Strengthening Nerves and Veins of Our Cities

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R.N.I No - UPENG/2010/34153; Registration no: UP/GBD-136/2017-19

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020 » VOLUME 11 » ISSUE 04 | ISSN 2277–3134

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STRENGTHENING NERVES AND VEINS OF OUR CITIES The management of cities involves the management of utilities, which are essential to keep a city running. Geospatial systems, in convergence with modern ICT, can help city utilities become efficient and cost-effective.

P32

P10

GPS/GNSS Corrections: The Right One for Your Needs

Martha Mendoza Senior Journalist and Pulitzer Prize Winner

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CONTENTS NOV-DEC 2020 VOLUME 11; ISSUE 04

IN CONVERSATION

10 / Closer Collaboration Between Geospatial and Journalism Fraternities

Martha Mendoza

Senior Journalist and Pulitzer Prize Winner

COVER STORY

14

OPTIMIZING UTILITIES Geospatial systems, in convergence with modern ICT, can help city utilities become efficient, consumer-friendly and cost effective.

INTERVIEW: SUBSURFACE UTILITY

22 / Australia's Subsurface Utility Mapping

REGULAR FEATURES

04 / Editorial 05 / In Perspective 06 / Product Watch INFOSPHERE

08 / Expanding Space In the wake of emerging global trends, technology advancements and increasing demand for Remote Sensing data — from both within and outside the country — India has come out with the draft of a new policy for Space-based Remote Sensing.

Market to Grow at 22% in Next Five Years

Chris Bower

Co-founder and Director, Utility Mapping, Australia

Peter Rullo

CEO, Land Surveys, Australia

CASE STUDY: SUBSURFACE UTILITIES

24 / Singapore Looks Underground to Address Land Shortage

Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Kumar Managing Editor Prof. Arup Dasgupta Editor-At-Large Technology & Innovation Anusuya Datta Consulting Editor Architecture, Engineering & Construction Gavin Schrock Contributing Editor Geospatial Infrastructure John Kedar Contributing Editor Global Defense and Security Keith J. Masback Consulting Editor Nishi Malhotra

SPECIAL FEATURE

28 / Making People Vote and How

Associate Editor Policy & Public Affairs Avneep Dhingra Sr. Assistant Editor Defense & Intelligence Meenal Dhande Chief Designer Subhash Kumar

TECHNOLOGY TRACK

32 / GPS/GNSS Corrections:

The Right One for Your Needs

INTERVIEW: STARTUP & INNOVATION

37 / Innovation is Catapulted in This Environment

Carly Morris, Head of Geovation, Ordnance Survey

Visualizer Pradeep Chauhan

Disclaimer Geospatial World does not necessarily subscribe to the views expressed in the publication.

All views expressed in this issue are those of the contributors. Geospatial World is not responsible for any loss to anyone due to the information provided.

Owner, Publisher & Printer: Sanjay Kumar Printed at Virtika Offset Printers, G-14 Sector 3, Noida - 201 301, G.B. Nagar (UP) India Publication Address A - 145, Sector - 63, Noida - 201 301, India Geospatial World: The edition contains 40 pages including cover.

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Nov-Dec 2020 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | 3

EDITORIAL

2021 Could Be a Year of Opportunities

2

020, the annus horribilis, is drawing to a close. Will we see light at the end of the tunnel, or will the coming year be annus horribilis v2.0?

gence of people and vaccine doses.

Any hiccup might mean the loss of precious doses, or disillusionment among the public.

The entire saga is underpinned by a level of technology that is also at the cutting edge. For example, one of the vaccine packages is equipped with a GPS tag which will record the location and temperature of the package. Undoubtedly, RFID tags will also be used for the same purpose at the local level.

The optimists will say the vaccine is here, but the realists will say that is only a part of the story. The vaccine distribution needs a cold chain.

In tropical and subtropical countries, maintaining a cold chain at Prof. Arup Dasgupta arup@geospatialmedia.net -70 degree Celsius is a big task. That rules out a set of vaccines. But the problem of distribution still remains A record has to be maintained of each person for those vaccines that can be stored in ordiwho is administered the vaccine, because it nary consumer refrigerators. How to move the requires a two-dose delivery separated by 21 vaccines from the manufacturing units to the days. Thus, all those who have taken the first final point of administration? dose will have to be located, tracked and alerted for the second dose.

While the pandemic has tested our health services, the medical researchers have achieved Geospatial systems will play a major role — an amazing feat of developing three vaccines invisible perhaps, but essential for the success of within a year, something that has never been the effort. There is a great scope for innovation, done before. It therefore puts equal pressure for example the success of Geovation in supplying on the administration to match the efficiency of potable water in reusable bottles reflects a kind of these pioneers and put in place an equally of simple solution based on location. capable system to deliver the vaccine doses to the waiting public. Getting the vaccine to the Precision location has become essential as population will need an army of health workers, utilities management moves to greater automatechnicians and logistics. tion. Location and twinning of underground assets is another area of innovation which will This will test our utilities to the maximum. keep megalopolises ticking.

The transportation, staging, storage and delivery to the final designated hospital or In conclusion, there are opportunities and health facility where it will be administered opportunities which are opening up. Apparently to the public needs to be worked out. There is COVID-19 certificates are now being sold by a requirement to ensure uninterrupted power ‘entrepreneurs’ to air travelers, which, if true, to enable the safe storage of the vaccines in endangers air travel. Meanwhile, a company in the required environmental conditions. There the UK has launched a ‘Fit-to-Fly’ secure heath need to be fail-safe communication links at passport to counter this. This reminds me of each point. The movement of people from their the metal smith who developed a sword which homes to the vaccination centers have to be could smash any shield and a shield which planned and orchestrated with military precicould withstand any sword. sion, so that there is a smooth flow and conver4 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | Nov-Dec 2020

IN PERSPECTIVE

Stirring Location Data Market AWS’ decision to launch a new service that lets developers add maps and locationbased features to applications is likely to create more competition for Google.

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n December 16, Amazon Web Services Inc. introduced the preview version of Amazon Location Service, a new offering in its Cloud platform that enables developers to add maps and location-based features to their applications. The new offering is poised to create more competition for Google in the location data market.

How it Works

While it is true that AWS Location Service is nowhere near Google Maps, the Cloud giant has the deep pockets and the technology bandwidth to improve quickly.

The AWS service is built on high-quality geospatial data from Esri and HERE — two of the biggest location data providers in the world — and plans to add more partners. “Priced at a fraction of common alternatives, Amazon Location Service gives you access to maps and location-based services from multiple providers on an economical, pay-as-you-go basis,” AWS Chief Evangelist Jeff Barr said in a blog post.

Increasing attention to geospatial “You can use Amazon Location Service to build applications that know where they are and respond accordingly. You can display maps, validate addresses, perform geocoding (turn an address into a location), track the movement of packages and devices, and much more.

You can easily set up geofences and receive notifications when tracked items enter or leave a geofenced area.

You can even overlay your own data on the map while retaining full control,” Barr said in the blog post.

The announcement, made during Amazon’s virtual event re:Invent, is also another example of the company’s increasing attention to the geospatial space.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced a new business unit focused on Aerospace and Satellite Solutions that would provide services across the Space value chain – right from rocket launches, to human spaceflight support and robotic systems, to geospatial imagery and IoT solutions.

• Developers can access charts via application programming interfaces or AWS command line tool, as well various value-added capabilities built on the core map dataset to simplify application development.

• For companies that already run workloads on AWS, the new service should have particular appeal, since sourcing location data through the same Cloud platform that hosts their applications should be easier.

• Amazon Location Service has tools that can be used to build software for tracking objects such as packages.

• A built-in geofencing capability, provides the ability to detect if a tracked object enters a given location.

Nov-Dec 2020 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | 5

PRODUCT WATCH

Providing Better Vision for Self-Driving Vehicles Velodyne Lidar has come out with its latest innovation in the broad array of LiDAR sensors, the Velarray H800.

The solid state Velarray H800 is architected for automotive grade performance and built using Velodyne’s proprietary micro-lidar array architecture (MLA). With combined long-range perception and a broad field of view, this sensor is designed for safe navigation and collision avoidance in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous mobility applications. The Velarray H800 is designed to fit neatly behind the windshield of a truck, bus or car, or be mounted seamlessly on the vehicle exterior. Unlike early LiDAR sensors for driverless cars, the Velarray H800 is a solid-state device with no moving parts.

Safe & Sound

• Helps reduce accidents as well as injuries and deaths of drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Outstanding range, field of view and resolution to support advancements in autonomy and ADAS, from Level 2 to Level 5.

• Provides perception data at a range of up to 200 meters, supporting safe stopping distances even at highway speeds.

Ensuring Full Control Over Security of 3D Data Key Features

• Offers single sign-on support to simplify the log-on process and avoid managing multiple passwords.

• Supports data of unlimited size and is source agnostic.

• Supports multiple reality data sources and provides users a conversion-free way to export point clouds.

FARO Technologies, Inc. has announced the release of its new WebShare Software Enterprise offering. An extension of the widely-used FARO Webshare platform, the Enterprise feature allows data to be stored on a company’s private server or Cloud infrastructure, ensuring full control over the security of its 3D reality data and a fast and easy way to provide access and share project management workflows. The Enterprise feature also offers single sign-on support to simplify the log-on process and avoid managing multiple passwords. WebShare supports data of unlimited size and is source agnostic. The data can be viewed, evaluated, and shared by authorized persons only, by using a web browser. All common industry standard formats for downloading data are supported, enabling seamless and collaborative workflows.

6 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | Nov-Dec 2020

Advanced 3D Monitors for Medical Applications Schneider Digital has launched the enhanced 3D PluraView, a passive 3D stereo monitor, as the successor to the discontinued PLANAR series. The high-resolution 3D PluraView stereo monitors are suitable for the 3D-stereo display of medical data, especially from CT and MRI scanners. It has dual screens with passive beamsplitter technology to provide a realistic stereo 3D experience, comparable to a highly detailed holographic display. The highest display brightness allows working in daylight surroundings, even in direct sunlight. Combined with medical software and a suitable graphics card in a tower or laptop workstation, the PluraView stereo monitors provide a turnkey 3D workplace solution for the medical sector for viewing and analyzing volumetric medical data conveniently and efficiently, while presenting it at maximum resolution and flicker-free, even in daylight office conditions.

Better Diagnosis

• Support for easier analysis and diagnosis in medical 3D imaging.

• More precise visualization of patient-specific anatomy.

• Much easier and more accurate data preparation for medical 3D object printing.

Creating Ground-based 3D Models with Ease Pix4D has announced the release of a new app product for ground images acquisition — Pix4Dcatch, which empowers users to easily create ground-based 3D models using an iOS mobile device. Users need not be experts, and can simply scan the area of interest with Pix4Dcatch. The app records pictures along with GPS positions.

Compatible with recent iOS devices, but optimized for the newest iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max with LiDAR sensors, scanning is done with real-time 3D meshing for scene completion feedback. This process of giving live feedback enables a workflow that secures optimal results. Images are automatically uploaded to Pix4Dcloud for a fast generation of scaled and georeferenced 3D models and point clouds that can be measured, shared and exported.

Compatible & Quick

• Compatible with recent iOS devices.

• Optimized for the newest iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max with LiDAR sensors.

• Images automatically uploaded to Pix4Dcloud for fast generation of scaled and georeferenced 3D models.

Making Mapping from Aerial Images Easier SimActive Inc. has announced the release of Correlator3D™ version 8.6. The new version includes multiple new features, such as the use of intensity data from LAS files for image registration, the ability to improve mosaic seamlines with a DSM and the support of DJI sun sensors. The software also now allows to handle single image satellite projects. Specifically, aerial triangulation can be performed using GCPs to improve georeferencing. External DEMs can then be used for orthorectification. SimActive is a photogrammetry software that began as a solution for aerial images from satellite and manned aircraft. The inclusion of drone data in the solution means that professional mapping firms can use the best tool for the job, whether mapping a city or a construction site.

Image Matters

• Use of intensity data from LAS files for image registration.

• Ability to improve mosaic seamlines with a DSM and the support of DJI sun sensors.

• Handle single image satellite projects.

Meeting Evolving Needs of Aerial Imagery Market Trimble has recently made available the Inpho version 11 for all Inpho software products, including UASMaster. The new main version 11 was developed to meet the evolving needs of the rapidly growing aerial imagery market. A unified image matching engine for UAS scenarios now enhances the adjustment geometry, improving the quality of final results, while simplifying the workflows for challenging UAV projects.

Major Highlights

• The improved 3D reconstruction engine in MATCH-3DX offers a smoother workflow in the production line. Using .laz as internal point cloud format results in a drastic project size reduction and increased efficiency in reading.

• The new feature ‘Batch-Processing’ in MATCH-3DX allows users to produce point clouds from repeated flights of the same camera in the same area, increasing productivity for forensics, insurance and disaster management applications.

• Inpho Version 11 now offers a user interface for simplifying the distributed processing based on HTCondor™ pool configuration.

Nov-Dec 2020 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | 7

INFOSPHERE

EXPANDING SPACE In the wake of emerging global trends, technology advancements and increasing demand for Remote Sensing (RS) data — from both within and outside the country — India has come out with the draft of a new policy for Space-based Remote Sensing.

The Government of India’s Department of Space (DOS) has published a draft “Space-based Remote Sensing Policy of India” (SpaceRS Policy 2020) for public consultation till December. The policy shall come into effect upon approval of the Cabinet.

KEY OBJECTIVES The SpaceRS Policy 2020 aims to encourage various stakeholders in the country to actively participate in Space-based Remote Sensing activities to enhance commercialization of Space.

Quick and easy access of RS data and information shall enable unfolding of knowledge-based solutions, addressing several planning and monitoring requirements of the nation. The policy states that the Government of India shall:

Promote Indian Industries to carry out Space-based Remote Sensing activities within and outside India.

Enable easy access to Space-based RS data except for ‘sensitive data and information’.

Concentrate on realization of Space-based Remote Sensing systems to cater to the country’s needs.

Provide a responsive regulatory environment for the commercial Indian industry to establish & operate Remote Sensing systems.

8 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | Nov-Dec 2020

WAY FORWARD

For policy execution, the Indian government has released a draft “Norms, Guidelines & Procedures for Implementation of SpaceRS Policy 2020” (SpaceRS NGP 2020). The guidelines include: 1. Participation of Indian entities in Space-based Remote Sensing activities.

2. Authorizations for Remote Sensing through:

• Establishment of Space assets, owned by an Indian entity for RS data collection. Establishing ground stations within India for monitoring and control of Remote Sensing satellite and/or data reception.

• Registration/authorization of Space assets for dissemination of RS data over the Indian territory.

• Dissemination of sensitive RS data/services of Indian territory emanating from the Space asset.

3. Realization of Space-based RS systems for societal applications, strategic purpose and research & development.

4. Promotion of usage of Space-based Remote Sensing systems.

5. Creation of timely and responsive regulatory environment.

BENEFITS TO INDUSTRY

1. Increased participation of Indian industries to provide Space-based Remote Sensing services that include building and operating Space assets, establishing ground stations, satellite data acquisition and dissemination to compete as a provider of Space-based Remote Sensing capabilities within and outside India on commercial basis.

2. Easy dissemination of data and services originating from Spacebased Remote Sensing systems in the country will be enabled. Service providers will be free to provide data and services to any user in the country.

3. Indian entities can establish and operate satellite Remote Sensing systems to provide data. Private entities can also undertake design, development and realization of satellites and associated Remote Sensing systems. They can establish a satellite system through own or procured satellite.

4. They can establish Telemetry, Tracking & Command and satellite data reception stations in or outside India. They can offer the capacity to commercial and societal applications within India and outside. They can also supply their systems and solutions to international markets.

5. Indian entities can avail facilities of the government for manufacturing a satellite and associated ground segment. These can be availed from designated PSU/CPSE under DOS on commercial terms.

6. Remote Sensing data over Indian territory shall be made easily accessible to users by an Indian entity as long as the source of data is originating from a registered/authorized Space asset.

Nov-Dec 2020 | www.gwprime.geospatialworld.net | 9

We are proud to be associated with

SVAMITVA Scheme

of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Govt of India Large scale mapping on 1:500 scale of the hitherto unmapped rural village Aabadi areas using Professional Survey Grade UAV/Drone for villages across the country is being undertaken by Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Govt of India under Central Sector scheme “SVAMITVA”. SVAMITVA Scheme was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 24th April 2020.

Survey of India is the technology implementing agency in the project. We are carrying out drone survey to generate the largescale maps & property records of village habited areas covering approx 1 lakh villages in phase one and remaining in phase two. This mapping work includes establishment of Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) network system, Geoid Model Development, Generation of Maps (analogues and digital) and creation of GIS Database.

https://indiamaps.gov.in https://g2g.indiamaps.gov.in/soig2g https://soinakshe.uk.gov.in http://www.surveyofindia.gov.in/pages/display/257-sahyog--mobile-app-by-soi

Project Highlights • Survey of India (SoI) will map rural inhabited lands using drones and latest survey methods.

• The pilot phase will cover 1 lakh villages in Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in six months.

• The pilot phase (FY 2020-21) has a projected outlay of INR 79.65 crore ($11.97 million).

• The outcome from the project will include updation of the ‘record-of-rights’ in revenue/property registers and issuance of property cards to the owners.

• Surveys will be carried out across the country in a phase wise manner over a period of four years (2020-2024).

• 6.62 lakh villages will be covered under the project.

Work Components

Data acquisition using Professional Survey Grade Drone

Processing of data captured

Feature Extraction

Attribute linkage to the extracted features

Generation of Land Parcel Maps

Presently SoI is engaged in working with Ministry of Panchayati Raj and state Governments

Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Government of India

Government of Uttar Pradesh

Government of Haryana

Government of Karnataka

Government of Maharastra

Government of Madhya Pradesh

Government of Uttarakhand

Government of Punjab

Government of Rajasthan

SURVEYOR GENERAL’S OFFICE Hathibarkala Estate, Dehradun, Pin - 248 001 (T) +91-135-2747051-58 Ext 4360 | (F) +91-135-2744064, 2743331 Email- sgo.soi@gov.in | Website- http://www.surveyofindia.gov.in

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