In addition to the software library, users are encouraged to take advantage of the EDN website (edn.esri.com) – a global community of GIS developers. P2P sharing is the focus, while users also have access to samples, articles, webcasts, and help resources.

FME Suite 2005
Don and the crew from Vancouver, BC were on hand in the exhibition hall promoting the company’s latest offering. FME 2005 contains some 1,500 enhancements, including support for a number of new data formats like DWF, Excel, G2K, OGC GML 3.1.1, GTI Viewer, MySQL, Smallworld 4, ZGF, ECW, MrSID, JPEG 2000, Oracle 10 Georaster, PNG, and many more. FME Suite 2005 now boasts support for 150 data formats while support has been extended to MapPoint, GeoMedia, and MapGuide to name a few.

MapLogic
Users of ArcGIS needing to publish Map Books should take a look at the MapLogic Layout Manager for ArcGIS from maplogic.com. This extension provides all the tools needed to create and print multiple page layouts, map series, and map books from within ArcGIS. Features include map series, locator maps, key maps, and indexes, while various license levels offer some nice flexibility – options include viewer, basic, advanced, and pro.

Georesults Mobile
Georesults Mobile from Marshall is a slick solution that enables users to extend their ESRI applications to the field or mobile environment. This “smart client” built on ArcGIS and .Net technology facilitates field data collection, asset inventory, tracking, and mobile work order management. Noteworthy features include support for wireless connectivity, integrated GPS, custom forms and data views, and redlining. Georesults Mobile + a rugged tablet PC or Laptop = A cool map-centric mobile app! See http://www.marshallgis.com/Products.htm

Earthware 4.0
SANZ Earthware 4.0 was officially announced at the ESRI user conference. This data provisioning solution provides an interoperable WMS and slick web-based UI, enabling users to interact with their geospatial data holdings and image archives. See http://www.earthware.com/demo/index.asp

ESRI Image Server
ESRI Image server was launched at the user conference and got attention at the opening keynote, user presentations, and on the exhibition floor. This new solution provides users with a mechanism to enhance the storage, management, processing, and distribution of geo-imagery. A stand-alone solution, Image Server supports all the leading vendor’s platforms including ArcGIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, Intergraph, GeoMedia, MapInfo, AutoCAD, and Microstation.
Some features: access to imagery, on-the-fly processing, orthorectification, pan sharpening, image mosaicing. See http://www.esri.com/imageserver/

Touch Table
In the far corner of the exhibition hall within the Defense contractors and exhibitors was Northrop Gruman. The crew was “wowing” spectators once again with the Touch Table – a collaboration tool developed by Applied Minds. Available in 2 sizes (TT45, 45” diagonal display and TT84, 84” diagonal display) multiple users can collaborate around the table’s surface to view and manipulate a map-based display projected on the table surface. The “touch” in the Touch Table comes from the ability of users to touch the surface and invoke a change in the display or call functions. With the touch of a finger on the table top, a user can pan, zoom, sketch, trace, swipe, or ripple the display.

The Terrain Table

Adding even more “wow” this year, the Northrop Gruman crew had yet another collaboration tool on display – The Terrain Table (picture the Touch Table on steroids!) Optimized for 3-D topographic modeling and visualization, this table enables users to interact like they would with the TT, except the addition of vertical pins beneath the silicon skin (surface) creates a curved and raised surface – up to 6” high. Imagine the table manipulating the surface to create a 3D terrain showing mountain ranges and valleys with topography and imagery overlaid on the surface. Compatible with ESRI’s ArcGlobe software, the pin resolution of the table is .72” – See http://www.ng.com

GIS Portal ToolKit
Interested in creating a local, regional, national, or Global spatial data infrastructure portal? ESRI’s GIS Portal Toolkit enables the implementation of your own “one-stop” portal. The toolkit supports collaboration (publish and share), search & discovery of data/metadata, and categorization of data. The Toolkit is based on ESRI ArcIMS & ArcSDE technology. See http://www.esri.com/gisportal/

GeoExpress 5.0
Getting the low-down on LizardTech solutions never gets old! GeoExpress 5.0 with MrSID now boasts some pretty powerful image manipulation tools including: image reprojection (reproject raw data or JPEG 2000 images to MrSID); Select are to encode (leave sensitive areas as lossless or obscure classified areas); multi-resolution mosaicing enables users to stitch together aerial photos and satellite imagery with different resolutions and resample the output to a common scale and resampling technique; JPEG 2000 encoding to crop existing JPEG 2000 scenes or MrSIDs. See http://www.lizardtech.com

Complete Image
A cool option, users can purchase a pre-configured, fully tested server with all the required ESRI and Microsoft components. An example, the Complete ArcIMS Server comes with ArcIMS pre-installed on a scalable server. Available in a single or clustered server, the system includes ArcIMS, MS Windows Server 2003, IIS Web Server, Complete ArcIMS Image, Intel Xeon Processor. Other “completes” include Complete ArcSDE, and Complete ArcGIS Server. See http://www.inlinecorp.com

GeoMarc
GCS Research was boasting about their new GeoMarc digital watermarking solution for ArcGIS. Using the solution, users can use the solution to identify and track their digital imagery and mapping products. The technology embeds unique identifiers during a map export routine (without impacting the final product). See http://www.gcs-research.com

Silicon Graphics (sgi)
On my next Christmas wish list I think I’ll add a Silicon Graphics Prism Deskside. Starting at about $8,500 this puppy will deliver all the power that I could ask for... and then some. A few specs I might request include: dual 64-bit processors, 2GB RAM, 2x80GB drives, DVD-ROM drive, 5 USB ports, 10 GB Ethernet card, and it operates in temperatures ranging from -40C up to +60 C at a max. elevation of 40,000 feet! See http://www.sgi.com

Trimble Recon
It may not be new to you but this rugged, waterproof PDA is still getting loads of attention. Compact, rugged, the device exceeds military specs for drop, vibration, immersion, and temperature. The device boasts 2 compact Flash slots for added storage and supports Bluetooth wireless technology. The Recon comes in 200 or 400 MHz with 64 or 128 MB RAM and runs on MS Windows Mobile 2003. An added bonus, make sure you check out Trimble GPScorrect for ArcPad which enables you to add the ability to perform differential GPS correction to ArcPad. See http://www.trimble.com

MobileMapper CE
Now if I really wanted to turn some heads in the field I’d be sure to take along a Mobile MApper rugged windows CE handheld device from Thales. This rugged, GPS mobile mapping device comes with embedded Microsoft Windows CE .NET and supports all Windows CE supported software for GIS and related applications. Features include sub-meter GPS, integrated Bluetooth, removable SD card, field replaceable all day runtime battery, and a built-in alpha-numeric keypad. I could drop it on concrete from 1.5 meters and use it in temperatures that range from -10C -> +60 C. MobileMapper CE comes loaded with software including GPS utilities, a Bluetooth manager, MS Wordpad, IE, MS Office, EZ recorder, and much more. See http://www.thalesgroup.com/navigation/... PS: does anyone out there have button #6732?

The MobileMapper CE

Matrox high performance graphic cards
Imagine having a display of 8 LCD monitors on the wall all powered by a single graphics card. That’s a bit more than I need but with a Matrox card it’s possible. All the matrox cards run at least 2 displays and support analog or video terminals. Anyone looking to have a compelling display environment or work in a multi-screen work space needs to check out this technology! One of the more affordable solutions that pretty much anyone reading this article could handle is the Matrox Parhelia PCI 256MB card. It’s designed for 2D and 3D workstations and is designed to fit most PCI slots in modern PCs. Ideal for and CAD or GIS workstation… I just got one and I can’t wait to get up and running with my dual monitor workstation! See http://www.matrox.com

Impressive 16 panel display - driven by 2 matrox cards

Geographic Imager
Another cool solution announced at the user conference, Geographic Imager from Avenza Solutions Inc. is best described as a spatial imaging toolkit for Adobe Photoshop. Functionality provided includes: import/export GeoTIFF’s and other common image formats, georeference raster data, mosaic, crop, reproject geospatial imagery within Photoshop, add transparencies, remove seams, edit pixel colors… yadayada… a very cost effective solution for anyone needing to work with imagery and create compelling and professional cartographic products. Did I mention that it supports more than 1,000 geographic and projected coordinate systems?? Mac and Windows licenses are available. See http://www.avenza.com

Ted from Avenza gives me the "skinny" on Geographic imager

Trimble Outdoors
A hot consumer LBS application hyped at the ESRI Telecom and LBS Summit was Trimble Outdoors. Simply put, Trimble Outdoors is a family of software applications for PCs and Nextel cell phones allowing you to share your maps, trips and photos and comments from trips with family and friends. Ideally suited for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts (hence the name) Trimble Outdoors is taking advantage of the popular recreational GPS market and providing a user friendly collaboration/blogging service to extend the experience. If you're into geocaching, hunting, back packing, jogging, cycling, boating, flying, or skiing then this solutions is for you. Check it out at http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com

CitySphere
DigitalGlobe was on hand to promote their CitySphere product (among other things). CitySphere features 60 cm color imagery (orthorectified) for some 200 cities worldwide, Data for these cities are off-the-shelf ready data products comprised of recent imagery – less than 24 months old. Data specs: 60 cm, natural color or pan sharpened, 8 or 16 bit, UTM, WGS 84, GeoTIFF. See http://www.digitalglobe.com

So there you have it. This is by no means a complete list or everything that made me say "wow", although it does give you a small smapling of some of the cool technology that was on display in San Diego at the 25th annual ESRI User Conference. Did I miss something? What made you say "wow"? Feel free to ping me with your comments. Simply send you feedback to info