Pixxel Partners With Sanborn to Arm Customers With Hyperspectral Data

Pixxel, a leader in cutting-edge hyperspectral earth-imaging technology, announced a partnership with Sanborn, a leading geospatial solutions company at the forefront of spatial data collection.

Using Pixxel’s hyperspectral dataset, Sanborn will equip their customers with advanced insights to solve problems as varied as agriculture crop and forestry health monitoring, exploration for minerals and mining, natural resource management, monitoring the impacts of extreme events – flood, storm, wildfire – and much more.

Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, commented, “Hyperspectral data revolutionizes industries from mining to agriculture by providing a new level of analysis on the electromagnetic spectrum. This partnership will provide Sanborn customers with a crucial tool to make faster and more informed decisions for their businesses.”

“Pixxel is expanding the boundaries of data available to the geospatial analyst that we can leverage to benefit our customers,” said John Copple, Sanborn President and CEO. “It is a perfect complement to our core capabilities in aerial survey, imagery, lidar, and high-definition mapping.”

“Pixxel data brings additional insights because it gives us access to >100 bands across the visible to the infrared spectrum at bandwidths of < 10nm, far more than traditional multispectral imaging,” said Srini Dharmapuri, Sanborn VP and Chief Technology Officer. “Sanborn has the capability to help customers exploit these new imaging resources.”

Pixxel is building a constellation of hyperspectral satellites that can capture images at hundreds of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum and reveal key data about the planet’s health. Pixxel’s constellation and advanced data analytics platform will provide up to 10x more insight compared to today’s multispectral satellites in space.

“We are excited about this partnership given Sanborn’s 150-year legacy and track record being a full stack GIS solution provider in the United States,” said Aakash Parekh, Chief Commercial Officer, Pixxel. “We are keen to work with Sanborn to bring our hyperspectral dataset to the agriculture, forestry, and energy entities of the US Government along with extending our reach to their extensive customer network.”

The new partnership will allow Pixxel to further its vision to build a health monitor for the planet. With three pathfinders already in space, Pixxel has signed up 45+ direct early adopters and over 60 resellers around the world. Most recently, Pixxel announced a $36 Million Series B funding round and a 5-year contract with the NRO Commercial Systems Program Office (CSPO) for the Strategic Commercial Enhancements for Commercial Hyperspectral Capabilities program. For more information visit www.pixxel.space.

Sanborn Joins Overture Maps Foundation to Advance Open Map Data at a Global Scale

Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 10, 2023) – The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. (Sanborn) announces membership in the Overture Maps Foundation as a Contributor Member. The Overture Maps Foundation is a new collaboration founded by Amazon Web Services, Meta, Microsoft, and TomTom as part of the Linux Foundation for the purpose of creating reliable, easy-to-use, and interoperable open map data for the globe.

“Sanborn is thrilled to become a member of the Overture Foundation,” said John Copple, Chief Executive Officer. “Producing useful map data at scale is something Sanborn has been doing for 157 years. Contributing to the Overture Maps Foundation is a natural extension of our mission and work.”

“We’re excited to have the Sanborn team joining as members of the Overture Maps Foundation. Sanborn brings a rich history and dedication to creating high accuracy and high-quality mapped data. Their presence on the team brings a new dimension that will help us reach our goal of providing open map data at a global scale for map services providers,” said Marc Prioleau, Executive Director, Overture Maps Foundation.

About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.

Sanborn has an unbroken record of mapping that began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is pioneering an approach, Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions, that helps customers meet their information needs, overcome technology adoption challenges, and integrate location intelligence into everyday operations. Sanborn Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions expertly combine aerial, ground, and mobile imagery and lidar data acquisition and mapping with geospatial IT problem solving, spatial analysis, custom application development, GIS strategic planning, cloud-based mapping platforms, commercial imagery, our own geospatial SAAS solutions, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options. Each solution is tailored to the needs and circumstances of Sanborn customers.
Sanborn Hires Richard Butgereit as Chief Information Officer

Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 3, 2023) – The Sanborn Map Company, Inc (Sanborn) is pleased to announce that it has hired Richard Butgereit to be its Chief Information Office (CIO).

Richard has decades of experience in enterprise information management and IT team leadership and a deep understanding of geospatial data and information technologies that he gained as CIO for the Florida Division of Emergency Management and while serving as Director of Catastrophe Response for Vexcel/Geospatial Insurance Consortium (GIC).

“Richard brings to our team the ideal combination of expertise and experience; he knows how to manage enterprise IT operations, and he is an expert in the effective use of geospatial technologies,” said John Copple, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

In this role, Richard will be responsible for overseeing Sanborn’s Information Technology (IT) needs, which includes managing and implementing technology (both hardware and software) and software development to support the company’s goals.

“Richard will ensure Sanborn continues to use the best technologies and systems that match our vision of providing Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions tailored to the needs of our customers,” said Copple.

“Joining Sanborn is a great opportunity, and I am excited to work with the talented, highly experienced, and dedicated team in place here at Sanborn,” said Butgereit. “Sanborn is already an established leader in data acquisition and the creation of innovative geospatial tools and SAAS solutions that serve our customers, and with the addition of our AppGeo Division rounding out our complete geospatial solutions, I am looking forward to leading our IT strategy across the company to new heights.”

About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.

Sanborn has an unbroken record of mapping that began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is pioneering an approach, Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions, that helps customers meet their information needs, overcome technology adoption challenges, and integrate location intelligence into everyday operations. Sanborn’s Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions expertly combine aerial, ground, and mobile imagery and lidar data acquisition and mapping with geospatial IT problem solving, spatial analysis, custom application development, GIS strategic planning, cloud-based mapping platforms, commercial imagery, our own geospatial SAAS solutions, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options.
Strategies for Effectively Implementing the State BEAD Challenge Process (Part 2)

When Should States Initiate Their State Challenge Process?

By Justin Fazzari, Senior Broadband Strategist –

This is the second in a two-part series that analyzes the question, When Should States Initiate Their State Challenge Process? Click here to return to Part 1.

If the term “Challenge Process” has become confusing, you’re right.  In this blog, I discuss some issues states should be considering before deciding when to initiate their State Challenge Process.  

The purpose of the State Challenge Process is to give state stakeholders an opportunity to challenge the classification of every unserved or underserved location that is eligible for BEAD funds, eligibility and determination of Community Anchor Institutions, enforceable commitments and planned service. 

When mapping out the timing of the State Challenge Process, some parameters to keep in mind are that states can initiate their State Challenge Process once the Initial Proposal Volume 1 is approved, and Volume 2 is submitted to NTIA. However, states do not have to immediately initiate their State Challenge Process, so when is the best time to do so? In my view, the answer is; it depends. 

What are Some Scenarios and Criteria for Initiating the State Challenge Process Sooner? 

There are several reasons that a state may want to initiate their State Challenge Process as soon as possible. States may simply want to adopt the map that their allocation was based on. Political leadership may favor expediency to move the BEAD program ahead as quickly as possible. States may feel comfortable that the current map is accurate enough in reflecting the universe of broadband serviceable locations and their status as unserved, underserved and served locations. States may also have had most of their Fabric and BDC Challenges adjudicated. 

If states did not submit many Fabric or BDC Challenges and thus are not waiting for challenges to be adjudicated, there would be little reason to delay. Finally, if states did submit a significant number of challenges but are not winning enough of those challenges, it may not be worth waiting for more challenge adjudication.  

There are also opportunity costs as all of the unserved and underserved areas will have to wait longer for infrastructure work to get underway. There are cost inflation considerations such as supply chain, labor and material prices. We are already seeing RDOF winners suggesting remedies to the FCC for the increasing deployment cost estimates as they report that the winning RDOF bids are no longer sufficient. There is also the risk of unobligated funds being clawed back in future federal budget negotiations. 

We have been discussing that there are scenarios where a future version of the National Broadband Map creates less favorable conditions for a state, such as a large number of locations that were serviceable through BEAD are no longer serviceable because of new provider availability data. The effect being a reduction in the locations that a state can service with BEAD funding and reducing how many BSLs can be serviced with future-proof technology solutions such as fiber to the home. We have seen this exact scenario play out in states we are supporting.  

What are Some Scenarios and Criteria for Initiating the State Challenge Process at a Later Date? 

The State Challenge Process requires states to develop a public-facing “challenge portal,” which, based on the guidance, needs to be developed to accommodate the challenges and rebuttals from eligible entities. Note that eligible entities are limited to local and tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and ISPs.  This will require development time, expertise, testing and validation. We recommend that states allow adequate time for a challenge portal to be developed and tested so that sufficient time is available to handle all aspects of the challenge process, including additional requirements that states may choose to build into their State Challenge Process.  One example is the inclusion of public speed tests that must be conducted under defined circumstances, per the NTIA guidance.   

States should also consider issues relating to Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) since states need to do their own research to define and map CAI locations. Much of this data will need to be compiled from authoritative state sources as there are not many comprehensive nationwide sources. 

If states are thinking that they want to wait until the Initial Proposal submission deadline, this may be so they have time to review and compare the next semiannual FCC map release. There is an argument to be made that each version of the map should increase in accuracy through adding and removing serviceable locations based on the four FCC BSL Fabric change criteria.  The map should also be improved with updated BDC Availability data filed with the FCC by providers. States may also want to conduct more data analysis on the results of additional challenges to the Fabric and the BDC data. 

Broadband serviceable locations still missing at this point, including those that are awaiting challenge adjudication, are likely to be some of the harder types to validate, such as poorly addressed locations on tribal lands or very rural locations and could therefore be high priority locations for BEAD funding. If so, waiting for the adjudication to be completed may be an important consideration.  If these high-priority location challenges are rejected, states may want to gather additional evidence and resubmit FCC challenges.  

When Should States Initiate the State Challenge Process? 

The sooner states believe that the existing FCC map reflects actual broadband availability in their communities, the sooner they may want to initiate the State Challenge Process.  

There are a few steps states can take to hone in on the best timing to initiate their State Challenge Process. These can include audits of challenges to date, in order to answer a few key questions like how many challenges have been submitted, how many were accepted, rejected and awaiting adjudication? There is also the potential for new challenges or the resubmission of rejections. States that were highly engaged in the FCC Challenge processes will likely be more comfortable conceptualizing, developing and testing their own State Challenge Process and thus may be able to move faster. 

Engaging in a Comprehensive, Data Driven, Strategic Approach to the State Challenge Process 

With the level of funding that is available through BEAD, states should be focusing on comprehensive, data driven, strategic approaches to inform decision making about the best State Challenge Process for their state in light of the NTIA BEAD Model Challenge Process Guidance. The most useful Challenge Process portals will be agile and flexible to allow states to manage their State Challenge Process in a way that aligns with NTIA guidelines, but also ensures the state is able to include their own unique criteria where applicable.  

While the focus here has been on the timing of the State Challenge Process, a comprehensive, data driven, strategic approach should also be applied to management of the BEAD program and any other broadband focused programs.  This approach will help ensure states have a good understanding of potential/existing gaps in availability across the state and what populations they represent demographically/economically. It will also help support states’ digital equity efforts and tribal outreach.  

And Then There is Cost Modeling… 

While the State Challenge Process will be a big lift, states should also be developing cost models to analyze the potential cost of delivering broadband across existing and newly adjudicated unserved and underserved BSLs.  Of course the CostQuest Cost model is in the forefront of many people’s minds but other models like the RDOF reverse auction model and other proprietary models will help provide a range of prices to assist states in better managing their subgrantee selection process. In the spirit of the BEAD program, states will want to develop and implement an approach to make sure the highest cost and hardest to connect locations are not left behind. An investment in these types of analytics will improve the ultimate outcomes of the BEAD program. 

What’s Next? 

Now that states have a framework for thinking about the timing of the BEAD State Challenge Process and what version of the National Broadband Map to use (see blog #1 in this series), they will need to look at defining their State Challenge Process, building out their Challenge Portal and developing their state cost model.  
Strategies for Effectively Implementing the State BEAD Challenge Process (Part 1)

Which Version of the National Broadband Maps Should States Use for the Challenge Process?

By Justin Fazzari, Senior Broadband Strategist – 

This is the first in a two-part series that analyzes the question, Which Version of the National Broadband Maps Should States Use for the Challenge Process? Click here to jump to Part 2. 

If the term “Challenge Process” has become confusing, you’re right. It’s understandably confusing because when NTIA issued the final State “BEAD Challenge Process” policy notice in June, that notice created a third challenge process for states to focus on. So, let’s go through each of these challenge processes for clarity.  

What are the FCC Fabric and BDC Challenge Processes? 

The original two Challenge Processes (still ongoing) are the FCC CostQuest Fabric and FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Availability Challenges. The Fabric Challenge allows states to submit location-specific modifications to the Fabric data for the FCC’s consideration. The goal of this process is to collaboratively develop with state stakeholders the most accurate map of all broadband serviceable locations. These modifications primarily involve the addition or removal of broadband serviceable locations in the FCC CostQuest Fabric. The second challenge process is the FCC BDC Availability Challenge, where states challenge the broadband service being reported by ISPs for specific locations on the map to more correctly categorize whether those locations are served, underserved or unserved. While many states are winding down their Fabric and BDC Challenges, these procedures remain open on a rolling basis. At AppGeo, a division of Sanborn, we are advising our state clients to continue to monitor changes to the Fabric and BDC data and to continue filing challenges. There will be downstream implications for BEAD monitoring and implementation as the map continues to evolve over time. 

The New BEAD State Challenge Process 

The BEAD Challenge Process requires each state to create a public-facing portal where nonprofits, units of local or tribal government, and ISPs may challenge the version of the National Broadband Map that the state has chosen to use for identifying locations to be funded through their BEAD program. The spirit of this effort is to allow states to increase the accuracy of the FCC BDC Availability data. As previously mentioned, the FCC Fabric challenge process is rolling, so there is the potential for new locations to be added or removed. If your state has more work to do here, it’s time to get moving. 

After the June allocation announcement and publication of the updated BEAD Challenge Process Guidance, our team immediately started to hear questions from our state broadband clients. Two of those concerns are:  

  1. Which version of the National Broadband Map should they choose for the State Challenge Process? 
  2. When should they plan to initiate the State Challenge Process? 

Fortunately, the NTIA has provided guidance but the answers to these critical questions are not necessarily obvious. In this blog, I will address the first question about which National Broadband Map version to use.  

Researching this has been an interesting journey with some important implications for each state’s BEAD Program. States should ensure that they understand all the factors that can impact and inform the choice of the FCC National Broadband Map. Each state is in a slightly different position depending on how they approached the FCC Fabric and BDC Availability Challenges. Their decision will partially depend on which and how many challenges are still unresolved and what their success rate has been. Additionally, states will inevitably make different strategic decisions on how to develop and conduct their State Challenge Process. 

What is the BEAD Initial and Final Proposal Timeline? 

There are a lot of details in the BEAD NOFO and subsequent Challenge Process Guidance that explain the timelines surrounding the submission and approval of BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1 & 2. Here are a few main points to keep in mind:  

  • NTIA’s announcement of BEAD allocation on June 30, 2023, set December 27, 2023 as the deadline for submission of the Initial Proposal Volume 1 & 2. 
  • States are encouraged to submit Volume 1 (defining their State Challenge Process) first, in order to get approval of their State Challenge Process, which we have been recommending. 
  • This will allow states the flexibility to begin their State Challenge Process as soon as Volume 2 has been submitted to NTIA. 
  • NTIA’s approval of the Initial Proposal starts the 365-day clock to submit the Final Proposal. 

NTIA Guidelines for Choosing Which National Broadband Map Version to Use for the Initial Proposal and Challenge Process 

For the Initial Proposal, states are required to use the “most recently published National Broadband Maps as of the date of submission of the Initial Proposal.”  Once the Initial Proposal is approved, states will decide when to initiate their State Challenge Process.  

NTIA encourages using the most recent version of the National Broadband Map before initiating the State Challenge Process. NTIA provides extra emphasis for using the most recent version if more than 60 days have passed since the Initial Proposal approval. If states are following NTIA’s Model Challenge Process, there are some additional clarifications, but these align closely with what has been provided here. States have the option to update their post-challenge data to reflect updates to the National Broadband Map that occur after conclusion of the challenge process. This may allow states to get more fabric locations added after the State Challenge Process. 

Waiting for Future Releases of the National Broadband Map May Improve State Data 

We have been supporting states by looking at issues such as the likelihood that changes resulting from challenges to the BDC Availability data are significant and large enough that states should wait for future releases. The key is to evaluate whether a state is having success through the BDC Challenge process, how many outstanding challenges there are and expectations about how many challenges will ultimately be accepted. States must weigh accepting the current FCC map vs. waiting for future semi-annual updates that may be more accurate as a result of ongoing fabric and broadband availability updates. This is because additional locations (Fabric data) cannot be added through the State Challenge Process. The only way to add locations is via the FCC Fabric Challenge Process. Changes in broadband availability data can be challenged through both the FCC BDC Challenge process and the State Challenge Process. States can rely on NTIA guidance and their own unique requirements to develop a State Challenge Process that they believe will most improve their availability data.  

It should be noted that states are not necessarily locked into using the State Challenge version of the map for BEAD implementation. States are able to update their post-challenge data to reflect the most recent National Broadband map after the conclusion of the State Challenge Process.  

Unintended Consequences of Waiting for Future National Broadband Map Releases 

Waiting for changes to the BDC availability data could have unintended consequences such as ISPs adding new data that could significantly decrease the number of unserved and underserved locations. We saw this working with one of our state partners when a significant number of locations were recategorized as served under the FCC “LBR” (licensed by rule, a subcategory of fixed wireless broadband) category.  

A Comprehensive, Data Driven, Strategic Approach Will Help States Evaluate the Choice of National Broadband Map Versions for their State Challenge Process 

We have been analyzing many scenarios to assist with states’ decision making and are engaging in complex geospatial analytics and mapping exercises to support states making the best decision possible for their unique situation. We are drilling into the data to analyze whether the state’s data is changing, how much it is changing and whether it is improving from the state’s perspective. We are comparing variances between FCC data releases to quantify this and then using that knowledge to develop prediction models for the next version of the FCC BSL Fabric and BDC Service Availability. We are examining possibilities like the new biannual FCC map reducing unserved or underserved areas through increased reporting from providers that do not offer future proof broadband solutions, resulting in a real impact on a state’s implementation plans. We have seen through BDC Availability reporting that ISPs without this futureproof technology can cause massive swings in state funding allocations. Luckily, NTIA provides guidance for how states can strategically address this issue within their State Challenge Process. 

What’s Next? 

Once a state has strategically thought through which version of the National Broadband Map to use, the question becomes, what is the optimal timing to initiate their State Challenge Process? There are a set of strategic issues that I explore in my next blog, “When Should States Initiate the State Challenge Process?”. 
Sanborn promotes Morgen Healy to General Manager of the AppGeo Division

Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 25, 2023) – The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. (Sanborn) is pleased to announce the promotion of Morgen Healy to General Manager of the AppGeo Division.

Morgen has extensive technical and leadership experience in the geospatial industry after having served as AppGeo’s Vice President of Services (AppGeo was acquired by Sanborn in 2022). “Morgen has been instrumental in driving growth and expanding the capabilities in the AppGeo Division,” stated Kate Hickey, Chief Operating Officer of Sanborn.

In her new role, Morgen will be responsible for running day-to-day business and operations across her team, as well as collaborating with the other Sanborn Divisions. “She will work closely with Senior Management and the General Managers of Sanborn’s Mapping, On-site and Content Divisions to ensure continued success,” described Hickey.

Morgen’s two decades in the geospatial industry have allowed her to gain valuable experience building, growing, and leading teams. “We are confident in Morgen’s ability to lead the Division, integrating AppGeo products and services into the Sanborn suite of offerings,” said Ms. Hickey.

“I am thrilled to take on this next phase of my career,” said Healy. “The opportunities at Sanborn feel boundless and I look forward to the team’s growth and success.”

About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.

Sanborn has an unbroken record of mapping that began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is pioneering an approach, Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions, that helps customers meet their information needs, overcome technology adoption challenges, and integrate location intelligence into everyday operations. Sanborn Comprehensive Geospatial Solutions expertly combine aerial, ground, and mobile imagery and lidar data acquisition and mapping with geospatial IT problem solving, spatial analysis, custom application development, GIS strategic planning, cloud-based mapping platforms, commercial imagery, our own geospatial SAAS solutions, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options. Each solution is tailored to the needs and circumstances of our customers.
Sanborn Appoints Kate Hickey as Chief Operating Officer

Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 17, 2023) – The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. (Sanborn) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Hickey as Chief Operating Officer.

Kate has extensive leadership, project management, strategic planning, and business development experience in the geospatial industry after having served as the COO of Applied Geographics, Inc. (AppGeo), which was acquired by Sanborn in 2022. “Kate demonstrates all the qualities necessary to assume leadership of our overall daily operations” stated John Copple, Chief Executive Officer of Sanborn.

In her new role, Kate will be responsible for the operational aspects of the Mapping, Onsite Services, and AppGeo Divisions of Sanborn. “She will work with the Senior Management Team at Sanborn to implement the strategic vision and values of our firm and help ensure our continued success,” said Copple.

During her tenure spanning over two decades in the geospatial industry, Kate has gathered valuable experience leading organizations and teams to deliver excellence to clients while driving sustainable growth. “We expect the transition to the COO role of Sanborn to be seamless as Kate has been participating in the operations of Sanborn since the acquisition” said Mr. Copple.

“This is a great opportunity, and I am excited to be leading the operations of Sanborn, now in its 157th year of business,” said Hickey. “Sanborn has already proven itself a leader in the GIS industry and is at the forefront of rapidly evolving geospatial technologies. I am looking forward to helping realize the true potential of bringing together Sanborn and AppGeo.”

About The Sanborn Map Company Inc.

Sanborn has delivered state-of-the-art mapping since 1866. Today, Sanborn is one of the nation’s premier trusted providers of geospatial data and comprehensive geospatial solutions. Sanborn combines the latest aerial, ground, and mobile imagery and lidar data with expanded geospatial IT problem solving, spatial analysis, application development, GIS strategic planning, licensing for commercial data, APIs, and our own SAAS solutions, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options.
Sanborn Employee Doug Browning Wins “MVP” at ESRI UC 2023

Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 13, 2023) – The BLM Assessment, Inventory & Monitoring (AIM) Program Team includes members from multiple internal and external entities including The Sanborn Map Company. One individual on the AIM team, contractor Doug Browning from Sanborn, was recognized as a 2023 Top 3 ESRI Community MVP.

Each year, Esri recognizes about 50 Community MVPs from their total community user base. An Esri Community MVP is a GIS community member who makes a significant number of valued contributions to the Community, and who is recognized as an “influencer and trusted adviser”. Browning was recognized as a Top 3 MVP for receiving the most “Kudos” for his answers, with 1630 Kudos received.

For the past 5 years, as a Sanborn employee, Doug has worked as a GIS architect, designing and developing web and/or desktop-based geospatial tools for resources within BLM’s AIM Strategy program (Terrestrial, Lotic, Wetland and Riparian), PFC (Proper Functioning Condition), and MIM (Multiple Indicator Monitoring), which provide high quality information about ecosystem conditions and trends for decision making. In 2022, the AIM team (including Doug) were presented with a Special Achievement award in GIS (SAG) for their outstanding work developing a cloud-based data collection platform.

About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.

Sanborn has delivered state-of-the-art mapping since 1866. Today, Sanborn is one of the nation’s premier trusted providers of geospatial data and comprehensive geospatial solutions. Sanborn combines the latest aerial, ground, and mobile imagery and lidar data with expanded geospatial IT problem solving, spatial analysis, application development, GIS strategic planning, licensing for commercial data, APIs, and our own SAAS solutions, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options. If you’re interested in learning more about how Sanborn can provide talent for your organization, learn more at sanborn.com/gis-client-staffing-services.

Maximizing the Usefulness of Lidar Data

Maximizing the Usefulness of Lidar Data Webinar

About this Webinar

Over the last decade we have witnessed the shift from low resolution elevation models to engineering level lidar elevation models. This shift has been paralleled by advances in lidar technology that allow us to visualize, analyze and create derivative 3D models and enhanced terrain data from lidar point clouds with amazing accuracy.

This webinar will show how to maximize the usefulness of lidar data by leveraging those derivative models and data products. Our experts, Jason Caldwell, VP of Business Development and Sales, and Srini Dharmapuri, PhD, VP and Chief Scientist, will:

  • Explore a range of useful derivative products from lidar point clouds providing examples of how they can be used in modeling and analysis.
  • Demonstrate tools for managing, visualizing, and sharing lidar data products so that a wider range of users can benefit.

In addition to elevation models, the derivative point cloud product types that we will explore include:

  • Topography and Terrain
  • Land Cover and Enhanced Vegetation
  • Hydrography
  • 2D/3D Buildings and Digital Twin Base Maps
Sanborn, an Authority in 3D Models, pioneers the Digital Twin Base Map

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 2, 2023) – Cities and counties now have a powerful new tool at their disposal with the release of the Digital Twin Base Map. Developed by leading tech firm The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn), this innovative technology sets a new standard for urban analysis, implementation of Digital Cities, navigation, and planning with a fundamental transformation from a 2D map environment to a 3D environment.

Sanborn’s Digital Twin Base Map is a high-resolution 3D map providing reliable mapping information with the authenticity and accuracy that Sanborn is known for. The mapping captures the full complexity of an entire city or region’s infrastructure and environment in a single, integrated data set. Sanborn creates its Digital Twin Base Maps using a combination of remote sensing data, high-quality aerial photography, and advanced machine learning algorithms that can detect and model everything from buildings and streets to vegetation and topography.

Sanborn’s most recent Digital Twin Base Map delivered to a proprietary customer covers more than 400 square miles (about the area of San Antonio, Texas), and built to a specification of 3-inch resolution with an accuracy of 2 pixels RMSE.

What sets Sanborn’s Digital Twin Base Map apart is that it is fully customizable and can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications, including use within 3D GIS (Geographic Information Systems) such as Esri, and computer aided design (CAD) as well as other software used in gaming and viewing. The Digital Twin Base Map can be combined with other data to model and simulate energy and water consumption, analyze thermal and other emissions, simulate traffic flows and pedestrian movement, and analyze areas at risk from natural disasters.

“We believe that the Digital Twin Base Map is a game-changer for urban planning,” said John Copple, CEO of Sanborn, who recently presented the Benefits of Digital Twins for Smarter Cities on a panel at the international GeoBUIZ summit. “The Digital Twin Base Map provides an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy that can help planners make more informed decisions, reduce costs and environmental impact, and create more livable and sustainable cities.”

About The Sanborn Map Company

Sanborn (www.sanborn.com) has delivered state-of-the-art mapping since 1866. Today, Sanborn operates a fleet of aircraft located strategically across the United States, and specializes in oblique aerial imagery, aerial and mobile LiDAR, aerial orthophotography, 3D modeling and visualization software and services, indoor mapping, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) services, and image processing. With the acquisition of Applied Geographics (www.AppGeo.com) in 2022, Sanborn is now one of the nation’s premier providers of complete geospatial solutions. Sanborn + AppGeo combine the latest aerial, ground and mobile imagery and lidar data with expanded geospatial IT consulting, enterprise GIS strategic planning, commercial data and API licensing, pre-built SAAS solutions, custom geospatial application development, and a range of managed and onsite GIS services options.