These remarkable women in geomatics are making waves in a male-dominated industry Geomatics is an immaculate blend of science and technology that revolves around gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and distributing spatial data. Unfortunately, this dynamic, exciting and innovating industry has, like many STEM-focused industries, traditionally been a male dominated one. In recent years however, the industry has opened its doors generously to women, many of whom have made a considerable mark in the industry. These trailblazing women in geomatics have made unprecedented contributions to the indus ..read more

As LiDAR technology and aerial surveying continue to grow, it is interesting to reflect on how long this technology has been in use and to consider some of the ground-breaking projects that have relied upon geospatial tech, such as the exploration of Mars. Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) On November 7, 1996 NASA launched the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) with the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) allowing researchers to calculate the height of surface features on the planet by measuring the time that an infrared laser pulse takes to leave the orbiting spacecraft, reflect off of the gro ..read more

The work Leading Edge Geomatics does every day is present in many industries’ applications and aspects of our day-to-day lives. From farms and forests to mines and the military, just about any industry can use for the work we do. Additionally, many new, dynamic, and exciting industries have had an increasing need for LiDAR imagery. This means the demand for experts on the subject will continue to grow. Here is a list of some other applications that don’t immediately come to mind when hearing about Leading Edge Geomatics. Architecture An important aspect in the development and design of any bu ..read more

An eye in the sky like no other, LiDAR can help promote safety and containment of forest fires. Unique from satellite imagery alone, LiDAR can help climate and fire experts understand more about the forest including fuel type, aridity, slope, and density. Understanding how to analyze various landscapes and forest metrics can help specialists predict and manage their lands to promote more predictable outcome of forest fires. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to accurately measure variable distances to the earth ..read more

What is a DEM, DTM, DSM, or CHM? Elevation mapping using LiDAR data is quickly becoming the standard for mapping the physical and our built environment. More institutions are placing a greater emphasis on making aerial LiDAR data available to the public in the same way that aerial photography has proliferated in the remote sensing space. This is fantastic news for the geomatics industry. However representing complex LiDAR data sets in a GIS friendly environment can sometimes be a daunting task and it is important for GIS professionals to understand how to effectively use these new tools ..read more

Harvest planning can be one of the most important tasks in the overall management of a timber stand. This doesn’t take away from the potential complexities of inventory analysis, seedling selection, or timing of thinning, but the effects on income and future productivity of a stand can be linked to the decisions made during harvesting operations. I’ve seen a few great timber sales become ecological nightmares because the operator entered tract without a plan for how they were going to harvest the timber and determining potential problem areas. One of many benefits that can be gained from using ..read more

Photogrammetry is a method used to obtain accurate and reliable data for mapping purposes. It combines multiple images captured by aerial photography to create a map an area of interest (AOI). This is known as stereo or mosaic photogrammetry. Topographic mapping with the use of photogrammetry is when two digital aerial photographs of a location are captured from different angles. These aerial images are then analyzed to create maps for various projects. Photogrammetry Use for Mapping Solutions There are three tools which are used for photogrammetry mapping projects. The tools are a sophisticat ..read more

Did you know that over 70% of the Earth’s surface is water? Since so little makes up the Earth’s land, countries across the globe experience negative effects triggered by natural disasters like flooding. As we continue to witness growing populations and economic advancements, billions of people living by the ocean will be impacted by rising sea levels. To monitor changes which threaten coastal ecosystems, aerial bathymetric surveying is an efficient method used to collect data and measure fluctuations from seabed to land. Using Bathymetric LiDAR to Collect Data The nature of this aerial survey ..read more

Leading Edge Geomatics is thrilled to announce that we have unveiled our new brand identity! Rebranding marks a significant part of our growth as a geomatics and mapping solutions provider and emphasizes our commitment to delivering high-quality services to our clients. With the emergence of social media and the digital era, businesses are compelled to evaluate their brand identity and make changes as needed. After rebranding, we acknowledged this change was a step in the right direction, as it promotes our business growth and progress. Our team has been creatively engaged over the past severa ..read more

What is LiDAR Many people have heard the term “LiDAR” but few actually know what it is. Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, generate precise, 3D information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. A LiDAR instrument typically consists of three parts: the laser, a scanner, as well as a specialized GPS receiver. Positioned under aircraft, it can ..read more