Geospatial Data to be Liberalized Under New Government Policy

In a newly announced mapping policy on 15th February 2021, the government of India has opened doors to liberalizing the country’s geospatial data. This move is being stated as a crucial step towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) released a set of guidelines for acquiring and producing geospatial data and its services.

What is Geospatial Data?

Geospatial data (also called ‘geodata’) is data that represents the objects and/or their attributes on the Earth’s surface. The objects can be man-made or natural. This data is tied to the true geographic coordinates of Earth (georeferencing). Hence, this makes geospatial data extremely accurate. For example, , , vector maps, etc. are all types of geospatial data.

Digital Elevation Model

Geospatial Data — Digital Elevation ModelDigital Elevation Model (DEM) is a type of Geospatial Data
Image source: LidarIndia
Some common uses of this data include:

Creating accurate maps
Terrain assessment
Plant health management (Agriculture)
Urban planning
Land surveys
Therefore, geospatial data is of great significance when it comes to civic infrastructure development, agricultural management, mapping, and military.

What Changes Does the New Policy Bring?

Prior to the introduction of this new policy, geospatial data was highly restricted. It was considered a part of national security and was only acquired, processed, and distributed by the , the National Survey and Mapping organization under DST. Thus, for any Indian entity, acquisition of such data required prior approval from the Union, Defense, and Home Ministry. For decades, this lack of data and regulation has prevented innovation and development in terms of the mapping infrastructure of the country.

The policy change in 2021, makes such approvals and older policies obsolete and redundant. Instead, the government has liberalized the collection of this data by any Indian entity. This data can now be freely acquired, processed, and distributed without the need for licenses, approvals, or security clearances. However, the government has issued some guidelines for this acquisition.

New Liberalized Guidelines

These guidelines will be applicable to Geospatial Data, Maps, products, solutions, and services offered by government agencies, autonomous bodies, academic and research institutions, private organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and individuals.

Given below are the summaries of the official guidelines issued by the government.

There shall be no requirement for prior approval, security clearance, license, or any other restrictions on the collection, generation, preparation, dissemination, storage, publication, updating, and/or digitization of Geospatial Data and Maps within the territory of India. Self-certification will be used to convey adherence to these guidelines.
Entities do not have the right to physically acquire data of a premise that has been marked as restricted by the Ministry/Department of that particular premise.

Definitions

Attribute dаta: Attribute data provides the characteristics of the geospatial data. It describes what type the geodata is, its description, location, etc.

CORS: Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) is a network of RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) base stations that broadcast positioning corrections over the internet. This system is used to improve the precision of position data derived from navigational satellites.

Ground Truthing: Ground truthing is a survey process in which data and images of a particular site are manually collected and verified with satellite data of that site.

Negative Lists

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has introduced negative lists into its guidelines. These are lists of sensitive/restricted attributes that shall not be marked on any map without regulation. The DST will upload these lists on its website.
However, these negative lists will be minimized in order to facilitate the liberalization of geospatial data collection.
The DST will form a Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee to oversee any issue arising due to the regulation or finalization of these negative lists.

Additional Guidelines

Unrestricted access to Indian ground stations and augmentation services (CORS) to aid in ground-truthing/verification.
Maps/Geospatial data of accuracy which is greater than minimum accuracy shall only be created by Indian entities and processed within the country. However, foreign companies can license such data from Indian companies only for the purpose of serving Indian customers.
Maps/data within the minimum accuracy can be stored on the cloud. However, maps/data of greater accuracy must only be stored on domestic clouds, or physical servers within the country.
All geospatial data collected by government agencies will be easily made available to all Indian entities for scientific, economic, and developmental purposes without any restriction.
To learn more about these guidelines, view this.

Conclusion

This change in policy supports the rapid development of the country. Privatization of geospatial data will give a massive boost to startups and existing corporations. With the proper availability of geodata, technologies like autonomous delivery , logistics, transport, and urban development can be expected to speed up. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had granted last year to test BVLoS drone deliveries. Through geospatial data services, such projects can begin taking shape in real-time.

This will put India at an economic advantage across a diverse range of sectors. The self-certification guideline will make Indian entities truly independent without the need for constant government supervision.

“Our government has taken a decision that will provide a huge impetus to ‘Digital India’. Liberalising policies governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data is a massive step in our vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This move will help India meet its goal of a USD 5 trillion economy,” Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet.

The post appeared first on .

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/geospatial-data-to-be-liberalized-under-new-government-policy-b022922d832b?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

Drone Pilot License in Singapore: All You Need to Know

The Unmanned Aircraft Pilot License (), which was drafted in July 2020, came into effect on February 1st, 2021. According to the (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore), a drone pilot requires a UA license if he/she:

Is flying a drone for commercial purposes or for purposes that are neither educational nor recreational.
Is flying a drone that weighs over 7kg.
Let’s look at the UAPL requirements in detail:

UAPL Classes, Categories, and Ratings

The CAAS has defined UAPL into two classes and each class of UAPL has four categories of UA/drone. Therefore, a drone pilot can only fly a drone that corresponds to its class and category.

Categories of UA/Drones in each class

Aeroplane
Rotorcraft
Power-lift
Airship

Class A UAPL

This class of UAPL allows a pilot to fly a drone of any category if the drone does not exceed a weight limit of 25kg. This drone pilot license will cover most drones ranging from small to medium.

To apply for Class A UAPL there are 3 prerequisites:

The pilot must be at least 16 years old
The pilot must pass the theory test administered by the CAAS with a minimum score of 75%. The test can be booked through .
The pilot must pass a practical assessment conducted by an Authorized Flight Examiner (AFE) employed by a CAAS-approved UATO (UA Training and Assessment Organization)
CAAS recommends applicants go through a theory and practical training session before attempting the test. Applicants can undergo training at CAAS-approved UATOs which can be found . The fee for undertaking a theory test or retest is $125.

Once the prerequisites have been completed, the pilot can submit an application for UA license. To submit an application:

Log in or register your account on (Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing System). Fill out the UAPL license application.
Make sure to have your ID and contact address along with your theory test results.
The applicant will have to make a payment of $500 for the Class A UAPL. Based on your results of the practical assessment, limitations may be imposed on your license. You can have the limitation removed after going through a successful ‘removal of limitations’ test with a UATO.

Class B UAPL or Ratings

The Class B UAPL is also called ratings, is required for drones weighing over 25kg. An applicant cannot directly apply for a Class B UAPL. To apply for a Class B license, you must first hold a valid Class A license in the corresponding category as a prerequisite. For example, if you want a Class B UAPL for a 40kg , you must first hold a valid Class A UAPL in the rotorcraft category.

The process of applying for a Class B UAPL is through UAPL Variation. UAPL Variation is a process for making category, class, or conditional amends in your license. Through this process an applicant can:

Add or remove a category
Add or remove a rating (Class B)
Modify a UAPL condition
The variation application to add a rating (Class B) in your license must be submitted through the platform. While submitting your application:

Make sure you have all the documents to certify that you have fulfilled all the requirements in the corresponding category of Class A UAPL.
The applicant will have to make a payment of $200 to add a rating.

Application Processing Time: Upon successful submission of the documents and payment of the fee, CAAS will review the information and documents. CAAS may contact the applicant for further clarification if needed. The typical processing time for a UAPL application is 10 days. However, this may vary based on the completeness of the submitted information and documents.

Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions to view their digital UAPL through a mobile application.

To learn about the subjects for the theory and practical assessments, view the .

Proficiency Check

All UAPL holders must pass a proficiency check conducted by an AFE from an approved UATO. The check has to be completed at least once every 4 years from the date on which the category was specified on the UAPL or from the date of expiry. In case a Class A UAPL holder fails to complete a proficiency check, their UAPL will be expired for the corresponding category.

Class B UAPL holders, in addition to a proficiency check, need to undergo refresher training every year. The refresher training can be undertaken at a UATO. Failure to complete either of these two tests will lead to the expiry of UAPL in the specified category. Additionally, Class B UAPL holders must present documents at the proficiency test to evidence their completion of the refresher training.

UA Basic Training

Pilots with drones weighing less than 7kg and if operated only for recreational or educational purposes, do not require a UAPL. However, pilots who operate their drone that weighs over 1.5kg but less than 7kg must undergo a one-time UA Basic Training. The training has to be conducted at a CAAS-approved UATO.

Users who undergo this training must at least be 16 years old. The UA Basic Training will provide users with relevant theoretical knowledge on how to operate their UA safely. The training will take about 2 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the training, users will be issued with a UA Basic Training certificate.

The post appeared first on .

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/drone-pilot-license-in-singapore-all-you-need-to-know-10175c1ae0f2?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

Pittsburgh Business Owner Cleans, Sanitizes Children’s Car Seats For Free To Keep Kids Safe During…

Pittsburgh Business Owner Cleans, Sanitizes Children’s Car Seats For Free To Keep Kids Safe During The Pandemic

By KDKA-TV’s Jessica Guay

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A business owner in Pittsburgh is doing his part for the community during the pandemic.

Cody Eichert, the owner of Headturnerz Tint and Detailing LLC, is asking people to bring their children’s car seats to his car detailing garage so he can sanitize them. He said he loves children and he just wants to help kids stay healthy until this pandemic ends.

Eichert spends a lot of time in his garage in Beechview making sure cars look brand new, but now his business is taking on a new task for families during the pandemic.

They’re steam cleaning and sanitizing children’s car seats for free.

“I wanted to be able to provide a free service that will keep your kids clean and sanitized. I know how hard it is to try to clean car seats at home,” Eichert said.

Eichert opened his shop on Saw Mill Run Boulevard less than a year ago, and he’s already paying it forward.

“If that’s my best way of giving back to my community that served me well and treats me well, then that’s what I want to do,” Eichert said.

He said they’ve detailed about two dozen car seats. They use two types of steamers and a sanitizing spray.

“This will kill basically everything Lysol will kill, 99.9% of germs… COVID, the common cold, the flu, the whole 9 yards,” Eichert said.

Eichert said he just wants the best for children in the area and would like to add a shiny touch to others’ lives during these difficult times.

“It’s nice to see someone’s face and even my customer last night, her face lit up when she saw her car seat. She couldn’t believe how clean they came out,” said Eichert.

When asked how long he would provide this free service, he said, “as long as the pandemic lasts, I would like to keep doing it.”

Eichert recommends calling at messaging them on before bringing in your car seats.

When you drop off the car seat, they may need to keep it for several hours or a day.

They are limiting two car seats per customer.

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/pittsburgh-business-owner-cleans-sanitizes-childrens-car-seats-for-free-to-keep-kids-safe-during-f935e77e07bd?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

Steelers President Art Rooney II Congratulates Alan Faneca, Bill Nunn On Pro Football Hall Of Fame…

Steelers President Art Rooney II Congratulates Alan Faneca, Bill Nunn On Pro Football Hall Of Fame Elections

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Following Alan Faneca’s and Bill Nunn’s being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Steelers team president Art Rooney II was among those to offer congratulations to the former offensive lineman and scout.

Rooney said in part that Faneca was a unique player in that he was “big and strong,” but also praised Faneca’s mobility.

A message from President Art Rooney II to Class of 2021 member :

— Pittsburgh Steelers

Rooney referenced this combination while remembering Faneca’s key block in Super Bowl XL in 2006 that helped spring Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run that is still an NFL record.

. The two will be honored in Canton in August. Alongside these two will be former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, and former Steelers defensive backs Troy Polamalu and Donnie Shell.

Canton is going Black and Gold in August.

HOF Inductions:

-Bill Cowher
-Troy Polamalu
-Donnie Shell
-Bill Nunn
-Alan Faneca

Cowboys-Steelers HOF game.

— Brooke Pryor

Rooney also congratulated Nunn in a separate post, saying that things Nunn taught several key members of the Steelers organization are still apparent in everyday work.

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/steelers-president-art-rooney-ii-congratulates-alan-faneca-bill-nunn-on-pro-football-hall-of-fame-a899f125ce8d?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

Majestic Mayers leads West Indies to shock win over Bangladesh

Kyle Mayers scored a stunning double hundred on his debut as West Indies shocked Bangladesh by three wickets in the first Test in Chittagong on Sunday.

Mayers hit an unbeaten 210 from 310 balls — with 20 fours and seven sixes — to guide his side to 395–7 with just nine balls left on the final day.

West Indies, who are on tour without most of their first choice players because of the coronavirus pandemic, beat the best run chase in Asia, set by Sri Lanka who hit 388 to beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in Colombo in 2017.

Mayers, the second West Indies player to get a double hundred on his debut after Laurence Rowe and sixth overall, was brilliantly aided by fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner, who hit 86.

Resuming on 110–3, the pair put on 216 for the fourth wicket to frustrate Bangladesh’s bowlers until they were separated by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

Taijul trapped Bonner leg-before in the first over after tea to end the highest fourth wicket partnership for West Indies in the fourth innings of a Test.

They beat the record of Len Baichan and Clive Lloyd, who scored 164 against Pakistan at Lahore in 1975.

Jermaine Blackwood was stumped for nine by Nayeem Hasan as West Indies pressed for victory.

But Mayers put on exactly 100 runs with Joshua Da Silva to take the visitors close to the target.

By the time Taijul Islam bowled Da Silva, West Indies were only three runs from victory.

Mehidy Hasan, who took all three wickets on the previous day, got only the consolation wicket of Kemar Roach when the score was tied.

An eerie silence gripped the Bangladesh team tent as Mayers pushed Nayeem at long off for single to complete the win.

Mayers’ innings is the highest individual collection for West Indies in the fourth innings of a Test since Brian Lara stunned Australia with 153 runs in Bridgetown in 1999.

“I’m always positive and believed in my ability, and believed that we could get there. We never give up, and keep fighting,” Mayers said.

“It’s a great feeling to be playing Test cricket, and then going on to score 100, 200 and then to win the match,” he said.

Bonner pulled off-spinner Mehidy over square leg for a boundary with the first ball of the day to show West Indies’ intent.

Mayers brought up the century stand by hitting Mustafizur Rahman for a four and six off successive deliveries.

Mayers became the 15th West Indies batsman to get a debut century when he edged a Mustafizur ball to the boundary between slip and gully.

Bangladesh scored 430 and 223–8 declared. West Indies made 259 in their first innings.

Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said Mayers had been the key.

“Mayers and Bonner played very well, we didn’t create chances and the bowlers didn’t bowl the right areas, but all credit goes to their batsmen,” he said.

The second and final Test will start in Dhaka on February 11.

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/majestic-mayers-leads-west-indies-to-shock-win-over-bangladesh-7aa643da71ee?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

No trace found of missing Sadpara, two others on Day 2 of aerial search

Islamabad: The aerial rescue operation to locate three missing climbers, including Pakistan’s Muhammad Ali Sadpara, continued for the second day on Sunday.

However, no trace has been found yet of Sadpara, John Snorri from Iceland and MP Mohr from Chile, who went missing while attempting to summit the world’s second-highest mountain K2.

Two army helicopters flew to their maximum limit of 7,800 metres for a second time and conducted an aerial search for an hour to locate the missing climbers.

Two teams took part in the search operation, including one aboard a Pakistan Army helicopter while the other scouring the K2 route the mountaineers had taken.

Local mountaineers and porters are part of the teams looking for the three missing climbers.

After the search operation, Ali’s son Sajid Sadpara was airlifted to Skardu where commissioner Baltistan Shuja Alam and deputy commissioner Skardu Karim Dad Chughtai received him.

Note, Sajid Sadpara was also part of the winter expenditure team. He arrived at K2 base camp on Saturday evening as he was sent back from 8200 kilometers altitude owing to a malfunction in his oxygen regulator.

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/no-trace-found-of-missing-sadpara-two-others-on-day-2-of-aerial-search-c30c6f85f272?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2

Waiting on those Eagles sausages and the Carson Wentz trade … so let’s figure out where he should…

Waiting on those Eagles sausages and the Carson Wentz trade … so let’s figure out where he should go

Have you ever seen the movie “Snatch”? No, really. The 2000 Guy Ritchie crime/comedy movie starred Benecio Del Toro, Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, and a slew of other notable faces.

source https://medium.com/@klinkerbud/waiting-on-those-eagles-sausages-and-the-carson-wentz-trade-so-lets-figure-out-where-he-should-fef45598584d?source=rss-8a287f9546ea------2