Lightning notes from the ESRI Homeland security conference, Denver CO
Written by Glenn Letham
07 November 2007
Given that I wasn't feeling too great yesterday morning, I opted for a few more minutes of sleep and as a result missed most of Jack Dangermond's intro session at the event. What I did see from Jack was that he is still indeed praising the merits of the GIS server and complete server-based GIS (makes sense). He noted that the server supports GI management, supports all kinds of data types, and is useful in replicating data for multiple users and uses. Server is also supporting the need for news classes of mobile technologies - including support for mobile mapping, field edits, disconnected query, and GPS functionality.
Google Earth, always getting a mention, was praised for coming onto the scene with a new class of viewer that is fast, intuitive and web centric. Dangermond finished up with a colleague showing an impressive demo of ArcGIS Explorer being used as a viewing client for a spill scenario. We saw the results of a plume and the dispersion of the contaminants, the data was complemented with the use of real-time traffic cameras, highway signs, and a number of other datasets. All the services were accessed via the web, all maintained independently in different locations and were accessed via ArcGIS Explorer.. quite impressive really!
Some comments made by Dangermond: - GIS servers must be federated (using web services and SOA) - common data models are important - GIS is connecting citizens with government - "after 40 years of GIS I sense we're just beginning"
We then heard from popular Denver mayor, John Hickenlooper. He noted the significance of GIS to the city, particularly with the large number of national events that are taking place in the city... these include the recent World Series which proved to be a real test to the city's emergency planners due to the relatively short notice that the event would be taking place; a coming ski industry trade show; and next year's democratic national convention. Hickenlooper proudly noted how he felt the Denver area was center of the GIS industry as it is home to some 250 private companies with 11,000 employees directly involved in GIS and geospatial technologies. Apparently the Denver area is also home to more ESRI business partners per capita. Obviously a fan of GIS (Hickenlooper was at one time a geologist), he proudly noted to the attendees that he feels that no single innovation in government will have a larger impact than the technological innovation of GIS. He cited the reasons as GIS enabling rapid data access, providing access to diverse datasets, and the ability to take complex data and transform them into meaningful information. He cited GIS as playing an important role in public safety, as an example, the Denver police force has about one third of it's officers as being recent hires (due to many retiring officers), and notes that GIS will play an important role in their training and active duty roles. GI allows collaboration, said Hickenlooper, as an example of the merits of GIS he discussed a recent rash of robberies. The crimes were tracked in time and space to define a pattern of behavior. The analysis lead to an arrest of the culprit within 2 blocks of the predicted location... thanks to spatial analysis.
Next it was Denver's Director of Emergency Management, Justin DeMello taking the stage. GIS will be playing an important role in DeMello's camp as they prepare for the coming Democratic National Convention - he noted how the regional response to the recent hosting of the World Series and the 2006 winter storms have helped prepare for the DNC. Coordination of efforts and data sharing will be crucial as there are some 36 functional groups involved in the planning of the DNC, this in addition to the Feds. DeMello noted how Katrina has served to effect change in emergency management and has made it evident that as emergency planners and responders they need to be able to figure things out before the phone rings... he also noted how important it is to create operational standards, turning a large event into smaller, manageable pieces. It was clearly evident from his words that in his role as a department head in emergency management there's one word that he will not tolerate - NO! With his role in preparing for large, national events like the DNC, DeMello cited how important it is to take into account the private sector - after all, they own some 85% of all the resources yet they are typically left out of the planning process. To prepare a proper emergency response plan for any scenario cataloging of all of the private resources is necessary (sounds like an opportunity to me) - as an example, what do you do at 2 AM when you need a road grader, NOW!
If there's one significant topic (and buzzword) that I took away from the day's sessions it's that of Situational Awareness (SA) and the importance of having it. SA is the act of being able to accurately develop a mental model of reality. SA is necessary for decision making and for determining the needs of people. SA is built on the concept of layering - enter GIS. In a panel session on SA DeMello noted how Katrina was the pinnacle of what not to do as there was no SA. He went on to share the following, "GIS provides us with a common operating picture and situational awareness. To guarantee success we need to be working together as a team... when you have situational awareness you can make the right decisions."
Notable quotes:
SA is the key to success or failure
the Feds need to respond in days, the State within hours, local responders within minutes.
data typically has been locked up and not shared
data is becoming more easily discoverable and usable
GIS has become a commodity (like Outlook, Word, Power Point)
GeoRSS, XML, and tools like Google Earth are making data available to the public
Google Earth has raised the expectations of the end user
we're only one disaster away from defining the perfect GIS
Top iPhone related GIS and Geo Tech news stories from 2009 - At the end of the year its always interesting for us to look at some of the stats and results to identify trends and more important, to see what our readers think is hot! In the "news" category it seems that iPhone related geo tech items were extremely popular.
Geo Social Location Checkin to Twitter from iPhone - With the cool SXSW event taking place Austin, TX, everyone who's anyone in social and social location seems to have rolled out updates this week, making your choice for how to check-in to your social media bookmarks even tougher to decide on!
10 Awesome GIS and Mapping apps for the iPhone - I recall last year at the ESRI UC when an iPhone was on stage showing a prototype app (think ArcPad on iPhone). It was then that I realized the iPhone platform is going to be BIG in mapping and there's a ton of opportunity for developers.
Nokia Booklet 3G, unboxing video and image gallery... Those of you in the USA who pop in to BestBuy occasionally, you may have seen a stand showing off the Nokia Booklet 3G. A sleek, 3G enabled, SIM slot (AT&T) sporting netbook.
Interesting Tweeple - 10 Geo Technology & Geo-Social Women of Twitter - given the growing love for geospatial and location-aware technologies, I’ve decided to hype 10 women that I feel make a significant contribution to the Geo-Twittersphere. If you’d like to add 10 knowledgeable and useful Twitter contacts to your Geo following list I highly suggest the following: (in no particular order)
10 Geo Social Location-Aware Apps Making Waves... With Twitter's opening of their location API to developers there's going to be a ton of third party apps that will enable Twitter users to share location-aware information via their Twitter accounts.
Signs that indicate you may be a GeoGeek (aka. GeoNerd) and some suggested Geo blogs - Chances are good that if you are a Geo Geek then you already know it and likely refer to yourself as one. However, there’s many of you out there that may be on the fence and wondering… “am I a Geo Geek?" Read on for a comprehensive list of signs you might be a GeoGeek followed up by some suggested Geoblog reading.
Real-time GPS Mapping and GIS Solution Aids Efficient Disaster Management - Saturday, February 7, 2009 will forever be known as Black Saturday in the State of Victoria, Australia. In the midst of a 10-year drought, a record breaking heat wave descended upon the state, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C (110-120 deg F), breaking all-time record highs in some cities - Victoria Police Use Trimble Juno SC Handhelds to Speed Assessment of Damage Caused by Bush Fires.
2010 ESRI Federal User Conference February 17-19, 2010, Washington D.C. Walter E. Washington Convention Center - The FedUC is the largest geospatial conference for federal agencies. Connect with other leaders, decision makers, and GIS professionals.
The International LiDAR Mapping Forum 2010 - Tenth Anniversary Event! ILMF 2010 will be held from March 3 - 5, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
The NAVTEQ 2010 Global LBS Challenge Awards Ceremony will be held during Ignite at O'Reilly Where 2.0. Be among the first to hear as NAVTEQ announces the winners for the North America region. Participants will be competing for a global prize pool of $10 million and growing by showcasing pre-commercial location-enabled apps using NAVTEQ map data & products. March 30, 2010, during Ignite Where, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, at the Marriott San Jose, CA
WHERE2.0 2010 - Now in its sixth year, the Where 2.0 Conference is where the grassroots and leading edge developers building location-aware technology intersect with the businesses and entrepreneurs seeking out location apps, platforms, and hardware to gain a competitive edge. For 15% use Discount Code: whr10lbs
Given that I wasn't feeling too great yesterday morning, I opted for a few more minutes of sleep and as a result missed most of Jack Dangermond's intro session at the event. What I did see from Jack was that he is still indeed praising the merits of the GIS server and complete server-based GIS (makes sense). He noted that the server supports GI management, supports all kinds of data types, and is useful in replicating data for multiple users and uses. Server is also supporting the need for news classes of mobile technologies - including support for mobile mapping, field edits, disconnected query, and GPS functionality.
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