PCI Geomatics releases Geomatica 2012 Service Pack 3

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—July 25, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it has released Geomatica 2012, Service Pack 3 (SP3).

This release contains maintenance fixes and includes all updates delivered since Geomatica 2012 Service Pack 2. The update is available for both Windows and Linux-based operating systems.

Geomatica 2012 SP3 also includes support for Pléiades 1A; the first sensor in the Pléiades constellation of satellites. The first satellite was launched on December 15, 2011 and captures very-high-resolution optical images for defense and as civilian clients.

“PCI constantly strives to be first to market with support for the latest sensors,” said Peter Hazlett, Product Manager at PCI Geomatics. “Our rapid response to the launch of new imaging sensors helps keep our customers at the forefronts of their respective fields.”

It is recommended that customers using Geomatica 2012 download and install this service pack at their earliest convenience to ensure the highest-quality experience when working with the software. The service pack can be accessed by visiting the updates page at www.pcigeomatics.com/updates.

Customers who have any questions or run into issues with the installation should contact PCI’s Support team at support@pcigeomatics.com, or visit the support site at www.pcigeomatics.com/support.

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com.

Press Contact

Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com

Twitter: @pcigeomatics

Geomatica 2013 Beta Software Released

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—July 10, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it has successfully launched the beta version of its desktop software, Geomatica 2013.

The commercial release of Geomatica 2013 will build upon PCI’s successful Geomatica 2012 product, which was launched last fall. The beta program offers testers the opportunity to work with the latest version of Geomatica, where improvements have been made in key areas:

• Faster, efficient workflows for large image-processing projects (100 to 1,000 scenes/project)
•  Atmospheric Correction – new, easy-to-use interface for automated detection/masking of clouds as well as haze removal
• Improved results for the extraction of digital elevation models from high*resolution imagery

The purpose of the closed beta program is to give existing PCI customers and partners an opportunity to test the new functionality that has been built into the software – functionality driven by customer and market feedback. Beta testers will work directly with Peter Hazlett, PCI’s Geomatica Product Manager, providing valuable comments and feedback.

“We are extremely pleased to have such a broad range of beta program participants, who will be testing the new areas where we have made significant improvements,” said Peter Hazlett. “PCI has a long tradition of working with its customers and partners to continue to improve its products, and we greatly value the time and effort beta testers will contribute to ensure the Geomatica 2013 release is a top-notch product.”

Geomatica 2013 includes hundreds of improvements to several areas, including Focus, OrthoEngine, Fly!, and SAR analysis. The software will offer support for additional satellite, aerial, and UAV sensors, as well as improved support for data formats. In addition, the software will include improved performance through new OpenMP-enabled versions of key algorithms (DEM extraction, Automated GCP and tie point extraction, and epipolar pair generation, among several others).

Geomatica represents a key product for PCI’s broad array of scalable, high-speed image processing software solutions. Technology is developed and implemented across PCI’s technology stack, making it possible for customers to leverage the right solution for their processing requirements. Projects of any size can be addressed using PCI’s innovative desktop and enterprise image processing solutions.

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com/geomatica

Press Contact

Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com

Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI’s Professional Production team to map the Philippines at 0.5m resolution using GeoEye imagery

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—June 28, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it will be providing advanced image processing services to Geo-Surveys and Mapping Inc. (GSMI) to produce a high-quality 0.5 meter
pansharpened, color-balanced mosaic of the Philippines. The final deliverable will be used by the Department of Agriculture in the Philippines.

GSMI turned to PCI’s Professional Production team to process over 304,000 square kilometers of GeoEye imagery, recognizing the high caliber of expertise and advanced production methods available through PCI’s new service offering. A key deciding factor for GSMI in selecting PCI’s Professional Production Services was to reduce overall project risk by leveraging the expertise and know-how developed at PCI for the last 30 years, ensuring that high-quality final deliverables are produced in a timely manner for their end customer.

“There are some considerable challenges in mapping the Philippines, an archipelago comprising more than 7,100 islands,” said Brad Schmidt, VP of Sales and Marketing at PCI Geomatics. “Persistent cloud cover, discontinuous land areas, and incomplete coverage are some of the issues that we must address. The GeoImaging Accelerator (GXL) system used by the Professional Production team leverages industry leading color balancing algorithms that were developed in-house; these have been very successful in dealing with the discontinuous imagery. Using GXL, PCI is working diligently to meet the geometric and radiometric accuracy requirements in a timely fashion.”

The imagery collected by GeoEye consists of 0.5 m panchromatic and 2.0 m multispectral data, which is processed by PCI Geomatics in an end-to-end workflow that includes multiple processing steps controlled through quality assurance methods. The workflow includes orthorectification, pansharpening, and mosaicking – the resolution of the final product will be 0.5 m, and the target accuracy will be 2.0 m CE90 – providing a base data set that can be used to produce 1:2,500 scale maps. The project is expected to be completed over an 18 month period; its duration is mainly driven by the availability of cloud-free imagery.

PCI Geomatics has recently introduced Professional Production Services and continues to provide solutions to a number of clients including Esri Inc., which selected PCI to process 50 million square kilometers of Ikonos imagery using GXL deployed to the Amazon Cloud.

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com/services

Press Contact

Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com

Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI Geomatics and Discovery Air to jointly offer Fire Mapping Services in Ontario, Canada

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—May 24, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it will be jointly offering fire mapping services in Northern Ontario with Discovery Air Fire Services Inc. (DAFS) during the upcoming 2012 forest fire season.

DAFS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery Air, has been active for over 60 years, supplying airborne fire management services to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and other authorities responsible for firefighting in Canada. With the increasing complexity and frequency of forest fires in recent years, DAFS has added a new High Level Infrared (HLIR) sensor to its fixed wing fleet, to provide intelligence to wildfire Incident Commanders, Fire Managers, and Fire Duty Officers on a daily basis. The HLIR system consists of a Firemapper camera and operations console, which is used by DAFS to collect thermal and visual imagery during response operations.

One of the key challenges with the imagery collected by the DAFS Firemapper system is rapid and accurate processing of imagery that is collected, in order to prepare mission-critical maps in near real-time. This is especially helpful to understand the effectiveness of firefighting efforts and adjust plans on a daily basis. DAFS, together with PCI Geomatics, will implement an operational system to derive accurate, up-to-date maps based on imagery collected using the Firemapper system. Leveraging PCI’s rigorous technology to process the individual images collected by the camera, DAFS will prepare GIS-ready maps for operational briefings, providing the most up-to-date, accurate fire status information.

The enhanced end-to-end workflow will greatly enhance the situational awareness capability of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, through the provision of accurate, map-based fire information that will be collected and delivered within hours of capture. The services will be offered through DAFS’ Northern Ontario operations, which is capable of responding to emergencies across Ontario’s forest fire danger areas.

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com.

About Discovery Air Fire Services Inc. (DAFS)

DAFS is a Northern Ontario-based Aerial Operations Company which has been active in the Canadian Aviation industry for over 60 years. DAFS is a premier provider of special-mission aircraft.  DAFS has established Aircraft and Flight Operations bases with Airframe, Line, and Component maintenance bases at Dryden, Kenora, and Sudbury Ontario. Additionally, the company supports Satellite Flight Operations base at Geraldton and Chapleau. With over 140 aircraft, it is one of the largest air operators in Canada, employing more than 850 flight crew, maintainers, and support staff to deliver a variety of air transport, maintenance, and logistics solutions to its government, airline and business customers.

About Discovery Air Inc.

Discovery Air Inc. is a Canadian specialty aviation company, operating over 150 aircraft with approximately 850 team members. Its subsidiaries provide airborne training to the Canadian military; air ambulance services; airborne fire services; helicopter operations; fixed-wing air charter services; expediting and logistics support; and a range of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, engineering and certification services.

Discovery Air Inc.’s Class A common voting shares and unsecured debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols DA.A and DA.DB.A, respectively).

Press Contact

Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com

Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI Geomatics selected as first recipient of the OGC’s Distinguished Member Award

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—May 1, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it was one of the Consortium's first recipients of the Open Geospatial Consortium’s (OGC) Distinguished Member Award.

The Distinguished Member Award was established by the OGC in 2011 to recognize OGC member organizations that have made substantial, positive, and sustained impacts on one or more areas of the OGC mission accomplishment through a high level of commitment beyond traditional member engagement. The award was granted by the Board to PCI Geomatics in recognition of PCI’s strategic commitment to advancing the mission objectives of the Open Geospatial Consortium in the Asia Pacific region.

Mark Reichardt, OGC President and CEO, commented; “In recent years, PCI has provided OGC with unprecedented access to its regional staff in India, China, and other nations across Asia to increase the visibility of OGC and to encourage standards adoption and stimulate participation in the OGC member process by all nations.” He added, “The OGC also recognizes PCI’s leadership in developing the Global Advisory Council, the brainchild of Dr. Robert Moses – the program ensures underrepresented regions of the world have a voice in the OGC process.”

Terry Moloney, PCI’s President and CEO, accepted the award in person this past March 2012 and stated; “PCI has always been a strong believer in the fundamental mission and purpose of the OGC – to promote open data standards and participation, enabling open access to geospatial information to multi-disciplinary groups working in the fields of GIS and Remote Sensing. Through innovation and access to geospatial information, positive societal changes can be affected. PCI has always believed in these principles and is honored to have been selected as the first recipient for this prestigious award.”

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com.

Press Contact

Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com

Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI Geomatics innovating with new technology to meet demands of the Chilean Geospatial Industry

** La version en español sigue abajo **
RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—April 19, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, recently released new capability in its Geomatica 2012 software, which specifically adds rigorous and automated support for FASat-Charlie.

The newly released version of Geomatica 2012 SP2 now includes support for FASat-Charlie, an optical satellite sensor which was launched on December 16, 2011. The new satellite, which will be administered primarily by the Chilean Ministry of Defense and the Space Agency, includes 1.45m panchromatic and 5.8m multispectral imaging capability.

PCI Geomatics has worked closely with its Chilean partner, Geosoluciones, to secure some of the first images collected by the new satellite, in order to implement sensor-specific automated image correction methods to create highly accurate orthorectified images directly from the imagery. PCI Geomatics is reputed for developing and implementing Rigorous Satellite Models (RSMs) quickly and efficiently as new sensors are launched. The new RSM is available for both Geomatica 2012 (SP2) and PCI’s GeoImaging Accelerator (GXL).

“The ability to quickly and accurately correct imagery using state of the art techniques is a critical aspect of the operational requirements for the Chilean Ministry of Defense,” said Peter Hazlett, Product Manager at PCI Geomatics. “The Chilean Geospatial industry will benefit from fast, accurate image correction capability for FASat-Charlie within Geomatica and/or GXL, permitting the development of new, innovative applications that leverage this sensor in combination with other imagery.”

About PCI Geomatics
PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project. Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com.

To find out more about PCI’s distributor in Chile, please visit: www.geosoluciones.cl.

Press Contact
Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com
Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI Geomatics innovando con nuevas tecnologías para conocer las demandas de la Industria Geoespacial Chilena

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canadá—19 de Abril, 2012: PCI Geomatics, un desarrollador líder-mundial de sistemas y software de geoimágenes, publicó recientemente la nueva capacidad en su software de Geomática 2012 que específicamente se añade soporte riguroso y automatizado para FASat-Charlie.

La nueva versión de Geomática 2012 Service Pack 2 incluye ahora soporte para FASat-Charlie, un sensor del satélite óptico que se puso en marcha el 16 de diciembre de 2011. El nuevo satélite, que será administrado principalmente por el Ministerio de Defensa de Chile y la Agencia Espacial Chilena, incluye una capacidad de imagen de 1,45 m. pancromática y 5.8 multiespectral.

PCI Geomatics ha trabajado en estrecha colaboración con su socio chileno, GEOSOLUCIONES, para obtener algunas de las primeras imágenes adquiridas por el nuevo satélite, con el fin de poner en práctica métodos automatizados de sensores específicos para la corrección de imágenes, con el fin de crear imágenes ortorectificada de gran precisión directamente. PCI Geomatics es conocida por el desarrollo e implementación de modelos rigurosos de Satélites RSM (por sus siglas en ingles) de forma rápida y eficiente una vez que se lancen nuevos sensores. La nueva RSM está disponible tanto para Geomatica 2012 (SP2) como para el GeoImaging Accelerator de PCI (GXL).

“La capacidad de corregir imágenes rápidamente y de forma precisa utilizando las técnicas del estado del arte es un aspecto crítico de los requisitos operacionales para el Ministerio de Defensa de Chile", dijo Peter Hazlett, Gerente del Producto de PCI Geomatics. "La Industria Geoespacial Chilena se beneficiará de la capacidad para la corrección de la imágenes de FASat-Charlie en forma rápida y precisa dentro de los software Geomatica y/o GXL. Esto permitiría el desarrollo de aplicaciones nuevas e innovadoras que aprovechen este sensor en combinación con otras imágenes”.

Acerca de PCI Geomatics
PCI Geomatics es un desarrollador líder mundial de software y sistemas para el procesamiento de imágenes aéreas y satelitales. La compañía proporciona flujos de trabajo de imágenes compatibles con la tecnología ESRI, la capacidad autónoma de procesamiento de imágenes, y eficiencia en el procesamiento de grandes volúmenes de datos, dando a los clientes la capacidad de generar productos e información derivada, de alta calidad para cualquier proyecto. Mayor información sobre PCI Geomatics se encuentra en www.pcigeomatics.com.

Mayor información sobre GEOSOLUCIONES se encuentra en www.geosoluciones.cl.

Contacto de Prensa
Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com
Twitter: @pcigeomatics

PCI Geomatics releases Geomatica 2012 Service Pack 2

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Canada—April 12, 2012: PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of geoimaging software and systems, announced today that it has released Geomatica 2012, ServicePack 2 (SP2). This release contains maintenance fixes and includes all updates delivered since Geomatica 2012 Service Pack 1. The update is available for both Windows and Linux-based operating systems. It is recommended that customers using Geomatica 2012 download and install this service pack at their earliest convenience to ensure the highest-quality experience when working with the software. The service pack can be accessed by visiting the updates page at www.pcigeomatics.com/updates.

Customers who have any questions or run into issues with the installation should contact PCI’s Support team at support@pcigeomatics.com, or visit the support site at www.pcigeomatics.com/support.

About PCI Geomatics
PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of software and systems to process aerial and satellite imagery. The company provides integrated Esri imagery workflows, standalone image processing capability, and large volume processing throughput, giving customers the ability to produce high-quality image products and derived information for any project.

Find out more at www.pcigeomatics.com.

Press Contact
Kevin R. Jones
Director, Marketing and Product Management
T: 819-770-0022 x 214
E: jones@pcigeomatics.com
Web: www.pcigeomatics.com
Twitter: @pcigeomatics