Weekly GEOINT Community News

UAVs To Be Registered by U.S. Government

According to Fortune, federal officials are expected to announce today a plan for all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. According the article, all UAV buyers, including hobbyists, will be required to register their new machines. The new UAV registration system is expected to debut around Thanksgiving.

BAE Systems Tests Unmanned Vessel Technology

BAE Systems, in partnership with ASV, recently conducted tests of high-speed reconnaissance and remote surveillance unmanned vessels, reports UPI. The tests were conducted at a site near Portsmouth Naval Base and involved a modified boat. The technology is intended for use on rugged inflatable boats and includes a variety of sensors, such as navigation radar and panoramic infrared cameras.

Booz Allen Hamilton & Splunk Create Strategic Alliance

In an effort to strengthen cybersecurity by delivering joint solutions for both public sector and commercial organizations, Booz Allen Hamilton and real-time operational intelligence software platform provider Splunk announced a strategic alliance. The combination of Splunk’s solutions with Booz Allen’s technical and operational expertise will accelerate detection and mitigation of emerging cyber threats, create extended offerings around security, and generate enhanced predictive cyber analytics and richer data sets for responding more quickly to key business questions.

L-3 Acquires ForceX

L-3 Communications announced its acquisition of ISR mission management software and geospatial technology company ForceX. ForceX has been renamed L-3 ForceX and will be incorporated into L-3’s Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS) sector with its electronic systems business segment. L-3 ForceX is a highly customer-focused business that is expected to accelerate the overall growth prospects of L-3’s ISS sector.

Google Releases New Tool to Visualize Big Data Sets

Fedscoop reports Google released a new tool that will allow developers to easily analyze, visualize, and publish data stored in the Google cloud. Named Google Cloud Datalab, this tool is the latest in a string of products from cloud providers seeking to offer users an interactive way to explore data.

Tesla Creates Better Maps While Developing Autopilot

According to Mashable, Telsa Motors is creating high-precision, digital maps of the Earth using GPS. The company is accomplishing this with its newest beta car feature Autopilot, which exists in every Tesla Model S. The Autopilot software is connected to the cloud, where the company is constantly connecting data from each of its cars to continuously refine its maps.

Peer Intel

Matthew O’Connell, USGIF’s board member and former CEO of GeoEye, was recently named CEO of OneWeb, reports Space News. OneWeb is planning a 700-satellite constellation of low-orbiting satellites to provide worldwide broadband Internet. According to the article, O’Connell’s first priority will be to oversee the final details of OneWeb’s joint-venture agreement with Airbus Defence and Space.

Northrop Grumman recently announced structural and leadership changes to the company, as a way to better align its business with evolving customer needs. The company also announced Gloria Flach will become its new chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1. To learn more about the changes at Northrop Grumman, read the company press release here.

Photo Credit: BAE Systems