GIS

Singapore Land Authority’s 3D Map project underway

AAM and JTRS Registered Surveyor have recently completed the data acquisition phase of Singapore Land Authority’s (SLA) 3D Map project. SLA has long held detailed geospatial layers of Singapore, but both the aforementioned companies are trying to provide Singapore authorities with the capability to extend their analysis and visualisation by including height aspect. The new layers would include accurate terrain, detailed surface models and high resolution imagery. Through this project, SLA also wants to create high quality photorealistic building models of Singapore’s urban areas. AAM recently deployed two of its survey aircraft in Singapore to capture the required base data. One aircraft was fitted with a LiDAR sensor using laser technology to measure the ground at 40cm intervals and produce a detailed terrain model of Singapore. The second aircraft was fitted with an Oblique survey camera. This five camera system captured nadir photographs over Singapore to produce a high resolution photomosaic.

DOST for more pro-active disaster preparedness in Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology, The Philippines will share lessons on innovations in disaster risk reduction and management, including its new agenda for including “predictive damage” and “business continuity” as part of the country’s pro-active disaster preparedness agenda.

In the Philippines, the use of sciencebased weather information was made possible by DOST’s modernization project, which included flagship programs such as the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH), which offers an online platform to monitor typhoons and floods based on real-time data feeds from 1,000 rain and water level sensors nationwide and the internationally renowned national 3D mapping project called Disaster Risk Assessment, Exposure and Mitigation- Light Ranging and Detection Technology (DREAM-LiDAR). www.dost.gov.ph

LINZ offers aerial imagery under open licence

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Minister Maurice Williamson announced that the country’s most current publiclyowned aerial imagery, covering 95% of New Zealand, is now available online through the LINZ Data Service. LINZ is also working with local authorities and government agencies to establish a national programme for coordinating public sector imagery purchases. This will ensure imagery is purchased on an open licence and at a consistent standard, which will mean value for money and open access. www.beehive.govt.nz/

Phunware Acquires Digby

Phunware has announced that it has acquired Digby, whose Localpoint platform connects digital engagement to the physical world to empower retailers with a turn-key, comprehensive solution for easily deploying the next-generation mobile shopper experience. www.phunware.com

Housing for all by 2020 in India

Creation of 100 smart cities and reducing interest rate on home loans to ensure housing for all will be the focus of the India’s new Urban Development and Housing and Poverty Alleviation Minister (HUPA) Mr. Venkaiah Naidu. Urban Development Ministry will also give priority to linking of twin cities and infrastructure development of satellite towns and cleaning of religious cities across the country. “I want PPP (Public-Private partnership), CSR (corporate Social Responsibility) and corporates to take care of their staff in housing. We want state governments to participate in it. Municipal bodies also should join us in this mission for housing for all.” He said. www.ndtv.com