July/August 2024 Archives
The Still-Essential Skill of Cartography
Looking Forward When my kids were in high school, I made them learn to read a map. Their mother was incapable in this capacity, but still rode shotgun even though she had no ability to navigate us out of difficulty. When I got off course, I’d toss the map in the back seat and tell […]
The Best Maps Are Not Behind Us
Professional cartographer Evan Applegate shares his mapmaking process, including what’s inside his toolbox. He also tells us why in-person feedback is important to become a better mapmaker.
Shining a Light Into Black Boxes
AI-infused 3D modeling of substations, pump houses, and other facilities offers utilities immediate benefit By Ben Dwinal Using advanced GIS systems, utilities can create detailed infrastructure models that enable them to deliver services to residents more efficiently and safely. These models include highly granular data about the networks of lines and pipes that deliver electricity, […]
It’s a Small (Sensor) World
The fascinating emerging world of geophysical and geological exploration with drones For the last 10 years we have seen more and more applications adopting uncrewed aircraft or drones and adding them to their workflows to expand businesses and offer more versatility to their customers. But like in every other new technology, adoption is not uniform, […]
The Challenger
While relatively new to the North American market, there are few in surveying who have not heard of this rising software and hardware provider. However, we often hear “Who is Stonex?” Let’s find out…
Great Time to be a Surveyor
In collecting thoughts and observations for this article about the future of surveying, many of my colleagues and contemporaries offered words of condolences and sadness for the profession. It is often shared with me that we are a dying line of work because technology is allowing those without education or experience to do what we do. They add they feel the surveying profession has “sold out” to the GIS, engineering, and construction communities.
I could not agree less.