| 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 |
