Raytheon Wins GPS Contract
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4/17/2008 07:32:00 AM
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Via Washington Technology:
Raytheon locks onto Air Force GPS deal
Raytheon will help complete development of a new generation of Global
Positioning System receivers for the Air Force.
http://www.1105newsletters.com/t.do?id=1087772:163874
(posted via mobile)
Virtual Earth API Version 6.1
On
4/12/2008 09:02:00 PM
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For developers using Virtual Earth, the Virtual Earth API version 6.1 was released a few days ago:
Official SDK Documentation: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb429619.aspx
Other discussion:
- Steve Lombardi's Blog (Microsoft) on 6.1 Enhancements: http://virtualearth.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!2BBC66E99FDCDB98!14129.entry
- Chris Pendleton's Blog (Microsoft) on 6.1 Enhancements: http://blogs.msdn.com/virtualearth/archive/2008/04/11/new-virtual-earth-api-release-virtual-earth-6-1.aspx
- Johannes Kebeck's Blog on 6.1 Enhancements: http://johanneskebeck.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!42E1F70205EC8A96!3858.entry
Overview of changes: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb412561.aspx
Virtual Earth Map Control SDK, version 6.1
What's New in the Map Control?
Welcome to version 6.1 of the Virtual Earth map control. This page explains the new features for version 6.0 and 6.1 on a high level. To see a detailed list of the objects, methods, and properties that have changed, see the Version Changelist.
Version 6.0 and 6.1 of the map control includes improvements in the following areas:
- Enhanced accuracy
- Additional functionality
- Enhanced performance
Enhanced Accuracy
The Virtual Earth team is committed to constantly improving the accuracy of the map control. This release of the map control includes improvements in the following areas.
- Enhanced Geocoding. The map control integrates multiple geocoders and datasets to provide the most relevant and accurate results. You can perform these searches using the VEMap.Find Method.
- Rooftop Geocoding. Rooftop locations are the most precise geocoding results available in the United States today. Rooftop geocoding is now available through the map control VEMap.Find Method.
- Consistent Pushpin Accuracy. When switching between aerial and birdseye views, pushpin accuracy is maintained, delivering a more seamless experience. Use the VEMap.SetShapesAccuracy Method to get the accuracy you desire.
Additional Functionality
This release of the map control includes additional functionality in the following areas.
- Printing support. Use the VEMap.SetPrintOptions Method to enable printing support.
- Reverse Geocoding. Reverse geocoding allows the user to find places based on a specific point on the map. Use the VEMap.FindLocations Method to accomplish this.
- Traffic-based Routes. A new option allows the use of available traffic information in route calculations, enabling quicker routes and more accurate route times during heavy traffic periods. Use the VERouteOptions.UseTraffic Property to turn on this feature.
- Birdseye Map Style with Labels. A road label overlay increases the usability of the Birdseye map style. This map style is called BirdseyeHybrid and is a new member of the VEMapStyle Enumeration.
- Walking Directions. Provide users the option to walk to their destination by returning walking directions instead of driving directions. To return walking directions, set the VERouteOptions.RouteMode Property to VERouteMode.Walking.
- Multipoint Routing. A new method takes multiple points for a route instead of just start and end points, allowing for more complex trip planning. Localized directions are also available in this version. Use the VEMap.GetDirections Method to get a multipoint route.
- Bulk Addition of Shapes. A new method to add multiple pushpins in one call while maintaining high performance and avoiding performance slowdowns. Use the VEMap.AddShape Method to add multiple pushpins.
- Improved Shape Control. You can now specify how a shape object appears relative to other shapes or tile objects, providing greater control in viewing data and objects. Use the VEShape Class to create shapes.
- MapCruncher (Beta). MapCruncher Beta for Microsoft Virtual Earth makes it easy to publish maps overlaid in an application using the Virtual Earth map control. See the MapCruncher Web page for further information.
- 3D Altitude Settings. Altitudes for three-dimensional objects can now be specified in meters.
- Updated interactive SDK. A new version of the Virtual Earth Interactive SDK is available, demonstrating the new functionality of the Virtual Earth Map Control. See the Virtual Earth Interactive SDK Web page for further information.
Enhanced Performance
There have been significant speed and accuracy improvements for pushpins and shapes, even in high numbers. Performance enhancements also include faster map panning.Version Changelist is available here: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb412440.aspx
2008 Pennsylvania GIS Conference
On
4/10/2008 04:29:00 PM
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The Sixteenth Annual Pennsylvania GIS Conference (2008) is coming up:
May 14-15, 2008, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Conference Center, Camp Hill, PA
"Sustaining and Leveraging Our Geospatial Investment"
The Pennsylvania GIS Conference will convene for the16th year on May 14-15, 2008 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA. This year’s theme is “Sustaining and Leveraging Our Geospatial Investment.” Geospatial technology moves ahead, offering us more and more methods and tools for geospatial analysis and information management. Our geospatial assets continue to grow as local governments and private industry invest in data, people, and services. And the Commonwealth continues to build the framework of a Spatial Data Infrastructure through programs like PAMAP. The 2008 PA GIS Conference will explore the challengesand benefits of these continuing trends. David Harding from NASA will offer the keynote speech this year. He will present a fascinating look into NASA’s innovative uses of LiDAR technology.
This year at the PA GIS Conference the PAMAP Program will present its first annual Innovative Application Award to the two GIS applications that make the most creative use of PAMAP orthoimagery and/or LiDAR data. The competition is open to any individual or organization– commercial or non-profit. Application submissions are due by March 29, 2008. Winners will be announced in mid-April and will be presented at the conference. Consider entering your PAMAP applications and becomethe first recipient of the PAMAP Innovative Application Award!
Also this year, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) will be conducting a map display gallery and competition in the main plenary hall. HACC’s Geospatial Programs Director and conference committee member, Nicole Ernst,will be organizing the event. Students and other GIS professionals are encouraged to make entries. Nicole is also reviving the Education Track at this year’s conference and will be showcasing a number of creative student GIS applications.
Discovery Channel Mapping...
On
4/09/2008 07:42:00 PM
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Here's a neat site - Discovery Channel's "Earth Live" features a 3D globe, which can be revolved by the user, with in layers relating to various stories, news items and features carried on the Discovery Channel - in some cases, the layers feature time-sequence animation (screen capture of polar ice cover layers below):
Though you can't zoom in or out, or add custom layers you can mix and match layers to create your own views... A neat little 3D globe.
http://dsc.discovery.com/guides/discovery-earth-live/discovery-earth-live.html?dcitc=w01-104-ae-0010
from slippy maps to spinny maps...
Additional Information on ST_Geometry Issues
On
4/09/2008 07:04:00 PM
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Some additional information received relative to ST_Geometry issues:
There is a second Software Alert you should be aware of as it may impact your Oracle customers using our 9.2 ST_Geometry spatial type with Oracle 10g R2. This may result in incorrect query results under certain conditions. Our HQ marketing group will also send a newsflash email to all the BPs with additional details.
Summary of the Problem
An Oracle RDBMS bug (Patch 6756089) has been encountered that can cause spatial selections to be wrong for feature classes using ST_Geometry (ESRI’s implementation of a SQL type for Spatial).
When a feature is inserted into a table that stores features using ST_Geometry, its envelope calculation can be truncated, leading to incorrect results with a spatial selection.Who is affected?
This Oracle bug affects Oracle 10g users of ArcSDE 9.2 geodatabases using the spatial type (ST_GEOMETRY) to store their features and where the precision goes beyond the 5th decimal place. Again, this problem only affects users that work with geometry data that has an x,y decimal precision greater than 5 (e.g.; 11.1234567 will be truncated to 11.12345).What is ESRI doing about it?
ESRI submitted a problem report to Oracle. Oracle has acknowledged, repaired, and patched the defect (Patch 6756089 and 6867052). Additionally, ESRI is building a utility to update the envelope and spatial index for each feature class once the Oracle patch has been installed.Additional info on second reported ST_Geometry issue
There is a second Software Alert you should be aware of as it may impact your Oracle customers using our 9.2 ST_Geometry spatial type with Oracle 10g R2. This may result in incorrect query results under certain conditions. Please read the notice below and inform your customers as appropriate.
Software
Alert for Oracle 10g DBMS Patch 6756089 and 6867052Communication to Our Users
April 3, 2008
Summary of the Problem
An Oracle RDBMS bug (Patch 6756089) has been encountered that can cause spatial selections to be wrong for feature classes using ST_Geometry (ESRI’s implementation of a SQL type for Spatial). When a feature is inserted into a table that stores features using ST_Geometry, its envelope calculation can be truncated, leading to incorrect results with a spatial selection.Who is affected?
This Oracle bug affects Oracle 10g users of ArcSDE 9.2 geodatabases using the spatial type (ST_GEOMETRY) to store their features and where the precision goes beyond the 5th decimal place. Again, this problem only affects users that work with geometry data that has an x,y decimal precision greater than 5 (e.g.; 11.1234567 will be truncated to 11.12345).What is ESRI doing about it?
ESRI submitted a problem report to Oracle. Oracle has acknowledged, repaired, and patched the defect (Patch 6756089 and 6867052). Additionally, ESRI is building a utility to update the envelope and spatial index for each feature class once the Oracle patch has been installed. We expect our utility to be available by the end of the week of March 31. It will be available as a download from the ArcSDE download page (the
same location as hot fixes and service packs).Where and when can I get the patch from Oracle?
There are a number of platforms to patch. To date, Oracle has only provided patches for the Linux, Sun Solaris and Windows (32-bit) platforms for Oracle 10g. Please go
to Oracle’s MetaLink page (http://metalink.oracle.com/) to check patch availability and to download the patch when it becomes available for any given platform needed.
The patch description for Linux and Sun Solaris is:
Patch:
6756089
Description: USING A DBMS TYPE IN OCI AND FLOATS ARE BEING ROUNDED OFF
Product RDBMS Server
The patch description for Windows is as follows:
Patch: 6867052
Description: ORACLE 10.2.0.3 PATCH 19 BUG FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS 32BITESRI Products and Versions that are affected by this Oracle bug
Any ArcSDE client application (e.g., ArcGIS 9.2, ArcIMS 9.2) that uses ArcSDE 9.2 for Oracle 10g (and service packs) with the ST_Geometry spatial typeAdditional Information
Q. How do I know if I have the problem?
A. If you are using ArcSDE 9.2 for Oracle 10g, storing features as the spatial type (ST_GEOMETRY), and have greater than 5 decimal places of precision, you should assume the problem exists, even if you have not seen incorrect spatial query results.Q. When should I install the Oracle patch?
A. As soon as it becomes available for your platform. After installation of the Oracle patch, please be sure to download the utility provided by ESRI to fix the envelope and update your spatial index.Q: I've noticed that Oracle has released the patch for version 10.2.0.3 on some platforms. What does that mean to our customers that have upgraded or are planning to upgrade to 10.2.0.4? Do they need to drop back a patch release in order to install this? Apply the patch again?
A: We do not know the answer to this yet. We’ll provide the answer in KB34527 when we know it.Q. What do I do if Oracle has not released a patch for my environment?
A. Contact your Oracle account team, reference the Oracle Metalink and tell them
you need the patch.Q: Is the utility to fix the envelopes and re-create the spatial index for each feature class available for download?
A: Not yet. We expect to put it up on the ArcSDE download page (where patches are downloaded) by the end of the week of March 31.Q: Will we have documentation that explains this problem in more detail?
A: Yes, please see KB article 34527.Q. Does this issue impact our customers that are using the SDO_Geometry type?
A. No. Oracle Spatial (SDO_GEOMETRY) does not store the envelope of the geometry as an attribute of the object.Q. Is Oracle 9i affected?
A. No, this problem is in 10g only.Related ongoing discussion in ESRI forums:
http://forums.esri.com/Thread.asp?c=158&f=2291&t=250200&mc=8
Software Alert for ArcGIS Server 9.2 with Oracle 10.2.0.4
On
4/07/2008 10:39:00 PM
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comments
Just got this item...
Software Alert for ArcGIS Server 9.2 with Oracle
10.2.0.4
April 4, 2008
Introduction
Recently two ESRI customers have reported problems to ESRI Technical Support after upgrading to Oracle 10.2.0.4. The Oracle upgrade appears to be deleting some schema elements we require for the spatial type (ST_GEOMETRY). Uninstalling the upgrade to restore the prior version of Oracle does not work. ESRI is in contact with Oracle and we are working together to understand and quickly resolve the problem in this Oracle 10.2.0.4 patch upgrade.
ESRI is strongly recommending that all Oracle based customers do not upgrade to Oracle patch version 10.2.0.4 until ESRI has certified this Oracle patch release with ArcGIS Server 9.2. If you have already upgraded to Oracle 10.2.0.4 and have questions, please contact ESRI Technical Support or your local international distributor as soon as possible.
Summary of the Problem:
ArcSDE 9.2 instances create PUBLIC synonyms for the SDE ST_GEOMETRY and subtypes; along with several geometry, relation and assessor operators and functions. Upgrading to Oracle 10.2.0.4 causes ArcSDE 9.2 instances to fail during several operations including "create feature class" when the reference to ST_GEOMETRY now refers to MDSYS.ST_GEOMETRY (a.k.a. SDO_GEOMETRY).
Please note: At ESRI, we have not been able to successfully roll back from the Oracle 10.2.0.4 to the previous Oracle release.
Census 2007 TIGER/Line Data Now Available
On
4/02/2008 08:46:00 AM
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comments
The US Census Bureau announced on March 31st that the 2007 TIGER/Line data is available for download as shapefiles. The main page with documentation and changes is located here: http://www.census.gov/geo/www/tiger/tgrshp2007/tgrshp2007.html
The downloads can be found here: http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/geo/shapefiles/national-files, categorized by national datasets, states, and tribal datasets.
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