East View Geospatial (EVG)
Authoritative Source of Global Geospatial Data

The demand for geospatial data today is more profound than ever, and organizations are actively looking to leverage spatial analytics to make smarter, faster decisions at scale. With an unparalleled network of content providers from around the world, East View Geospatial (EVG) serves as an authoritative source, producer, and distributor of accurate, up to date global geospatial data for its customers. For EVG, the focus has been clear—sourcing, production, and analysis of geospatial data. To this end, the company offers an ever-expanding library of over 1.5 million maps and over a petabyte of digital geospatial data, including topographic and scientific mapping, satellite and aerial imagery, elevation models, population datasets, and more. Partnering with hundreds of mapping authorities and publishers from national mapping agencies to nautical and geological agencies, as well as commercial data providers, EVG brings its customers authoritative content direct from the source.

With over 25 years of experience, and offices and representatives across six continents and ten cities, EVG’s imagery and map exploitation capabilities allow the production of highly detailed and accurate geospatial databases. Following is the conversation that CIO Applications had with EVG’s CEO, Kent D Lee, on how his company, as a trusted GeoConsultant, offers countless options and finds the best solution for organizations through their vast holdings and supplier relations.

What are the trends that will have an impact on the ESRI consulting space this year, and how is EVG planning to leverage these trends and evolve?

An emerging trend in the space that is driving new geospatial development is the automation and acceleration of the cartographic process. We intend to leverage our decades of experience working with data providers along with our strong foundation in ESRI-based cartography to bring innovative workflows to national mapping and statistical agencies, as well as to create robust solutions for business and consumer mapping.

Please elaborate on the challenges your customers face in the ESRI consulting space, and how is EVG effectively addressing these issues?

“Data.Data.Data.”

The availability of data is becoming overwhelming. Ironically, we see data being neglected in project planning phases all too often.

It is hard to deny that the quality of data is absolutely paramount to the success of a project. However, navigating and choosing from all the available data choices can be a challenge—that is where we come in.

EVG has been addressing this by cataloging the world’s data—both mapping and remotely sensed datasets—from governmental and commercial data providers alike.

Please walk us through EVG’s ESRI consulting based on its methodology, features, and benefits involved.

Working directly with national mapping agencies has always been at the core of the EVG business. We believe that locally produced data is inherently more valuable—getting the view of a country through its own eyes. Having established relationships with hundreds of mapping agencies and publishers around the world to bring their data to market, we are uniquely positioned to evaluate where the technology, skill, and data gaps exist.

Please cite a case study on how EVG has enabled clients to overcome hurdles and attain desired outcomes.

In 2016, we published military-spec aeronautical charts of Nigeria and the surrounding region for a Nigerian military customer. Leveraging our experience in identifying data sources, U.S. military mapping standards, and ESRI toolsets, we were able to cost-effectively and quickly produce updated mapping.

Similarly, last year, we also filled in gaps in the Tanzania national 1:50,000 scale topographic map series using a variety of source data—both governmental and commercial—and ESRI software to produce new and highly accurate mapping of these previously unmapped areas.

What steers EVG ahead of the competition?

We differentiate ourselves from other GIS and remote sensing companies by our unparalleled collection, sourcing capabilities, and relationships with mapping authorities worldwide. Moreover, our commitment to producing high-quality geospatial metadata provides us a unique advantage in quickly identifying potential datasets that could be leveraged for solving a given problem or accomplishing a mapping effort in creative ways. Finally, after identifying the ideal input datasets, our expertise in bringing these datasets together through conflation and translation into standard schemas allows us to take advantage of automated cartographic finishing workflows.

What does the future hold for EVG?

The future looks exciting! While we will continue to develop novel workflows and stay abreast of evolving technology in our industry, we also aim to capitalize on numerous unique product development opportunities in-house as well as consulting opportunities to build capacity in the developing world. For countries working toward developing the national spatial data infrastructure, EVG is a natural partner, given the symbiotic nature of our business. Bringing historic mapping to the modern context will enable analysts to better understand past trends and highlight areas for growth.