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  • VIEWS & OPINION: more >>

  • Geomatics, surveying and measurement: more >>

    • Using satellite imagery and machine learning to protect elephants

      by Isla Duporge, Dr. Olga Isupova and Dr. Steven Reece, University of Oxford

      African elephants are at risk in the majority of the countries where they live because of poaching. To plan long-term sustainable solutions to the stresses elephants are experiencing, it is necessary to have accurate data on elephant numbers and their geographical range to identify high-risk areas. There are several methods used to conduct elephant surveys, […]

    • Measuring accurate heights across a country

      Information from NOAA National Ocean Service

      A look at how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists are changing the way heights is measured accurately across the United States. Scientists at NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) maintain a nationwide coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, orientation, and the national shoreline throughout the United States. This reference system […]

    • Incorporating UAVs into geomatics learning

      by Moreblessings Shoko, University of Cape Town

      This article provides a strategy that can assist institutions in the development of appropriate curriculam for the incorporation of Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into geomatics or related studies. The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing working group 7 (ISPRS WG V/7) proposed to develop unique computer-based educational materials that will integrate education in fundamental […]

  • 3D modelling, mapping and visualisation: more >>

    • Online tool to simplify environmental sensitivity screening

      by Deon Marais, Department of Environmental Affairs

      The National Web based Environmental Screening Tool developed by the Department of Environmental Affairs aims is to provide users with readily available spatial datasets to fast track the environmental assessment process by providing timeous reports with less frustration. In November 2015 the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) embarked on the development of a “National Web […]

    • A crash course in AI-driven object detection

      by Veronica Alonso, Picterra

      Almost every day we hear we can use the superpowers of artificial intelligence (AI) to make work easier, to automate routine tasks, to speed up workflows, increase accuracy and make more money. But what if you are not a machine learning expert? This quick guide outlines the basics of how AI-driven object detection works, and […]

    • Economic street level imagery surveys for smaller municipalities

      by Brendon Watkiss, Point of Interest and Carel Olivier, OVVIO

      For many South Africans, the phrase, “Just look at it on Google Street View” is commonplace and quite simple to do. However, the majority of smaller towns and rural municipalities are either represented by stale, outdated imagery (up to nine years old), or are completely excluded from street view coverage. This may not impose any […]

  • GIS, geospatial data, processing and applications: more >>

    • Screening tool simplifies environmental authorisation process

      Information from Esri South Africa

      The Department of Environmental Affairs’ Environmental Screening tool is a national online GIS-based tool which creates a centralised system for generating environmental sensitivity reports for areas of proposed development. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is responsible for protecting, conserving and improving the South African environment and its natural resources. As part of its mandate, […]

    • Earth observation for monitoring salt accumulation and waterlogging

      by Prof Adriaan van Niekerk, Garth Stephenson, Jascha Muller and Theo Pauw, Stellenbosch University

      Crop production in irrigated areas is often negatively affected by salt accumulation and waterlogging. Bearing in mind that only 1,2% of South Africa’s land area is suitable for irrigation, proactive measures need to be taken to prevent further loss of this limited resource. This article evaluates a series of remote sensing and geospatial modelling techniques […]

    • Improving property valuation and municipal revenue with accurate data

      by Janet Channing, MetGovis

      Accurate property data is important to local government. Accurate data is the key to revenue sustainability within the public sector. Geospatial reporting enables municipalities to view data discrepancies and unlock “unknown” revenue. Where data discrepancies are flagged, data cleansing should be implemented. National Treasury embarked on a business reform to streamline and promote consistent financial […]

  • ConstructionIT and MiningIT: more >>

    • Six considerations for choosing a machine control receiver

      Information from Septentrio

      Looking for a GPS receiver for moving earth, mining or construction? Here are important things to bear in mind. GPS receivers can either assist operators in making better decisions by providing precise position information (indicate-only mode) or the GPS receiver, as part of a guidance system, can take over the operation of the machine’s implement […]

    • Setting up a real-time inventory management system

      by Matthew Brownson, Ronin Solutions

      Good inventory management, stock control or accountability, call it what you like, is core to any income statement and balance sheet and is an often neglected, yet effective means of achieving efficiency and adding profitability to the business. For almost 20 years Ronin has been supplying inventory management solutions to almost every bulk handling industry […]

    • Strategies for smart city implementation in a metropolitan region

      by Prof Vinita Yadav and Mehak Chhabra, New Delhi

      Smart cities aim to apply information and communication technology (ICT) in every aspect of the city. Most of the metropolitan regions are striving to become smart, yet their aspirations and requirements vary from each other. This article explores four strategies for implementing a smart city rollout and uses the example of a metropolitan city in […]