Mapping out Geospatial Uses

Geospatial, as a strict term, means data that is related to a location. In the government space, Geospatial has been used interchangeably with GIS - or Geographic Information Systems - which refers to technology that uses geospatial data. GIS has long been a key technology for the military and intelligence communities to help map out and gain visibility into areas for combat or missions. But as the availability of geographic data grows through the use of GPS applications, drones, and IoT technologies, the use of GIS is expanding across government.

GIS is a key tool in disaster response helping overlay available resources and assets onto maps of areas impacted by floods or fires. It can also be used to map in real time the location of hazards such as downed power lines.

GIS is also being used by law enforcement. In one case, a boy had gone missing, suspected to be abducted. The boy posted a photo to Instagram and the image, taken from what seemed to be an apartment window, included a sign on a bank across the street. An analyst looked up branch locations and cross-referenced the addresses with online maps, but could not get a location that seemed to be a possible match. When they took that data and loaded it into a GIS system that took a top-down look at locations they were able to pinpoint the location of the child.

Urban sprawl and growth is also being managed with GIS. The city of Durham, NC uses aerial imagery to get a better look at changes being done to properties that impact land use, water runoff, and drainage.

There are several upcoming events focused on GIS as well as others that include discussion of the application of geospatial technology. Continue reading

GovSec Conference Delivers Comprehensive Agenda to Prepare Government Security Professionals to Handle 21st Century Threats

Originally posted on Fort Mill Times

Seven Tracks Focus on Strategies and Tactics for Addressing Emergency Situations, Disasters and Cyber Attacks

WASHINGTON --

With an increase need to prevent and respond to incidents impacting our nation on a local, state and federal scale, government agencies, law enforcement and first responders have realized that they all have a stake in protecting their communities and the homeland from natural disasters and manmade threats. Scheduled for May 13-15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., GovSec - the Government Security Conference and Expo, taking place in conjunction with TREXPO and CPM East - is presenting seven paid conference tracks that will help enable these security professionals to engage effectively in a national approach to prevention, mitigation and response to 21st century threats.

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FOSE 2013 Announces Comprehensive Cloud and Virtualization Track

Originally posted by ConnellyWorks

Sessions to Explore Risks and Benefits of Implementing Cloud and Virtualization Services

FOSE 2013 will highlight the growing importance of cost-saving tactics in a budget-driven world by offering a track dedicated to cloud and virtualization, presented by leading government authorities in this space.  FOSE 2013 will take place May 14-16 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

"In a post-event survey, nearly half of FOSE 2012's attendees stated they wanted to learn more about cloud and virtualization," said Mike Eason, Vice President, Public Sector Events, 1105 Media, Inc.  "With agency budgets in limbo, this topic will continue to gain popularity as it offers solutions for doing more with less.  By offering a track dedicated to cloud and virtualization, we're providing attendees the opportunity to learn more about the implementation and best practices of utilizing these services for their agency."

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Government Big Data Solutions Award: Have You Nominated Yet?

Originally posted on CTO Vision by

 

If you are a government IT leader or a firm that serves government please take a moment to give us your thoughts. We are looking for Big Data solutions in the government space that are making positive contributions to government missions. Nominees for the Government Big Data Solutions Award will be evaluated by a panel of judges and publicly recognized this fall on our CTOvision.com site and at the Hadoop World NYC.  Nomination is easy! We just need a little info to get started. More on the award, its background and objectives is below:

As a reader of CTOvision.com you are aware of the interesting situation we face with data today: The amount of data being created is growing faster than humans can analyze, but fast analysis over data can help humanity solve some very tough challenges. This fact is moving the globe towards new "Big Data" solutions.

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