International Geospatial Digest May 22nd, 2023

1. Google Geospatial Creator: Turning the world into AR stage.
2. IBM’s new Geospatial foundation model could help monitor the earth’s climatic change.
3. Tackling deforestation via geospatial AI.
4. Can water conflicts be settled using satellites?
5. Unpiloted aerial systems (UAS) aircraft: a new way to battle a wildfire.
6. Sherpa’s Travel Requirements Map.

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Google Geospatial Creator: Turning the world into AR stage.

Google has launched Geospatial Creator, a tool for making interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences quickly. It allows developers to create 3D maps with AR elements like buildings and objects. Users can customize existing Google Maps and share the content via Unity and Adobe Aero. Read more here.

 

IBM’s new Geospatial foundation model could help monitor the earth’s climatic change.

IBM and NASA have collaborated to develop the watsonx.ai model, which converts satellite data into high-resolution maps of floods, fires, and other landscape changes. The geospatial model enables the creation of customized maps and has applications in assessing climate-related risks, monitoring forests for carbon-offset programs, and aiding in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Read more here.

 

Tackling deforestation via geospatial AI.

The European Parliament is currently taking steps to implement a pioneering law that aims to ban the import of products associated with deforestation. To effectively enforce this law, the utilization of Geospatial AI is essential as it enables the real-time monitoring of deforestation through the analysis of satellite and drone imagery. Read more here.

 

Can water conflicts be settled using satellites?

Safe drinking water is a major challenge faced by people worldwide. There are concerns that conflicts may arise in the future due to disputes over water resources. However, there is hope in using satellite technology to address these issues. For example, when Ethiopia constructed a dam on the Nile River, Egypt, which depends on the river for water, expressed its worries. By employing satellite imagery, both countries were able to monitor water flow and work towards peaceful resolutions. Read more here.

 

Unpiloted aerial systems (UAS) aircraft: a new way to battle a wildfire.

The United States faces an average of 70,000 wildfires per year, requiring quick and accurate decision-making from wildfire response authorities. To address this challenge, the United States Forest Service (USFS) partnered with Overwatch Aero and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to deploy long-endurance unmanned aerial systems (UAS). By leveraging Esri software, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Experience Builder, Overwatch Aero delivers timely and accurate geospatial information to support incident management teams and enhance firefighter safety. Read more here.

 

Sherpa’s Travel Requirements Map.

As the warm summer breeze fills the air, your mind is filled with thoughts of travel and adventure. You visit Sherpa’s website and with just a few clicks, you navigate through the map, knowing you have the right travel documents in hand. Sherpa’s intuitive interface makes it easy to understand and keeps you informed about any COVID-related guidelines, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey. Check it out here.