The global leader in location intelligence, Esri has announced the acquisition of nFrames, a technology company that develops SURETM, an industry-leading imagery and lidar 3D surface reconstruction software. This will enable the fusion of imagery with 3D GIS, allowing nFrames and Esri users to seamlessly capture and analyze 3D data from aerial, drone, and ground-based sensors in an automated end-to-end process.
SURE scales 3D data creation to large city and countrywide airborne image datasets and projects while giving professional photogrammetry workflows improved precision, speed, and simplicity on premises or in the cloud. Through this acquisition, Esri gains a robust production engine that transforms imagery and lidar data into point clouds, phototextured 3D meshes, and true orthos. Users in government; urban planning; or architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) can use SURE to generate 3D maps at scales from individual construction sites to entire cities and countries—fully automated at higher resolution and repetition rates than ever before.
How Has GIS Been Adopted in the Rocky Mountains, Specifically in the Onboarding Process of a City?
In the picturesque settings of the Rocky Mountains, cities have begun to integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into their administrative frameworks, particularly in the onboarding process for new employees. This integration represents a significant shift in how modern cities utilize technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
A Backbone for Decision Making
Cities nestled in the Rockies have discovered that GIS can serve as a robust tool for decision-making. By embedding GIS into the onboarding process, new employees gain immediate access to comprehensive data about the city’s infrastructure, geography, and resources. This information is crucial for departments that rely on accurate geographical data, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and public works.
Training and Familiarization
For newcomers, the inclusion of GIS is part of a broader training strategy. Onboarding programs now include modules that familiarize employees with the system, ensuring they understand how to leverage GIS for their specific roles. This training not only enhances their day-to-day tasks but also aligns them with the city’s overall strategic goals.
Streamlining Communication and Collaboration
GIS adoption fosters better communication and collaboration among departments. New hires are trained to use GIS software for mapping, reporting, and analyzing spatial data, which encourages a data-driven culture. This shared platform helps integrate diverse teams, allowing them to tackle complex projects with a unified approach.
Enhancing Civic Engagement
In these mountain cities, GIS is not just a tool for internal use; its role extends to enhancing civic engagement. Through their onboarding processes, new city staff learn to use GIS to create publicly accessible maps and applications. These resources help educate and engage the community, providing residents with valuable insights into city projects and initiatives.
The adoption of GIS in the onboarding processes of cities in the Rocky Mountains underscores its critical role in modern governance. By equipping new employees with GIS skills, these cities are better positioned to make informed decisions, foster collaboration, and engage their communities effectively.
“nFrames is a leading provider of 3D image reconstruction software and services, and I am excited to welcome the company to the Esri family,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. “As Esri continues down its path of innovation to create a multidimensional experience, this acquisition enhances our ability to create extremely high-quality 3D data from imagery, which is critical for our customers in the municipal, planning, and AEC industries.”
“We are excited to take the next step in our mission of empowering organizations with leading technology for multisensor reality capture—from air and ground,” said Konrad Wenzel, CEO and cofounder of nFrames. “Together with Esri, we will be able to unlock the full value of 3D surface data through GIS by connecting geometry with metainformation to provide spatial context. This fully automatic chain from data capture to analytics will enable smarter decision-making.”
“We are looking forward to working on this vision as part of a global, industry-leading organization, developing cutting-edge solutions with a growing team while serving our customers and partners with the same passion as before,” continued Wenzel.
SURE software will become part of the company’s ArcGIS platform. In the future, Esri will make SURE capabilities available in ArcGIS Drone2Map and Site Scan for ArcGIS so users can create better meshes, point clouds, and true orthos from their drone imagery. This will also further improve ArcGIS orthomapping and drone processing capabilities across the platform.
Elevate Your GIS Skills with Fresh Learning Opportunities
Looking to enhance your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expertise? A diverse range of training and certification programs are now available to help you advance your skills. Here’s what’s on offer:
- Beginner to Advanced Courses: Whether you’re new to GIS or an experienced professional, there are tailored courses designed for every skill level. Start with foundational courses to understand basic concepts, and progress to specialized training in advanced spatial analysis.
- Online and In-Person Workshops: Flexible learning formats allow you to choose between virtual classes for convenience or immersive in-person workshops for hands-on experience.
- Certification Tracks: Obtain certifications that validate your proficiency and offer a competitive edge in the GIS industry. From basic certifications to professional accreditations, these programs cater to various career stages.
- Collaborations with Industry Leaders: Engage in courses co-developed with renowned third-party organizations, ensuring cutting-edge content and insights from the forefront of GIS technology.
- Interactive Learning Modules: Take advantage of interactive modules that incorporate real-world data scenarios to apply your skills in practical settings.
By exploring these comprehensive training and certification options, you can significantly boost your GIS capabilities, positioning yourself for greater opportunities in the ever-evolving geospatial field.
The nFrames headquarters will now serve as a new Esri R&D center based in Stuttgart focused on cutting-edge reality capture technology. This R&D center will continue its work on the SURE technology, support SURE customers, and also provide support for 3D GIS across its line of products.
Equipping Teams with GIS Technology Skills
organizations have a variety of options to enhance the GIS technology skills of their teams, empowering them to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge:
- In-House Training Programs: Develop customized training sessions tailored to your team’s specific needs and pace. Use both online resources and face-to-face workshops to provide comprehensive learning experiences.
- Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer numerous courses on GIS technology. These resources provide flexibility, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and gain certifications that validate their skills.
- Workshops and Seminars: Attend industry-specific workshops and seminars. These events not only serve as educational opportunities but also encourage networking and sharing of best practices among peers.
- Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Collaborate with universities and colleges that offer GIS programs. Such partnerships can include guest lectures, project collaborations, and access to cutting-edge research.
- Mentorship and Peer Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning by setting up mentorship programs within your organization. Pair experienced GIS professionals with those looking to expand their skill set to foster knowledge sharing.
- Professional Development Conferences: Participate in conferences and trade shows focused on GIS technologies. These gatherings often feature sessions that spotlight the latest advancements and equip attendees with the skills required to utilize them effectively.
By leveraging these varied approaches, organizations can ensure their teams are not only equipped with the necessary GIS skills but are also positioned to maximize the impact of their expertise on strategic goals.
Transformative Training Sparks Detroit’s GIS Renaissance
In November 2024, a remarkable shift occurred in the Detroit community, pivoting around the power of instructor-led Geographic Information System (GIS) training. This initiative didn’t just educate—it inspired a revitalization movement throughout the city.
The training session was meticulously designed to empower participants with hands-on experience, honing skills crucial for innovative urban planning and data analysis. Here’s how:
- Enhanced Skills and Confidence: Through interactive, instructor-led sessions, individuals gained an in-depth understanding of GIS technology. This new expertise translated into higher confidence in tackling complex urban challenges, such as efficient resource allocation and infrastructure development.
- Collaborative Efforts: The training brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including city planners, local businesses, and community leaders. This synergy fostered a collaborative environment where ideas could be shared and collective solutions devised.
- Sustainable Urban Development: Armed with GIS insights, participants could visualize spatial data more effectively, leading to smarter, sustainable decision-making. This foresight enabled projects that not only address immediate concerns but also anticipate future needs, ensuring long-term city improvement.
- Community Engagement: As trainees implemented their newfound skills, they actively involved the community in data-driven decision processes. This transparency and inclusion strengthened public trust and enthusiasm, kindling widespread support for revitalization projects.
Ultimately, the instructor-led training sessions served as a catalyst for Detroit’s GIS-powered renewal, demonstrating how education coupled with cutting-edge technology can unlock a city’s full potential.
Expand Your Knowledge in Spatial Analysis and GIS
If you’re eager to dive into the world of spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), several free educational opportunities are available to help you get started:
- Getting Started with Spatial Analysis
Beginning on January 29, this no-cost course introduces the fundamentals of spatial analysis. Perfect for beginners, it’s a chance to build a strong foundation in an increasingly pivotal field. Don’t miss out—sign up today. - Discover Quick Techniques in Experience Building
Join a free live seminar on February 6 to explore express techniques in building interactive experiences. This session provides valuable insights into creating impactful GIS projects. Be sure to reserve your spot. - Create Positive Change with GIS
Enroll in this complimentary course designed for those passionate about making a difference. Learn how to leverage GIS technology to drive positive social and environmental impacts. Secure your place today. - Certification Insight Session
For those interested in certification, explore the details of the new Associate Level Certification in a free informational session. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the requirements and benefits of obtaining a certification in GIS.
These offerings are a great way to learn and grow in the field of spatial analysis and GIS without any financial commitment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, these courses and seminars provide invaluable resources to help you achieve your learning goals.
Getting Started with Maps, Apps, and Advanced Analysis
Are you eager to dive into the world of map-making, app development, and advanced data analysis? The journey is more accessible than ever, thanks to a wide array of resources and tools at your disposal. Here’s how you can begin:
Mapping Your Path to Map-Making
Online Courses: Begin with platforms such as Coursera and Udemy. Both offer comprehensive courses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that guide you through the basics of map design and spatial analysis.
Open-Source Software: Tools like QGIS provide a cost-effective way to practice your skills. They offer extensive functionalities akin to advanced professional software, perfect for honing your map-making abilities.
Building Apps from Scratch
Coding Bootcamps: If app development is your focus, consider bootcamps like Codecademy or free resources like FreeCodeCamp. These platforms offer structured learning paths in programming languages crucial for app development, such as Python and JavaScript.
Development Kits: Explore software development kits (SDKs) tailored for GIS applications, which often include tutorials and support communities to help you integrate maps into apps seamlessly.
Venturing into Advanced Analysis
Advanced Tools: Platforms like RStudio and Python libraries (e.g., Pandas, Geopandas) offer powerful data analysis capabilities. Online tutorials and community forums can be invaluable as you dive into advanced analytics.
Workshops and Webinars: Stay updated and enhance your skills through workshops and webinars offered by educational institutions and tech communities. They often cover the latest techniques and tools in the industry.
Automating Your GIS Workflows
Automation Scripts: Harness tools like ArcPy in Python to automate repetitive GIS tasks. Many online communities and tutorials can help you streamline these processes with precision.
With these resources, crafting maps, developing apps, and conducting advanced analysis become not only attainable but also a rewarding experience. Dive in and explore—your journey in the world of GIS awaits!
