PositionIT e-News

GIS, GPS, surveying and spatial applications in Southern Africa

Issue 75, May 2016

by Gary Allemann, Master Data Management

The hype around big data and the benefits it can deliver for business is currently a hot topic, particularly for marketing departments where big data promises to deliver deeper... (more)

Talking open source

Compiled by Hans van de Groenendaal, EE Publishers

While it originated in the context of computer software development, today the term "open source" denotes a set of values - the open source way. Open source projects... (more)

Monitoring a railway infrastructure project
Information from Trimble

This article details how a massive infrastructure project in London has been using geospatial technologies to streamline essential construction processes. It has been a long time coming. First envisioned shortly after World War II, Crossrail is a... (more)

Differential radar interferometry for deformation monitoring
by Dr. Jeanine Engelbrecht, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

This article outlines the theory of differential radar interferometry and its application to deformation hazard assessment in South Africa. In South Africa, the risk to various hazards is increasing as a result of social and political drivers that force communities to settle... (more)

Wrong or "Wronger?"
by Gavin Schrock, Professional Land Surveyor

This article looks at instances in enterprises where surveyed data misses the GIS data, and asks whether the survey is "wrong". Yes, I know that there is no such word as "wronger". But I also know that there is no such thing as an infallible survey, and most... (more)

Development of site and route selections in Eskom using GIS
by Adri de la Rey, Eskom ESI-GIS

This article discusses the education of top management by showing the dependency of the electricity value chain on the earth with its man-made and natural features. Some of the benefits that the geoscience functions can bring to the business environment are defined... (more)

Seven types of maps and why they are useful
by Gillian McCarthy, eSpatial

Using the most suitable type of map for your business is crucial for you to plot, analyse, plan and present your business data. Here are seven types of maps and how they are used. Providing mapping in minutes to those wishing to visualise and analyse their... (more)

Complex 3D BIM project requires mix of cutting-edge technologies
by Kevin Corbley, Corbley Communications

A warehouse-style building in Los Angeles that once held administrative offices on upper floors and production equipment down below is being remodeled into a mixed-use facility. Numerous businesses including retail stores and restaurants are... (more)

Quality spatial information is the cornerstone of LBS
by Marna Roos and Laurette Coetzee, AfriGIS

Location-based services (LBS) are a general class of computer program-level services that use location data to control features. Verified and accurate spatial information forms the foundation of location-based services. When there is a discrepancy... (more)

Benefits of accurate mine maps
Information from GeoSlam

This article details how traditional underground survey workflows have been sped up using a handheld laser scanner and the resulting operational benefits. Lisheen Mine, once the largest producer of zinc ore in Europe, has adopted GeoSlam's survey solutions to... (more)

Geospatial round-up
by Clare van Zwieten, EE Publishers