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.
Esri devMeetUps - locate a developer meetup taking place in a city near you
ERDAS Webinars - Register for a free, online webinar from ERDAS
ILMF 2012 - International LiDAR Mapping Forum, Denver, Colorado, Jan 23-25, 2012
Esri Dev Summit - The Esri Developer Summit (DevSummit) brings together developers and GIS professionals from all over the globe. March 26-29, 2012, Palm Springs, CA
Where2.0 - where the people working on and using location technologies come together to explore best practices and emerging trends in software development, tools, business strategies, and marketing. April 2-4, 20112, San Francisco, CA
See more 
