity. Let's work together to save lives.

For more information on how you can support our efforts, visit https://www.deminefoundation.com/

An Overview of Data Types, Formats, and Uses in GIS

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:33:37 GMT

In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data is the backbone that powers analysis, decision-making, and real-time applications. From managing transportation networks to enhancing public safety, geospatial data enables industries to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial relationships.

Understanding the different types of GIS data, formats, and their uses is critical for anyone looking to maximize the potential of GIS technology.

Let's explore the fundamental geospatial data types and their uses.

Raster vs. Vector: The Foundations of GIS Data

Two primary types of geospatial data form the foundation of any GIS system: raster and vector data.

Raster Data

Raster data is pixel-based and composed of a grid of cells, each containing a value representing a specific attribute, such as temperature or elevation. Since raster data is continuous, it is beneficial for representing surfaces where values change gradually across a region. Examples include satellite images, digital elevation models (DEM), and land cover maps.

Raster data is particularly valuable for remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and producing 3D imagery for urban planning and defense applications. In transportation planning, raster data can analyze terrain and elevation, helping engineers design infrastructure projects that account for geographic features.

Vector Data

In contrast, vector data consists of discrete points, lines, and polygons. These data types represent specific features such as buildings, roads, or city boundaries. Points might represent the location of fire hydrants or traffic lights, while lines represent roads or utility lines. Polygons outline larger areas such as public parks or city zones.

Vector data is beneficial for civic infrastructure projects and city wayfinding systems, where precise, discrete locations are required to guide users efficiently through a city. By mapping points of interest or transportation routes, vector data helps city planners and public safety agencies design more innovative, navigable cities.

Continuous vs. Discrete Data

A critical distinction between data types in GIS is whether they represent continuous or discrete phenomena.

Continuous Data

Continuous data varies smoothly over space, meaning the data doesn't abruptly change from one value to another. Examples of continuous data include temperature, elevation, or rainfall—values that exist everywhere within a given space and can be measured at any point. These datasets are often used in environmental analysis and public safety, helping emergency responders assess hazard zones like flood plains or wildfires.

Discrete Data

Discrete data, however, represents objects or entities that can be distinctly categorized, such as roads, buildings, or public safety zones. This data is crucial for urban planning, city wayfinding, and transportation network design. Each discrete feature has unique attributes that help map and manage everything from bus routes to emergency evacuation plans.

Tabular Data and Attribute Tables

Geospatial data often includes additional information stored in tabular format . This tabular data is linked to spatial features, providing details such as population density, traffic counts, or road conditions.

For example, a transportation project might use attribute tables to store information about road surface types, speed limits, and vehicle volumes.

By analyzing this tabular data, planners can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources for repairs or upgrades, ensuring smoother and safer travel routes.

Geospatial Features: Points, Lines, and Polygons

GIS often classifies data into three types of geospatial features :

Points : Represent specific locations, such as bus stops or fire hydrants.
Lines : Represent linear features like roads, rivers, or utility lines.
Polygons : Represent areas like city zones, parks, or floodplains.

These geospatial features are essential for urban planning and transportation projects. For instance, points can mark locations for wayfinding systems, lines can model public transit routes, and polygons can delineate administrative boundaries or public safety zones.

3D Imagery and Elevation Models

As cities become more complex, 3D imagery and digital elevation models (DEMs) provide a more detailed worldview. These models allow for three-dimensional analysis of terrain, buildings, and other structures.

In military defense, 3D models help planners analyze terrain for tactical operations.

In civic transportation, these models can optimize road construction by identifying elevation changes that may impact traffic flow.

City planners also use 3D models for visualizing urban landscapes, making them indispensable for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Remote Sensing and LiDAR Technology

Remote sensing is gathering data from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft. This technology is invaluable for collecting large-scale environmental data, which companies can use for disaster management, climate monitoring, and even military reconnaissance.

LiDAR technology uses laser pulses to measure distances and create high-resolution maps. It's particularly effective for detailed terrain mapping and has applications in urban planning, flood modeling, and infrastructure development. Planners can create accurate terrain models using LiDAR, essential for transportation and defense projects in varied landscapes.

Network Models in GIS

Network models represent interconnected systems, such as road networks or utility grids. These models are crucial for planning transportation routes, optimizing public transit, and managing emergency evacuation plans.

For example, network models help cities optimize traffic flow by identifying the most efficient routes for public buses or emergency vehicles, ensuring that critical infrastructure operates smoothly.

Understanding the different types of geospatial data, from raster and vector formats to remote sensing and network models, is critical to unlocking the full potential of GIS technology.

Leveraging suitable data types and tools can lead to more innovative and efficient decision-making across industries, whether improving civic transportation systems, enhancing public safety, or planning military operations.

Industries can develop innovative solutions to today's complex challenges by integrating and analyzing these diverse data sources.

Collaborate With T-Kartor

How the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Is Using Geospatial Technology

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:40:00 GMT

Millions worldwide have been watching the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris , cheering for their favorite athletes representing their countries worldwide. The Olympic Games continue to evolve with every iteration, from the increase in the number of sports offered to the innovative technological advancements.

Geospatial technology has been a significant component in the last several Olympics, and Paris 2024 is no exception. Check out how geospatial tech and data work behind the scenes to help run the year’s biggest sporting event.

Transportation to the Games

Athletes from 184 countries (representing 206 National Olympic Committees) traveled across the globe to Paris, France, for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The total number of athletes is around 10,500; add in coaches, team officials, families, and fans, and you end up with a significant number of people to move.

Many major airlines, railways, and other transportation hubs integrate their operations with geospatial data. For airlines specifically, analyzing geospatial data can aid with optimizing flight paths and fuel consumption. With potential extra flights between countries, scheduling is essential to ensure all athletes arrive safely – even the planes that fly the Olympic horses for Equestrian events ( check out this video showing how the horses made it to Paris!) can benefit from GIS flight optimization.

Digital Twins

Digital Twins are a potent tool for large-scale events like the Olympic Games. OnePlan, a company that uses geospatial modeling to aid event planning, created digital twin venues for all real-life venues for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Before digital twin technology was standard, event planners relied on sketches, physical scale models, or earlier mapping technology to represent how venues would look. With digital twins, stakeholders and planners can add details for operations, run tests and simulations, and have a more robust event visualization.

For the Olympic Games, it’s common for the host countries to use existing venues and build temporary and new ones. Digital twins have become an excellent tool for this process.

Wayfinding and the Athlete Experience

A significant part of the Olympic games is the athlete and guest experience. This year, many athletes, family members, and celebrities have taken to social media to show what it’s like to be in Paris for the games; this increased visibility pressures the host country to ensure a strong athlete and guest experience.

Geospatial technology can improve the athlete and guest experience by helping with wayfinding. With so many people in one area, interactive maps and applications aid athletes and guests in moving from venue to venue. Further, foot traffic patterns can be anticipated through modeling beforehand, helping predict busier times during the Games.

T-Kartor was pivotal in planning the new Saint-Denis — Pleyel multi-level métro station, which opened last month. T-Kartor designed and delivered several one-and-a-half-metre square plans de quartier for Île-de-France Mobilités. These guides help everyone navigate from the station to their next destination. The best part is that these plans will continue positively impacting Grand Paris transport after the Olympic and Paralympic Games wrap.

Emergency/ Disaster Perparations

Emergencies and disasters can happen anywhere, even at the Olympic Games. With so many sporting events happening daily, first responders and healthcare professionals must be ready to respond when injuries occur. Geospatial analysis can identify the most efficient emergency vehicle routes and track availability.

Natural disasters are also a concern for host countries. While the chances of a natural disaster happening at the location of an Olympic Games may seem slim, it would nonetheless be devastating for the entire world. When Japan hosted the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympic Games, concerns over potential earthquakes and landslides in southwest Japan spread.

Natural disaster mitigation is another task made more manageable with geospatial technology. Geospatial programs can help with damage control, environmental concerns, predictions, modeling, and even search and rescue operations. That said, we hope always to have a safe Olympic Games.

Security

Security is critical with the world’s most elite athletes, their beloved families, and their fans in one spot. For this year’s Olympics, France assembled many security company contracts. Geospatial technology and security, not surprisingly, go hand in hand. Security companies can analyze patterns across Paris and respond quickly to any incidents.

Workforce Management

While thousands of fans attend the Olympic Games, the host country’s workforce stays busy. Volunteers and workers from France and worldwide keep all the venues, the village, and facilities running.

Geospatial programs can make all the difference for managers anticipating staffing needs and bringing all the goods, food, and water to the Games. Waste management teams can also utilize geospatial data to optimize trash and recycling receptacle placement and pickup routes. A lot goes into exciting Olympic games.

Work With T-Kartor

Watching everything from logistics to sportsmanship at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been exciting. Geospatial technology has played a tremendous role in helping the Games run. Undoubtedly, the United States will also utilize cutting-edge geospatial technology when the Summer Olympic Games come to Los Angeles in 2028 . We can’t wait!

How Militaries Use Geospatial Technology

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Geospatial data and technology can influence every field on the planet. However, some industries, including the military, have adopted geospatial technology quicker than others. Government contractors and departments within the military use geospatial technology to improve operations and carry out missions.

While many of the projects militaries use geospatial technology on may be classified, we can still explore an overview of how geospatial tech is integrated into militaries worldwide.

Strategic Planning and Decision Making

Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is vital for strategic planning and operational decision-making. Military leaders can comprehensively understand the operational environment by analyzing satellite imagery, terrain data, and other GEOINT information. This knowledge is crucial for assessing potential threats, determining the best routes for advancement or retreat, and planning logistics.

Geospatial data allows commanders to visualize the battlefield, anticipate enemy movements, and make informed decisions that maximize operational effectiveness while minimizing risks.

Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Surveillance and reconnaissance are fundamental to military operations, and geospatial technology is central to these activities. Satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other remote sensing tools continuously monitor enemy movements, installations, and activities.

High-resolution imagery and real-time data streams enable the military to identify and track targets, assess enemy capabilities, and evaluate mission success. This constant flow of information is critical for maintaining situational awareness and adapting strategies in response to evolving threats.

Navigation and Targeting

Accurate navigation and targeting are essential for mission success, and geospatial technology provides the precision needed for these tasks. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology allows troops, vehicles, aircraft, and missiles to navigate accurately; this ensures that military assets reach their intended destinations without error, reducing the risk of collateral damage and enhancing the effectiveness of operations.

Geospatial data allows for precise identification and engagement of enemy positions in targeting, ensuring that strikes are accurate and effective.

Battlefield Management

Real-time geospatial data supports battlefield management systems, giving commanders a comprehensive view. These systems integrate data from various sources, including satellite imagery, drone feeds, and ground reports, to create a dynamic and detailed operational picture. Commanders can monitor troop movements, track enemy positions, and manage real-time logistics; this enhanced situational awareness allows for more effective coordination and execution of military operations, improving overall battlefield efficiency and effectiveness.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Efficient logistics and supply chain management are critical for sustaining military operations, and geospatial data is crucial. By analyzing transportation networks, terrain, and weather conditions, military planners can optimize routes and ensure timely delivery of supplies, equipment, and reinforcements.

Geospatial technology also aids in monitoring the status and location of assets, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions. This capability is critical in remote or hostile environments where traditional supply lines may be vulnerable.

Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid

The military often plays a crucial role in disaster response and humanitarian aid missions, and geospatial technology is invaluable in these efforts. In the aftermath of natural disasters or humanitarian crises, geospatial data helps assess the extent of damage, identify affected areas, and plan relief operations.

Satellite imagery and aerial surveys provide detailed information on infrastructure damage, population displacement, and road and facility accessibility. This information enables the military to coordinate aid distribution, plan evacuation routes, and prioritize rescue operations, ultimately saving lives and alleviating suffering.

Training and Simulation

Geospatial data creates realistic training environments and simulations that prepare troops for various scenarios. These simulations enhance military personnel’s readiness and effectiveness by replicating the geographical and tactical conditions they might face in real operations.

Virtual training environments allow troops to practice navigation, target identification, and tactical maneuvers in a controlled setting, reducing the risk of errors in actual combat situations. This training is crucial for building the skills and confidence needed to operate effectively in complex and dynamic environments.

Cyber Warfare and Electronic Warfare

Geospatial intelligence also supports cyber and electronic warfare operations. By mapping out cyberinfrastructure, identifying critical nodes, and analyzing network topologies, geospatial data helps military cyber units plan and execute operations; this includes defensive strategies, such as protecting vital assets and identifying potential vulnerabilities, and offensive strategies, such as disrupting enemy communications and targeting cyberinfrastructure.

In electronic warfare, geospatial data aids in locating and neutralizing enemy electronic systems, enhancing the military’s ability to control the electromagnetic spectrum.

Connect With T-Kartor

Integrating geospatial data, technology, and intelligence has transformed military operations, providing unprecedented situational awareness, precision, and efficiency. As technology advances, the role of geospatial intelligence in military operations will only grow, further enhancing the effectiveness and resilience of armed forces worldwide.

Post-Disaster Damage Assessment Using Geospatial Data

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Rapid and accurate damage assessment is critical for effective response and recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters. Geospatial data and technologies have revolutionized this process, providing detailed, real-time information that can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of post-disaster evaluations. From satellite imagery to drone surveys, these tools offer unparalleled insights into the extent and nature of the damage, guiding decision-makers in allocating resources, planning recovery, and mitigating future risks.

The Role of Geospatial Data in Damage Assessment

Geospatial data encompasses information derived from satellite images, aerial photographs, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ground-based sensors. This data is integrated into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create comprehensive maps and models of affected areas. By leveraging these technologies, emergency responders and planners can assess damage across vast and often inaccessible regions quickly and efficiently.

Satellite Imagery

Satellites with high-resolution cameras and sensors provide a bird’s-eye view of disaster-stricken areas. Before-and-after imagery comparisons are beneficial for identifying changes in the landscape, such as collapsed buildings, flooded regions, and disrupted infrastructure. Modern satellites can capture images at resolutions fine enough to distinguish individual structures, making it possible to assess the damage with remarkable detail.

A striking example occurred in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where satellite imagery was crucial in mapping the destruction in Port-au-Prince. By comparing pre- and post-earthquake images, analysts identified collapsed buildings, blocked roads, and other critical damage, facilitating the efficient deployment of aid and resources.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Drones have emerged as versatile tools in disaster assessment because of their ability to fly over affected areas and capture high-resolution images and videos. Unlike satellites, drones can operate under cloud cover and provide real-time data, making them invaluable in the immediate aftermath of disasters. Their flexibility allows detailed inspections of specific sites, such as damaged bridges, levees, and buildings.

After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, drones were used extensively to survey the damage. The aerial data helped create detailed maps of the hardest-hit areas, guiding recovery efforts and identifying priority zones for aid distribution.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS integrates various data sources to create dynamic, interactive maps that highlight the spatial distribution of damage. These systems can incorporate data from satellites, drones, and ground surveys to overview the situation comprehensively. GIS platforms enable analysts to layer different types of data, such as population density, infrastructure locations, and hazard zones, to assess the impact of the disaster more holistically.

During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, GIS combined satellite imagery with demographic data to identify areas with high casualty rates and infrastructure damage. This integration facilitated more effective coordination of international aid and focused recovery efforts in critical areas.

Benefits of Geospatial Data in Post-Disaster Scenarios

The use of geospatial data in post-disaster damage assessment offers several key benefits:

Challenges and Future Advancements

Despite its advantages, using geospatial data in disaster assessment is not without challenges. High-resolution satellite and drone imagery can be expensive, and the processing and analysis of large datasets require specialized skills and technology. Additionally, regulatory restrictions and logistical issues can hinder timely access to data.

However, technological advances are continually addressing these challenges. The development of more affordable drones, satellite technology improvements, and the availability of open-source GIS platforms are making geospatial data more accessible. Additionally, machine learning and artificial intelligence are being integrated into geospatial analysis, enhancing the speed and accuracy of damage assessments.

Work with T-Kartor

Geospatial data has become indispensable in post-disaster damage assessment, offering detailed, real-time insights critical for effective response and recovery. As technology evolves, its role in disaster management will likely expand, providing even more powerful tools to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.

The Interdisciplinary Nature of the Geospatial Industry

Wed, 08 May 2024 20:00:00 GMT

When we speak about the geospatial industry, there’s much discussion on how many different areas of study can intersect with it. And this makes sense: when we map out our world, we can understand regions in new ways and embark on all types of projects.

The geospatial industry is indeed interdisciplinary, from the kinds of projects that GIS can strengthen to the design of geospatial technology. Let’s look at some fields that commonly intersect with the geospatial industry and discuss their impact.

Art

Ask cartographers worldwide, and they’ll tell you that map-making is an art. Landforms and surface features are most accessible when a map has thought behind the design. Digital maps follow the same idea – colors, icons, space, and other design choices influence how people read a map. Many geospatial analysts and developers have art or graphic design backgrounds, which enhances their work.

Architecture + Urban Planning

Architects and urban planners use 3-D modeling/CAD programs for much of their work. These programs can work with GIS to create innovative and functional designs for individual buildings and whole communities. When architects work on a single building, seeing the building in a broader area can help the project.

Meteorology + Climatology

Meteorologists can benefit from incorporating radars and past weather patterns with GIS programs. There are also ways to estimate and simulate how a specific weather event could affect a given area. From an emergency response standpoint, understanding the fastest way to disseminate information or where to set up shelters during severe weather is also critical. Similarly, climatologists can integrate their studies with geospatial data to plan for areas experiencing climate change challenges (e.g., coastal cities).

Engineering

Many engineering degree programs now include GIS classes (particularly civil engineers). Utilizing GIS can help engineers ensure their project meets zoning requirements, is economically feasible, and can conduct environmental impact analyses. Geospatial data can also be invaluable to engineers rebuilding after an accident. Overall, if you can build it, it’s worth seeing on a map.

Public Safety

Public safety always has room for improvement. When local police departments and city government offices integrate GIS programs into their operations, they can analyze where and when crimes and dangerous activities occur. Emergency response time is also crucial to public safety, and geospatial tools can offer insight into the most propitious communication methods.

Public Health

Conservation

Geospatial data and technology are pivotal in conservation efforts by providing invaluable insights into the Earth’s ecosystems. Through satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and remote sensing technologies, conservationists can monitor changes in land use, track wildlife populations, and identify areas of ecological significance. This data enables targeted conservation interventions, such as habitat restoration, protected area management, and anti-poaching efforts.

Additionally, geospatial tools facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, allowing for informed decision-making and implementing sustainable practices. By harnessing the power of geospatial data and technology, conservationists can work more effectively to protect biodiversity and safeguard our planet for future generations.

Geology/Geoscience

Geospatial data intersects with geology and geoscience in multifaceted ways, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes and geological features. Scientists can create detailed maps of terrain, formations, and subsurface structures by integrating satellite imagery, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS (Global Positioning System) data with geological datasets.

This information aids in geological mapping, mineral exploration, and hazard assessment, allowing for more accurate predictions of natural phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Geospatial analysis also facilitates the study of landscape evolution, climate change impacts on geological processes, and the identification of potential groundwater resources.

Transportation

Transportation is already benefitting exponentially from geospatial tools. The world keeps moving, and so do vehicles. Are you planning the most efficient logistics route for overland trucks? Are you discovering where your vendors and suppliers land in the supply chain? Geospatial technology can provide answers to these questions. Check out our previous blog post for more thoughts on how geospatial is transforming the transportation industry.

Work With T-Kartor

Geospatial Intelligence: From Maps to GIS

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:00:00 GMT

From our earliest civilizations to the modern era, maps have been indispensable tools for helping humans understand the world around them. Primitive, hand-drawn maps of stone or paper tell stories and give us a glimpse into the past. Examining our current digital maps and GIS programs gives us a glimpse into the future.

Let’s briefly examine how the geospatial industry has evolved over the years.

The Era of Paper Maps

The story begins centuries ago, with the dawn of cartography. Early mapmakers painstakingly crafted intricate depictions of the world on parchment and paper. These paper maps, often compiled into atlases, were indispensable navigation, exploration, and commerce tools.

However, limitations bound them; they were static, cumbersome, and prone to inaccuracies. Paper maps took time to update, and updates took time to reach different regions. The need for a more dynamic and adaptable solution was evident.

Transition to Digital Maps

The advent of digital mapping technologies heralded a new era in geospatial innovation. With the rise of computers and digital data processing, cartographers began digitizing maps, laying the groundwork for the development of GIS. GIS revolutionized the field by providing a framework for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data.

Suddenly, maps were more than just static images; they became interactive, dynamic representations of reality, capable of integrating vast amounts of information for enhanced decision-making.

Growth of GIS Programs

As GIS technology advanced, its applications diversified across a myriad of industries. From urban planning to environmental management, agriculture to disaster response, GIS entered virtually every imaginable sector. With the integration of remote sensing data and the evolution of GIS software features such as spatial analysis and 3D mapping, the capabilities of geospatial technology soared to new heights.

Today, GIS programs empower organizations with the tools to unlock insights, optimize operations, and drive innovation.

Specialization in Military Projects

One of the most notable areas where geospatial technology has profoundly impacted is the realm of military operations. Military agencies harness the power of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) to gain critical insights into terrain, infrastructure, and enemy movements. Specialized tools and techniques enable military analysts to conduct geospatial analysis with unparalleled precision, informing strategic decisions and enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield. The integration of GIS into military operations has revolutionized warfare, shaping tactics and reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

Diversification into Urban Planning and Wayfinding

Beyond the battlefield, geospatial technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the cities of tomorrow. Urban planners utilize GIS to model urban environments, optimize infrastructure, and plan sustainable development projects. Meanwhile, advancements in city wayfinding and navigation systems have transformed how people navigate urban spaces, offering real-time directions, traffic updates, and points of interest at their fingertips. With GIS, cities are not just static entities but dynamic ecosystems, constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of their inhabitants.

Future Trends and Innovations

Looking ahead, the future of geospatial technology promises even more significant advancements. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics are poised to revolutionize GIS, unlocking new insights and possibilities. Augmented and virtual reality offer exciting opportunities for immersive geospatial visualization, enabling users to interact with spatial data in unprecedented ways. As the boundaries of geospatial technology continue to expand, so too do the opportunities for innovation and discovery.

Work With T-Kartor

The evolution of geospatial technology from paper maps to GIS programs is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. With each new advancement, we inch closer to a future where the boundaries of possibility are limited only by our imagination.

Building Cities With Geospatial Technology

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:00:00 GMT

In the realm of urban development, the integration of geospatial technology has become indispensable. As we witness the birth of new cities, there’s a unique opportunity to leverage GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to shape these urban landscapes with efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in mind.

This blog explores how geospatial technology can be pivotal in forming and organizing new cities.

Digital Twins: Modeling Future Cities

One of the most exciting applications of geospatial technology in city planning is the concept of digital twins. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems for simulation, monitoring, and optimization. In city planning, digital twins allow urban planners to visualize and simulate various scenarios, enabling informed decision-making.

Imagine creating a virtual replica of a new city before any construction begins. With digital twins, urban planners can precisely analyze land use, infrastructure placement, and environmental impact. By simulating different development scenarios, they can optimize the city’s layout to maximize efficiency and sustainability.

Residential Needs: Optimizing Housing Infrastructure

Meeting the housing needs of a growing population is a significant challenge for new cities. Geospatial technology can help address this challenge by providing valuable insights into housing demand and demographic trends. By analyzing spatial data on population distribution, income levels, and housing affordability, urban planners can identify areas needing housing development and tailor their plans accordingly.

Furthermore, GIS can aid in the equitable distribution of housing options, ensuring that diverse communities have access to affordable and suitable housing. Mapping out residential zones based on demographic data promotes inclusivity and diversity, fostering vibrant communities within new cities.

Tracking Water and Resources: Ensuring Sustainability

Sustainable resource management is essential for the long-term viability of any city, especially new ones. Geospatial technology is crucial in tracking and managing water and other resources efficiently. By utilizing GIS to monitor water sources, distribution networks, and usage patterns, new cities can ensure the sustainable utilization of precious resources.

Spatial analysis can help identify areas prone to water scarcity or pollution, allowing for targeted interventions and conservation efforts. By integrating geospatial data into resource management strategies, new cities can minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainable development.

Wayfinding and Local Businesses: Enhancing Urban Accessibility

Efficient transportation and accessibility are vital components of well-functioning cities. Geospatial technology can enhance urban accessibility by providing accurate wayfinding systems and optimizing transportation infrastructure. Through GIS, new cities can design efficient road networks, public transit routes, and pedestrian pathways, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, GIS can aid in the identification of optimal locations for local businesses and commercial areas. New cities can attract investment and support economic growth by analyzing spatial data on demographics, consumer behavior, and market trends. From retail shops to restaurants, geospatial technology can help foster a thriving business ecosystem within new cities.

Building Secure Infrastructure: Ensuring Safety

Safety and resilience are paramount considerations in city planning, particularly in the face of natural disasters and security threats. Geospatial technology can help new cities build secure infrastructure and enhance their resilience to various risks. Using GIS for risk assessment and emergency response planning, new cities can identify vulnerable areas and implement proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards.

Spatial analysis can also aid in designing resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and other challenges. From floodplain mapping to evacuation route planning, geospatial technology can help new cities prepare for emergencies and safeguard the well-being of their residents.

More Accurate Weather Forecasting: Enhancing City Resilience

Accurate weather forecasting is essential for effective city planning and management, especially in regions prone to severe weather events. Geospatial technology can enhance weather forecasting capabilities by providing real-time data and advanced modeling techniques. By integrating weather data into urban planning processes, new cities can better anticipate and prepare for extreme weather events, reducing the risk of damage and disruption.

Preparing for Severe Weather: Building Durable Cities

Building resilient cities requires proactive measures to mitigate the impact of severe weather events. Geospatial technology can help new cities identify high-risk areas and implement adaptive strategies to enhance their resilience. GIS can support a holistic approach to disaster preparedness and response, from green infrastructure projects to early warning systems.

Work With T-Kartor

Geospatial technology offers unprecedented opportunities for the formation and organization of new cities. We can create efficient, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities as we continue innovating and integrating geospatial technology into urban development processes.

Beyond city planning, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas.

At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, city wayfinding, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

The Global Impact of Geospatial Technology

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 22:00:00 GMT

In an era of unprecedented technological advancements, geospatial technology is a powerful tool with immense potential to shape our world. From aiding in sustainable development initiatives to bolstering disaster response capabilities, geospatial data and technology applications are vast and far-reaching.

Explore the transformative impact this technology can have on global communities, particularly in developing regions and during natural disasters.

Resource Management and Planning

One of the fundamental benefits of geospatial technology lies in its ability to facilitate resource management and planning on a global scale. We can accurately map and monitor natural resources such as water, forests, and minerals by harnessing satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing techniques.

This information is valuable for governments, organizations, and communities striving for sustainable resource management and land-use planning. For instance, mapping water sources enables us to identify regions vulnerable to drought and optimize water distribution strategies, ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Geospatial technology is critical in enhancing disaster preparedness and response efforts worldwide. Using satellite imagery and GIS tools, we can swiftly assess the extent of damage caused by natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes; this enables emergency responders to identify vulnerable populations, plan evacuation routes, and coordinate relief efforts more effectively.

By leveraging geospatial data, we can improve early warning systems, predict the spread of hazards, and minimize the impact of disasters on communities around the globe.

Public Health Monitoring

Integrating geospatial technology into public health initiatives has revolutionized disease monitoring and control strategies. By mapping disease outbreaks and environmental health hazards, we can identify hotspots and allocate resources where they are most needed. GIS-based analysis facilitates the implementation of targeted interventions such as vaccination campaigns and vector control measures, thereby mitigating the spread of infectious diseases.

Geospatial data also plays a crucial role in tracking environmental factors that impact public health, such as air and water quality, enabling policymakers to enact evidence-based policies to safeguard community well-being.

Infrastructure Development

Geospatial technology catalyzes infrastructure development, supporting efforts to build resilient and sustainable communities. By providing valuable insights into site selection, transportation planning, and infrastructure monitoring, geospatial data enables policymakers and engineers to make informed decisions. Through precision mapping and analysis, we can optimize transportation networks, improve urban planning, and enhance access to essential services in underserved regions.

Geospatial technology also facilitates monitoring infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing their impact on local ecosystems.

Agricultural Productivity Enhancement

In agricultural communities worldwide, geospatial technology is revolutionizing farming practices and boosting productivity. By harnessing satellite imagery, GPS technology, and advanced analytics, farmers can optimize resource use, reduce input costs, and increase crop yields sustainably. Precision agriculture techniques enable farmers to monitor soil health, track crop performance, and respond to environmental conditions in real-time.

Additionally, Geospatial data supports initiatives such as land tenure mapping, crop insurance, and food security programs, empowering rural communities to thrive in an increasingly uncertain world.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

As the global community grapples with the impacts of climate change, geospatial technology emerges as a vital tool for mitigation and adaptation efforts. Through remote sensing and GIS analysis, we can monitor environmental changes, track deforestation, and assess the impact of climate change on ecosystems. Geospatial data informs climate risk assessments, vulnerability mapping, and the development of resilience strategies for communities at risk from sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other climate-related hazards. By leveraging the power of geospatial technology, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Work With T-Kartor

You cannot overstate the potential of geospatial technology to transform global communities and disaster recovery efforts. By harnessing the power of satellite imagery, GIS, and remote sensing techniques, we can address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from sustainable resource management to climate change adaptation. As a geospatial company committed to positively impacting the world, we remain dedicated to harnessing the full potential of this technology to create a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

How Geospatial Data Is Transforming The Transportation Industry

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:13:00 GMT

Our world never stops moving, and the intricacies of the transportation sector exhibit this every day. Transportation is evolving rapidly, largely thanks to geospatial data and technology innovations. People, products, and ideas move around the globe through land, air, space, and sea – and geospatial data can track and optimize these movements. Let’s look at how the geospatial industry is transforming the transportation industry.

Geospatial Benefits in Transit

Public transportation is the lifeblood of urban centers, and geospatial technology is reshaping its landscape. Real-time tracking and monitoring systems empower commuters with accurate arrival times, reducing uncertainties and improving overall passenger experience. Transit agencies are optimizing routes, minimizing travel time, and enhancing operational efficiency through sophisticated geospatial planning tools; this ensures punctuality and identifies high-demand areas for improved service coverage, fostering accessibility and inclusivity in transit networks.

Geospatial Advancements for Roads and Highways

Intelligent traffic management systems powered by geospatial data are revolutionizing how we navigate roads and highways. Dynamic traffic signal control reduces congestion, while real-time incident detection enhances safety. Predictive maintenance based on geospatial insights helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, improving road longevity and reducing repair costs. Furthermore, geospatial data is pivotal in urban planning, optimizing road layouts and traffic flow for more innovative, sustainable cities.

Geospatial Applications in Airports and Aviation

Airports, the bustling hubs of global connectivity, benefit immensely from geospatial advancements. Runway and airspace management systems optimize runway utilization, increasing overall capacity and enhancing air traffic control efficiency. Geofencing technologies, powered by geospatial data, secure critical airport areas, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, indoor mapping and real-time updates on gate changes and flight information improve the passenger experience, making air travel more seamless.

Geospatial Solutions for Ports

Geospatial technology plays a crucial role in vessel tracking and port management in maritime transportation. Real-time monitoring facilitates better marine traffic coordination, enhancing cargo handling efficiency. Geospatial data also aids in environmental monitoring, ensuring ports comply with regulations and minimize their impact on surrounding ecosystems. Integrating geospatial solutions transforms ports into efficient and sustainable global trade hubs.

Geospatial Innovations in Railways

Railways are experiencing a renaissance with the integration of geospatial innovations. Asset tracking and predictive maintenance based on geospatial data ensure the efficient operation of tracks, signals, and rolling stock. Route optimization for freight and passenger trains maximizes efficiency and minimizes delays, contributing to the overall capacity of the railway network. Geospatial technology is propelling railways into a new era of reliability and sustainability.

Pedestrian Wayfinding and Biking

In urban planning, geospatial solutions promote pedestrian-friendly environments and support active transportation initiatives. Geospatial tools optimize pathways, making cities more walkable and fostering healthier communities. Biking route planning and safety are enhanced through real-time updates on bike lane conditions and potential hazards, encouraging more people to embrace eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Work With T-Kartor

The geospatial revolution reshapes the transportation sector, creating a future where efficiency, safety, and sustainability merge. As we navigate the challenges of tomorrow, integrating geospatial solutions will continue to be a cornerstone in building more innovative, more connected, and resilient transportation systems. Embracing this revolution ensures that our journeys, whether by land, air, or sea, are efficient and sustainable, setting the course for a brighter and more connected future.

Collaboration Across Continents: David Lewis’s Globe Point Campus Experience

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:00:00 GMT

An underrated value of geospatial companies is a worldwide perspective. When Sten Ravhed began T-Kartor Group AB in 1985 in Kristianstad, Sweden, he started a company that would, in time, acquire a global reach across several countries and a valuable partner with the founding of T-Kartor's USA headquarters in 2002.

What does collaboration across continents look like? One example occurred this fall when T-Kartor’s David Lewis (USA) traveled to the Globe Point campus in Kristianstad. David’s time in Sweden spanned just six weeks, yet the impact of the collaboration and connections formed will surely last for years.

David’s Start With T-Kartor

David began his journey with T-Kartor in 2019. Although new to the team, he was not new to the geospatial industry – having been involved in the field since 2000. David learned about T-Kartor from a St. Louis-based colleague he previously worked with; when David needed a change of scenery, this friend connected him with our team. His current role with the team is serving as Lead Geospatial Developer.

Innovative Work With GIMS

GIMS is a groundbreaking geospatial program T-Kartor Group AB uses in their contract with the Norwegian Defense Force and other public and privately-held commercial clients. At its core, GIMS (Geospatial Intelligence Management Systems) is fundamentally a database management application.

T-Kartor currently uses satellite basemap imagery for many of their projects. In recent years, geospatial analysts at the USA headquarters have been experiencing latency issues when utilizing this imagery. Since the information streams from satellites, drawing imagery and other data takes time, potentially slowing down analyst work.

The intent of T-Kartor is to build an extension to GIMS, which would serve as something similar to their Odin tool. The program would ingest and cache global data, bringing in cached imagery on the system for faster viewing by analysts. This program would solve any latency issues and increase workflow efficiency.

Scaling Opportunities for T-Kartor

GIMS is a very comprehensive program. David has been learning as much as he can, hoping that his USA-based team can further use this program in their daily operations. As contracts with NGA stay increasingly competitive, the USA headquarters could continue diversifying its client base into commercial clients, who will benefit from this program’s extensive capabilities.

Learning From the Globe Point Team

What’s one word that culminates David’s six-week experience? Appreciation. David holds intense gratitude for the leadership team at T-Kartor for choosing him to work on this project, the Kristianstad team’s gracious hospitality and accommodation, and the Swedish culture and beautiful country.

David has always been a front-end developer; however, to understand GIMS fully, he asserts that you should be a full-stack developer, as understanding the back-end is critical. Globe Point employees possess expertise and knowledge that was extremely helpful to David’s learning, and they were always willing to help and collaborate. In just six weeks, he already felt like part of the team.

Accommodation meant more than just working on the projects themselves – the team also accommodated David by doing their daily stand-ups in English. When outside the office, everyone still spoke in English around David, even if they were not speaking directly to him, for him to feel welcome and included in the social atmosphere.

Exploring Sweden

Kristianstad is a small town in Sweden, which took an adjustment period. David believes that he and his wife likely tried every restaurant multiple times over the six weeks. They also had the opportunity to travel on the weekends, taking day trips to other towns around Sweden and even to Copenhagen (although, as the crow flies, the T-Kartor Globe Point campus in Kristianstad is closer to Copenhagen, Denmark than Stockholm, Sweden).

One of David’s favorite excursions was visiting the town of Åhus, where Absolut® Vodka is produced – they have an excellent distillery tour. David notes that when visiting Sweden, ensure you dress appropriately for the weather; temperatures dropped quickly throughout his visit.

Future Collaboration

David believes that this six-week visit was only the beginning of the partnership on this project. He can interact with his new colleagues and friends at Globe Point through Microsoft Teams and other communication channels. He looks forward to maintaining relationships and constantly learning from one another to advance T-Kartor as a whole and the worldwide geospatial industry.

How Retailers Can Use Geospatial Data

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The holiday shopping season is here, and the retail world is buzzing. In a competitive market, retailers always look for ways to get ahead of their counterparts and stand out. The answer to standing out may be in data and analytics – particularly geospatial data. Many people might think of environmental and military uses for geospatial data, but commercial applications, such as the retail world, are becoming increasingly common. Let’s look at some ways that retailers can use geospatial data.

Enhancing Marketing Strategies with Location-based Data

What do the retail and real estate industries have in common? Location, location, location. Location-based marketing allows retailers to engage with their target audience in new and exciting ways. Retailers can run marketing campaigns and gather geospatial data points to transfer to GIS applications. GIS applications can analyze data collected from campaigns, which analysts can turn into insights about the target audience and their consumer behaviors.

Optimizing Store Locations with Geospatial Analysis

Growing retail operations are always looking to expand. While the last few years have seen the rise of online-only retail stores, many stores still have traditional brick-and-mortar locations alongside their online storefronts. When retailers look to expand, geospatial tools can help them find optimal locations for their next store. With geospatial tools, management and ownership can sort through the best places based on chosen categories, such as visibility, customer location data, real estate price, and more.

Streamlining Supply Chain Management with Geospatial Insights

Supply chain disruptions were common during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these issues have settled in 2023, retailers have realized how critical it is to have solid logistical plans. Geospatial data can be a way to track the real-time movement of materials across areas. Many retailers already utilize similar technology for tracking the delivery of customer packages with merchandise. Geospatial technology is constantly evolving in its capabilities, so the opportunities for geospatial tech to improve supply chain management will only increase.

Improving Operations with Real-time Inventory Management

During the holiday rush and other busy times, efficient inventory management sets good retailers apart from great ones. Geospatial technology can improve inventory management, especially for more extensive operations. Retailers can use geospatial data and cloud-based applications to monitor inventory levels across locations. Taking advantage of this can help retailers prevent stockouts and overstocking. Inventory managers must train on any newly utilized software, but their jobs will become much easier once they learn it.

Forecasting Sales and Planning with Predictive Analytics

Successful retailers know the power of forecasting. While the industry is moving in many directions, predicting future sales trends is critical to driving revenue. Retailers can add geospatial data and insights to complement their existing data to help build accurate forecasts. Predictive analytics is a growing interest for many businesses, and geospatial data and technology are a significant part of that.

Enhancing Customer Experience with Store Layout Optimization

Customer experience is everything. Retailers can lose many customers if their store is difficult to navigate or their path to purchase isn’t clear. Many GIS applications have functions for city wayfinding in certain areas, and many large retail operations can apply these principles to their operations. When customers can find what they are looking for and have an enjoyable experience in your space, they are more likely to purchase something (and be repeat buyers).

Work With T-Kartor USA

Beyond retail, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor USA, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, city wayfinding, satellite imaging, and more.

If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

10 Skills To Help You Succeed in the Geospatial Industry

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT

The geospatial industry is booming. With its interdisciplinary nature, many industry veterans studied geoscience, computer science, biology, sociology, design, or even art before pivoting into the geospatial industry. Whether you’re a student choosing a career path, someone looking to transition into the industry, or a newbie, let’s discuss ten skills that will help you succeed in geospatial.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems, commonly known as GIS, form the backbone of geospatial technology. GIS allows professionals to capture, store, analyze, and present spatial data meaningfully. Mastery of GIS software, such as ArcGIS and QGIS, is fundamental in the geospatial industry. With GIS, you can create detailed maps, perform spatial analysis, and make data-driven decisions.

Remote Sensing

Remote sensing involves collecting data from satellites, drones, and other sensors to study the Earth’s surface. This technology is indispensable for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and land use planning. Understanding remote sensing principles and techniques is essential for accurately interpreting and analyzing data from these sources.

Spatial Analysis

The ability to conduct advanced spatial analysis sets geospatial professionals apart. Spatial analysis techniques, including spatial statistics, network analysis, and geospatial modeling, empower you to solve intricate spatial problems. Whether you’re optimizing transportation routes or assessing the impact of urban development, spatial analysis is your toolkit for informed decision-making.

Programming and Scripting

In today’s geospatial industry, coding skills are a valuable asset. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or JavaScript allows you to automate repetitive tasks, develop custom geospatial tools, and interact with APIs. Learning to script enhances your efficiency and opens doors to innovative solutions.

Data Management

Effective data management is at the heart of every successful geospatial project. Geospatial professionals must collect, clean, and integrate diverse datasets. A sound understanding of data management principles ensures your data is accurate, up-to-date, and readily accessible for analysis.

Cartography and Visualization

Creating compelling maps and visualizations is a crucial skill for geospatial practitioners. A well-designed map can convey complex spatial information effectively. Understanding cartographic principles, color theory, and visualization tools enables you to present your findings in a way that resonates with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Problem-Solving

The geospatial industry thrives on solving complex spatial problems. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for tackling environmental challenges or optimizing supply chain logistics. Geospatial professionals must approach issues analytically, think critically, and devise creative solutions.

Communication

Effective communication is a cornerstone skill in the geospatial world. You’ll often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with experts from various fields. Clearly communicating your findings, insights, and recommendations in writing and verbally is crucial- it ensures that your work has a real impact and is understood by non-technical stakeholders.

Project Management

Effectively managing geospatial projects is essential for success. Project management involves setting clear goals, defining tasks, prioritizing activities, and meeting deadlines. Geospatial professionals must be adept at coordinating resources and navigating projects from inception to completion, ensuring that they deliver value to clients or organizations.

Adaptability and Learning

The geospatial industry is dynamic, with continuous advancements in technology and methodologies. To stay relevant and competitive, you must be open to learning new technologies and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Being adaptable and willing to embrace change is crucial for successful geospatial professionals.

Connect With T-Kartor

In addition to these ten skills, consider the value of domain knowledge in specific industries. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in urban planning, environmental science, agriculture, or transportation can give you a competitive edge. Building a professional network within the geospatial community and actively participating in conferences, workshops, and online forums can also help you establish yourself in the industry.

How GIS Improves Emergency Response and Disaster Mitigation

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT

In a world where natural and manufactured disasters can strike unexpectedly, the ability to respond swiftly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial technology have emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing emergency response and disaster mitigation efforts.

This article will explore GIS’s vital role in improving these critical processes.

Real-Time Situational Awareness

One of the primary advantages of GIS in emergency response is its ability to provide real-time situational awareness. GIS allows us to create dynamic maps that visualize disaster-affected areas as events unfold. This capability is invaluable for emergency responders who need to quickly understand a disaster’s scope and impact.

Imagine a wildfire spreading rapidly through a densely wooded area. GIS can display the fire’s progression in real-time, helping responders identify at-risk areas and allocate resources accordingly. By having a clear and up-to-date visual representation of the disaster, responders can make informed decisions about where to focus their efforts.

Resource Allocation and Optimization

Effective resource allocation is a critical aspect of emergency response. GIS helps optimize this process by identifying the nearest response teams, medical facilities, and evacuation routes. During a disaster, every minute counts, and GIS ensures that decision-makers can direct resources where they are needed most urgently.

For instance, in a significant earthquake, GIS can quickly pinpoint the locations of search and rescue teams, medical facilities, and emergency shelters. By analyzing the proximity of these resources to the affected areas, GIS can guide responders to prioritize their efforts and minimize response times.

Predictive Analysis for Disaster Mitigation

GIS goes beyond immediate response; it also plays a pivotal role in disaster mitigation. Geospatial analysis can help to predict disaster scenarios and their potential impact. This capability allows for proactive planning and risk assessment.

Consider a coastal city vulnerable to hurricanes. GIS can simulate various hurricane scenarios, considering wind speed, storm surge, and population density. By analyzing these scenarios, city planners and emergency managers can make informed decisions about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of future hurricanes.

Identifying Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable populations, such as older people, children, and individuals with disabilities, require special attention during disasters. GIS excels at identifying these populations and ensuring their safety.

Let’s take an example of a severe heatwave. GIS can map areas with a high concentration of older adults or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. This information enables authorities to prioritize these areas to distribute cooling centers, transportation assistance, and wellness checks during the heatwave.

Environmental Monitoring and Early Warning

Timely warnings are crucial in disaster management, and GIS plays a vital role in environmental monitoring and early warning systems. GIS technology monitors environmental factors like weather patterns, flood levels, and seismic activity.

In the case of a potential flood, GIS can analyze rainfall data, river levels, and topography to predict the areas most likely to be inundated. This information can trigger early warnings to residents, allowing them to evacuate well before the floodwaters rise dangerously.

Infrastructure Resilience Planning

Infrastructure resilience is a crucial component of disaster mitigation. GIS helps identify critical infrastructure elements and assess their vulnerability to disasters. By visualizing essential assets such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and transportation hubs, decision-makers can develop strategies to enhance resilience.

For instance, GIS can highlight areas prone to landslides, allowing engineers to design protective measures like retaining walls or slope stabilization. It can also assess the earthquake vulnerability of bridges and recommend retrofitting or replacement to withstand seismic events.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication and coordination are paramount in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster. GIS-based communication systems streamline this process by providing a common platform for various agencies involved in emergency response.

Consider a wildfire incident that threatens multiple communities. GIS can integrate data from fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and evacuation centers into a unified map. All relevant parties can access this map in real time, ensuring everyone has access to the same critical information. This seamless coordination helps prevent duplication of efforts and facilitates a more efficient response.

Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts

Even after a disaster has passed, GIS continues to be an essential tool for recovery efforts. It aids damage assessment, enabling government agencies and businesses to prioritize recovery initiatives. By assessing the extent of damage to infrastructure, buildings, and utilities, stakeholders can allocate funds efficiently and begin the rebuilding process.

For example, following a devastating hurricane, GIS can provide detailed damage assessment maps that categorize areas as heavily damaged, moderately damaged, or intact. These maps guide recovery teams in deploying resources to the most critical areas first, minimizing downtime and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.

Work With T-Kartor

In a world where disaster risks are ever-present, the role of GIS in improving emergency response and disaster mitigation cannot be overstated. From real-time situational awareness to predictive analysis, from identifying vulnerable populations to facilitating post-disaster recovery, GIS empowers governments, businesses, and communities to be better prepared and respond effectively to crises.

Integrating GIS and geospatial technology into emergency management systems will continue to save lives, protect assets, and build resilient communities as we move forward. It is not just a tool but a lifeline in times of need.

Beyond emergency response and disaster mitigation, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

T-Kartor Group in Sweden Renames Their Campus “Globe Point”

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Kristianstad, Sweden –T-Kartor Group has renamed their recently expanded campus “Globe Point” to mirror the name of their North American subsidiary, T-Kartor USA, which is located in the iconic Globe Building in St. Louis, MO. The new name reflects T-Kartor Group’s ongoing commitment to unity and synergy across their global footprint.

“We envision the Globe Point campus in Kristianstad as a space primarily dedicated to fostering stronger connections with our clients and providing a conducive environment for our employees”, said Mats Pålsson, CEO T-Kartor Group.

Simon Bailey, CEO of T-Kartor USA added, “This alignment in naming not only emphasizes our shared objectives and mutual growth as a global organization but also underlines the strong bonds that unite our diverse locations. We feel it’s a testament to the cohesive and inclusive spirit that embodies T-Kartor’s work ethos.”

T-Kartor USA moved into The Globe Building almost 5 years ago and was followed into the building by other GEOINT companies including MAXAR, Ball Aerospace, and most recently, Esri. “T-Kartor USA was one of the first to recognize the advantages of our building which now anchors the Downtown North Innovation District located just one mile from the new campus of NGA West,” said Jeremy Salvatori, Globe Building’s Asset Manager.

The Globe Building has worked to nurture a community of like-minded GEOINT tenants by adding several key amenities including:

Added Salvatori, “Innovative GEOINT companies like T-Kartor USA that combine cartographic, GIS, and programming skills are the backbone of the St. Louis GEOINT Community that not only has a proud past in St. Louis, but an extremely bright future. We are humbled and honored that a like-minded GEOINT community over 4,500 miles away in Sweden recognizes our progress as well.”

About T-Kartor USA: T-Kartor USA is an agile, innovative business combining cartographic, GIS, and programming skills to deliver high-quality and affordable solutions. T-Kartor USA, located in St Louis, Missouri, is a subsidiary of T-Kartor Group AB, a privately-owned entity founded in Kristianstad Sweden in 1985. T-Kartor has offices in five countries; Sweden, Norway, Finland, the U.K., and the U.S. T-Kartor Group AB is committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city wayfinding, and integrated public transport information.

Innovations in Drones and GIS Mapping

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Geospatial technology gives us ways to see our world in infinite ways. One of these tools which is continually advancing is the drone. They offer improvements to GIS mapping technology, stunning photographs, and even the opportunity to transport items. While satellites are still the best option to document larger areas, drones can benefit smaller-scale projects. Let’s look at some ways in which drones and GIS work together.

Advancements in Crop Surveys

The ever-increasing global population necessitates sustainable agricultural practices. Crop surveys have emerged as a critical tool for modern farming, enabling informed decisions and optimized resource allocation. Geospatial companies leverage drones and GIS mapping to reimagine traditional crop surveys.

Drones with advanced cameras and sensors capture real-time crop health and growth data. This data is seamlessly integrated into geographic information systems (GIS), enabling remote monitoring and targeted interventions. The result is enhanced yields and reduced costs, thanks to data-driven decision-making.

Mapping the Airspace: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

The rapid proliferation of drones has posed a unique challenge: managing crowded airspace. Geospatial experts address this challenge through meticulous airspace mapping solutions. These maps guide drone operators, ensuring safe navigation, avoiding restricted zones, and adhering to regulations.

Accurate airspace mapping not only ensures the safety of public airspace but also aids in designing flight paths and delineating no-fly zones . This seamless integration is crucial for the harmonious coexistence of drones and existing aviation activities.

Event Mapping for Effective Management

From bustling city events to expansive festivals, efficient event management requires meticulous planning and coordination. Geospatial companies bring their drone and GIS mapping expertise, offering insights that elevate event planning to new heights.

Drones capture real-time data on crowd density and movement, providing invaluable insights for organizers. Beyond crowd management, event mapping facilitates emergency response planning and infrastructure setup. Accurate event maps enable optimal resource allocation, smooth attendee experiences, and streamlined emergency preparedness.

Minimizing Environmental Impact through GIS Mapping

Environmental conservation stands as a paramount concern. Geospatial experts harness GIS mapping to assess and mitigate environmental impact. Drones with advanced sensors gather critical data to monitor ecosystems, identify conservation areas, and evaluate human activities’ ecological effects.

Collaborations with environmental organizations and governmental bodies leverage this data to inform policies and actions for environmental preservation. By shedding light on our planet’s health, geospatial experts contribute to a sustainable future.

Safety and Damage Surveys in Crisis Situations

In times of crisis, swift response is imperative. Geospatial companies extend their disaster response and recovery capabilities through drones and GIS mapping. Drones with high-resolution cameras survey affected areas, capturing vital data on damages and infrastructure status. This data equips first responders with essential information for resource allocation and emergency response prioritization. Additionally, this data supports insurance claims and accelerates recovery efforts, underscoring the pivotal role of geospatial expertise during crises.

Looking Forward

The fusion of technology and expertise has placed geospatial companies at the forefront of innovation. Their contributions transcend sectors, from boosting agricultural productivity to ensuring event safety, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting disaster response.

This commitment to excellence underpins a deeper understanding of our interconnected world. The transformation brought about by these geospatial experts paves the way for a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future.

Work With T-Kartor

Beyond its innovations with drones, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, city wayfinding, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

How GEOINT Improves Defense

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:04:00 GMT

Geospatial-Intelligence (GEOINT) has become critical in modern defense strategies, revolutionizing how defense organizations operate and make informed decisions. Many leading geospatial companies are at the forefront of providing innovative GEOINT solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other stakeholders. Some of their key contributions are their outsourced map production, which offers significant advantages over traditional cartographic methodologies. Through their geospatial data, products, and services, geospatial companies assist in enhancing worldwide aeronautical safety of navigation, empowering the intelligence community, supporting warfighters, and enabling crucial policymaking decisions.

Increased Efficiency

Traditional map production methods often involve time-consuming and labor-intensive processes. However, GEOINT leverages cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise to create maps and charts for the U.S. military in a fraction of the time. They deliver accurate and up-to-date maps efficiently by applying the technology they have honed for over a decade. This streamlined approach allows them to complete an average base map or chart faster.

Moreover, geospatial companies can design maps and charts to be easily updated and maintained. Utilizing a data-driven approach, they ensure that their products remain in a data-current state, eliminating the need for extensive manual revisions. This data-driven approach enables the creation of highly cost-effective and efficient chart production systems. By embracing technology and automation, geospatial companies can reduce costs, minimize errors, and improve overall readiness.

On-Demand

Accessing geospatial information on demand is another invaluable advantage of GEOINT solutions. Through Product-on-Demand (POD) download systems, defense organizations can instantly access the maps and charts they need whenever they need them. This accessibility enhances operational efficiency and expedites decision-making processes. In time-critical situations, readily available up-to-date geospatial data can be the difference between success and failure.

Improved Accuracy

GEOINT plays a crucial role in defense by providing actionable intelligence to support various military operations. For instance, T-Kartor USA’s geospatial solutions enhance aeronautical navigation safety, benefiting military aviation worldwide. By offering accurate and detailed maps and charts, they contribute to safer and more efficient flight operations. This is especially critical in high-risk areas and during complex missions.

Furthermore, the intelligence community heavily relies on GEOINT for its operations. Geospatial data, products, and services enable intelligence analysts to comprehensively understand the battlefield, identify threats, and develop effective strategies. With accurate and real-time geospatial information, intelligence agencies can enhance situational awareness and make informed decisions swiftly.

Enhance Mission Planning

Warfighters on the ground also benefit significantly from GEOINT. Geospatial solutions enhance mission planning, navigation, and operational effectiveness by providing detailed maps, terrain data, and location intelligence. Warfighters can access critical geospatial information through mobile devices, empowering them with the knowledge they need in real-time. This leads to better coordination, reduced risks, and improved mission success rates.

Support Policymaking

Beyond operational applications, GEOINT also plays a pivotal role in critical policymaking decisions. Geospatial solutions provide decision-makers with comprehensive and reliable data to inform strategic choices. From assessing territorial boundaries to evaluating infrastructure development, geospatial information helps policymakers understand complex spatial relationships and make evidence-based decisions. Geospatial companies’ expertise in geospatial analytics supports policymakers in addressing national security concerns and achieving geopolitical objectives.

GEOINT solutions are transforming the defense landscape by revolutionizing geospatial information. Through their outsourced map production, they significantly reduce the time and costs associated with traditional cartographic methodologies. Their data-driven approach ensures maps and charts are up-to-date and readily available, enhancing operational readiness. GEOINT improves defense by supporting aeronautical safety of navigation, empowering the intelligence community, benefiting warfighters, and enabling critical policymaking decisions.

Work With T-Kartor

T-Kartor dedication to innovation and excellence in geospatial solutions underscores its commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and ensuring a safer world. We also work with wayfinding, satellite imagery, and on other geospatial projects. Contact us today!

Five Ways Geospatial Technology Is Changing Agriculture

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:50:00 GMT

Technology is pivotal in addressing various industry challenges in today’s rapidly evolving world. One such sector benefitting from cutting-edge technological advancements is agriculture. With our planet’s growing population, ensuring people have access to food is a big priority for agriculturists. This blog post will explore five ways geospatial technology revolutionizes agriculture and transforms food production. These five ways are just a few – the intersection between GEOINT and agriculture is advancing daily.

Optimizing Crop Yields

Maximizing crop yields is paramount in pursuing global food security. Geospatial technology, particularly satellite imagery and remote sensing, is critical in achieving this goal. Farmers can implement precision farming techniques by monitoring crop health and identifying stress factors. Geospatial tools enable farmers to analyze soil data, weather patterns, and historical crop performance using GIS. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making, leading to optimized crop yields and reduced resource waste.

GPS for Farmers

Precision agriculture has transformed farming practices, and GPS technology has been at the forefront of this revolution. GPS-enabled machinery and equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, enable farmers to operate efficiently and accurately. GPS technology makes precise field mapping, variable rate application of fertilizers and pesticides, and efficient irrigation practices possible. This saves time and resources and minimizes environmental impact, resulting in sustainable agricultural practices.

Livestock Monitoring

Livestock health and welfare are paramount for successful farming operations. Geospatial technology provides invaluable tools for livestock monitoring. GPS-enabled collars and tags allow farmers to track and manage their animals effectively. Real-time location data helps monitor grazing patterns, detect anomalies, and ensure optimal animal health and nutrition. By leveraging geospatial technology, farmers can make informed decisions to improve livestock management practices and enhance overall productivity.

Insect Control

Controlling insects and pests is a perpetual challenge in agriculture. Geospatial technology offers innovative solutions for targeted pest management. Satellite imagery and GIS analysis can accurately identify areas susceptible to infestations. Farmers can implement precision spraying and integrated pest management strategies with this knowledge. Geospatial technology reduces environmental impact by minimizing pesticide use and adopting more targeted approaches while ensuring effective insect control.

Nutrient Distribution and Management

Efficient nutrient distribution and management are vital for crop health and productivity. Geospatial technology and GIS play a significant role in this aspect. By analyzing soil nutrient levels and other relevant data, farmers can develop tailored fertilizer application plans. Precision agriculture techniques ensure that crops receive the precise amount of nutrients they need, reducing waste and optimizing nutrient uptake. This not only improves crop yields but also contributes to sustainable farming practices .

With its powerful tools and applications, geospatial technology is transforming the agriculture industry in multiple ways. The benefits are far-reaching, from optimizing crop yields to enabling precision farming through GPS technology. Livestock monitoring using geospatial tools ensures better animal health and welfare. Insect control strategies become more efficient and targeted, minimizing environmental impact. Nutrient distribution and management practices are enhanced, improving crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.

As we look towards the future, embracing these innovations and exploring the myriad opportunities geospatial tech brings to the agriculture sector is crucial. Together, we can address global food security challenges and create a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.

Connect With T-Kartor

Beyond agriculture, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

The History of Geospatial in St. Louis

Fri, 12 May 2023 16:27:00 GMT

If you’re following the rise of the geospatial industry in the United States, chances are you have heard of the boom it’s creating in St. Louis, MO. But did you know that the St. Louis area has a storied history with the geospatial and mapping industries that started long before recent developments? The world-famous Gateway Arch represents progress and expansion, so it makes sense to have a growing industry with similar values call St. Louis home. Looking back into the past and tracing the industry’s history helps us pave the way for the future.

Pre-1960: War Efforts and the ACIC

The St. Louis Arsenal, located in what is known today as North City, was founded around 1827. The Arsenal was a critical manufacturing plant of small arms and supplied the U.S. Army and American settlers of the time. From the Civil War through WWII, the Arsenal was involved in war efforts by manufacturing arms, outfitting troops, becoming a cavalry depot, and more. During WWII, civilians and military personnel began work close by the Arsenal at the Globe Building , where they would take film from spy planes overseas and triangulate them onto maps. This work led to the formation of the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC).

1963 and 1964: Beginnings of Computerized GIS

Post WWII, cartography and aeronautical imaging work that was similar and/or adjacent to the ACIC’s was taking shape all over the country. However, it was in Canada that Roger Tomlinson’s work was used to pioneer and develop the Canada Geographic Information System – widely regarded as the first computerized GIS in the world in 1963. His work was focused on land management and how Canada could merge natural resource data from its provinces. A year later, in the U.S., Howard Fischer researched spatial analysis and visualization and created SYMAP, one of the first computer mapping software programs that influenced today’s applications.

1969: Esri Founded

After the growing progress in the GIS field, Jack and Laura Dangermond took it one step further. They founded the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri), which has evolved into one of the biggest names in the industry. Esri develops GIS mapping and spatial analysis programs designed to solve problems. Many geospatial organizations, public and private, use some form of Esri products today.

1972: ACIC Becomes Defense Mapping Agency (DMA)

In St. Louis, the ACIC transitioned into the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). This agency began producing TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching) maps that aided precision weaponry, especially later on during Desert Storm. Even though modern precision weapons use GPS or more advanced systems now, TERCOM maps are often still uploaded in systems in case of emergencies or signal blocking. This geospatial work that was happening in St. Louis had applications all around the world.

1996-2003: DMA to NGA

In 1996, the DMA combined with the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, and then in 2003, was renamed the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) that we know today. The rise of technology in this period was critical, and St. Louis continued to be a major player in the industry. The NGA provided information for American soldiers, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Marines, and more that helped them navigate their missions – and this work continues as of 2023.

2010: Geospatial Companies Call St. Louis Home

In addition to the NGA, many other geospatial companies have come to call St. Louis home in the past few decades. In 2010, our T-Kartor team moved its headquarters from Redlands, CA, to St. Louis, MO, to the Globe Building. The move was a great fit with St. Louis’ history and emergence as a geospatial hotspot. Additionally, being in the center of the United States has its benefits with regard to communication, logistics, and more.

2016: New NGA West Site Proposed in North City

The NGA made a groundbreaking announcement in 2016: St. Louis was chosen as the preferred location for the new $1.75 B NGA West site. Although there was initial discussion over whether the site should be built in St. Louis City or across the river in Metro East, the site in North City was chosen. The campus is being constructed at the intersection of N. Jefferson and Cass Avenues and is expected to be finished by 2026.

The Gigabyte Corridor

If you work in a geospatial-related role in St. Louis, you’re in good company: Greater St. Louis, Inc. reports that there are 53,000+ employees in these roles in the region. In addition to T-Kartor USA, a few notable employers in the metro area are Maxar Technologies, General Dynamics, Leidos, Esri, and more. With T-Kartor, Maxar, General Dynamics, and others having offices in the Globe Building Downtown, an innovative portion of the city is emerging called the “gigabyte corridor.”

This corridor also includes employees from Square (now BLOCK), T-Rex, and other FinTech companies. Between the FinTech presence and the Globe Building, along with the anticipation of the NGA-West site, it’s an exciting time to be in St. Louis.

Looking Ahead

From the past to the present, the talent in St. Louis has been a driving force behind the geospatial industry, which will undoubtedly continue into the future. A sense of renewal and innovation is in the air in the city. Likewise, innovations and progress are constantly brewing in the geospatial industry. Daily advancements are made in satellite imagery, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and even VR and AI integrations.

St. Louis is excited to host the 2023 GEOINT Symposium in May 2023, where over 4,000 participants from various backgrounds will come to synergize ideas and move the industry forward. If one message resonates from the past, present, and future, St. Louis is the place to be in the geospatial industry, with innovation and progress at its heart.

Work With T-Kartor

Geospatial technology brings innovation to our world through location intelligence, remote sensing, and much more. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, city wayfinding, and satellite imaging. Our work helps decision-makers across many industries make informed choices. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

User-Friendly and Accessible City Wayfinding Solutions

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:23:00 GMT

Some people may not be familiar with the term “wayfinding,” but many of us do it (to some extent) every day. Wayfinding is how we navigate and orient ourselves in urban environments. It’s a critical factor for building livable, prosperous cities. Wayfinding strategies are also a great way to consider accessibility. Wheelchair access and mobility may come to mind when you hear the term “accessibility,” but the term encompasses so much more. Let’s consider how we can use geospatial technology to find user-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions for cities.

Importance of Accessibility

Accessible cities are important because they ensure people of all abilities can navigate and participate in city life. Accessibility is about physical access and ensuring that information is available in accessible formats for people with visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments. User-friendly wayfinding solutions are an essential part of creating accessible cities. Wayfinding solutions give people the information they need to navigate cities quickly and confidently. They help people find their way around unfamiliar places, and they can make it easier to locate essential services and amenities.

Accessibility Features

There are several types of accessible features that cities can include in their wayfinding solutions. For example, you can use tactile maps to provide information to people who are visually impaired. These maps have raised features that can be felt by touch, allowing people to orient themselves and understand the layout of a space. You can also use audio wayfinding solutions to provide directions to people who are visually impaired. These solutions use audio cues to guide people through an area, making navigating independently easier.

Another critical feature of user-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions is clear and consistent signage. Signs should be easy to read, with clear fonts and high-contrast colors. They should also be placed in locations that are easy to see and understand. In addition, signs should be consistent throughout a city, with the same symbols and colors used for the same types of services and amenities.

Integrating Geospatial Technology

You can use geospatial tools to create user-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions. These tools can create digital maps accessed from mobile devices, making it easy for people to find their way around a city using their smartphones. Geospatial tools can also create customized maps highlighting specific features, such as accessible routes or wheelchair ramps.

Impact on Daily Life

The impact of user-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions on daily life is significant. For people with disabilities, these solutions can make navigating the city more manageable and help them participate in otherwise inaccessible activities. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair might be able to attend a concert or go to a restaurant if they can easily find accessible routes and entrances. User-friendly wayfinding solutions can also reduce anxiety and stress for people with cognitive impairments or unfamiliarity with a city.

Impact on Tourism

User-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions can also have a positive impact on tourism. Tourists are often unfamiliar with a city and may be hesitant to explore if they are unsure how to get around. User-friendly wayfinding solutions can provide tourists with the information they need to explore the city confidently. This can lead to increased tourism revenue for the city, as tourists are more likely to spend money on activities and services if they feel comfortable and confident navigating the city.

Impact on City Revenue

Finally, user-friendly and accessible wayfinding solutions can directly impact the city’s revenue. By creating an accessible and user-friendly environment, cities can attract more businesses, events, and conferences. These events can bring in additional revenue to the city and create jobs and opportunities for residents.

Work With T-Kartor

Beyond wayfinding, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor USA, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

Celebrating Women in Geospatial

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 19:30:00 GMT

March is National Women’s History Month: it’s a time to highlight the achievements of the women of our past, uplift the women of our present, and make the world a better place for the women of our future. The geospatial industry is rapidly growing, and this growth is only possible with the contributions of talented women in the field. At T-Kartor, we are proud to have women at all levels in our organization who make our team what it is. Let’s learn about a few of them.

Bobbi Fernandez, Janus Program Manager

Ann Rushing, Production Lead

Ashley Poling, QA/FTE Manager

Getting Involved in the Field

The geospatial field is interdisciplinary; individuals may have passions for the outdoors, mapping, coding, quality control, earth science, sustainability, data science, mathematics, and more.

Q: How did you get your start in Geospatial? What drew you to the field?

Bobbi Fernandez: My first introduction to GIS was in college. It wasn’t on my radar until I randomly selected a GIS course to fulfill an elective. The analysis and visualization of geographic data sparked my interest quickly. I thought it would make for an exciting career, so I restructured my coursework to be more GIS-focused.

Professionally, I started at an engineering firm assisting with environmental site assessments and doing utility infrastructure mapping. In 2015 I moved to the GovCon/GEOINT industry and have been producing products supporting the NGA ever since.

Ann Rushing: I always loved the outdoors, and when I decided on what to study in college, I decided on Environmental Science. That eventually led me to GIS, where I learned I also enjoyed looking at maps and making maps. Looking at satellite imagery is always a treat.

Ashley Poling: I have been interested in science since I was a little girl, specifically weather and other earth sciences. I have also liked maps for as long as I can remember, but I had yet to realize how I could make a career out of it or how expansive the field of cartography was. I was first introduced to GIS in college, where I took courses in GIS and Remote Sensing, and those courses drew me into the field by seeing the different kinds of analysis we can do with the data. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience and found a job in the geospatial industry; a few months later, a company brought me on as a Geospatial Analyst at a small company that supported NGA work. Within a few years, I was moved into quality control and eventually into a production lead role. In 2016, I moved to T-Kartor and worked my way up to management.

Working at T-Kartor

T-Kartor was established in 2002 as an industry innovator, sharing its values with the Swedish parent company, T-Kartor Group AB. In 2010, T-Kartor relocated to St. Louis, a rapidly growing geospatial hotspot. Since then, T-Kartor has expanded its team and scope of work while embracing a “people-first” mentality.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working for T-Kartor?

Bobbi Fernandez: The small business perks. I like the transparency, the open communication across all levels, the promotion and ease of collaboration, the recognition of each employee and their impact, and the true sense that we’re all working towards one common goal.

Ann Rushing: My favorite part of working with T-Kartor is the people. Everyone is friendly and great to work with. This company recognizes that employees are people, and they are very understanding.

Ashley Poling: My favorite parts about working at T-Kartor are working on a wide array of products and using critical thinking skills to answer questions and formulate solutions to solve some difficulties we encounter. Whether it’s working with the development team on creating a tool for production, troubleshooting technical issues with the software we use, or identifying certain features we come across in production, we can formulate solutions. Outside of the analytic aspect, I enjoy working with others at T-Kartor. With a bunch of like-minded individuals, it makes communication easier and more relaxed.

Getting Girls Interested in Geospatial/STEM

According to the American Association of University Women , only about 28% of the workforce in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is comprised of women. The gap between men and women in STEM can start as early as middle school – Junior Achievement conducted a study in 2019 that found that only 9% of girls between the ages of 13 and 17 were interested in a STEM career.

Q: How can we build interest in geospatial/other STEM fields for middle and high school girls?

Bobbi Fernandez: Access and exposure!

Ann Rushing: We can support girls in geospatial and other tech fields by exposing them to jobs. Show them that various positions fall under “tech,” including GIS. It is more than just coding for Google and start-ups.

Ashley Poling: We need to showcase the recent successes of women in not only the geospatial field but the STEM field as a whole to give affirmation to girls that they can do anything they put their minds to. The field keeps progressing in this aspect, but we can still make many changes. When I first started, it was very male-dominant. That gap has since gotten smaller, and more and more women are entering the profession. We need to ensure that girls have the same access to learn and gain the knowledge they need to be successful and showcase their talents and intelligence to be seen and heard. Encourage them. Believe in them. Build a support system they can lean on when times get tough, so they can get right back at it if they have a setback.

Advice for Women Interested in Geospatial

Geospatial is a hot field to enter right now – especially in St. Louis, MO. The industry can be an excellent fit for women just starting their careers or wanting to change industries.

Q: What advice do you have for women looking to enter the geospatial field?

Bobbi Fernandez: Research the different geospatial sectors and the opportunities each offer, understand the qualifications, identify positions that align with the skills you like to use, seek out professionals who have held those positions, and learn about their backgrounds and how they’ve cultivated their careers.

Your first job in the geospatial field will likely be a stepping stone, but it’s no less critical in your professional development. Stay focused on building the skills and knowledge to get you where you want to be.

Ann Rushing: You are always learning in GIS, so make sure you know how to take notes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Someone else is probably wondering the same thing.

Ashley Poling: Never give up, and never stop learning. It’s cliché, but it’s true. The Geospatial field keeps growing, and we constantly learn new things, so never be intimidated to ask questions. If you are switching careers, it’s hard enough as it is with having to develop another skill set. Still, plenty of resources are available to help that transition, whether online courses from universities or certificate programs, online resources through ESRI, etc. With perseverance and a high drive to learn, you will reach the goals that you set for yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

T-Kartor would not be where we are without Bobbi , Ann , Ashley , and the rest of our women team members. We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the geospatial field during National Women’s History Month and year-round. To learn more about T-Kartor, visit our website and contact us today.

The Importance of Location Intelligence in Business Decision Making

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Making smart business decisions can be difficult across all industries. Decision-makers should use all the information they have available to them to make the best choices. Location intelligence data are becoming the most helpful information for all types of businesses. Helping with planning, problem-solving, and forecasting, location intelligence is the collection of layers of geospatial data displayed in a user-friendly format, and the possibilities are ever-evolving.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, making informed, data-based decisions is critical for success. However, data alone isn’t enough. You need to combine your data with location intelligence to truly understand your customers, competition, and market trends. This combination can help your business identify new opportunities, optimize operations, and gain a competitive advantage.

What Is Location Intelligence?

Location intelligence is collecting, analyzing, and visualizing location-based data. This data can include information on demographics, population density, traffic patterns, climate, and more. Businesses can better understand how location affects their customers, competitors, and operations by analyzing this data.

Why Is Location Intelligence Important?

Location intelligence is vital for several reasons. First, it can help businesses identify new opportunities. For example, a retail business may use location intelligence to identify areas with high foot traffic but few competitors. This information can help the company decide where to open a new store. Location intelligence can help businesses optimize their operations as well. A construction company may use location intelligence to identify the most efficient routes for its trucks to transport materials to a job site. This information can help the company save time and money on transportation costs.

Finally, location intelligence can help businesses gain a competitive advantage. By understanding how location affects customers and competition, companies can make more informed decisions that help them stand out.

Industries that Can Benefit from Location Intelligence

Location intelligence can benefit a wide range of industries. Here are a few examples:

Government: Location intelligence can help government agencies identify areas that require additional services or resources, such as emergency response teams, public transportation, or healthcare facilities.

Construction: Location intelligence can help construction companies optimize their operations by identifying the most efficient routes for trucks and equipment and the best locations to source materials.

Agriculture: Location intelligence can help farmers make more informed decisions about crop management, such as when to plant and harvest crops and where to apply fertilizer and pesticides.

Insurance: Location intelligence can help insurance companies better understand risk by analyzing factors such as weather patterns, crime rates, and population density.

Financial Services: Location intelligence can help financial services companies identify areas with high growth potential and target their marketing efforts accordingly.

Retail: Location intelligence can help retail businesses identify areas with high foot traffic, low competition, and increased sales potential.

Innovations in Location Intelligence

As technology evolves, we expect to see many innovations in location intelligence. Here are a few examples:

Real-time Data: As more devices connect to the internet, businesses will have access to real-time data on location-based factors such as traffic patterns and weather conditions. This data can help enterprises to make more informed decisions in real-time.

Artificial Intelligence: As machine learning algorithms become more sophisticated, they will be able to analyze large amounts of location-based data and identify patterns that humans may miss. This will allow businesses to predict future trends and behavior more accurately.

Augmented Reality: Augmented reality technology can be used to overlay location-based data onto a real-world view. For example, a retail business could use augmented reality to show customers the locations of nearby stores and promotions.

In today’s data-driven world, location intelligence is critical for businesses seeking a competitive advantage. By combining data with location-based information, companies can identify new opportunities, optimize operations, and better understand their customers and competition. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovations in location intelligence that will help businesses make more informed decisions and achieve even greater success.

Work With T-Kartor USA

Geospatial technology is bringing innovation to our world through location intelligence, remote sensing, and much more. At T-Kartor USA, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, city wayfinding, and satellite imaging. Our work helps decision-makers across many industries make informed choices. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

The Benefits of Geospatial Technology for Infrastructure Planning and Management

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:35:00 GMT

The structures of cities, suburbs, and even rural areas constantly evolve. In recent years, geospatial technology has become increasingly crucial for infrastructure planning and management, as it provides powerful tools for mapping and understanding complex systems, including transportation networks, water and energy systems, and other critical infrastructure. GIS analysts worldwide are also focused on improving city wayfinding with GIS tools. Let’s explore some key benefits of geospatial technology for infrastructure planning and management.

Improved Decision-Making

One of the main benefits of geospatial technology for infrastructure planning and management is improved decision-making. GIS systems allow users to easily collect and analyze data from multiple sources, including satellite imagery, demographic information, and other data sources.

This information can then be used to create detailed maps, models, and visualizations that help decision-makers understand the complex relationships between infrastructure components and the environment. For example, GIS can be used to analyze the impact of new infrastructure projects on traffic patterns, water flow, and other critical factors, helping to ensure that new projects are designed and built to minimize negative impacts.

Increased Efficiency

Infrastructure planners and managers can streamline their work processes using GIS and related tools, reducing the time and effort required to collect and analyze data. This can lead to faster and more accurate decision-making and improved communication and collaboration between different stakeholders. For example, GIS can create shared maps and visualizations that help various departments and organizations work together more effectively, leading to better outcomes for infrastructure projects.

City Wayfinding

One specific application of geospatial technology for infrastructure planning and management is city wayfinding. Wayfinding refers to the processes by which people navigate and orient themselves in urban environments and is an essential factor in designing prosperous and livable cities.

Geospatial technology can create detailed maps and visualizations of city environments, helping to identify areas where wayfinding is challenging and develop strategies for improving navigation and orientation. For example, GIS can be used to analyze pedestrian traffic patterns and to design new street signs and other wayfinding systems that make it easier for people to find their way around the city.

Helsinki’s Wayfinding System

One example of a city that has successfully used geospatial technology for wayfinding is Helsinki, Finland. In the early 2000s, the city used GIS and other geospatial tools to develop a comprehensive wayfinding system that makes it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city. The system includes detailed maps, street signs, and other wayfinding aids designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. As a result of these efforts, Helsinki has become known as one of the most navigable cities in the world and has received widespread praise for its wayfinding system.

Emergency Response

Another vital benefit of geospatial technology for infrastructure planning and management is improved emergency response. GIS can create real-time maps and visualizations of emergency situations, such as natural disasters, allowing emergency responders to assess the situation and develop an effective response quickly. For example, GIS can be used to create maps that show the location of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, water treatment plants, and other essential facilities, making it easier for emergency responders to access these locations in the event of a crisis.

Sustainability

Finally, geospatial technology can help to improve sustainability and environmental stewardship. GIS and related tools can be used to analyze the environmental impact of infrastructure projects, helping to ensure that new projects are designed and built to minimize environmental harm. GIS tools can identify the most optimal places to run a new street or highway project based on the existing geographical elements, watershed elements, or wildlife migration patterns. Infrastructure planners and urban developers can use this data to plan projects that will be environmentally conscious.

Work With T-Kartor

Beyond infrastructure, geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, city wayfinding, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

2023 Trends for GIS and Geospatial Tools

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:39:00 GMT

With the new year comes new trends that agencies, cities, and organizations need to be on top of to see success in the coming 12 months and beyond. When it comes to GIS and geospatial tools, do you know what to expect in 2023? Below we cover four of the most important GIS and geospatial trends that will influence several industries, including city wayfinding and defense.

1. AI and Machine Learning Will Provide More Insights

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more commonplace in several industries, including geospatial solutions. Data processing can be an extremely time-consuming process. However, with AI, it now takes a fraction of the time as it can handle repetitive tasks, identify deviations in larger datasets, find patterns, and assist with training.

Instead of having a human handle all of this – something that can take months and comes with the possibility of error – AI can free up time for your employees to handle other pressing projects. AI will also be able to remove data that isn’t essential to a team’s work, allowing them to focus on the more critical aspects of the information before them.

In addition, machine learning will continue to make waves in the coming year, thanks to the advancement of technology. One example comes in the way of infrastructure sensors. This tech can help smart cities better read data related to traffic flow and pattern.

Complex models can be analyzed to help with development decisions, city growth, and more. AI can then be plugged in here to help predict what the future holds in traffic. AI and machine learning, therefore, will allow cities and organizations to focus more on efficiency, understanding data, sustainability, and ethics.

2. Advanced 3D Models Will Pave the Way to Better Analysis

Another technology that will continue to be essential in 2023 is 3D modeling. GIS is making advancements where not only will models be able to be visualized – as they were in the past – they will be able to be analyzed.

Terrain, water quality, biodiversity, and other data points will not only be numbers on a piece of paper. GIS tools will be better able to help you analyze this essential information in the 3D visualization itself, allowing you to make more informed decisions for your goals, budget, and other aspects of your work.

3. Real-time Data Will Be More Essential to Your Work

Data has always been a part of GIS and geospatial solutions, but in 2023 it will be more important than ever thanks to real-time data, big data, and analytics. The Internet of Things (IoT) will provide essential information on traffic, health, crime, and more from around the globe. This information can then be used to map out critical infrastructure, identify trends, and correct any issues the data displays – in real time.

4. New Resources Will Now Influence How You Approach GIS and Geospatial Solutions

GIS and geospatial solutions are taking advantage of other resources, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD). In the past, BIM and CAD worked on interior spaces while GIS worked on the exterior. While they were aware of each other’s work and knew just how important they were to the issue at hand, it was rare that the teams worked together.

However, 2023 will see that change. New tools, approaches, and resources will allow both teams, interior and exterior, to map out the plan and community together. This provides better cohesiveness in design, resilience, and the overall environment.

Undoubtedly, GIS and geospatial solutions will continue to make considerable advancements in 2023 as technology improves – and it’s exciting to see what the future holds. From AI to improved real-time data, plenty of trends will influence how you approach your work. Which do you see having the most influence on your current project?

We understand the importance of changing technology in GIS and geospatial solutions, and we’re always looking for resources that can better serve our partners. If you want to start 2023 off on the right foot for your current project, we’re here to help. City wayfinding is only one of the services we offer– if you’re ready to begin and want to know more about how we can assist with your custom city mapping, start here.

How Geospatial Tools Benefit the Environment

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:23:00 GMT

Geospatial technology is all about using tools to analyze Earth and everything on it. Although geospatial technology is useful for many fields and industries, its benefits to sustainability and environmental science are especially impactful. The environmental science field tackles complex issues like land use, conservation, climate change, habitat loss, etc.; geospatial technologies can serve as the numbers and visuals behind these issues. Whether new to the geospatial field or a seasoned professional, you should know how geospatial tools can benefit the environment.

Land Use

Geospatial technology makes tracking land use trends and changes quicker and easier. In most GIS programs, the ability to scale quickly between different levels of an area can help researchers analyze data at local, regional, national, and international levels. Some geospatial software companies, like ESRI, have databases already loaded into their GIS programs or easily accessible. Much land use data has already been transferred and modeled onto maps.

Tracking Urbanization

Similar to land use, urbanization can also be tracked and modeled in many ways with geospatial technology. How cities grow and expand dramatically impacts the natural ecosystems, watersheds, and other communities. Researchers can use GIS tools to model how fast a metropolitan area grows or contrast the growth patterns of various cities. These analyses can bring researchers closer to finding sustainable solutions which minimize environmental impact when a city grows while still safely accommodating its residents.

Conservation Efforts

People working in conservation are constantly adapting to new technologies as Earth’s species continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Geospatial data has proven helpful for researchers to analyze the current distribution of tagged/tracked species and even predict future trends. Migration patterns, habitat changes, and population distributions over time can be tracked and modeled in a GIS program.

Mapping Climate Change

Making atmospheric and meteorological maps with geospatial technology is hugely beneficial. Meteorologists can track and predict short-term weather patterns as well as long-term climate trends. A user’s ability to manipulate how the data is modeled using geospatial technology makes for a greater visual understanding of our atmosphere.

Natural Disaster Mitigation

Another environmental area where geospatial technology has been especially useful is natural disaster communication and mitigation. Atmospheric maps paired with forecasting technology can help to predict natural disaster events. Predictive measures, in turn, help with crisis communication strategies to warn residents of an area of potential harm coming their way. However, the scope of any severe weather event can always fall outside of the predictions. After the disaster, researchers can input damaged areas or recovery sites to aid in remediation and restoration efforts.

Wayfinding and Public Transport

Taking public transportation, biking, and walking are all popular modes of travel with a lower carbon footprint than cars. Trouble can arise when cities do not have proper signage, space, or navigation tools for people to find their way around using these modes of transport. GPS systems are a geospatial technology in themselves. Cities can encourage GPS apps, have interactive maps on screens or kiosks outside, or find other ways to implement geospatial technology for wayfinding.

Carbon Footprint Analysis

Even though many individuals and companies are interested in their carbon footprints, a lot of greenhouse gas emission data is not available or unorganized. Geospatial comes in to remedy this issue with interactive maps showing emissions for a given region. These programs are still being perfected as location intelligence improves.

Safety

Safety is an added effect of many other benefits, such as natural disaster mitigation. Another way that geospatial technology can provide safety relating to the environment is by keeping people working in mines, tunnels, and caves safe. LiDAR scanners can connect with geospatial programs to identify areas that may be subject to a cave-in or collapse. Geospatial technology can also aid public safety measures by identifying the best entrances and exits to areas in case of public emergencies.

Geospatial Is Here to Stay

Beyond the environment, Geospatial technology brings benefits and innovations to countless areas. At T-Kartor, our expert teams work on projects and development in defense, innovation, city wayfinding, satellite imaging, and more. If you are interested in working with us or have any geospatial questions, contact us today!

Geospatial at the Local Level

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 21:12:00 GMT

Daily, local municipalities and citywide organizations use data-driven technology to build infrastructures that increase equity, mobility, and overall quality of life. This data is collected with tools constantly connected to cloud databases that keep information to make real-time decisions.

The best case studies of this use come from so-called smart cities, but there are geospatial and GIS tools used by cities and townships of all sizes and in all phases of their digital transformation. Smart cities have been growing in the past several years, but that growth and the innovation that comes along with it has been accelerated exponentially due to the events of the last several months. A burgeoning number of data tools and the demand for transparency from civic leaders and planners have also been drivers of this growth.

GIS and geospatial tools are at the heart of local community growth initiatives, providing location-specific information in a hypergranular and contextualized way. GIS maps offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process with every level of technical knowledge — including residents and constituents. GIS also allows emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Choosing and Using Local Geospatial Tools and Data

Getting a return on investment means knowing what to look for in a platform that’s best suited for the specific application. Keep these considerations in mind:

Work With Qualified Geospatial Experts

GIS platforms should offer data integration. Gone are the days when each department or organization operated on its separate platforms; imagine the domino effect if just one of those servers went down. If there is a continuity issue, integration means that only one vendor will need to be contacted for a fix.

Growing a city or municipality is a complex dynamic process, and the right GIS platform can become a cornerstone of that growth. Make sure you’re working with a team of experts who will work closely with your team to create that platform — like our geospatial experts.

We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city or municipality wayfinding, and integrated public transport information, all of which help a municipality grow and thrive. Join our team today and discover how to help grow your career by developing GIS tech that drives progress.

How to Use GIS for Retail Marketing

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:47:00 GMT

Location is probably the most significant influencing factor in what many people purchase, whether online or off. Using GIS tech can give retailers a close look at why shoppers make their decisions and track these patterns for business intelligence. With GIS, this data can be accessed in real-time, allowing retail brands to stay agile in shifting customer demand cycles.

Geospatial and GIS mapping is also crucial for retailers looking to expand their brick-and-mortar presence. Demographic statistics, shopping behavior, and real estate data — can all be collected, overlaid, and analyzed by retail brands to decide whether or not a physical location will be worth the ROI of expansion. These maps can be assets during commercial construction projects as part of the design-build plans.

Deciding which inventory (and where) to put on the sales floor is a major decision for retailers. GIS can present retailers with socio-economic stats that help guide merchandising strategies and strategically streamline inventory management. This also helps to nurture relationships with vendors, especially if they’re locally based or offer seasonal items that aren’t readily available or accessible year-round.

Checking In On Competitors

A big part of retail marketing is offering customers something the competitors can’t and expressing the product’s value. Knowing where the competitors stand — literally and figuratively — gives retailers an edge over them. GIS and geospatial tech can provide decision-makers with data assets showing the physical proximity to other retailers in the industry. Hours of operation, services offered, marketing strategies, and more can all be revealed with these assets, letting key stakeholders pivot in real-time based on what the competition is doing.

How Geospatial Elevates Retail Marketing

Perhaps the best use of GIS in retail is to beef up marketing. Most households in the US have at least one mobile device, if not (many) more. GIS and geospatial technology can be used to collect user data, analyze and integrate it into existing marketing efforts, and then leverage it to send personalized, tailored marketing messages to customers in the same physical location or surrounding areas.

Here are some of the biggest benefits retailers will see when using GIS for marketing.

Innovations In GIS Retail Marketing

Businesses are also increasingly using geospatial data in conjunction with machine learning and artificial intelligence in several applications. For example, insurance companies show climate change and extreme weather events will increase or decrease the risk for specific geographical regions and adjust premiums accordingly.

Beacons, smartphones, and wearables are all becoming ubiquitous in retail marketing strategies and can all be leveraged as geospatial tech that helps round out the customer experience. Retailers can get a comprehensive look at how shoppers move, how much time they spend in stores, which store locations they choose most, and other behavior that helps brands shape product development and expansion.

Geospatial solutions and GIS are being used across all industries — especially retail — and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, feeding the demand for qualified professionals looking to travel a GIS career path. Contact us today to learn more!

A Guide to Geospatial Data

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:51:00 GMT

Geospatial tech is integrated into our daily lives with a growing number of applications. We’re tapping into geospatial data when we check weather apps, consult Google Maps for traffic information, or geotag social media posts.

Using this data to drive business decisions that lead to long-term growth and give a competitive edge is becoming increasingly important. There are more opportunities than ever for businesses and organizations to gather geospatial data from the general public – their customers.

Standard geospatial technology tools include:

But what exactly is geospatial data? Our experts have created a quick-read guide to help you better understand geospatial data and GIS tools and how you can become an integral part of the innovation in this industry.

The Origins of Geospatial Data

Although geospatial data debuted to a mass audience in 2005 with the launch of Google Maps, the foundation was built as early as 1832. During a cholera outbreak in Paris, French cartographer Charles Picquet created a heatmap to track the spread of the illness. In 1854, cholera hit London and physician John Snow used Picquet’s work to identify contaminated water sources and show the connection to the disease.

In the early 20th century, a form of map printing called photozincography was invented, allowing for the creation of maps through several layers representing data. Years later, satellite images helped to shape the concept of Geographic Information Systems, which include GIS maps that can contain an unlimited amount of data. This helps users get a comprehensive visualization and analysis to understand patterns and trends better. Further refinement resulted in Google Maps’ 2005 moment.

How to Define Geospatial

Here’s the straightforward definition: “Geospatial analytics gathers, manipulates, and displays geographic information system (GIS) data and imagery including GPS and satellite photographs. Geospatial data analytics rely on geographic coordinates and specific identifiers such as street address and zip code. They are used to create geographic models and data visualizations for more accurate modeling and predictions of trends.”

More simply, geospatial data marks a spatial identifier on land — like a building or geographical reference point (mountains, lakes, etc.) You can tie geographic data to customer location, behavior, movement patterns, and shopping behaviors on a business level.

Geospatial data can be visualized in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes to show the location and shape of geographic features. Points and lines represent features like cities, roads, and waterways. This method is scalable, offers smaller file sizes, and is a great way to depict boundaries on maps. Raster data uses a scanned digital image or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair stepping (a cell-based format) to report data as pixels or grids over an image.

Geospatial Career Options

Geospatial data and GIS tools have become the foundation of smart city initiatives and can provide location-specific information hyper granular and contextualized. These systems offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process at all levels of technical knowledge and allow emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Government officials also use GIS technology for health and human service initiatives, land administration, and tax assessment and create citizen-accessible tools that allow easy viewing and analyzing of mapped-out government geospatial data. IT experts use GIS tools to encrypt and secure highly sensitive, back-end data needed for classified discussions.

Putting your geospatial skills to use means you’ll have the chance to help make life better for your community. If you want to make an impact, you can solve public and social challenges using geospatial expertise.

Tap Into Geospatial Data Today

Ultimately, geospatial data is quickly becoming a ubiquitous tool across all industries. When it’s time to establish a geospatial data strategy for your organization, it’s important to work closely with a partner that has a long history of experience working with organizations and cities that need efficient solutions for security, big data management, sustainable mobility, and much more.

Reach out to learn more about our team — we focus on developing data platforms and related applications using open-source technology. We work with agile software development and can provide technology as a licensed or cloud solution.

How to Leverage Data Science Skills In GIS Roles

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 20:44:00 GMT

There’s no longer a distinct line between data science and GIS. The sheer amount of data collected by geospatial tools means that those in GIS roles need to know both fields. Additionally, geospatial solutions are being used across all industries, and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, feeding the demand for qualified professionals looking to jumpstart their GIS careers – many of whom have data science expertise.

If you’re looking to leap from data science to GIS, here are some of the hard and soft skills you need to hone to succeed.

Find the Right Fit

There are jobs in nearly every industry that require GIS skills, so there’s bound to be a role that fits your interests and personality. Whether you want to be in the great outdoors or warmed by the glow of a computer screen, you’ll quickly find where you belong as a data scientist transiting to the world of GIS. Don’t settle for the first job position you find without being particular about the industry or job specifics; working with a team like ours means that you’ll be able to find a niche that works to help you grow as a GIS professional.

Live and Breathe Data

Sure, data scientists are met with volumes of data. That’s especially true for those in the GIS industry. Because there’s a wide range of data science and software tools used in the GIS field, it’s crucial to have a working knowledge of how to use these tools and efficiently read the data sets provided. It’s also not just enough to know the software you’re currently using. Take time to broaden your horizons and learn the basics of other commonly used tools and those making news as innovative or disruptive.

Do Some Research

Organizations across all industries are collecting more geospatial data than ever, and much of this data is based on customer location. Applying this data to decisions that help businesses grow and thrive needs to be done easily and quickly, which is why decision-makers often turn to geospatial intelligence and information. Take time to research the different interests where your data science skills translate seamlessly into GIS success.

Make Some Connections

Once you’ve decided which industry to leverage your data science skills, don’t be afraid to find every opportunity to network. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are an integral part of GIS projects, and it’s important to enter into these situations with some working knowledge of your collaborators – something that happens when you network professionally. With PPPs, government and municipal agencies can work with privately-owned organizations to create solutions and stoke innovation.

Think About Culture

When applying for GIS positions from a data science background, don’t overlook the importance of cultural fit. In the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that company culture will make or break an organization’s success. With that in mind, employers should look for talent that can fulfill the job duties and be a proper fit culturally. You should showcase non-technical and soft skills during the interview process or on your resume and LinkedIn page.

Let Us Help

If you want to leverage your tools as a data scientist to transition into the GIS industry, get in touch with our team. We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, specializing in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you find a position that builds on-the-job knowledge while encouraging soft skill growth. Contact us today to learn more!

Geospatial Technology We Use Daily

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:19:00 GMT

When was the last time you shared your location with someone in a text message? How often do you geotag locations when you post on social media? Do you check a mass transit app to see how close the subway is to the station? Every time you depend on your phone or computer for location-based or geographic data, you’re tapping into geospatial tech.

The truth is that there are more opportunities than ever for businesses and organizations to gather geospatial data from the general public – their customers. Geospatial tech is integrated into our daily lives with a growing number of applications.

Keeping the Community Moving

Transit and transportation systems in metropolitan cities all over the country use geospatial intelligence systems and technology to monitor the condition and progress of thousands of miles of underground and above-ground subway tracks. Drones with GPS capabilities are also used to check all conditions instead of manual inspectors traveling dangerous trails.

Government organizations, as mentioned above, use geospatial technology in several ways. Detailed mapping information of cities and communities prioritizes improvement projects and keeps community members safe. For decades, the military has relied on unique technology to protect the country and its assets.

Keeping Communities Safe

During times of crisis, government officials must regularly and consistently update communities on conditions. First responders and public officials will need (and contribute) essential data that will help those at the epicenter. Crisis mapping as a disaster response uses a variety of data sources and channels, including public and crowdsourced information.

Crisis mapping was first used after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Responders started with infrastructure mapping and added different maps to create a resource that everyone and anyone could use.

Making Cities Smarter

Geographic information systems (GIS) are the backbone of smart city initiatives, providing location-specific information hyper granular and contextualized. GIS maps offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process with every level of technical knowledge — including smart city constituents. GIS also allows emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Supporting Local Business Growth

Beacons, smartphones, and wearables are becoming geospatial tech that helps round out the customer experience. Retailers can get a comprehensive look at how shoppers move, how much time they spend in stores, which store locations they choose most, and other behavior that helps brands shape product development and brand expansion.

Helping With Professional Growth

As GIS is applied to more and more industries, there are various ways GIS professionals can approach a career. Along with developing technical skills, it’s crucial for your personal and professional growth to consider building non-technical and soft skills. Start by joining industry organizations like URISA or GITA to take advantage of the tools they offer and networking opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for geospatial tools for your business or considering a career in geospatial intelligence, you have plenty of options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to talk about mapping your career and the options you have.

Why Choose a Career In GIS?

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 20:15:00 GMT

When you think about how GIS is utilized across several industries, it’s easy to understand the opportunities offered by pursuing a career in the industry. The demand for GIS and geospatial skills is only set to grow exponentially – find out if a career in GIS is for you.

The Math Behind the Growing Market

Studies show that “the industry is projected to generate $24,607.7 million revenue in 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period (2020–2030).” Simply put, these numbers are getting bigger post-COVID, as so many GIS tools were created and used to track the pandemic and its effects.

Other significant trends are creating the need for more GIS professionals: Self-driving cars, smart home technology, and drones depend on innovative GIS technology, and these individual markets will significantly contribute to growth. The rise in open-source data breaks open gates and silos to level the playing field for everyone, despite limitations on financial resources.

Businesses are also increasingly using geospatial data in conjunction with machine learning and artificial intelligence in several applications – especially in making important and strategic business decisions. GIS will continue to be utilized across several processes.

GIS Across the Industries

Transit and transportation systems in metropolitan cities all over the country use geospatial intelligence systems and technology to monitor the condition and progress of thousands of miles of underground and above-ground subway tracks. Utility companies also use geospatial technology and mapping to improve infrastructure and optimize location-based projects.

Government organizations and municipalities use geospatial technology in several ways. Detailed mapping information of cities and communities prioritizes improvement projects and keeps community members safe. The military has relied on special technology for decades to protect the country and its assets.

The point? There are jobs in nearly every industry that require GIS skills, so there’s bound to be a role that fits your interests and personality. Whether you want to be in the great outdoors or warmed by the glow of a computer screen, you’ll easily find where you belong.

Making an Impact

GIS has become the foundation of smart city initiatives and can provide location-specific information hyper granular and contextualized. These systems offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process at all levels of technical knowledge and allow emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Putting your GIS skills to use means you’ll have the chance to help make life better for your community. If you want to make an impact, you can solve public and social challenges using geospatial expertise.

Whether you’re just starting your GIS career or looking to make a change to find the perfect job, get in touch with our team. We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, specializing in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you find a position that builds on-the-job knowledge while encouraging soft skill growth. Contact us today to learn more!

Geospatial In Space

Mon, 09 May 2022 19:47:00 GMT

GIS and geospatial may be built around studying the earth’s surface, but they’re also being used to explore the worlds beyond our planet. Just as geospatial tools can process data from our planet, they can also process data about other objects in our solar system.

How It Began

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that NASA began using GIS tools for space exploration. Clementine – a spacecraft also known as the Deep Space Program Science Experiment (DSPSE) – was launched in partnership with the US government to collect images and data from the surface of the Moon.

Named for the idea that it would be “lost and gone forever” once the mission was born, Clementine sent back information about the lunar surface until the power level was so reduced that it ceased communication. LiDAR and ultraviolet cameras were among the geospatial tech that the spacecraft used during its lifetime.

Reaching the Red Planet

As many industries look to Mars for signs of life, NASA is growing its archive of Martian knowledge using geospatial and GEOINT tools. 2001 Mars Odyssey was a mission that launched a camera called the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) :

This system maps the surface, both capturing images in the visible spectrum and detecting thermal energy in wavelengths that are undetectable by the human eye. As a result, scientists were able to generate a detailed model of the planet, learning about many different types of rocks found there and the effects of tectonic activity on the surface. By applying GIS techniques to the details that NASA has collected, experts can find the most productive paths for Mars rovers and potentially a future manned mission.

Expanding Horizons

In 2006, NASA launched the New Horizons mission to explore Jupiter in the far reaches of the Milky Way before visiting Pluto in 2015. The cameras on board the spacecraft collected data that can be used to better understand objects far from Earth that humans aren’t able to study during traditional space travel.

Mission to the Moon

Geospatial in space continued to innovate, with another GIS-driven moon mission launched in 2012, dubbed GRAIL or Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory:

The goal of the GRAIL mission was to extensively study lunar gravity and help scientists more fully understand how rocky planets were formed. This was done by using two twin spacecraft that essentially chased each other around the moon. Based on the strength of the gravitational pull, the distance between the two would change.

This data allowed scientists to map the gravitational pull of the moon and determine the types of rocks that were likely forming the crust. The spacecraft was also able to collect a significant amount of other topographical data that enabled researchers to estimate the thickness of the moon’s crust and added data to our knowledge of the moon’s thermal history.

Changing the Climate

NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is affixed to its Aqua satellite. AIRS gathers infrared geospatial data emitted by Earth and its atmosphere, taking 3D measurements of temperature, water vapor, trace gasses, and cloud properties.

While the AIRS helps the world better forecast weather events, it is also becoming a crucial tool in the fight to create a more sustainable climate. NASA uses the data collected by AIRS to create historical records and track the data collected, giving scientists a better understanding of where the climate is headed and how to change it.

Get Involved

Want to use your geospatial skills to innovate how we understand space? Whether you’re just starting your GIS career or looking to make a change to find the perfect job, get in touch with our team . We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, with specialties in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you find a position that could send you on a mission to the moon!

What to Know About Geospatial and Smart City Planning

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:16:00 GMT

While the definition of a “smart city” can vary widely, generally, it applies to urban environments or communities that use data-driven technology to build infrastructures that allow for increased equity, mobility, and overall quality of life. This data is collected with tools that are constantly connected to cloud databases that keep information to be used to make decisions in real-time. Generally, this data should be available and accessible to city and organization leaders involved in smart city growth – and much of the data tends to be geospatial.

What Geospatial Really Means

Geospatial is the overarching term for all data related to and conveyed on a map and can be visualized in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes for location and the outline of geographic features like cities, roads, and waterways are represented by points and lines. Raster data uses scanned digital or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair-stepping to report data as pixels or grids over an image. Examples of geospatial technology include GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and beacon technology.

At its most basic use, geospatial information system (GIS) tech is used to make maps of geographical areas, store information, and layering it to give users a wide-angle view. At a more complex level, this technology can answer a range of questions posed and discovered using geographical and attribute data: How many competing businesses are within one mile of the town’s center? What is the walkability from certain neighborhoods to a business? How accessible is the business from the highway?

Geospatial and Smart City Planning

Although fully automated, truly “smart” cities are still years from being completed, geospatial and GIS tools are already being implemented to improve infrastructure and quality of life. Transit and transportation systems in metropolitan cities all over the country use geospatial intelligence systems and technology to monitor the condition and progress of thousands of miles of underground and above-ground subway tracks. Drones with GPS capabilities are also used to check on all the conditions instead of manual inspectors traveling dangerous tracks.

Utility companies also use geospatial technology. Municipal water providers use geospatial mapping to improve infrastructure and optimize location-based projects. GIS technology captures images that track water levels, environmental conditions, and weather patterns that may impact the water supply for communities. Government organizations use geospatial technology in several ways. Detailed mapping information of cities and communities prioritize improvement projects and keep community members safe while doing so. The military has been relying on special technology for decades to protect the country and its assets.

Tapping Into Public-Private Partnerships

To continue progressing and innovating smart cities, it’s critical to understand the dynamics and advantages of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the geospatial field. PPPs allow the costs of investment to be spread over the lifetime of the asset and, therefore, allow infrastructure projects to be brought forward in years compared to the pay-as-you-go financing that is typical of many infrastructure projects.

Since satisfaction metrics can be built into the contract, these partnerships encourage a strong customer service orientation. Because the destination, not the path, becomes the organizing theme around which a project is built, PPPs enable the private sector to focus on the outcome-based public value they are trying to create. One of the biggest benefits of PPPs for smart city planners is that they can lower the cost of infrastructure to the public entity by reducing construction costs and overall life-cycle costs.

Working With Experts

Growing a smart city is a complex dynamic process, and the right GIS platform can become a cornerstone of that growth. Make sure you’re working with a team of experts that will work closely with your team to create that platform — like our team of geospatial experts.

We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city wayfinding, and integrated public transport information, all of which help a smart city grow and thrive. Join our team today and learn how to help develop your career by developing GIS tech that drives smart city progress forward.

Women In GEOINT: Mary Sears

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 17:10:00 GMT

Men have far outnumbered women in the GEOINT and geospatial fields, but several notable women have contributed milestone contributions to the industry. Closing the gender gap in this and other STEM-related industries means showcasing those prolific women and exposing new audiences to their role in making geospatial tech what it is today. One of the most notable and recognizable women trailblazers in geospatial history is Mary Spears.

Mary was born in 1905 and raised in Massachusetts. As a child, she collected plants and animals to study them in her home terrarium, with turtles reportedly being her favorite. She attended Radcliffe College and received her doctoral degree in zoology. While in school for her many degrees, Mary worked closely with Dr. Henry Bigelow – the first director of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOIS).

After graduating in 1932, Mary spent over a decade teaching and tutoring at Harvard University and Radcliffe and Wellesley colleges until 1943, when she felt the call to serve during World War II. She left her position as an oceanographic research assistant to become a Navy lieutenant in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. While in the Navy, Mary’s work heading up the Oceanographic Unit (OU) supported submarines in the military. Her research helped them identify shifting water temperatures that affect performance and visibility to the enemy.

Her work was a crucial part of several missions:

“The OU’s data supported as well the underwater offensive that crippled Japanese warships and its merchant fleet. Submerged submarines run in a dark, silent column of water; analyzing this complex mix of currents, salinity, and density aided navigation and, most important, evasion of the enemy. In the Battle of the Philippine Sea, American subs sank Japan’s two most advanced aircraft carriers, a rout that led to the seizure of Saipan’s airfields, enabling daily B-52 bombing of Japan itself. Operation Olympus, the projected invasion of Japan, was Sears’s last major assignment. Later she spoke openly of other actions, but never mentioned that horrendous option nor the alternative that foreclosed it.”

After the war, Mary spent a year in Copenhagen before returning to Woods Hole, where she headed the unit and retired as a Commander in the Naval Reserve in 1963. She continued her work at Woods Hole, and although she retired from working altogether in 1970, she continued working with WHOIS as a researcher. Mary’s work was widely recognized:

“She was named an Honorary Trustee and Honorary Member in 1976 On the occasion of her 80th birthday in 1985, Deep-Sea Research dedicated an issue to Mary Sears, noting that she “has probably played a greater role in the advancement of oceanographic studies than any other woman.” As a member of nine scientific and honorary societies and long-time member of the governing board of WHOI, she was very influential in the development of WHOI, provided leadership across many oceanographic disciplines, and was an important mentor to generations of young scientists.”

During a time when many women faced limited career options and in an industry dominated by men, Mary Spears and her work helped pioneer oceanography and geospatial and GEOINT innovations. Heralding women like Mary and sharing her story also helps to motivate women in geospatial who are looking to take the next step in their careers, something our team can help with.

T-Kartor Hires Jonathan Ripley

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:48:00 GMT

T-Kartor USA is proud to announce Jonathan Ripley as Manager of Strategic Partnerships. Mr. Ripley has a collective 32 years of geospatial experience serving both commercial GIS and federal GEOINT clients. Mr. Ripley’s expertise has encompassed a myriad of geospatial products and services while working for two full‐service photogrammetric firms, a premier infrastructure and consulting firm, and the National Geospatial‐Intelligence Agency (NGA).

“We are thrilled to have Jon joining our T-Kartor team. His proven leadership and decades of experience with federal GEOINT and commercial GIS clients will aid in expanding our national, military, and civil partners and bolster our continuing growth in the geospatial industry”, said T-Kartor CEO Simon Bailey.

Mr. Ripley began his GEOINT involvement after selection for the Digital Nautical Chart Program (DNC) in 1993 as part of the validation and testing team that evolved into a lead on‐site quality assurance reviewer for the NGA. Beginning in vector production, before transitioning to quality assurance and then into management, Mr. Ripley has maintained his comprehensive knowledge of process methodologies for complex global feature rich datasets. Mr. Ripley is excited to join the T-Kartor team, and his combination of experience provides an established solutions-based approach, proven situational perspective, and customer satisfaction awareness.

T-Kartor Names The Globe Building Precision Partner Award Recipient

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:48:00 GMT

T-Kartor, an innovative business combining cartographic, GIS and programming skills, is proud to present The Globe Building with its Precision Partner Award for outstanding service and a range of substantial contributions to the success of the company. The annual award recognizes a client or supplier that has worked alongside the company for at least one year, served as a true partner and shared risk.

T-Kartor is headquartered at The Globe Building in downtown St. Louis and was selected for recognition at the conclusion of 2021, based on the following criteria:

“The Globe Building leadership’s relationship with us goes way beyond that of a typical landlord and tenant. They consistently identify and deliver business opportunities for us in the St. Louis Region and beyond”, said T-Kartor CEO Simon Bailey. “Steve Stone, Jeremy Salvatori, and their team have helped our company immensely through our expansion in the geospatial space, and they have been there for us through the many challenges we faced in 2021, such as COVID-19 and our rapid company growth. T-Kartor is committed to remaining at The Globe Building as we continue to scale up our team.”

“Treating our building tenants as long-term business partners is central to our mission and we’re proud to have earned this recognition,” said Salvatori, asset manager of The Globe Building. “When our clients succeed, we succeed. We have worked over the past several years to attract and maintain Geospatial-Intelligence Services companies like T-Kartor and provide the infrastructure and amenities they need to serve clients such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), located just one mile away.”

The post T-Kartor USA Names The Globe Building Precision Partner Award Recipient appeared first on T-Kartor USA .

How State and Municipal Governments Use GIS

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:20:00 GMT

Although research shows that state and local governments have been increasingly using geographic information systems, adoption was accelerated in the past several months due to the pandemic. While there still isn’t a universal database or infrastructure in place to open-share GIS data, states are amassing databases to help leaders better understand their constituents and communities.

What Is GIS?

The best and most straightforward way to define it is a system that combines data with geographical features, but that doesn’t nearly begin to cover everything. The foundation of GIS is the geographical (spatial) data, which somehow references locations (mainly on Earth, but depending on the context, it could also be locations like the moon.) This is combined with other attribute data points that offer more information about the location.

GIS can be used for several specific applications that help support a wide range of industries:

“Geospatial data can be analyzed to determine (1) the location of features and relationships to other features, (2) where the most and/or least of some feature exists, (3) the density of features in a given space, (4) what is happening inside an area of interest (AOI), (5) what is happening nearby some feature or phenomenon, and (6) and how a specific area has changed over time and in what way.”

Vector Vs. Raster – How Are They Different?

Using GIS tools, you can visualize geospatial data in two ways: Vector data and raster data. Vector data applies geometric shapes to show the location and shape of geographic features. Points and lines represent features like cities, roads, and waterways. This method is scalable, offers smaller file sizes, and is a great way to depict boundaries on maps. Raster data uses a scanned digital image or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair-stepping (a cell-based format) to report data as pixels or grids over an image.

How Is GIS Used?

GIS has become the foundation of smart city initiatives and can provide location-specific information hypergranular and contextualized. These systems offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process at all levels of technical knowledge and allow emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Government officials also use GIS tech for health and human service initiatives, land administration, and tax assessment and create citizen-accessible tools that allow easy viewing and analyzing of mapped-out government geospatial data. IT experts use GIS tools to encrypt and secure highly sensitive, back-end data needed for classified discussions.

What Are Public-Private GIS Partnerships?

As governments across the world look to leverage data tools to grow and bolster infrastructure, more public-private partnerships (PPPs) than ever are being created. With PPPs, government and municipal agencies can work side-by-side with privately-owned organizations to develop solutions and stoke innovation.

PPPs allow the costs of investment to be spread over the asset’s lifetime and, therefore, enable infrastructure projects to be brought forward in years compared to the pay-as-you-go financing typical of many infrastructure projects.

How Can We Help?

We have applied our data-driven cartography approach to mapping for sustainable mobility in cities. A seamless way-finding base map is created as a core information asset for a city and carefully maintained in a master database to retain its value.

A myriad of product types and thousands of products can be created affordably and regularly updated from the same system, providing a large volume of accurate, dependable information to influence behavior and improve a city’s public spaces.

T-Kartor is in the process of initiating a more formal marketing launch where GIMS is sold to other military organizations and corporations under a traditional license model. GIMS solutions are Management Information Systems that apply military-grade security and enable thousands of troops access to advanced geographical and meteorological services in the field to make sure that everyone shares the same version of the data.

Geospatial FAQs

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:35:00 GMT

What Is Geospatial?

Geospatial is the overarching term for all data related to and conveyed on a map and can be visualized in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes for location, and points and lines represent the outline of geographic features like cities, roads, and waterways. This method is scalable, offers smaller file sizes, and is a great way to depict boundaries on maps. Raster data uses scanned digital or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair-stepping (a cell-based format) to report data as pixels or grids over an image. Geospatial technology includes GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and beacon technology.

What Is the History of Geospatial?

Although geospatial data debuted to a mass audience in 2005 with the launch of Google Maps, the concept was formed as early as 1832 during a cholera outbreak in Paris. French cartographer Charles Picquet created a heatmap to track the spread of illness. In 1854, cholera hit London and physician John Snow used Picquet’s work to identify contaminated water sources and show the connection to the disease.

When it comes to geospatial evolution, in particular, there are a handful of women that we should acknowledge and the roles that their skills played in creating what we know to be geospatial today. Showcasing these pivotal women also helps motivate women in geospatial who are looking to take the next step in their careers, something our team can help with.

How Is Geospatial Used In Different Industries?

The list of geospatial applications is endless for retail businesses, banks, insurance companies, and smart city planning. Your new smartphone even uses a common geospatial tool, LiDAR, which has been around since the 1960s. There have been several applications of LiDAR over the years, and it has emerged recently as a valuable tool to optimize geospatial data collection and analysis.

How Can I Start and Grow a Career in Geospatial?

You can go to school and learn the highly technical field of GIS, which is essential — but that’s not all you need to grow professionally. As you gain on-the-job experience, also look for opportunities to sharpen these skills, both hard and soft.

As GIS is applied to more and more industries, there are a variety of ways GIS professionals can approach a career. Along with developing technical skills, it’s crucial for your personal and professional growth to consider building non-technical and soft skills. Start by becoming a member of industry organizations like URISA or GITA to take advantage of their tools and networking opportunities.

What Role Does the NGA Play in the Evolution of Geospatial Tools?

Although mapping for defense and intelligence has long been a practice, several government agencies formed to support GEOINT work across industries and break down barriers between private and public-sector organizations that need GEOINT to thrive.

While it’s true that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) was officially formed in 2004, you’d have to travel far back in time to understand the complete history of the NGA — which is also part of the history of GEOINT. During World War II, aerial photography became the preferred method to collect intelligence and visual data, which evolved into modern mapmaking as we know it today.

Who Can Help My Organization Harness the Power of Geospatial Data?

Ultimately, geospatial data is quickly becoming a ubiquitous tool across all industries. When it’s time to establish a geospatial data strategy for your organization, it’s important to work closely with a partner with a long history of experience working with organizations and cities that need efficient solutions for security, big data management, sustainable mobility, and much more.

Reach out to learn more about our team — we focus on developing data platforms and related applications using open source technology. We work with agile software development and provide technology as a licensed or cloud solution.

Boosting Cybersecurity With GIS Tools

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:14:00 GMT

Cybersecurity has long been a topic of conversation for organizations of all sizes. Still, the exponential rise in remote working and teaching due to the pandemic has pushed this topic into the spotlight. A data breach can cause a company an average of $4 million in damages, and that money is not likely accounted for in the annual budget.

The tools that cybersecurity professionals use to fight off bad actors have evolved so much in such a short time and now include a list of geospatial intelligence tools and strategies.

“Connecting cybersecurity activity to a geographic layer provides the foundation from which shared situational awareness can be achieved. A truly comprehensive GIS platform must be able to support user workflows, collaboration and the dynamic situational awareness necessary to meet a variety of mission requirements. The technology that can deliver these capabilities is available on many networks and from devices such as tablets and smartphones, providing personnel with access to information and data to support decisions for awareness, prevention, protection, response and recovery. The location intelligence that runs through a GIS platform can be quickly accessed, understood and shared to support coordinated actions.”

Real-Time Mapping

Much of preventing cybersecurity breaches involve tracking attacks in real-time to look for patterns. Spatial data offer quantifiable, actionable statistics that help cybersecurity professionals plan and execute their response to mitigate issues. Perpetrators leave a trail – whether they like it or not – and every point of contact they have with their systems or an organization offers a spatial data set that connects the dots.

Infrastructure Security

Recent breaches of critical infrastructure, like electrical grids and water supply infrastructure, only highlight the need to tap into geospatial data to help protect the essential functions of our communities. Many utility companies already have GIS data on hand and use it for many other functions and processes; cybersecurity professionals can use it to look for indications that systems are being breached.

Protecting GIS Data

One of the most significant advantages of utilizing geospatial data is that it is open-source and available for the general public to access. However, there may be proprietary geospatial data that organizations (or the military) need to keep confidential or classified. When cybersecurity professionals work to protect this data, they must add an additional layer to their protection strategy and clearly define access protocol.

Ultimately, geospatial data is quickly becoming a ubiquitous tool across all industries. Whether it’s being used to increase cybersecurity or your IT professionals are looking for a way to protect your data, there are important considerations to keep in mind. When it’s time to establish a geospatial data strategy for your organization, work closely with a partner with a long history of experience working with organizations and cities that need efficient solutions for security, big data management, sustainable mobility, and much more.

We focus on developing data platforms and related applications using open source technology. We work with agile software development and provide technology as a licensed or cloud solution. Let’s talk more!

How to Build a Career in GIS

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:16:00 GMT

Geospatial solutions are being used across all industries, and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, feeding the demand for qualified professionals looking to jumpstart their GIS careers.

The first step towards a career in GIS is taking advantage of continuing your education. Many organizations look for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in areas like engineering or computer science, but you can supplement degrees in other areas with certifications. In school, pursue programs that include classes like cartography, GIS principles, programming, and database infrastructure building.

Pick an Industry

Organizations across all industries are collecting more data than ever, and much of this data is based on customer location. Applying this data to decisions that help businesses grow and thrive needs to be done easily and quickly, which is why decision-makers often turn to geospatial intelligence and information.

Lately, the news cycles have been highlighting municipal projects like infrastructure planning to logistics optimization, and using GIS to help people and products move around quickly and efficiently is no small feat. Manufacturers, emergency response teams, public transportation — the list is endless for how GIS can help. Getting real-time data locating these people and things is key to making educated, well-researched business decisions.

Build Your Skills

Once you find a position in an area that you’re excited to innovate, look for opportunities to sharpen these hard and soft skills as you also accumulate on-the-job experience. Although mapping tech has become quite sophisticated in the past, GIS professionals must also understand and build the technical skills needed to effectively use this software.

Because there’s a wide range of software tools used in the GIS field, it’s important to have a working knowledge of how to use these tools. It’s also not just enough to know the software you’re currently using. Take time to broaden your horizons and learn the basics of other commonly used tools and those making news as innovative or disruptive.

In addition to the skills above, GIS software developers face the additional challenge of creating tools that are used industry-wide and must be dependable and innovative. This requires a deep understanding of both the worlds of development and GIS.

In the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that company culture will make or break an organization’s success. Knowing that, employers are looking for talent that can fulfill the job duties and be a proper fit culturally. You should showcase Non-technical and soft skills during the interview process or on your resume and LinkedIn page.

Grow Personally and Professionally

Geography, design, and math skills are all part of the job too. Public speaking skills are needed for presentations to stakeholders, and it’s something that you can easily practice for those who aren’t naturally comfortable doing it. GIS professionals are also key players in a variety of teams, which makes project management a must-learn.

Whether you’re just starting your GIS career or you’re looking to make a change to find the perfect job, get in touch with our team . We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, specializing in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you find a position that builds on-the-job knowledge while encouraging soft skill growth.

Modern Geospatial Intelligence

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 20:28:00 GMT

Whenever we check weather apps, consult Google Maps for traffic information, or geotag social media posts, we’re tapping into geospatial data. Insurance providers are using GEOINT to assess and mitigate risk for their customers. Retail businesses tap into geospatial data to optimize marketing, advertising, and inventory management.

We can visualize geospatial data in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes to show the location and shape of geographic features. Points and lines represent features like cities, roads, and waterways. This method is scalable, offers smaller file sizes, and is a great way to depict boundaries on maps. Raster data uses a scanned digital image or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair-stepping (a cell-based format) to report data as pixels or grids over an image.

Mapping During a Crisis

During times of crisis, communities need to be updated on conditions regularly and consistently. First responders and public officials will need (and contribute) essential data that will help those at the epicenter. Crisis mapping as a disaster response uses a variety of data sources and channels, including public and crowdsourced information.

There are a handful of different tools that you can use during the crisis mapping process:

Smart City Planning

Geographic information systems (GIS) are the backbone of smart city initiatives, providing location-specific information hypergranular and contextualized. GIS maps offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process with any and every level of technical knowledge — including smart city constituents. GIS also allows emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Retail Business Growth

Beacons, smartphones, and wearables are becoming ubiquitous in retail marketing strategies and can all be leveraged as geospatial tech that helps round out the customer experience. Retailers can get a comprehensive look at how shoppers move, how much time they spend in stores, which store locations they choose most, and other behavior that helps brands shape product development and brand expansion.

GIS and Geospatial in Other Industries

Government organizations, as mentioned above, use geospatial technology in several ways. Detailed mapping information of cities and communities prioritize improvement projects and keep community members safe while doing so. The military has been relying on special technology for decades to protect the country and its assets.

Careers in Geospatial

GEOINT Reception at T-Kartor

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:13:00 GMT

All GEOINT 2021 Symposium attendees and friends of T-Kartor are invited to a reception at our HQ in the Globe Building on the evening of Thursday, October 7th.

The Geo-Discovery Experience will kick off at 5:00 pm and make its first stop at the T-Rex Innovation Center, followed by our reception at the Historic Globe Building. Home to T-Kartor, Maxar, and Ball Aerospace, this building has a rich history of partnering with the Geospatial-Intelligence Community, starting with the housing of the Aeronautical Chart Plant in the 1940s and 50s.

Highlights of the evening will include:

This is sure to be a memorable night of learning and camaraderie. Come and experience the Downtown North District in true St. Louis Fashion.

The History of Cartography

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:13:00 GMT

At the most fundamental level, cartography remains an integral part of geospatial technology innovation. To understand the future of geospatial, we need to look back at the history and origins of mapmaking and what we now recognize as modern cartography.

One of the earliest recorded maps was uncovered in 1963, dating back as far as 6000 BC, but ancient Greek civilization helped develop cartography into both an art and a science. During this time, those who studied geography recognized that the earth was round and attempted to calculate its circumference. This was also when the first true, comprehensive map of the world emerged.

Ancient Roman cartographers used maps for military needs to help control their empire. Ptolemy’s map, created around 150 AD, was key for the expansion of Roman control and was one of the first on record to refer to longitudinal and latitudinal lines — something that had a permanent impact on cartography as a practice.

Muslim cartographers in the Middle Ages relied heavily on Ptolemy’s map descriptions to explore the expanding Muslim world. The world was dissected using latitudes and longitudes, methodologies that fueled the evolution of cartography even further into the early modern age of the 16th century, the birthplace of printing.

Colonization and expansion of previously undiscovered lands lend to the proliferation of printed maps for every region of the world.

“The big advance in cartographic science came in 1569, with the publication of Mercator’s first maps. His mapping techniques were improved later in 1570, when Abraham Ortelius published his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which, for the first time, included maps based on the best available purely contemporary information.”

When trading and global commerce increased during the Industrial Revolution, as did travel for leisure (instead of business), so did the demand for more comprehensive and complex maps. Intelligence gathering and cartography were crucial for the US forces’ many victories in several wars and military conflicts.

Technology invented and innovated throughout the 20th century has helped form what is now modern cartography. GPS was invented and became accessible by mainstream consumers, and LiDAR (light detection and radar) technology integrated this technology. LiDAR tech was originally intended for satellite tracking in meteorology and measured clouds and atmospheric pollution. In 1971, NASA leveraged laser-based tools to map the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. LiDAR data became much more accurate late in the 1980s when GPS equipment became available for commercial use.

Today, modern cartography is an invaluable tool for geospatial professionals. A timely example of this is location analytics to prepare for, track, and recover from natural disasters. Urban planners and smart city decision-makers depend on the data disseminated by modern cartography tools to grow in a way that best supports their communities.

Cartographers are even developing methods to map other worlds. Extensive mapping of Mars has been performed to give scientists a first-hand look at the Red Planet without the risk and cost of space travel. Modern GIS tools also use cartography fundamentals for diving deep below the earth with marine electronic cartography.

Modern cartography is being used across all industries, and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, feeding the demand for qualified professionals looking to travel on this career path. Whether you’re looking for geospatial tools for your business or you’re considering a career in geospatial intelligence, you have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to talk about mapping your career and the options you have.

A Retailer’s Guide to GIS

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:58:00 GMT

Location, location, location: This is perhaps the foundation of any retailer’s success, regardless of how large or small the organization may be. Where customers are located is now even more important as the world of digital marketing expands at break-neck speeds. Tapping into GIS and geospatial tools can provide retailers with the quantifiable data they need to grow and thrive:

The beauty and power of GIS for retail business is that it allows company analysts to consider many options, identify potential, assess the impact of various investments, identify market segments, and identify trends in the business landscape. No other information technology has such a comprehensive analytical potential for working with spatial information, which is about 80% of all the data used by companies for research and analysis.

Businesses are also increasingly using geospatial data in conjunction with machine learning and artificial intelligence in several applications. For example, insurance companies show climate change and extreme weather events will increase or decrease the risk for certain geographical regions and adjust premiums accordingly.

Beacons, smartphones, and wearables are all becoming ubiquitous in retail marketing strategies, and can all be leveraged as geospatial tech that helps round out the customer experience. Retailers can get a comprehensive look at how shoppers move, how much time they spend in stores, which store locations they choose most, and other behavior that helps brands shape product development and brand expansion.

Making Real-Time Decisions

Again, location is probably the biggest influencing factor in what many people purchase whether it’s online or off. Using GIS tech can give retailers a hypergranular look at why shoppers are making the decisions they are and tracking these patterns to use as business intelligence. With GIS, this data can be accessed in real-time and allow for retail brands to stay agile in the face of shifting customer demand cycles.

Market Expansion

Geospatial and GIS mapping is also a crucial tool for retailers looking to expand brick-and-mortar presence. Demographic statistics, shopping behavior, real estate data — these can all be collected, overlaid, and analyzed by retail brands to decide whether or not a physical location will be worth the ROI of expansion. During commercial construction projects, these maps can be assets as part of the design-build plans.

Merchandising

Deciding which inventory (and where) to put out on the sales floor is a major decision for retailers. The use of GIS can present retailers with socio-economic stats that help guide merchandising strategies and strategically streamline inventory management. This also helps to nurture relationships with vendors, especially if they’re locally based or offer seasonal items that aren’t readily available or accessible year-round.

Marketing

Most households in the US have at least one mobile device, if not (many) more. GIS and geospatial technology can be used to send personalized, tailored marketing messages to customers in the same physical location or surrounding areas. An example of this is beacon marketing and app or text notifications. Geospatial tools can also work alongside customer relationship management (CRM) systems to provide retailers with data-rich market insight.

Competitor Research

Knowing where the competitors stand — both literally and figuratively — gives retailers an edge over them. GIS and geospatial tech can provide decision-makers with data assets showing the physical proximity to other retailers in the industry. Hours of operation, services offered, marketing strategies, and more can all be revealed with these assets, letting key stakeholders pivot in real-time based on what the competition is doing.

Geospatial solutions and GIS are being used across all industries — especially retail — and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, which is feeding the demand for qualified professionals who are looking to travel a GIS career path. Don’t overlook the help offered by a team like ours .

Navigating Geospatial Public-Private Partnerships

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:36:00 GMT

As beneficial as PPPs can prove to be in the geospatial realm, navigating them is not without its challenges. To make the most of this relationship, there are some important best practices to keep in mind.

Get to know your partner: Just like with any business partnership, both parties in a geospatial PPP need to know about their partners. This is especially important within our industry as the private sector sees growth and progress in geospatial innovation at a much higher rate than government or public sector parties.

Don’t skimp on the contract: Ultimately everyone involved in a geospatial PPP should be working together on a shared vision to meet common goals. While it’s something that should happen organically, legally binding contracts can help enforce the commitments made to the partnership. Don’t assume that you won’t need one — it may end up being a big mistake.

Collaborate, and do it often: With the constraints of government regulations and sluggish legacy software, both parties must be constantly collaborating. Create a blueprint of sorts that outlines each party’s vision, goals, and strategies to implement throughout the process of working together.

Assign roles accordingly: The private party has access to resources such as corporate branding tools, business executives, and experts. Government agencies have a firm grasp of public policy and municipal regulations. Keep these skills and resources in mind when deciding on which parties and team members are assigned to which roles.

Tap into innovation: Government agencies are known for their bureaucratic red tape that often stifles innovation. Count on private parties and their channels to move a concept forward that would normally not be feasible to fine-tune in the public sector.

Share risk — and reward: Neither party should have to carry the burden of setbacks and challenges throughout the partnership. Both parties should contribute equally to the solution, as well as take equal credit for accomplishments to promote equity of workloads.

Promote creativity: By facilitating regular collaboration (see above) you’ll be able to recognize new, out-of-the-box ideas and prioritize these concepts. Encourage both sides to learn more about each other’s roles and offer fresh perspectives.

Keep an open door: Government agencies that have a long list of geospatial initiatives to work on would be doing themselves a favor by having an open-ended proposal process. Private-sector firms could submit “unsolicited” proposals for geospatial PPPs, and public-sector agencies can review a rolling collection of solutions.

Find a neutral party: For both parties to feel comfortable contributing equally without a sense of bias, there should be an individual or group facilitating that doesn’t officiate with either side. This facilitator can also step in during a dispute or get work back on track should it derail for any reason.

Structure appropriately: Keep this important insight in mind. “One party is a government/public entity, and the other one is a private entity. Governments change and so do policies. And in countries where the rule of law is not established enough to maintain the stability of the contract, investors see a significant political risk that will need to be mitigated.”

Applications of Geospatial Tools in the Real World

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 18:21:00 GMT

It’s easy to understand how geospatial technology is used to help the military and government organizations, however, there are also several ways that geospatial information is used in everyday applications all around us. In fact, every time you use an app on your smartphone, you’re using geospatial technology.

Below are some of the other ways that geospatial technology is used for real-world applications:

Transit and transportation systems in metropolitan cities all over the country use geospatial intelligence systems and technology to monitor the condition and progress of thousands of miles of underground and above-ground subway tracks. Drones with GPS capabilities are also used to check on all the conditions instead of manual inspectors traveling dangerous tracks.

Businesses are also increasingly using geospatial data in conjunction with machine learning and artificial intelligence in several applications. For example, insurance companies show climate change and extreme weather events will increase or decrease the risk for certain geographical regions and adjust premiums accordingly.

Farmers have decisions to make and questions to answer each growing season: What crops do I grow? When do I plant them? Where should I plant my crops? Any questions left unanswered could impact their revenue that particular season. Many of those questions would traditionally be answered anecdotally or historically, but the agricultural industry now has access to sophisticated data tools that offer location-based information to make sure those questions get answers. From weather, machinery maintenance, and even soil conditions, geospatial technology can offer that information and answer those questions.

Businesses of all sizes that are looking to take advantage of geospatial data need to take a calculated approach to get started with these tools. There’s no shortage of geospatial tools available to organizations to use to gain a competitive edge. But to understand how these tools can help your business, consider these four pillars to keep in mind.

The first is the architecture of your geospatial system. This is the infrastructure of tools that your organization uses to collect and disseminate data. (For example, are you using a hybrid cloud approach or storing everything on-premises?) The second pillar, analytics, refers to how you collect that data; that covers what tools you decide to use – like drones for imagery, satellite technology, or real-time quantifiable data. Artificial intelligence is the third consideration and is used for deep learning by studying countless algorithms created by the data that your geospatial tools collect. The final consideration is automation, which allows for general workflows to be streamlined during geospatial data collection.

Whether you’re looking for geospatial tools for your business or you’re considering a career in geospatial intelligence, you have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to talk about mapping your career and the options you have.

The History of the NGA

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:03:00 GMT

NGA headquarters are located at Fort Belvoir in Springfield, Virginia, and is the third-largest government building in the Metro DC area, behind the Pentagon and the Reagan building. There’s also a new campus under construction here in St. Louis known as NGA West, with support and offices around the world. The NGA provides geospatial intelligence for the US military and intelligence efforts, as well as security planning for major events and assistance during disasters.

While it’s true that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency was officially formed in 2004, you’d have to travel far back in time to understand the full history of the NGA — which is also part of the history of GEOINT. It was during World War II that aerial photography became the preferred method to collect intelligence and visual data, which evolved into modern mapmaking as we know it today.

Over the course of generations, GEOINT in the United States has been shaping what is today’s NGA. In fact, you can even revisit the time of Lewis and Clark to truly understand its roots:

“As a pregnant teenager, Sacagawea assisted explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during the Corps of Discovery Expedition as they surveyed the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800s. A member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe, Sacagawea spoke Shoshone and Hidatsa and had a vast knowledge of the local geography, how to successfully navigate it, and what to do to optimize natural resources for survival. All of these are factors in dissecting and analyzing geospatial intelligence.”

Although mapping for defense and intelligence has long been a practice, several different government agencies formed to support GEOINT work across industries and breaking down barriers between private and public-sector organizations that need GEOINT to thrive.

Engineer Reproduction Plant (ERP) — Before ERP came into existence, mapping was fieldwork. The ERP provided a centralized place for the “supervision and maintenance” of topographical resources.

Army Map Service (AMS) – During World War II, photogrammetry and geodesy were collected, compiled, and published in one place, and that’s the AMS. This is the organization that manages the largest geodetic and topographic data libraries for the DoD. AMS also had a location in St. Louis called the Aeronautical Charting Information Center (ACIC). Remarkably, the ACIC was located in the building now known as The Globe Building . T-Kartor USA’s HQ is there now too!

Check out this video produced by The Globe Building.

National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) – President Eisenhower created the NPIC before leaving office in 1961. It was a pivotal organization during the Cuban Missile Crisis and worked hand-in-hand with the CIA.

Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) – The creation of the DMA in 1972 was a way to consolidate US military mapping efforts and consisted of a predominantly civilian workforce. It included branches that covered hydrographic mapping, topography, and aerospace charting.

National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) – Established in 1996 over a year of planning, NIMA centralized accountability for imaging and mapping for intelligence and military applications. It also offered consultation with consumer-facing organizations.

In 2004, NIMA was officially renamed NGA. From their website:

“Using this new paradigm, intelligence professionals were better able to exploit and analyze imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and human activity on the Earth. Today, NGA continues to deliver these vital intelligence products in responding to, and anticipating, our nation’s most critical national security challenges. NGA works hard to put GEOINT in the hands of our customers— when, where and how they need it.”

In 2004, the NGA deployed tools and experts to help after a tsunami hit the Indian Ocean nation of Sumatra and did the same to help areas in the US recover after being hit by the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Teams in charge of planning the inauguration of President Obama turned to the NGA for GEOINT tools to ensure the event was safe and secure.

The agency again marked its place in US history in 2010, when it welcomed Letitia Long as its fifth director and the first woman to lead an intelligence agency in the country. Groundbreaking for the St. Louis campus NGA West was celebrated in 2019, and the growth of GEOINT talent in the surrounding areas is helping build local public and private organizations that depend on geospatial data to grow.

So could the future of the NGA include you, too? Join our team! T-Kartor USA is committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city wayfinding, and integrated public transport information.

The History of Women in Geospatial Intelligence

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:15:00 GMT

There’s long been a gender gap in STEM-related fields, with women trailblazers often going unnoticed and uncelebrated. While many organizations are working hard to close that gap and get younger girls interested in learning STEM skills, it’s important to take time to recognize the women that cleared the path for that kind of progress.

When it comes to geospatial evolution, in particular, there are a handful of pioneers that we should acknowledge, and the roles that their skills played in creating what we know to be geospatial today. Showcasing these pivotal women also helps to motivate women in geospatial who are looking to take the next step in their careers, something our team can help with.

Sacagawea

As a pregnant teenager, Sacagawea assisted explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during the Corps of Discovery Expedition as they surveyed the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800s. A member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe, Sacagawea spoke Shoshone and Hidatsa and had a vast knowledge of the local geography, how to successfully navigate it, and what to do to optimize natural resources for survival. All of these are factors in dissecting and analyzing geospatial intelligence.

Mary Sears

Mary Sears felt the call to serve during World War II when she left her position as an oceanographic research assistant to become a Navy lieutenant in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. While in the Navy, Mary’s work supported submarines in the military, and her research helped them identify shifting water temperatures that affect performance and visibility to the enemy.

Constance Babington Smith

A journalist and airplane enthusiast, Constance became a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) using her skills to identify aircraft in photos. Nicknamed “Babs,” she and her team were in charge of tracking enemy aircraft and monitoring the evolution of prototypes potentially used in wartime situations. Constance’s approach to photo interpretation is now used in geospatial intelligence and she became a member of the Geospatial Hall of Fame in 2015.

Irene Fischer

Irene escaped Nazi-occupied Austria with her young family in 1939 to live in the US and began teaching college-level math. She joined the Army Map Service (now the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Army Geospatial Center) in the mid-1940s where she studied geodesy, which involves measuring and understanding Earth’s geometric shape. Irene’s work helped shape the space program and overall knowledge of how artificial satellites operate, and she even developed a 3D model of Earth that we still reference.

Marion Frieswyk

Hailed as the CIA’s Office of Strategic Services Map Division’s first-ever female intelligence cartographer, Marion was recruited to the OSS as a young college graduate. She is known for her long career of topographical innovations, which include 3D mapping during World War II that helped the US gain a competitive edge. Marion’s work drew a direct connection between geography and military intelligence, something we all know now as a universal truth.

Marie Tharp

During a time when women were heavily discouraged from entering the earth science field, Marie earned a graduate degree in geography — something that didn’t help much when finding a job. She eventually found a position drafting where she met Bruce Hezeen, with whom she would eventually work to publish a comprehensive physiographic map of the ocean floor. Because women weren’t allowed to work on research vessels, Hezeen collected the data while Marie consolidated and visualized it.

Dr. Gladys West

As the child of a farming family, Dr. West had several degrees in mathematics during a time when few women and even fewer Black students were encouraged to pursue these studies. In the mid-1950s, Dr. West was a programmer involved with the analysis of satellite data to create different models of Earth. Because of her research and work, Dr. West has been dubbed as one of the founders of GPS as we know it in its modern iteration.

Letitia Long

Letitia joined the US Navy in 1978 working in areas that developed military intelligence. In 2010, she became the fifth director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the first woman to lead a US intelligence agency. Under Letitia’s leadership, the NGA became the first agency in the country to provide open-source software for first responders in charge of natural disasters.

Democratizing Geospatial Data

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 17:25:00 GMT

In February 2021, India made a landmark decision to democratize geospatial data. This was a huge step forward for public and private sectors in the country, as well as precedent-setting for geospatial data democratization across the globe. Taken from a press release from the government’s Ministry of Science & Technology:

To realise India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of a 5 trillion-dollar economy, the regulations that apply to geospatial data and maps henceforth stand radically liberalised. The Department of Science and Technology is announcing sweeping changes to India’s mapping policy, specifically for Indian companies. What is readily available globally does not need to be restricted in India and therefore geospatial data that used to be restricted will now be freely available in India. Furthermore, our corporations and innovators are no longer subject to restrictions nor do they require prior approvals before they collect, generate, prepare, disseminate, store, publish, update digital Geospatial Data and Maps within the territory of India.

Before this decision was made, Indian companies needed licenses and government approval in order to create and publish maps using geospatial data. This was an obvious barrier for all sectors, but especially for the burgeoning tech industry in the country. Democratizing geospatial data will now level the playing field and open many doors.

One of the biggest benefits of this move is that businesses in India don’t need to rely on foreign geospatial data providers, and can instead turn to native companies for these services. Businesses that rely heavily on geospatial data (like eCommerce or food delivery) will see huge growth with the ease of access to this data. Government agencies will also make strides forward with on-demand geospatial tools.

Below are some of the key regulations and guidelines created for the democratization of geospatial data in India.

It’s not clear what effects the democratization of geospatial data will do for India, but those impacts will surely ripple across the globe — and this will include increased interest in geospatial careers, something that we fully support. Geospatial is entering a new age, and you can be a part of it! Learn more about taking the next step in pursuing a profession in geospatial.

Geospatial Trends to Watch

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 18:57:00 GMT

Want to know what’s on the horizon for geospatial? The key to using it effectively is understanding what’s ahead. We break down some of the geospatial trends we’re watching, and why they’re poised to change the industry.

The Democratization of Geospatial Data

What was once geospatial data that only industry experts could decipher is now moving towards being accessible by everyone, regardless of their geospatial knowledge — and that’s a good thing. Democratizing geospatial data levels the playing field across all sectors and industries, and allows organizations to tap into a rich library of location-based tools that support data-driven decisions.

Additionally, democratization means access to geospatial data by those who are building tools to collect, analyze, and contextualize that information to be used in a variety of ways. One shining example is the use of these tools by planners, developers, and even legislators to support the growth of smart cities even though these users are not geospatial experts.

Getting Smart

On that note, the rise of smart cities and connected transportation systems will also fuel the growth of geospatial data implementation in this area. Big data, deep learning, and the Internet of Things will show what’s happening in real-time for planners and leaders to make quick, quantifiable decisions about their community.

Autonomous vehicles also need geospatial data to navigate roadways and adjust for weather conditions. Car manufacturers are betting on growing the AV market, which means geospatial will have plenty of opportunities to grow their stake in this particular sector.

Cloud Spotting

Geospatial data software and applications have traditionally been supported by clunky server infrastructure that is complicated and carries a huge cost. However, serverless cloud technology is becoming much more sophisticated and adaptable, meaning that it can now support geospatial app and software development.

A move to the cloud also means that geospatial experts can move into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which also offers the capacity to store large volumes of information. Cloud support allows that information (like high-res GIS images) to be a part of algorithm testing at high levels.

Looking at Lidar

Lidar evolved to eliminate the cumbersome task of creating topographic maps using photogrammetry. Now, innovations have made lidar an even bigger geospatial trend to watch. Lidar has even entered the mainstream, with Apple announcing its newest iPhone will support lidar use.

The capabilities of lidar have also expanded to provide even more data, and along with the addition of AI, lidar will become more affordable and efficient. After all, if the average consumer can have lidar in their smartphone, it can surely be integrated into geospatial tools for everyone to use.

Miniaturization

Devices (like smartphones) are getting smaller and more powerful, and that’s great news for those organizations that are creating geospatial tech. Drones, sensors, and satellites will be getting more efficient and cheaper, allowing for those with a smaller budget to invest in geospatial devices.

More compact and less costly devices are expanding the ability of municipalities and government agencies to collect large amounts of geospatial data to improve critical processes like emergency response management and public safety.

Digital Twinning

Digital twins use geospatial data to create a virtual representation of a real-world location. This gives those involved in the development process a chance to see insights in real-time, increase collaboration with other partners, and create information transparency.

Digital twins also mitigate the risk of the decisions being made by offering users a predictive summary of the actions initiated. GIS is also being combined with building information modeling to help expose issues through simulation before they become a problem. Again, this approach is part of what gives GIS a starring role in the future of smart city planning.

If you’re on the path to pursuing a career in geospatial, or you’re looking to add GIS tools to your decision-making arsenal, it’s a smart idea to keep ahead of the curve. Our team is constantly sharpening our geospatial skills and tracking trends.

We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city wayfinding, and integrated public transport information. Learn about our team and the careers we help our people develop.

GIS vs. Geospatial: What’s the Difference?

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:11:00 GMT

It’s common to see the terms “GIS” and “geospatial” be used interchangeably, but if you’re polishing your resume or writing a job description, it’s crucial to understand how the two are vastly different.

What is GIS?

Although GIS stands for geographic information systems, the definition isn’t as clear-cut as its name implies. The best and most straightforward way to define it is as a system that combines data with geographical features, but that doesn’t nearly begin to cover everything.

The foundation of GIS is the geographical (spatial) data, which somehow references locations (mostly on Earth, but depending on the context it could also be locations like the moon.) This is combined with other attribute data points that offer more information about the location: Take a business, for example. The location of the business is the spatial data, while information like the name of the business, services offered, and the number of employees would be attributed data.

At its most basic use, GIS tech is used for making maps of geographical areas, storing information, and layering it to give users a wide-angle view. At a more complex level, this technology can provide answers to a range of questions posed and discovered using geographical and attribute data: How many competing businesses are within one mile of the town’s center? What is the walkability from certain neighborhoods to a business? How accessible is the business from the highway?

GIS has become the foundation of smart city initiatives and can provide location-specific information in a hypergranular and contextualized way. These systems offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process at all levels of technical knowledge and allow emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

GIS can be used for several specific applications that help support a wide range of industries:

What is geospatial?

Think of geospatial as a wheel, with one of the spokes being GIS. Geospatial is the overarching term for all data that relates to and conveyed on a map and can be visualized in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes for location and the outline of geographic features like cities, roads, and waterways are represented by points and lines. Raster data uses scanned digital or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair-stepping to report data as pixels or grids over an image. Examples of geospatial technology include GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and beacon technology.

Although geospatial data debuted to a mass audience in 2005 with the launch of Google Maps, the concept was formed as early as 1832 during a cholera outbreak in Paris. French cartographer Charles Picquet created a heatmap to track the spread of illness, and in 1854, cholera hit London and physician John Snow used Picquet’s work to identify contaminated water sources and show the connection to the disease.

The military is perhaps one of the earliest and most impressive geospatial adopters. Mission command, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, training area management, and mission support are enhanced by geospatial use by all branches. Geospatial data can also be used by businesses to explore trends. Forecasting sales, tracking retail store revenue, assessing insurance policyholder risk by zip code, and marketing campaigns that target a certain demographic in a radius around businesses.

If you’re looking to start (or further) your geospatial career, you must define your skills to help employers better understand your strengths. For organizations who are looking to fill geospatial roles, job descriptions must be clear about what candidates need in regards to skill sets and technical knowledge.

Whether you’re a jobseeker or hiring manager, we can help. We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, with specialties in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you so speak with our team today .

GIS Career Skills You Should Be Building

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:04:00 GMT

You can go to school and learn the highly technical field of GIS, which is important — but that’s not all you need to grow professionally. As you gain on-the-job experience, also look for opportunities to sharpen these skills, both hard and soft.

Software Skills

Because there’s a wide range of software tools used in the GIS field, it’s important to have a working knowledge of how to use these tools. It’s also not just enough to know the software you’re currently using. Take time to broaden your horizons and learn the basics of other tools that are commonly used and those that are making news as innovative or disruptive.

Technical Skills

Although mapping tech has become quite sophisticated in the past, GIS professionals must also understand and build the technical skills needed to effectively use this software.

Skills For Developers

Non-Technical and Soft Skills

It has become increasingly clear in the past few years that company culture will make or break an organization’s success. Knowing that, employers are looking for talent that can not only fulfill the job duties but also be a proper fit culturally. Non-technical and soft skills should be showcased during the interview process — or even on your resume and LinkedIn page.

Geography, design, and math skills are all part of the job too. Public speaking skills are needed for presentations to stakeholders, and it’s something that can be easily practiced for those who aren’t naturally comfortable doing it. GIS professionals are also key players in a variety of teams, which makes project management a must-learn.

Interpersonal communication is a strength that all employers look for regardless of the industry, but that’s especially true in the GIS field. Industry networking is something to leverage to find a mentor, a new job, or a colleague to collaborate with. Active listening falls under the interpersonal umbrella, and this particular soft skill allows GIS professionals to contextualize information in real-time. If you’re interested in teaching others about GIS concepts, it’s a smart idea to learn about training and education best practices in the workplace.

Whether you’re just starting your GIS career or you’re looking to make a change to find the perfect job, get in touch with our team . We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, with specialties in city wayfinding, defense mapping, and integrated public transportation information. We can help you find a position that builds on-the-job knowledge while encouraging soft skill growth.

Using GIS In Smart City Planning

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:09:00 GMT

Smart cities have been growing in the past several years, but that growth and the innovation that comes along with it has been accelerated exponentially due to the events of the last several months. A burgeoning number of data tools along with the demand (and necessity) for transparency from civic leaders and planners have also been drivers of this growth.

What Is A Smart City?

While the definition of a “smart city” can vary widely, generally it applies to urban environments or communities that use data-driven technology to build infrastructures that allow for increased equity, mobility, and overall quality of life. This data is collected with tools that are constantly connected to cloud databases that keep information to be used to make decisions in real-time. Generally, this data should be available and accessible to city and organization leaders that are involved in smart city growth.

What Role Does GIS Play?

Geographic information systems (GIS) are the backbone of smart city initiatives, providing location-specific information in a hypergranular and contextualized way. GIS maps offer a visual way to convey complex data to those involved in the planning process with any and every level of technical knowledge — including smart city constituents. GIS also allows emergency response managers to predict and track elements like extreme weather and natural disasters.

Choosing Smart City GIS Platforms

There’s no shortage of GIS platforms available for smart city planners and managers, but they’re not all created equal by any measure. Getting a return on investment means knowing what to look for in a platform that’s best suited for the specific application.

Usability and Relevancy

Data tsunamis can cause paralysis for those whose role doesn’t lend itself to a deep understanding of how to analyze a massive influx of information. Without an intuitive dashboard and layout, government officials — who already have so much on their plates — could easily become overwhelmed trying to find relevant information and drawing insight from it.

Personalization

To that note, the solution you choose or build needs to work with the data-collection and smart city systems already in place. Their way to do this (efficiently) is by customizing and personalizing the GIS platform before adopting it. Users are then able to fully control the outcomes they’re looking for.

Encryption

Data privacy is a huge issue for smart city constituents, who may already have mixed feelings about surveillance tools throughout their community. Stakeholders, too, need to have peace of mind that their reputation won’t be impacted by a breach. GIS platforms need to offer end-to-end encryption to protect that data and keep it secure from bad actors.

Productivity

Having only one user or team member who knows how to use the platform creates a silo that slows down productivity. The GIS platform you use needs to allow users of all groups to find the data they need quickly and easily without requiring expertise to do so. Training materials should be easy to find and understand, as well.

Scalability

Government officials are no strangers to clunky, outdated legacy systems that are expensive or even impossible to update. GIS platforms should fall under that umbrella; you’ll want to choose a solution that can expand along with your smart city without growing pains. It should be easy to add features as your smart city adds sensors and tools to track data.

Integration

GIS platforms should offer data integration. Gone are the days where each department or organization operated on their own separate platforms; imagine the domino effect that would happen if just one of those servers went down. If there is a continuity issue, integration means that only one vendor will need to be contacted for a fix.

We are committed to providing services and platforms for geospatial solutions, seamless one-feature-one-time map production, world-class city wayfinding, and integrated public transport information; all of which help a smart city grow and thrive. Join our team today and find out how to help develop your career by developing GIS tech that drives smart city progress forward.

LiDAR and Geospatial Data: The Connection

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 20:00:00 GMT

Although certain major tech names may have you thinking that it’s some new, an innovative feature you can access with your smartphone, LiDAR has been around since the 1960s. There have been several applications of LiDAR over the years, and it has emerged recently as a valuable tool to optimize geospatial data collection and analysis.

Light detection and radar (LiDAR) is a method that uses remote sensing in the form of pulsed laser light to measure the exact distance from the surface of the earth for any given object. Along with data collected by airborne systems, which have traditionally been airplanes and helicopters but now include drones and surface vehicles, these light pulses create three-dimensional images of the earth’s surface. LiDAR instruments consist of three elements — a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. More specifically:

“In a typical lidar system, a laser points downward from the bottom of an airplane and flashes as many as 400,000 pulses per second at the ground. Usually, a laser that emits in the near-infrared is used. The pulse is then reflected to a receiver on the airplane. Pulses are received either as single returns, in which all the transmitted light is reflected from a uniform surface such as the ground, or as multiple returns, in which, for example, the pulse hits a forested area and returns multiple reflections from treetops, branches, and ground.”

The first iteration of a LiDAR system was introduced by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1961, just about a year after the investigation of the laser. LiDAR tech was originally intended to be used for satellite tracking in meteorology and measured clouds and atmospheric pollution. In 1971, laser-based tools were leveraged to map the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. LiDAR data became much more accurate late in the 1980s when GPS equipment became available for commercial use.

There are two types of LiDAR systems, airborne and terrestrial, and each of those two types also have two subtypes. The description above that includes an airplane equipped with LiDAR is an example of airborne systems. Topological and bathymetric are the two subtypes of airborne LiDAR systems. The former uses near-infrared lasers to create land maps and the latter uses green light to travel through bodies of water to measure the elevation at the bottom of oceans and rivers. Terrestrial systems are installed on vehicles (mobile LiDAR) or tripods (static LiDAR) on the earth’s surface.

From under the ocean to the surface of the moon, LiDAR has been used for a range of applications and continues to be an effective tool, and adds another layer of identification to traditional geospatial data collection: “Applying the information from LiDAR data to traditional geospatial processes, such as classification, feature extraction and change detection, adds critical depth to the analysis.” These are the areas that benefit most from the use of LiDAR:

Geospatial Use in Different Industries

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:57:00 GMT

If you’re considering a career in geospatial intelligence, you have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to talk about mapping your career and the options you have. Below, we share just a handful of industries that are being transformed by GIS.

Transportation

From municipal projects like infrastructure planning to logistics optimization, helping people and products move around quickly and efficiently is no small feat. Manufacturers, emergency response teams, manufacturers, public transportation — the list is endless when it comes to how GIS can help. Getting real-time data locating these people and things is key to making educated, well-researched business decisions.

Retail

Agriculture

Farmers have decisions to make and questions to answer each growing season: What crops do I grow? When do I plant them? Where should I plant my crops? Any questions left unanswered could impact their revenue that particular season. Many of those questions would traditionally be answered anecdotally or historically, but the agricultural industry now has access to sophisticated data tools that offer location-based information to make sure those questions get answers. From weather, to machinery maintenance, and even soil conditions, geospatial tech can offer that information and answer those questions.

Energy

The energy industry is geospatial-centric. Think about the satellites, surface mapping, and underground data that goes into building energy infrastructure, and geospatial tech can play a large part in streamlining these processes. Sensors are everywhere, sending data to utility companies to provide necessary insight that’s needed to keep everyone safe and ensure local and federal guideline compliance.

Insurance

Location is directly tied to risk in the insurance industry, plain and simple. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters often define risk in geographical areas, and crime rates can also be higher in some areas more than others. GIS technology can offer a simple way to predict and map these risks for insurance companies and shape the policies and coverage they offer. This combined with historical location-based data about demographics in higher risk zones means that both providers and customers get what they need.

Forest Management

Forestry is all about location, location, location. Not managing the land correctly can destroy precious ecosystems for generations. GIS tech helps forest and timber managers best decide which areas of land to focus on based on factors like rainfall rates, temperature, species diversity, and previous forestry projects. Patterns can emerge from this info that will alert managers about detrimental practices that could impact a company’s reputation or even its profit.

Banking and Finance

Banks and financial institutions depend heavily on location-based data like the income of a customer base, utilization of online services, and crime rates when it comes to choosing branch locations. GIS tech allows those in charge of making these decisions to better understand these choices compared to the old method of marking an “x” on a paper map. Financial institutions can also use customer behavior to know where and when to offer products; an example would be renter’s insurance products for areas that reveal more rental property than homeownership.

Public Health

This is an especially important use of GIS now, as the world faces a global pandemic. Public health officials look closely at how disease spreads within communities and work had to create policies and procedures that help prevent that spread. Even when we’re not dealing with a pandemic, health and human services are the foundation for identifying location-based risk and helping organizations mitigate that risk.

Odin : T-Kartor’s 2D Image Connect and Mensuration Tool

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 20:30:00 GMT

Introduction

T-Kartor offers a wealth of experience and knowledge in creating data and products from both raster and digital sources. T-Kartor also has the capability to provide the development of applications, tools, and script modifications that enhance our capabilities. T-Kartor is located near the new NGA West campus in downtown St Louis, MO.

We have the facilities, personnel, and equipment required to support all production and maintenance in support of NGA requirements. T-Kartor has performed UNCLASSIFIED VO collection over 3,072 airfield AOIs across 100 countries, including the delivery of over 2,000,000 VOs to date.

Company and Opportunity

We have developed and utilized our unique mensuration tool that we refer to as “Odin” to capture heights of objects through connectivity to DigitalGlobe’s web map tiling service leveraging an ESRI Add-In providing ease of use and direct compatibility within ArcGIS software.

The T-Kartor Odin tool offers the ability to capture the height of an object from 2D imagery within an UNCLASSIFIED online image streaming session. Odin also allows multiple easy-to-use measuring techniques for capturing the height of objects within the streaming session. Odin offers the convenience of rapidly measuring multiple times without downloading each time the user changes images.

Industry and Market Analysis

Implementing 24/7 support to their Safety of Navigation mission became much harder due to the onset of COVID-19. On March 20, the Director of NGA implemented a significant reduction o f the NGA footprint at its campuses to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, restricting access to the minimum personnel necessary to perform mission-critical work.

As a direct result of the widespread and persistent COVID-19 mitigation efforts, NGA processes and normal working conditions have been drastically affected. While NGA has been successful in performing a majority of their daily functions in this new telework environment, certain aspects and functions have been impacted. Access to data, tools, and systems have been completely cut off.

To support the NGA worldwide vertical obstruction data requirement of manmade points, lines, and area features on the earth’s surface, we already have adapted our processes to measure the height from UNCLASSIFIED raster images. However, this process has several bottlenecks and pitfalls.

Download times from DigitalGlobe are consistent, and at peak times almost impossible to receive selected images. This impedes production time and leads to less desirable shortcuts like assuming height values instead of easily taking multiple measurements within a greater number of objects and images. Often during peak times, the download of an image would fail entirely, further exacerbating the slowdown of production.

Implementation and Capabilities

T-Kartor recognized that based on these issues a more efficient process must be developed that was highly reliable, highly accurate, and demonstrated efficiencies to increase production. It became obvious that with the introduction and permission of online UNCLASSIFIED commercial 2D imagery to the GDS and Janus contracts that a unique environment to evaluate, quantify, and capture remotely sensed objects could be developed.

Foremost is the ability to measure these objects without the use of stereo imagery sets. T-Kartor offers a solution to the above problem set that has client-proven capabilities, built-in efficiencies, easy access to DigitalGlobe image catalog with a customizable content display, and accurate mensuration capabilities.

The T-Kartor Odin tool offers the ability to capture the height of an object from 2D imagery within an UNCLASSIFIED online image streaming session. Odin allows the user to capture the height of an object using two methods. The first method utilizes the shadow of an object to calculate the approximate height of that object. The sun elevation is captured from the image’s metadata and used in an algorithm to calculate the object’s height.

The second method utilizes the perceived “lean” of an object to approximate the height. The image’s off-Nadir is used in the algorithm to calculate the object’s height. This method is great for images with no or distorted shadows.

Summary

T-Kartor has used Odin daily since 2015. The tool is constantly updated and has proven very successful in verifying, validating, and collecting new VOs within 2D UNCLASSIFIED raster imagery across all NGA contracts since GDS FGCM through Janus Geography and AeroFeatures contracts. Given the current environment of teleworking remotely, we believe NGA would benefit greatly from the use of Odin to support current Janus AeroFeatures contract activities.

We offer NGA a tool with a combined approach of accessing connectivity to DigitalGlobe imagery and a quick efficient mensuration capability. We also will provide technical support and training via videoconferencing. Based on our proven experience and past performance, we also believe NGA could offer this acquisition as a 100% small business set-aside. Contact our team to learn more about Odin.

Creating a Career in GIS

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:16:00 GMT

At the intersection of geography and technology is the geographic information system (GIS). Geospatial solutions are being used across all industries, and innovations in this field are happening at light speed, which is feeding the demand for qualified professionals who are looking to travel a GIS career path. As you can see in the above infographic from gisgeography.com , there are a lot of directions a GIS career can take.

Start With Education

Whether you’re looking to obtain a degree or build on the training you already have, the first step towards a career in GIS is taking advantage of continuing your education. Most employers look for candidates that have a Bachelor’s Degree in areas like engineering or computer science, but degrees in other areas can be supplemented with certifications. Look for programs that include classes like cartography, GIS principles, programming, and database infrastructure building.

The next step is learning about GIS software applications. Do a quick search of the job listings that interest you the most; look for the software skill requirements that are part of the role’s description. This will help guide you towards the courses you need to be proficient in, and many of these will be available online through distance learning programs that you can complete at your own pace, from anywhere.

Choose An Industry

Government entities, urban planning associations, and natural resource management groups are among the most common industries that use GIS, but the list is much longer. Consider how your skills and education can be applied in these areas.

Supply Chain Management: Now more than ever, organizations are looking for ways to streamline the process of getting products to consumers faster and more efficiently than ever. GIS can help create a supply chain that allows for transparency, tracking, item location, replenishment, and accountability.

Banking: Financial institutions looking to better serve customers will tap into GIS data to research potential branch locations, shift service offerings and banking hours, and understand financial trends that are happening in the community around them. This in turn allows banks to make data-driven decisions that help boost profitability.

Public Health Services: Recent events have highlighted how important GIS data is to best serve communities that may be more vulnerable to public health risks. Geospatial tech can help alert officials to outbreaks, trace their origin, and offer support for expanding education for populations that are at higher risk of disease.

Insurance : Risk is the name of the game in the insurance industry, and GIS software can offer brokers and coverage providers with a quantitative basis to establish that level of risk. Geographic mapping can indicate flood risk, demographic maps can dictate the incidents of traffic accidents, and historical data can build a foundation for the likelihood of natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Create a CV/Resume

With an education under your belt and an industry in your sights, it’s time to write a resume that helps get you noticed by potential employers. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach here won’t work; it’s crucial to tailor your CV to highlight the skills you have for particular job postings. Think of it this way: If a GIS job skill is listed in the posting and it’s one you have experience with, you should emphasize this in your resume.

If you’re unsure at how to create a CV for the industry you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to reach out to a team of GIS experts who are experienced in placing candidates like you in their dream job roles. Getting your resume noticed will give you a much better chance of getting your foot in the door and landing an interview.

Preparing for an Interview

Getting to this point means your hard work has paid off! Prepare for the next step by walking into your interview confidently and armed with the answers to some commonly asked questions. Of course, the interview process will cover the main points (education, experience, training) but it could also take a turn into more specific & in-depth questions about GIS: What are GIS commands? How would you improve commonly used GIS tools?

Study for your interview the way you would study for an exam. Go back to the basis of GIS so you’re ready for any curveballs that may come your way. You can even think about how you would describe GIS to an elementary school-aged child — this can help display your fundamental understanding.

This is also another step of the process that GIS experts can help with as you look for a job. Don’t overlook the help offered by a team like ours; from choosing the right degree to writing your resume, and even preparing for an interview, we’re ready to help your GIS career excel.

Ultimate GIS Glossary

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:54:00 GMT

It’s easy to think that the world of geospatial is just maps and data, but the truth is that it goes much deeper than that. Before your organization undertakes a GIS project, it’s important to sharpen your understanding of what it entails. While the list isn’t comprehensive, it’s a good beginning on the fundamentals.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII): This file format uses a set of numbers between 0 and 255 for information storage and processing.

Aspect: Aspect is the slope direction on a terrain surface measured clockwise starting north as 0° to 360° north again with flat areas given a value of -1 or 0 degrees.

Basemap: This is a background, non-editable, georeferenced image that gives a point of reference on a map, providing an aesthetic appeal.

Benchmark: Precisely surveyed points usually marked with a metal disk in the ground also genetically called survey marks, geodetic marks, and control stations.

Buffer: The buffer tool is a proximity function that creates a polygon at a set distance surrounding a selected feature or features.

Cartography: The study, aesthetics, and science of representing real-world entities on maps by communicating spatial information.

Computer-Aided Design/Drafting (CAD): Primarily used by engineers and architects to produce two and three-dimensional drawings.

Coordinates: Coordinates are pairs (X, Y) or triplets (X, Y, Z) of values that are used to represent points and features on a two and three-dimensional space.

Database Management System (DBMS): A collection of tools that allows the entry, storage, input, output, and organization of data, serving as an interface between users and databases.

Digital Line Graph (DLG): Data format used and distributed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) with geographic features like terrain, hydrography, transportation, and man-made landmarks.

Entity: Entities represent real-world point, line, or polygon features with a geographic location such as fire hydrants, hospitals, state boundaries, roads, rivers, lakes, etc.

Feature: A cartographic point, line, or polygon object with a spatial location in the real-world landscape that can be used in a GIS for storage, visualization, and analysis.

Field (Attribute Table): Characteristics used to describe each feature in a geographic data set usually viewed as columns in a table.

Geocoding: Geocoding is the process of assigning geographic coordinates to places based on street address, town/city, province/state, and country.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Computer-based tool that analyzes, stores, manipulates, and visualizes geographic information on a map, good for finding spatial patterns, relationships, and trends.

Hydrography: A term describing the geographic representation of water features such as streams, rivers, and lakes.

Latitude: Coordinates of Earth locations that vary in north-south directions ranging from 0° at the Equator to 90° (North or South) at the poles.

Longitude: Coordinate in east-west directions ranging from 0° to +180° east and −180° west.

Map Legend : A visual graphic of the symbology used in a map that tells the map reader what polygons, lines, points, or grid cells represent.

Metadata: Data that describes data such as the date, abstract, coordinate system, attribute information, origin, and accuracy.

Nominal Scale: Type of measurement that indicates the difference between classes or categories of data.

Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA): Image classification technique that segments images and classifies it using spectral, spatial, and relational properties and characteristics.

Parallax: Measures the apparent shift in relative positions of Earth features when it is viewed in different locations.

Polygon: A closed, connected set of lines that defines a geographic boundary with an area and perimeter such as lakes, forests, and country boundaries.

Query: A request or search of spatial or tabular data based on user-defined criteria, resulting in a subset of selected records.

Raster Data: A data model used in GIS which is usually regularly-size rectangular or square-shaped grid cells arranged in rows in columns.

Remote Sensing: The science of obtaining information about the Earth without physically being there, such as by satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle, and aircraft.

Slope: The change in elevation or steepness with respect to change in location measured in degrees or percent slope.

Spherical Coordinates: A system based on a sphere defined by two angles of rotation in orthogonal planes such as latitudes and longitudes in a geographic coordinate system.

Thematic Layer: A distinct spatial entity in a data layer that is usually delineated as points, lines, and polygons.

Topography: The study and mapping of Earth’s features including land surfaces, relief, natural, and constructed features.

Vector Data Model: Common GIS feature representation of spatial information based on defining coordinates and attribute information in points, polylines, and polygons.

A Deep Dive into Geospatial

Fri, 15 May 2020 19:40:00 GMT

It may not be obvious, but geospatial data is all around us. Every time we check weather apps, consult Google Maps for traffic information, or geotag social media posts, we’re tapping into geospatial data. It’s also becoming increasingly important to use this data to drive business decisions that lead to long-term growth and give them a competitive edge.

What is Geospatial Data?

Here’s the straightforward definition: “Geospatial analytics gathers, manipulates and displays geographic information system (GIS) data and imagery including GPS and satellite photographs. Geospatial data analytics rely on geographic coordinates and specific identifiers such as street address and zip code. They are used to create geographic models and data visualizations for more accurate modeling and predictions of trends.” More simply, geospatial data marks a spatial identifier on land — like a building or geographical reference point (mountains, lakes, etc.) On a business level, geographic data can be tied to customer location, behavior, movement patterns, and shopping behaviors.

Geospatial data can be visualized in two ways. Vector data applies geometric shapes to show the location and shape of geographic features. Features like cities, roads, and waterways are represented by points and lines. This method is scalable, offers smaller file sizes, and is a great way to depict boundaries on maps. Raster data uses a scanned digital image or aerial and satellite images and leverages stair stepping (a cell-based format) to report data as pixels or grids over an image.

Although geospatial data debuted to a mass audience in 2005 with the launch of Google Maps, the foundation was being built as early as 1832. It was during a cholera outbreak in Paris that French cartographer Charles Picquet created a heatmap to track the spread of illness. In 1854, cholera hit London and physician John Snow used Picquet’s work to identify contaminated water sources and show the connection to the disease.

In the early 20th century, a form of map printing called photozincography was invented, which allowed for the creation of maps through several layers that represented data. Years later, satellite images helped to shape the concept of Geographic Information Systems, which include GIS maps that can contain an unlimited amount of data. This helps users get a comprehensive visualization and analysis to better understand patterns and trends. Further refinement resulted in Google Maps’ 2005 moment.

Geospatial Tech

Common geospatial technology tools include:

How Geospatial Data is Used

The military is perhaps one of the earliest and most impressive geospatial users. Mission command, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, training area management, and mission support are enhanced by geospatial use by all branches. It can improve operational efficiency, innovates intelligence collection, and helps visualize terrain for defense infrastructure for optimal placement of resources.

Housing and urban development is another popular application of geospatial data. Planners can use datasets to decide how growing urban populations impact energy, housing, and transportation resources and alert decision-makers on the outcomes of crime, public health, and educational initiatives. Planners can also determine the best course of action for infrastructure growth and budgeting. Geospatial data can visualize extreme weather, alert to natural disasters, and help insurance companies assess and mitigate risk. Geologists and project managers in the oil & gas space can use geospatial datasets to reduce costs and minimize risk.

Geospatial data can also be used by businesses to explore trends. Forecasting sales, tracking retail store revenue, assessing insurance policyholder risk by zip code, and marketing campaigns that target a certain demographic in a radius around businesses are strategies that are optimized with the help of geospatial data.

Reach out to learn more about our team — we focus on developing data platforms and related applications using open source technology. We work with agile software development and can provide technology as a licensed or cloud solution. Let’s talk more.

Mapping During a Crisis

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:02:00 GMT

During times of crisis, communities need to be updated on conditions regularly and consistently. First responders and public officials will need (and contribute) important data that will help those at the epicenter. Crisis mapping as disaster response uses a variety of data sources and channels, including public and crowdsourced information.

Crisis mapping was first used after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Responders started with infrastructure mapping and added different types of maps to create a resource that could be used by everyone and anyone.

There are a handful of different tools that can be used during the crisis mapping process:

As we’ve seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, data comes at us fast and furious. As with all crisis situations, there aren’t instruction manuals for how to manage this data — which is the problem that crisis mapping solves. To create a comprehensive blueprint, there are some steps to take in order to best assess your next moves in real-time.

Track the incidents: Knowing how to mitigate a crisis means getting a comprehensive idea of the current incidents or cases. This big-picture look at how things are unfolding becomes the foundation for resource allocation strategies. Visualizing this data, keeping it updated, and making it accessible to everyone is invaluable.

Check for patterns: Monitor the incidents on a consistent basis to look for patterns that can predict future progression. The more data layers and maps that you add to this stack, the better insight you can gain about proactive steps you can take going forward. Temporal and spatial data can speed up response and decision-making efforts.

Identify vulnerable locations : Check out the geographical data and visualizations to put red flags on the communities that are most vulnerable during the crisis. These are the areas that should be prioritized when resources and responders are limited.

Clarify capacity: Medical emergencies among these vulnerable communities mean increased capacity for care. Maps and geospatial tools utilize data healthcare facilities, care providers, and other clinicians to provide patients with real-time information about wait times, nearby pharmacies, and necessary medical equipment.

While it seems that there’s an abundant volume of data to map during the crises, there remain some barriers that prevent widespread adoption of crisis mapping. Security of sharing this data — even encrypted — is top of mind, as cybercriminals are becoming braver and more sophisticated.

Another risk develops when the data sharing policies and regulations don’t match up within public-private partnerships. Whether the information is classified or just gated by the lack of knowledge to access it, this can be a hurdle to overcome. Cost, collaboration, and interoperability can also slow down the data visualization phase of crisis mapping.

Once those barriers are knocked over, there is a list of benefits. By improving efficiency, geospatial data can help cut costs during a time when aid financing needs to be stretched as far as possible. It’s also a culture- and language-agnostic tool which makes it a universal communication method. Much of the geospatial data out there is open data and free for users to access.

Because many organizations don’t employ a full-time expert on staff, they turn to a partner who can custom tailor a crisis mapping solution that fully leverages geospatial data. A mobile or web-based app delivers timely context that can be shared across industries and organizations. Users out in the field and those in command centers alike can more easily collaborate and even include data from other sources (like social media or news feeds). Above all, the application needs to offer data protection and security.

GIMS is a successful operational solution for high-security web delivery of geospatial information. It’s a web-based platform that puts a world of information at your fingertips, developed by T-Kartor and delivered to The Norwegian Defence in 2015.

As a core solution, it handles all data in a geospatial context, improving the basis for collaboration and information sharing between internal and external organizations. Response time is critical during a crisis and mapping gives leaders and first responders easy access to analytics they need, when they need it.

Get in touch with our team to learn how to apply GIMS to your crisis mapping process and help make data-based decisions confidently.

Wayfinding for Pedestrians

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 10:07:00 GMT

When it comes to conversations about increasing mobility in urban areas, they generally center around decreasing vehicle congestion and environmental impact and improving walkability. As cities become smarter (and more population-dense) planners are increasingly turning to the optimization of wayfinding solutions.

Following best practices and keeping pedestrians top-of-mind helps encourage walkability and mobility, and makes a city accessible for everyone despite age, potential disability, or knowledge of the area.

Simply put, wayfinding is essential because it helps pedestrians navigate the streets in accurate and clear paths. It also keeps them safe in high-traffic areas and allows them autonomy to explore and enhance their understanding of the space. The bottom line is an improved user experience for everyone.

Wayfinding solutions should also encourage walking as the preferred mode of transportation, especially as initiatives grow to help combat climate change and personal health is becoming more of a priority than ever. Pedestrians are more likely to stop into local businesses than those traveling by car, which impacts the economy of the city as well.

Walking levels the equality playing field, too. Enhanced wayfinding makes it easy for pedestrians across socio-economic backgrounds to travel through a city and not feel confined by the need for a vehicle. Fewer cars on the road means that it’s easier to use bicycles and public transportation.

At the most basic level, pedestrian wayfinding needs to provide a way for people to navigate through public spaces in order to reach a destination — getting from point A to point B without getting lost. This needs to be accomplished by touching on a pedestrian’s sensory experience and adaptable for a range of situations.

Residents & Visitors: Residents that don’t have a disability may be familiar with the terrain, but will need some additional help when roadwork changes their usual walking route or within an unfamiliar neighborhood. Visitors (like tourists) need more help getting around unfamiliar areas and need more complex wayfinding tools. Identify things like landmarks, popular hotels, and any tourist attractions.

Vision-impaired & hearing-impaired pedestrians: Wayfinding needs to depend less on visual signage in order to help pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. Tools need to be provided to help plan a trip in advance, before even stepping outside. During the trip, they will depend on tactile and auditory cues to help avoid danger, and all of these strategies need to provide a sense of autonomy without the reliance of a third-party guide. Pedestrians with hearing impairments rely on clear, accurate visual signage, so ensure that wayfinding tools are easy to read and understand.

Those with physical disabilities: Unfortunately, not everywhere is accessible to those who may need accessibility. Because of this, a path designed for them to navigate should be clearly marked to offer ease of use. Wheelchair users have low visibility of signage compared to walking pedestrians and need wayfinding information within reach.

Existing wayfinding solutions are used to meet the changing and varied needs of the population.

Visual: Traditional or digital signage can be used, but keep literacy in mind. If your population is multilingual, tackle the challenges of meeting non-English speaking demographics. Update them frequently and as needed and position them so everyone can access them.

Accessible pedestrian signals: These can be controlled with a remote or even a smartphone, and help vision-impaired pedestrians navigate areas quickly and safely. APS tools are easy to install and update, and can be customized without a high technical skill level.

Digital maps: For pedestrians who need (or want) to plan out their entire journey before getting started, journey planners are an invaluable tool and can be updated in real-time. While it doesn’t allow for any indoor mapping access, it gives a big-picture look at the accessibility of an entire community.

To begin with, it’s crucial to have a vast understanding of a range of the population’s needs. Work closely with experts to understand what your community’s best solution will look like. Our systems scale easily to cover large geographic areas, containing hundreds and thousands of location-specific wayfinding products, consistent across a breadth of both digital and printed channels.

And as your city changes, our wayfinding solutions assess the impact. This ensures that ’smart’ asset management is a core element of the service we provide – only those products affected by changes on the ground need to be updated. Our approach is centralized and bespoke to your needs, fed with the latest city data that drives the production of map and directional products. Let’s make something great together.