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Amerisurv Feature - Optech Incorporated: The Lidar Company
Written by Marc Cheves, LS
Monday, 10 November 2008
In the early 70s, Dr. Allan Carswell, a physics professor at York University in Toronto, developed a pulsed laser system used in the world's first lidar bathymetric mapping system. Based on his research, Carswell founded Optech Incorporated in 1974. The history of Optech is a good example of the technology that's coming out of Canada. Read on for more about Optech in this interesting article by MarcCheves (Amerisurv.com)
In addition to a surveying industry that is highly educated, Canada has contributed greatly in the technology arena. York University is just one of six world-class schools in the Toronto area, all of which provide a steady supply of scientists and engineers for Canada's high-tech sector. Dr. Carswell is still active in the company, especially in its space activities.
Surveyors know Optech primarily for its Intelligent Laser Range Imaging System (ILRIS) laser scanner, but the company is far more than that. The original bathymetric scanner has evolved into several Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne Lidar System (SHOALS) which are being used all over the world.
My Top 10 Things to do at the 2009 ESRI User Conference (#ESRIUC) - Once again another ESRIUC is ready to take place (this is #11 for yours truly) and just like years past, we've got you covered and have setup a dedicated ESRIUC section here on GISuser. See here for news, party tips, special announcements and much more.
Who's Tweeting from the ESRI User Conference (#ESRIUC) Here's a list! - I recently posted a request on Twitter asking people to Re-Tweet a post if they planned on Tweeting from the #ESRIUC next week. The following are some of the people we heard from as well as a few Twitterers that I know will be tweeting from San Diego. If you want to follow some conference goers on Twitter then this is a great list to start with
2009 ESRI UC Social Media Bookmarks, Tips for First Timers and much moreRemember, if you have ESRIUC related news, session info, party notices or ?? share details with us! - This year will be ESRI UC trip #11 for yours truly - a tradition of mine is to share tips, tricks, and down-right useful stuff with other GISusers that will be taking in North America's largest GIS conference.
Economic Stimulus Project areas that may create GIS/Geo Tech Opportunities - Like many of you, we haven't really had time to go through the entire 1,071 page Detailed List of Spending - you can view and download the entire document at ProRepublica. We did take a little time, however, to go through this fine summary.
ESRI Business GIS Summit, July 12-15, 2009 · San Diego, CA - This combination provides an unprecedented opportunity to learn how GIS addresses today's business challenges. If you're interested in business GIS as a manager, executive, or user, there's no better event to attend.vealed.
ESRI International User Conference, July 13-17, 2009 · San Diego, CA - ESRI customers across the globe are invited to register to attend the world's largest gathering of GIS professionals.
Webinar: Google Earth For Your Government Agency - Join Google and DLT an informative webinar on Tuesday, June 30th from 2-3 ET to learn more about how the Google Earth Enterprise solution is helping government agencies to collaborate, and take faster, more informed action.
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