|
 |
| |
|
In this
corner I will share our vision with our readers as far as
geoinformation activities and practices are concerned. This
corner will primarily address our:
- vision for the design and implementation of geoinformation
- observation and assessment of practices throughout the world
- research on geoinformation and information technology (IT)
This will be the century of people who use information most
wisely and effectively. Throughout the world, an increasing
number of people are employed in information/IT services. Almost
80% of such information is spatially related, i.e. geographic.
Clearly, geoinformation is important in today’s society.The proper understanding, design and implementation of
geoinformation are crucial for the success of projects in this
field. The first fundamental point is to understand that
geoinformation is primarily compiled by using the disciplines of
geomatics engineering: geodesy/GPS/CORS, surveying and mapping,
remote sensing/satellite mapping, cartography, photogrammetry/orthophoto,
and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Secondly, the
efficient use of geoinformation is possible by means of proper
hardware and software: computers, servers, the Internet,
databases and GIS software, etc. Finally, for the activities
mentioned above and use of geoinformation, it is required to
have skilled and competent manpower and organization. So, the
consideration of these three main factors is the key for the
success of any geoinformation mission.
Over the years, we have had plenty of observations regarding the
geoinformation activities of numerous agencies, witnessing many
failures, especially in developing countries. We have made
comprehensive assessments based on our observations and can
point out some common misconceptions:
- Geodatabase: the concept of a georeferenced, accurate, attributed and
complete geodatabase is not correctly understood. It is very
common to see organizations still investing in CAD products and
non-rectified images believing that these will result in the
eventual Geodatabase!
|
- Hardware/Software: owing to the great job HW/SW vendors do, many organizations look
at geoinformation activities as nothing more than buying HW/SW,
especially geoinformation software. They invest heavily in HW/SW
and are shocked when they cannot do anything due to lack of
data.
- Consultants/Contractors:
because of the misconceptions mentioned in 1 and 2, it is very
common to see organizations utilize consultants/contractors,
such as HW/SW vendors, who are not specialists in geomatics
engineering at all.
|
The limit is the sky... |
- Organization/Manpower:
it is also very common to see organizations heavily investing in
data and HW/SW without the presence of proper organizations and
qualified manpower, thereby contributing to poor database
establishment, selection of improper HW/SW, using wrong
consultants/contractors, and the eventual failure of the
geoinformation mission.
As far as information and applications are concerned, the sky
is the limit! The GeoTech Group is dedicated to pursue
technological developments and carry out research accordingly.
We know that undeniable progress in technology will make
location-based information (geoinformation) access critical. In
this respect, the vision and research of the GeoTech Group is in
the transition to 3D geoinformation: the integration of
geoinformation with cell phones and GPS; the creation of virtual
cities, homes, stores and tours; walkthroughs; instant access to
services and locations; real time traffic control; vehicle and
personnel tracking, etc.Again, the limit is the sky. |
|
|
|
keren@ags-group.com
|
After completing his Ph.D. study and post-doctoral work in the USA, K.
joined the Middle East Technical University (Ankara) in 1980 and worked there as
a Professor in Geodetic Science until 1985. In 1985 and 1987, he carried out
research in Germany as a Humboldt Fellow. He joined the United Nations as a
Geodetic Expert in 1986 and served until 1994. K. Eren founded Geo Tech
Consulting (GTC) in 1997, offering services in geomatics engineering and
planning. Now, GTC is working under the umbrella of the GeoTech Group with
offices in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the USA and Libya, and K. Eren is the
owner/acting CEO of the Group.
The Group has over 100 technical staff, and has executed numerous projects in
the fields of geomatics engineering, including mapping, data conversion and
integration, image processing, GIS/GPS applications, vehicle tracking and so on.
|
|
|
