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Blog: Chris Harlow on ITSearch The Harlow Report Archives
New cloud technology in the MMI: Audi customers will benefit from more comprehensive, context-related real-time information in the future
Audi and 4.screen agree on a partnership with the objective of enhancing the future in-car experience. At launch, Audi customers will benefit from even more comprehensive information on points of interest (POI) using real-time data from the Munich-based technology company’s Mobility Experience Cloud (MXC). If desired, they can choose to receive relevant, location-based, personalized offers from selected third-party providers conveniently via the Multi Media Interface (MMI). This is displayed in the familiar Audi MMI style, with the information from the cloud supplementing existing infotainment content.
The MMI gives Audi owners the ability to select a wide variety of locations, known as points of interest (POI), via the touch display and then navigate to them via the GPS system – be it a gas station, a supermarket, or a restaurant. Through its partnership with 4.screen, Audi aims to significantly expand this offering. Integrating this new cloud technology into the infotainment system offers tremendous potential. Audi customers will receive exclusive information and personalized offers in their vehicles in real time – but not without their consent.
Read full story at Automotive World…
first published week of: 05/23/2022
Leica Geosystems introduced the reality capture mobile mapping system Leica Pegasus TRK, introducing artificial intelligence, autonomous workflows and intuitive interfaces.
The Leica Pegasus TRK solution utilises artificial intelligence capabilities to transform mobile mapping. The advanced dynamic laser scanning and expandible imagery system for recording, measuring and visualising environments increases productivity with automated, intelligent workflows. The Pegasus TRK is so light that it can be operated by one person, making mapping projects more efficient and cost-effective. Because of the system’s user-friendliness, it is suitable for professionals who are new to the technology. At the same time, its reliable, high-quality deliverables serve the needs of technical experts in various industries, including surveying, transportation and utilities. The Pegasus TRK solution features an AI-enhanced camera and automatic camera calibration. To comply with privacy regulations, its AI can identify and blur identifiers, such as people and vehicles, in real time.
The Pegasus TRK solution enables long-range mobile mapping for applications in asset management; road construction; rail and critical infrastructure; oil, gas and electricity industries and more. The system is also ideal for creating high-definition base maps for autonomous vehicles.
The Pegasus TRK connects with the new powerful Leica Pegasus FIELD software for fully autonomous and secure data collection and route planning in the field. It also connects with the Leica Cyclone Pegasus OFFICE for seamless input into post-processing and publishing workflows.
Read full story at Leica Geosystems…
first published week of: 05/30/2022
Industry forecasters are continuing to offer widely different views of the scale and predicted growth rate of the commercial UAV sector, according to the latest forecast of forecasts, prepared by Unmanned Airspace.
The small UAS market, based on an average of the latest forecast-of-forecasts, is predicted to grow at an average of 23.23% compound annual growth rate over the next few years. However, perhaps more importantly from a UAS traffic management (UTM) market viewpoint, the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) market for drones will grow at a rate of 71.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) globally, according to Drone Industry Insights.
As each forecast measures slightly different aspects of the market over different timescales it is difficult to reach any firm conclusions about the value the drone industry today and in the near future. Taking a conservative view of the forecast of forecasts, however (using data from the table below), industry forecasters suggest that, on average, the 2022 market commercial drones and services is around USD8.5 billion and will rise to USD19.4 billion in 2026.
In some of the more recent forecasts Teal Group's 2021/2022 World Civil UAS Market Profile and Forecast projects that the US will integrate unmanned systems into its national air space within the next decade, but it is difficult to specify in which year that will occur. The report forecasts that non-military UAS production will jump from USD5.6 billion a year to USD18.9 billion by 2030, a 14.1% compound annual growth rate in constant dollars. Total civil UAS purchases will reach USD121 billion over that decade.
Read full story at Unmanned Airspace…
first published week of: 07/18/2022
Did you know Google Maps can find parking spots? It can also provide walking directions and compass guidance. Here are a few more tips.
Google Maps is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s also a way to learn more about the world around you and even play games. For instance, Smarty Pins is a trivia game within Google Maps. It asks you geography-based questions, and you move your pin around the map to answer.
Of course, with convenience comes some luggage in the form of privacy concerns. Tap or click here for eight ways Google constantly invades your privacy. Luckily, you can protect yourself by turning off a few hidden settings.
Once you’re done following our privacy-protection guide, you can take full advantage of everything Google Maps has to offer. There are many hidden features you may not even know about. That’s why we’re sharing our top 10 hidden Google Maps tricks — as well as how to use them.
Read full story at Kim Komando…
first published week of: 01/31/2022
What needs to happen over the next 12 months for the promise of flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to become a reality? Well, actually, quite a lot.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to relax the rules for unmanned aviation and the industry needs to prove that current technology, such as detect and avoid (DAA) and unmanned traffic management (UTM) is scalable and ready for prime time.
In October 2021, FAA administrator Steve Dickson addressed a packed auditorium at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas and directly spoke to the needs of the industry in general and BVLOS in particular.
“In June, the FAA created the aviation rulemaking committee or ARC by selecting 90 members, and they started work immediately. They’re looking closely at the safety, security, environmental, and other policy needs, as well as societal benefits of these operations.” Dickson said.
The ARC committee’s recommendations would result in more predictability for drone manufacturers and operators. That, in turn, would pave the way for routine package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and other more complex drone operations beyond visual line of sight of the remote pilot.
Read full story at xyHt…
first published week of: 01/24/2022
Noting a central challenge of our time—a lack of understanding and a failure to collaborate—Esri Founder and President Jack Dangermond told an audience of thousands of mapping professionals this week that the work they’re doing would be essential to solving it.
“You are being called upon, at this most critical point in human civilization, to provide the language, to provide the solutions, to provide the methods, and to provide the fundamental infrastructure to help civilization find common ground,” he said Monday at the launch of the 42 nd annual Esri User Conference.
It was the first time in three years that the Redlands-based global leader in geographic information systems (GIS) technology had convened its annual user conference in person, attracting more than 14,000 attendees to the San Diego Convention Center.
Taking a Collaborative, Geographic Approach to Tackle Climate Change
David J. Hayes , special assistant to the President for climate policy at the White House, told the crowd he had a “wicked problem” to discuss. Climate change is, “real, it's here, and it's scary,” he said, noting that geospatial mapping, “may be the most important weapon we have,” to fight it. The administration's goals include reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses, accelerating the countryp's transition to a clean economy, and making communities more resilient to climate change, while also engaging with the rest of the world and prioritizing equitable solutions.
To do so will require a whole of government approach, he continued. A prototype online portal built by Esri aims to provide a central hub of climate-related information for anyone to access, including links to funding sources, climate indicators, and policy maps.
Read full story at Esri…
first published week of: 07/18/2022