International Geospatial Digest for August 5, 2024
Geospatial Tech Empowers Governments for Resilience
UNOSAT’s project “Strengthening Capacities in the Use of Geospatial Information for Improved Resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa” aims to equip countries with GIS technology to enhance disaster risk management. The project includes training government agency staff in eight partner countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, Lao PDR, Nigeria, Solomon Islands, Uganda, and Vanuatu. In Fiji, Colin Laqere and Samisoni Raiwalui from the Mineral Resource Department attended introductory training on landslide susceptibility, while Diana Ralulu from the Ministry of Agriculture participated in advanced training on Cloud Web Applications and GIS data classification. These trainings have significantly enhanced their skills, enabling them to produce precise landslide susceptibility maps and improve land use mapping, respectively. The project fosters collaboration across government departments, leading to uniform data models and better information sharing. The Fiji Mineral Resources Department has updated its software and hardware to process data more efficiently, demonstrating the long-term impact of the training. By empowering individuals to use geospatial technology, the project supports more effective anticipation, mitigation, and response to natural disasters, contributing to a more resilient future for Fiji. Link to the article
High-accuracy measurements in track and field
It just would not be the Olympics with out geomatics. High-precision measurement tools like Leica Geosystems’ total stations are crucial for geomatics professionals as they ensure accuracy and fairness in sports events. These tools provide millimetre-level precision in track and field disciplines, which is essential in determining competition outcomes. Geomatics experts set up, calibrate, and operate these instruments to deliver reliable, tamper-proof measurements. This technology highlights the importance of accurate data collection and processing, demonstrating the critical role of geomatics in high-stakes environments like global sports competitions. Article here.
Germany names China as source of attack on government geospatial agency
Germany’s government has accused China-controlled actors of a 2021 cyber attack on the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). The Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs stated that the attackers first compromised private devices to infiltrate the BKG’s systems for espionage purposes. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the attack as a severe threat to sovereignty and called on China to stop such activities. Despite no malware being found beyond a compromised network segment, Germany rebuilt its networks and emphasized the ongoing threat from Chinese cyber operations. This incident coincides with potential new US sanctions on tech exports to China, aimed at limiting China’s military advancements. Full Article here.
US government warns of possible security issue with popular geospatial data platform
The US government has warned agencies about critical vulnerabilities in the OSGeo GeoServer GeoTools, a popular open-source geospatial data platform. Security researcher Steve Ikeoka discovered these flaws, which allow remote code execution (RCE) through specially crafted inputs. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has classified the vulnerability (CVE-2024-36401) as severe, with a 9.8 severity score, and added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. CISA has mandated agencies to apply the patches by August 5, 2024, or stop using the software. The affected versions are 2.23.6, 2.24.4, and 2.25.2. The vulnerabilities are exploitable through multiple Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) request parameters. Although the specific threat actors and victims are not identified, the widespread use of GeoServer in various industries highlights the importance of addressing these security flaws promptly. Full article here.
Point Cloud to BIM: Transforming Legacy Buildings into Digital Assets
The article “Point Cloud to BIM: Transforming Legacy Buildings into Digital Assets” discusses the advantages of using point cloud and BIM technologies for renovating historically significant buildings. These methods provide non-invasive, accurate restoration by capturing detailed 3D visuals with point cloud scanners and converting them into high-resolution 3D BIM models using tools like Revit. This process preserves structural integrity while ensuring precise digital representations, aiding in accurate renovations and extending the lifespan of legacy buildings. The article highlights tools like terrestrial LiDAR scanning and drone-based photogrammetry for generating point clouds, as well as the importance of high accuracy, resolution, and robust quality control in creating effective BIM models. Despite challenges like data management and integration with existing systems, the benefits include reduced rework, improved coordination, and long-term value for facility management through dynamic digital twins. Read the full article here.
