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Many of us certainly embrace the true benefits of light detection and ranging (LIDAR). It is a true game-changer that provides coverage down to inch-level fidelity, detects small particles in the atmosphere and allows for effective wide-area terrain mapping. Today, Defense Systems ran in-depth article on LIDAR that absolutely shines a light on how this innovation is changing the way we support the warfighter from a GEOINT perspective.

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It’s usually around the March timeframe that we start having GEOINT Symposium withdrawals. Seriously, when else can everyone in the community get together and learn from the highest echelon of leaders, network with colleagues, customers, partners and friends — and experience something truly unique (think GEOINT 2010 and the Super Dome)? Well, just when you think you have had enough of winter and need a shot of inspiration, USGIF just announced the first round of keynote speakers for GEOINT 2011, taking place back in San Antonio this year. Let’s just say that if this is the first round of speakers being announced, then USGIF opened the first set with nothing but a string of hits. Read the full post to see the list of confirmed (to date) speakers for GEOINT 2011.

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While the sun’s gravitational pull makes the world, technically, go ’round, volunteering essentially makes our GEOINT world do much of the same thing. We collectively achieve major goals and break boundaries in our sector through the sheer force of giving back. What are we talking about? More on this in a minute. First did you know that the power of participatory philanthropy is on fire right now? Check out the this infographic from GOOD called “Interactive Transparency: The Power of Volunteering” that showcases an aggregation and visualization of the hours that people work and the causes they help. Learn more about how this same desire to “pitch in” is playing a major role in the growth of the GEOINT sector in this post.

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East View Cartographic (EVC) is a new USGIF member company and is a leading provider of authoritative worldwide maps, geospatial data, and GIS services. Since the company’s origins in the early 1990s, EVC has acquired a vast archive of global maps and geospatial data, including topographic maps, DEMS, imagery, vector data, geological maps, nautical charts, and related atlases and books. Following is an exclusive podcast with Rodney Buhrsmith, Chief Marketing Officer, EVC, who shares with us what makes this a unique player in the GEOINT sector.

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2010 seemed to be the year that the GEOINT sector as well as the use of location-based technologies for businesses and consumers really caught fire. The reality is that location-based technologies — whether the use of portal GPS devices, or the adoption of services like FourSquare — have been growing for years, but for some reason 2010 was the year of GEOINT. As such, we have decided to pull together the top stories that have impacted our world over the past 12 months. From the appointment of Letitia Long as the new NGA Director to the kookiness of Google StreetView, we have it all in this post. We hope you enjoy and here’s to a great 2011.

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Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? Well, it is officially the Monday before the Thanksgiving holiday. While many of us are gearing up for Turkey Day, or making plans for extensive holiday travel, or even warming up those credit cards for Black Friday, the news cycle is still humming along. Today, we have a wide range of stories — from news about this big Air Force spy satellite launch to news of Disney using geolocation services at its theme parks and much, much more. So, as we always say, fire up that second cup of coffee and read on! Happy Monday!

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The Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957, a first step into space that shocked America and galvanized our national resolve. We responded with significantly increased public investment in science/math education and committed the US space program to manned lunar landing before the end of the 1960s, barely more than a decade after the first satellite! Consider that achievement for a moment, and compare with where we are today — decommissioning our workhorse space shuttle fleet and sending American astronauts to the space station via Russian rockets. Welcome to the new “Think Geospatial” column by Dr. Max Baber, Director of Academic Programs, USGIF. Read more from Dr. Baber in this post.

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We are all huge fans of highlight videos. ESPN has built a legacy on providing sports highlight videos that never cease to inform, entertain and enlighten. USGIF has taken a similar approach with its GEOINTv keynote highlight video from GEOINT 2010. And, this year’s line up of speakers was comprised of the most senior leaders in defense and intelligence. So, check out this highlights video that features key moments from the presentations from the Honorable James R. Clapper Jr., Director of National Intelligence; Gen. Bruce Carlson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Director, National Reconnaissance Office; Ms. Caryn A. Wagner, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security and many more.

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USGIF Member company ERDAS recently announced its upcoming 2011 Software Release, with new versions of ERDAS IMAGINE, LPS, ERDAS Extensions for ArcGIS 10, ERDAS APOLLO and other leading desktop and server products. To promote this significant release, ERDAS is also launching a world tour with customer events worldwide. Following is an exclusive podcast with Mladen Stojic, Senior Vice President, Product Management and Marketing of ERDAS, who will discuss these updates and other exciting things happening at ERDAS.

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The beauty of today’s Web 2.0 technology is that major events can keep living on via video. Yes, we are talking about our ongoing posting of GEOINT 2010 keynote speeches and breakouts on got geoint? Today, we are featuring the keynote speech from Gen. Bruce Carlson, USAF (Ret.), Director, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). In this speech he discusses a number of items including the DNRO priorities, which include executing launches on time/budget, improving business of launch, improving research and technology investment, and investing in the NRO workforce. Check out the full video of his speech in this post.

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