“Research scientists’ efforts to better understand fire spread and to create accurate predictive computer programs may hold the keys to a whole new range of breakthroughs,” says Sue Russell in “Smokey Bear Now Studies Computer Science,” the second part of her 5-part series on wildfires. Recent advances in wildfire research have led to computer programs that can simulate fire behavior, growth, and even strength of the flames by inputting certain data. Although wildfire spread is far more complex than what can be presented from a few clicks of the mouse, these programs can help to reduce damage and save lives.

Russell explains that much of wildfire research depends on examining factors related to burn rates, patterns, weather (including wind and humidity), and complex terrain.  In fact, Russell mentions that Intermap’s NEXTMap 3D digital elevation data has already helped firefighters in Southern California.

Click here to view Sue Russell’s article: http://tinyurl.com/yc9egn6

The knowledge gained from wildfire research and elevation data can also help in community planning for fire-prone areas. For example, NEXTMap data allowed the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building to make better decisions regarding growth and development, especially in areas that were designated as high fire severity risks. Using our NEXTMap data, the county was able to designate safe areas for building and to enhance their fire protection and response program.

Read the customer case study along with many others at Intermap’s Resource Center: http://www.intermap.com/resource-center

Imagine you are driving down a steep mountain road at night.  The road doesn’t have a guard rail, and the drop-off appears to plummet 500 feet to the ground.  You are approaching a tight curve. . . How fast are you driving? Can you see what’s around the bend? Is there another car or an animal? And do you even know just how tight the curve actually is? Driving in these situations can be extremely stressful and scary, especially when you are unaware of the characteristics of the road in front of you.

According to the Institute for Highway Safety, approximately 143,000 accidents related to poor visibility on curved roads occur each year in the United States, but new improvements in adaptive headlights for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) increase the driver’s field of view on these curves and could significantly reduce the number of related fatal crashes each year.  

Currently, adaptive headlights turn in response to the driver’s steering; however, Intermap’s^® 3D road geometries enable a predictive front lighting system that understands the road ahead.  With this system, the headlights automatically rotate – when approaching curves or grades – according to the vehicle’s position on the map, thus illuminating a larger portion of the roadway. 

Once fully developed, the uniformly accurate 3D road geometries database will cover every type of road, including highways and rural mountain roads, in Western Europe as well as the contiguous United States and Hawaii.

Recently, Intermap partnered with Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., a leading provider of innovative driver assistance programs, to integrate Intermap’s high-resolution 3D road geometries with Hella’s front lighting demonstration system. 

Click here to view the press release: http://www.intermap.com/interior.php/pid/1/sid/306/tid/245/nid/2291

When planning their next project, engineers have to make some difficult decisions about their data.  They have to ask themselves:

1. Who provides the data?
2. How accurate is it?
3. How soon can we receive it?
4. Is it cost effective?

Those who chose to save money up front by using free, government-supplied data, often receive unreliable datasets, resulting in an inferior project. Usually these free datasets are inaccurate, outdated, and inconsistent, thus causing the project planner to put in more time, effort, and money to obtain better data.  

Let’s say that our engineer (I’ll call him Fred) is planning to build a road through a specific area.  Fred chooses to use USGS data for two reasons: it is readily available, so it will help him stay within the project’s strict timeline, and it’s free, so he can reduce his costs and spend the money he saved on other tasks.

 WRONG!

Fred chose to build the road across what he thought was flat terrain, but once he arrived at the site, he realized the land looked much different than the USGS data showed… back to the drawing board.

Comparison of USGS data and NEXTMap data

Fred had some big decisions to make:

1. He could pay ground survey crews to rework the land where he had initially planned the road, causing a significant delay in the project timeline as well as additional costs that he had not anticipated.
2. He could also find another route for the road, using more reliable data.  Depending on the next data he chooses, he may have to wait a long time to receive it and likely pay for it. Who knows: the next data he chooses could be just as inaccurate, causing him to repeat the cycle.

Fred could have reduced his time, money, and headache by using Intermap Technologies’^® NEXTMap^® high-resolution digital elevation data.  These countrywide datasets are more detailed, homogeneous, and accurate than free, government-supplied data.  Collected at 5-meter post spacings, NEXTMap^® data features a vertical accuracy of 1 meter RMSE.  The data is readily available for all of Western Europe as well as the contiguous United States and Hawaii - all for a reasonable price.

In fact, 11 independent agencies have validated our data, including USGS, NGA, NASA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers TEC, University of Washington, University of Stuttgart, the Environment Agency of England & Wales, and University College London.

So, what’s the value of free data?  Well, if you ask Fred, he’ll probably tell you that it’s only worth the few painkillers he bought to reduce his headache.

Though the world isn’t flat, our maps traditionally are. The “stretched orange peel” map shown in a high school social studies classroom demonstrates the problems in flat-mapping a global surface. The problem becomes even more complicated when we consider how to best map elevation aspects of an area. For example, how do you accurately show a mountain range on a flat sheet of paper to create a map that provides information that’s reliable enough to lead a rescue team into the mountains’ rugged terrain? Or, how do you accurately plan a development project for an area in which the elevation is far from flat? When elevation is an essential factor of the mapping equation, mapping standards that reflect the realities of our world are crucial to creating an accurate picture.

Contour lines have traditionally been used to show mapping elevation, but, when it comes to relaying information, those measures today are as outdated as Morse code. The National Mapping Standard of 1947 states that “vertical accuracy, as applied to contour maps of all publication scales, shall be such that not more than 10% of elevations tested shall be in error more one-half the contour interval.” That kind of error is large enough to create a monster of a mistake when it comes to current mapping standards, enough to send a housing or development project onto the brink of a disaster that could cost millions of dollars.

Luckily, today’s technology allows us to develop most contour data from digital elevation data that depicts the bare earth, leading to more accurate findings. In fact, the accuracy of the resulting contour data directly relates to the accuracy of the digital elevation model (DEM). Relevant to all forms of digital data, the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy is 3.25 RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) for absolute accuracy. Intermap’s data with an average RMSE of .65M is 7 feet, although internal analysis indicates we can reliably create 3-feet contours for more exact specifications.

There are numerous applications that can create accurate contours using DEM data. The first factor to consider is the size of the area for which the contours are being created. Other factors include:

• How steep is the terrain?
• What sort of contour interval do you want?
• What are your resources when it comes to personnel and hardware?
• How smooth do you want the contours?
• What sort of cleanup will you require?

When working with contours, you are still dealing with a 2D presentation. Since the world we are mapping comes in three dimensions, this is only part of the picture. The data must be therefore entered into a 3D software environment for additional context. The detailed accuracy of the resulting data depends upon the characteristics of the terrain. Maps that have a scale of 1:24,000 will have a common interval of 20 feet. Likewise, maps with 1:12,000 will have a common interval of 10 feet, 1:6,000 a common interval of 5 feet, and 1:2,400 a common interval of 2 feet.

The need to have the 3D world accurately depicted through digital means can be met with a triangulated irregular network (TIN) that creates a digital data structure used in a geographic information system (GIS) to more accurately depict surface structure. Derived from DEM data, a TIN is made of irregularly distributed nodes and lines containing 3D coordinates that are arranged in a network of overlapping triangles. The advantage of TINs over using purely DEMs in mapping is that a TIN’s points are distributed variably based on an algorithm that determines which points are most necessary to accurately depict the mapped terrain.

Because a TIN accurately depicts the actual dimensions of a surface, surveyors and project managers can save significant time and money by avoiding guesswork. A TIN presents data in a 3D format that is more easily understood and provides  a more realistic view of the surface you are mapping. TINs support important applications in 3D visualization, landscape and city modeling, military applications, and even computer games and film production. When you need to accurate map a world that is never flat, TIN mapping technology and the digital applications they support can help perform the job correctly.

High-resolution digital elevation models and images for the entire states of Louisiana, Maine, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas are commercially available. Collected as part of Intermap’s NEXTMap USA nationwide mapping program, scheduled for completion by June 30, 2010, these datasets join other complete statewide coverage of Arizona, California, Florida, and Mississippi, along with partial state coverage areas – all of which are immediately available for purchase and include approximately 80% of the U.S.

“The availability of this data signals a fundamental shift for any organization needing access to reliable 3D mapping data,” said Kevin Thomas, Intermap’s vice president of marketing. “Gone are the days of having to accept the inaccuracies of SRTM or USGS data because it’s the only data that’s available, or paying exorbitant prices for inconsistent LiDAR data. NEXTMap’s wide area coverage and accuracy now sets the new standard for geospatial base maps across the U.S. and Europe.”

Data collected as part of Intermap’s combined NEXTMap USA and Europe programs – border-to-border data for all of Western Europe is already on the shelf – continues to enable a wide variety of geospatial applications and prototyping endeavors for government and enterprise entities worldwide. Applications include, but are not limited to, route and site selection, cell tower placement, microwave link planning, transportation safety and fuel efficiency, water resource management, engineering planning, and 3D visualization.

Intermap’s NEXTMap database includes digital surface models The Tooth Fairy video (DSMs) that include cultural features such as vegetation, buildings, and roads; digital terrain models (DTMs) with all cultural features digitally removed; and orthorectified radar images The Onion Movie

(ORIs) that accentuate topographic features – all with a vertical accuracy of 1 meter or better. The Company has also created value-added products such as contours, 3D road centerline geometries, and other high-resolution geospatial products as part of the program. NEXTMap data is currently available through the Company’s direct sales team, online via www.TerrainOnDemand.com, or through Intermap’s worldwide partner network.

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Because it creates no air or water pollution, wind energy is one of the most eco-friendly forms of energy production available to us today. Wind energy is free and infinitely renewable, and it is one of the most viable and sustainable alternative energy solutions being developed.

Wind energy was a $50 billion global market in 2008. North America and Europe lead the way, with wind power installations accounting for approximately 42% of new electricity generating capacity in the United States and 36% in Europe last year. Germany and Spain continued to install and produce the most wind energy in Europe, with Italy, France and U.K. rounding out the top five. The United States passed Germany for the country with the most installed wind power capacity in 2008. Although current economic conditions may slow industry growth in the short-term, legislative initiatives on both continents will encourage research and production well into the future for this renewable energy source.

Forecasting and Siting
Accurate GIS data is a critical factor in every stage of wind farm development, from maps that forecast wind resource potential to utility line transmission. The availability of wind as a resource depends greatly on a region’s terrain. Developers spend millions of dollars over a period of years evaluating prospective wind farm sites to determine the ideal location. Elevation data is a key component throughout this process. Wind energy consultants may also use elevation data in environmental impact and feasibility assessments, line-of-sight and viewshed analysis, and 3D visualization and simulation models.

Construction and Transmission
After the preliminary wind farm site is chosen, engineers and developers begin micro-siting analysis for individual turbines. This detailed examination requires precise GIS data, including digital elevation models. DEMs are also used throughout construction to establish the slope for access roads and ensure proper turbine placement. Finally, utility companies rely on digital elevation models to optimize power line routing and update the transmission grid to meet the energy demands of the 21st century.

The people at Intermap are once again on the forefront of interactive mapping with the release of AccuTerra for the iPhone, the interactive mapping applications that will change the way you experience the outdoors. They recently released two regional versions, Bay Area and Yosemite Lite. Future releases coming soon will include all statewide regions. AccuTerra map content places state and national parks, landmarks, and points of interest, at the tip of your fingers, and are ready to access for planning and during your outdoor adventure, even when you’re outside your cell phone coverage. Here are some of the many features AccuTerra offers:

Planning Your Outing
AccuTerra is a great complement to any outdoor adventure, whether it is a quick hike on a nearby trail, or a two-week exploration of Yosemite National Park. After you download the application, your iPhone will be preloaded with a library of recreational locations from which to choose. This allows the user to plan a number of great outdoor activities, such as hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, sightseeing, fishing, bird watching, paddling, and much more.

Be Interactive with Your Outdoor Experience
Unlike other iPhone mapping applications that require you to be in cell phone range, AccuTerra lets you go off the beaten path outside your coverage area. This means that you can continue to use AccuTerra and its many features to facilitate your exploration while still in the midst of the action. These features include:

• Record your adventure: AccuTerra makes recording and tracking your adventure incredibly simple. When you are ready to start tracking, you simply tap the menu icon and then tap “start recording trek”. Once you are done with your hike, you tap the menu icon once again and tap “stop recording trek.” You’ll be able to see your progress along the way, and you’ll be able to save your adventure with a title and brief description when you’re finished.
• Photograph your experience: you can also take pictures along the way from within the AccuTerra application. These photos will be tracked with your recording to correspond directly with the location of the trail on which they were taken.
• View the stats of your hike: your trail profile allows you to view the details and statistics of your adventures, including the elevation and distance of your hikes.

Share Your Experience with Others
Now that you’ve had a great trip, you’re back to work and trying to explain to your co-workers how awesome your experience was. All you have to do is pull out your iPhone and play the “walking tour.” Your adventure will replay, showing your trail, the photos you took, and any points of interest you recorded along the way. You can also email your experience to your family and friends, or upload your adventure on Facebook.

The Future of AccuTerra for the iPhone
When all the AccuTerra map apps are released, they will include 8 million square miles of terrain throughout the contiguous United States and Hawaii.

For many decades, topographic maps have been an invaluable tool for studying and traversing the earth. Used by geologists, foresters, engineers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, topographic maps provide three-dimensional information about the earth’s surface via a two-dimensional map containing special topographical symbols to signify a terrain’s elevation and other features.

The topographical mapping of the United States began in 1879, when the U.S. Geological Survey took on the task of mapping the entire country. The most commonly used USGS maps are those using a 1:24,000 scale. Today, topographic maps are widely available in both paper form and through programs on GPS and mobile computer devices.

Topographic Maps
Like most other maps, topographic maps have a legend that indicates the scale and the meaning of the symbols used in the map. As mentioned above, the most common topographic scale is 1:24,000, meaning that every inch on the map represents 24,000 inches of real life terrain. A topographical map will also have, under the ratio scale, a graphic scale indicating distance in miles, meters, and feet.

Lines of latitude and longitude are also present as in other maps. The different map symbols specific to topographic maps and how to read them are explained briefly below.

Contour Lines
The use of contour lines differentiates topographic maps from regular maps. Contour lines connect points in the terrain that are at the same level of elevation (in respect to sea level). Contour lines, represented on topographic maps as brown lines, trace the outline of a terrain. The lines appear at set intervals indicated by the contour interval, which is usually found below the map’s scale. If a contour interval is 10 feet, for example, it means that every new contour line represents an increase in elevation of 10 feet. You can see an example of how this works below:

 
Thicker brown lines indicate bigger intervals of elevation:

In the example above, the thick lines represent intervals of 100 units. There are five thinner lines between the two thicker lines, which means that the distance between the thinner lines represents an interval of 20 units (100 divided by 5). Contour lines that are close together indicate parts of the map where the terrain is steeper, and vice-versa. When reading contour lines, make sure to always check what unit of measurement is being used. Again, you’ll find the contour interval indicating the unit of measure under the map scale (usually the bottom right corner of the map).

Forests and Clearings – Forests are usually shown as green shaded areas and non-forested clearings are simply left white. Paper topographic maps might not always have updated information on forests and clearings, but modern GPS devices tend to be fairly accurate.

Water – As in most maps, streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water are indicated in blue.

Man-made Features – Roads and trails are represented by black or red lines, depending on the map and the legend used. Dashed or thin double lines usually represent trails, and thicker  solid lines represent paved roads. Check your individual topographic map for specifics. Buildings are represented by a variety of solid or shaded black squares or rectangles.

Boundaries – Despite being imaginary geographical features, boundaries are shown on topographic maps as black or red lines as well (usually broken or dotted lines, to differentiate from roads and streams). The pattern of the lines depends on whether they represent state, county, or national boundaries.

A geographic information system (GIS) refers to any system that records and analyzes information linked to a geographic location. A GIS then presents this data in a visual format. GIS mapping stores, integrates, and displays geographic information, and allows users to search for specific queries and draw conclusions from the analysis of the spatial information and data presented by the map.

The use of GIS mapping technology can be seen today in GPS devices and online mapping applications like Google Earth. The study of geographic concepts and mapping systems is called geographic information science, in which universities around the world offer degrees.

Displaying visual data on a map according to the information’s geographical location, and then analyzing and drawing conclusions about that information is a well-established idea: visual icons on maps have represented real-life features of a region since ancient times.

In the late 1990s, GIS data was generated by large computers and used for maintenance of internal records. GIS software came as a stand-alone product that required its own piece of hardware to operate. GIS data couldn’t be delivered over a network, but had to be accessed through a specific device. However, as Internet technology became increasingly popular and demand for easier access to geographical data swelled, the GIS software industry changed its format so that data could be delivered across a network. Today, GIS software is not a stand-alone feature, but rather is integrated into a combination of other applications.

Digitization
Heads-up digitization is the most common method of GIS data creation. This is a method in which a hard copy of a map or a schematics plan of a certain geographical region is transferred into digital form through a computer-aided design program and the use of geo-referencing capabilities. The use of orthorectified satellite and aerial imagery is one of the most widely used forms of heads-up digitizing. Using orthorectified images from satellite and aerial shots, GIS programs can place data about a certain geographical location or region directly on top of the aerial image. Today, heads-up digitization technology is capable of adjusting lens focus and angle so that the photograph taken by a satellite or a plane will actually match the surface distances and features of a region.

Digital elevation models (DEMs), also known as digital terrain models (DTM) or digital surface models, are digital maps of surface area or terrain data. These digital images are represented as either a raster graphic or a triangular irregular network (TIN). The pixels show precise measurement of the land coordinates (longitude and latitude) and variables (foot, meter, mile, etc.). DEMs are created through remote sensing or land surveying, and are often used in geographic information systems or in digital relief maps.

Difference between Digital Terrain Models and Digital Surface Models
DTMs and DSMs are often mistaken for each other – while they do have many similarities, they are different. A DTM is a representation of the Earth’s surface without manmade landscape features or vegetation, while a DSM, on the other hand, will include features such as buildings, roads, and vegetation in addition to the earth’s surface. DTMs are often used for land use studies, flood or drainage modeling and planning, and other geological applications, while DSMs are commonly used for city and landscape modeling and planning.

Uses of Digital Elevation Models
There are many uses for DEMs, including:

• Surface analysis
• Flood modeling, including ground water flow patterns and drainage analysis
• New venture planning
• Seismic planning
• Creation of raised relief maps and other physical models
• 3D visualization rendering
• Extraction of terrain parameters
• Rectification of aerial photography or satellite imagery
• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Global positioning systems (GPS)
• Intelligent transportation systems (ITS)
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Flight simulation
• Farming and forestry

Sources for Digital Elevation Models
There are many places to acquire DEM data. Data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) includes DEMs of most of the Earth (excluding the polar regions and some mountains and deserts) with 1 arc-second (around 90 meters) elevation for free. The U.S. Geological Survey generates the National Elevation Dataset (NED) with DEM data for the United States and Puerto Rico. There are also a number of mapping companies that offer DEMs at varying degrees of accuracy and resolution, primarily used by public agencies and larger corporations.

Quality plays a key role in the source of DEM data. The quality of a DEM is appraised by the absolute accuracy (the accuracy of the measurement at each pixel) and the relative accuracy (the accuracy of the morphology that is presented). There are several key aspects that affect the quality, including  terrain roughness, sampling density, grid resolution, interpolation algorithm, vertical resolution, and terrain analysis algorithm.