SPAR Europe & ELMF Conferences Held Successfully in Amsterdam

From 11 to 13 November 2013, SPAR Europe and European Lidar Mapping Forum (ELMF) took place together for the first time, giving more than 550 professionals in the fields of geospatial mapping, GIS and multi-dimensional imaging an excellent chance to gain knowledge, learn best practices, discover new technologies and network with each other. The events took place at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and Mövenpick in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Lisa Murray, director of SPAR Europe and ELMF, explained that the single European venue provided an opportunity for newcomers and seasoned experts to learn about the latest advances in Lidar and 3D measurement technologies and hear how more and more industries are using advanced tools to improve how the world is mapped and measured. More than 90 industry experts spoke about data capture systems, data fusion/classification and processing techniques and the increasing integration of key technologies.

ELMF sessions focused on the use of Lidar to support transport, urban modelling, coastal zone mapping, utility asset management, 3D visualisation and GIS applications for a wide range of industries from government departments to commercial mapping enterprises.

Sessions at SPAR Europe focused on educating engineers, surveyors, architects, builders and others on the latest 3D measurement and imaging tools and technologies for industries including process and power, building and architecture, civil infrastructure and transportation, forensics and security, and digital cultural preservation. 

Lidar and 3D Measurement and Imaging

In addition to the more than 90 education presentations, the events had live demonstrations, mobile mapping vehicles, networking opportunities and an exhibition, all focused on the Lidar and 3D measurement and imaging markets. The exhibition floor had 64 booths showcasing the newest hardware and software solutions on the market. The latest technology launched at the event shows that productivity is driving significant market changes including the integration of multiple data acquisition systems and processing and visualisation tools, said Ms Murray.

Derek Van Tonder of Australia-based Euclideon stated that they had an amazing response and traction and a huge number of visitors to the stand, whose software processes geospatial data. He said he had seen dozens of new potential customers.

Rafael Torro of Dielmo, a Lidar solutions provider headquartered in Valencia, Spain, said the company received great feedback on its products. He appreciated the different points of view provided by attendees from both events. They saw more people than they would have seen at a single event, he said.

Matthew McCarter, CAD Technician with the London Underground, commented that SPAR Europe/ELMF can move the industry forward by getting people together and having users speak with vendors. He said that was one of the main purposes in attending – to meet with vendors and share his requirements and hope that they will be considered in a future software release.

Coverage of the events can be found at www.SPARPointGroup.com. SPAR Europe and European Lidar Mapping Forum will take place on 10-12 November 2014 at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.