All posts by Jeff Salmon
Big Bird + Black Ice = Space 2.1
First off, let’s decipher that headline, starting at the end. Space 2.0 (AKA “NewSpace”) is the catch-all phrase that describes the privatization of space and the companies, platforms, and technologies that come with it. We’ll get to the “2.1” in a minute. Big Bird is the nickname given the world’s largest aircraft (by wingspan, 385’)...
Alexa, Survey This Parcel
I’ve been thinking about the issue of automation and robots and their impact on the geospatial profession. I think it’s good news. So, let’s get started on dispelling the idea that “the ‘bots are coming for my job!” Here are two reasons why that’s not going to happen. 1) Everything I’m reading and observing argues...
What I Saw at ILMF 2018
ILMF is an outstanding conference for all things lidar, including airborne, terrestrial, and underwater, as well as new remote-sensing and data-collection tools and technologies. I try to attend every year because it never gets old; there are plenty of new and exciting technologies, both on the exhibit floor and in the many workshops and presentations....
Why Your First Drone Should Be a Hobby Drone
A low-cost way to get hands-on UAS experience is to purchase a hobby drone and practice with it before making a bigger investment in a commercial-grade unit. I’ve talked to UAS professionals who agree . Why? The low cost makes it easy to afford and less painful should you crack it up. And, trust me...
Top of the Crop: Pangaea 2017
As December closes its door, we look back at the year think about its highlights. As your Pangaea editor I examined the 2017 issues ranked by readership. Here’s the top three, why I think they were so popular, and the takeaways from each. Pangaea #190: Don’t Buy a Drone This headline was a bit of...
7 Gifts under $70 for Surveyors
I’ve put together this year’s list of gifts with practical ideas that any field surveyor should find useful. All prices are accurate at the time of writing; I’m not responsible for price hikes. All items are highly rated (four- to five-star online reviews), but use your best judgement) 1) Yeti Loadout Bucket. Five-gallon buckets are...
