|
From
the Publisher
By Roland Mangold
Out of the Rubble Comes Hope!
Beginning in 1997, the end of the year has seen the publication
of the EOM Greenbook Directory - Who's Who in the GeoTechnologies.
However, this is not just another year. As the world was hit
by a devastating act of terror, all of us must face the future
with a new awareness for our safety, concern for the security
of our loved ones, and by reviewing the priorities we place
on our obligations, aspirations and dreams. We are not the same
people going into 2002 that we were before September 11 - the
new date of infamy - we are better!
Thus we emerge from the dust
and ashes not only of the catastrophic events of 9/11, but of
all the disasters that took place around the globe. Even with
the burden of an anemic economy resting on our shoulders, there
is cause for hope, even optimism. As a society we have proven
our ability to overcome destruction, hardship, and unfavorable
odds. These events have made us stronger, renewed our resolve,
and deepened our commitment to everything we hold dear in our
hearts.
The threat of disaster looms
over all of us. However, the endeavor to prevent, avert, mitigate
and recover from disasters has spawned a myriad of industries
that have become intricately and inextricably intertwined in
our society and economy. Industries such as insurance, construction,
public safety, engineering, public works, and numerous government
agencies have been borne out of our response to the threat of
disaster. The GeoTechnologies represent a silver lining of the
dark cloud from which we succeed. The benefits the GeoTechnologies
can bear upon the realm of disasters, as well as virtually every
aspect of society and the economy, hold tremendous potential
and hope for this industry.
It is with this heartfelt hope
and unabashed optimism for our collective future that we present
to you the EOM Greenbook 2002 - Who's Who in the GeoTechnologies.
This resource can lead you to every type of software, data,
information and service available throughout the industry. Whether
you are simply researching the prospects of geospatial information
or are a well-established GIS user, this directory will help
you find whatever you need from the GeoTechnologies including
GIS, remote sensing, GPS, mapping, photogrammetry, aerial photography,
and more.
The Greenbook does not
contain every vendor in the industry. That would be well over
a thousand, not counting all the government agencies and universities
providing products and services in this industry. The organizations
listed herein paid an advertising fee in order to let you know
what they have to offer. They are the ones who consider it important
enough to go to extra lengths to help you solve your geospatial
information needs. They are the ones you should turn to for
advice in your quest for geospatial minerva.
Navigating one's way through
the geospatial labyrinth is a daunting, confusing task for both
novices and mapping veterans. The issues related to the successful
implementation of any of these technologies are complicated
at best. To any problem, there is a geospatial solution. And,
that solution may solve anywhere from, potentially, 10% to 100%
of the problem, and there are a myriad of ways of coming to
various forms of solutions to the same problem. Confusing, isn't
it. That is why our pat answer is "Educate yourself!" Talk to
as many people as possible, read as much as you can, visit web
sites, try samples, take courses, and you can start your journey
with the Greenbook.
For the past six years the Greenbook
has signified the end of one year and the beginning of another.
But, this year it holds deeper meaning and it is with profound
emotion that all of us at Earth Observation Magazine
wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy,
optimistic New Year!
Until next time...
Cheers!
Roland Mangold
Publisher
Earth Observation Magazine
E-mail: [email protected]
Back
|
