All posts by Jeff Salmon
Swords into Plowshares: AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018
The last time I visited the AUVSI conference was about 10 years ago. I remember walking into the show and thinking, “Did I just accidentally walk onto a military base?” The exhibits were populated with Predators, Reapers, and at least one Global Hawk. Every other attendee was dressed in their best camo BDUs. Not judging,...
Low-cost Tech for Aerial Archeology, Part One
Last February we took a look at how airborne lidar is revolutionizing the science of archeology in Lidar and The Lost City of the Monkey God. Lidar is nothing less than a godsend for the search for lost cities and civilizations. But it comes at a price, one that cash-strapped archeologists can’t always afford. I’d...
Rocket Billionaires
Here’s a great example of serendipity. Not so long ago I took a break from my daily routine and flipped on the TV. The set was tuned to the science channel, and just as the screen flickered to life I beheld the sight of the first launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy as it lifted off....
Big Bird + Black Ice = Space 2.1
First off, let’s decipher that headline, starting at the end. Space 2.0 (AKA “NewSpace”) is the catch-all phrase that describes the privatization of space and the companies, platforms, and technologies that come with it. We’ll get to the “2.1” in a minute. Big Bird is the nickname given the world’s largest aircraft (by wingspan, 385’)...
Alexa, Survey This Parcel
I’ve been thinking about the issue of automation and robots and their impact on the geospatial profession. I think it’s good news. So, let’s get started on dispelling the idea that “the ‘bots are coming for my job!” Here are two reasons why that’s not going to happen. 1) Everything I’m reading and observing argues...
What I Saw at ILMF 2018
ILMF is an outstanding conference for all things lidar, including airborne, terrestrial, and underwater, as well as new remote-sensing and data-collection tools and technologies. I try to attend every year because it never gets old; there are plenty of new and exciting technologies, both on the exhibit floor and in the many workshops and presentations....
