International Geospatial Briefing March 14th: 1. Amazon Heading Towards “Tipping Point” 2. Rising Geospatial Stars of 2022 3. New Software from Locana for Mobile Workers 4. Enabling Clarity in the Face of Disaster 5. Ukraine: Geospatial Stories from the War
Satellite Imagery Shows Amazon Rainforest Heading Towards Tipping Point
New research in the Amazon rainforest shows the alarming rate of deterioration in one of the world’s most diverse and important ecosystems. Analyses using satellite imagery indicate that more than 75 per cent of the rainforest is losing resilience to extreme events. Vegetation moisture is lower than in the past and is taking longer to regenerate after a disturbance, even in some of the most densely forested regions. The authors of the paper say that this could indicate that the Amazon rainforest is reaching a “tipping point”. With the accelerated deterioration of the environment in the face of climate change, the authors suggest that nearly 50 per cent of the region could slowly morph into savannah-grassland environments in the next few decades. An important carbon sink for global climate efforts, the Amazon has lost 17 per cent of its trees to deforestation, which undercuts the natural water cycle and recycling mechanisms. To learn more about what this could mean and possible solutions, click here.
Geospatial World: 50 Rising Stars in 2022
Geospatial World announced their 2022 edition of their Rising Stars list. The list features individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries. The individuals under 40 were selected from a group of nominations from across the global community. To check out the full list and read more, click here.
Software Release from Locana Improves Workflows for Mobile Workers
Locana has debuted their new Lemur software, an enterprise-level system that allows mobile workers zero-training access to an organizations’ GIS. Purpose-built to work offline, the software allows workers reliable access in low cell-coverage work environments. Built on ESRI’s ArcGIS Runtime, the Lemur software is fully compatible with ESRI’s named-user licensing, while also integrating with common enterprise field service systems like SAP, Maximo, and Salesforce. To learn more, click here.
Geospatial Technologies Enable Clarity Following Natural Disasters
In the aftermath of large-scale natural disasters, helping the people on the ground recover is the top priority for governments and insurance providers alike. However, in heavily impacted areas, assessing the damage and identifying areas of greatest need can be a formidable challenge. Integrating geospatial technologies such as satellite imagery, drone reconnaissance, and digital models can maximize a company’s ability to assess situations from remote locations. Modernizing insurance operations to include many of these important tools should be a high priority in the face of extreme weather and changing climates. Having these tools in their repertoire enables assessments and triage to be done swiftly, accelerating the response, and allowing help to be delivered to those who need it most in a prompt manner. To read more about how geospatial tools can provide clarity after a disaster, click here.
Geospatial Stories from Ukraine: A Digest
The stories about the ongoing Ukrainian conflict have been filling our newsfeeds for a few weeks now, and with efforts to support the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia, a wide variety of tools and systems have proved exceedingly useful. Many of these tools have roots in the geospatial industry, from SAR imagery to GPS, as well as unexpected outcomes and developments for companies around the industry. This week we will be publishing a special GoGeomatics Canada digest concerned wholly with the geospatial industries’ impact in Ukraine. From the provision of and call for imagery to mapping the invasion with Google Maps, the digest will discuss and highlight many of the interesting geospatial stories that have come from the ongoing conflict. Stay tuned.
JM
