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modern mobile platforms, applications can determine a device’s location and orientation. Using this infor- mation, they overlay geospatial information over the live feeds from a device’s video camera to display an augmented-reality visualization to users. Applications for such technology span many fields and use cases. Examples include emergency response, military operations and navigation. A novel example of using augmented reality for navigation is the Yelp iPhone application, which maps the location, distance and reviewer ratings for nearby locations on top of a feed from a phone’s camera. The applicability of augmented reality to enhance geocontext is just the beginning. As mobile technology and communication capabilities expand, these systems will be part of everyday interactions and use, enhancing geocontext with the latest information in real time. Meeting Operational Needs As geospatial information sources and availability expands, the tasks placed on geospatial users are increasing. The need for expanded information prod- ucts delivered in a shorter timeframe is hitting the lim- its of current operational processes. Using local geo- context is one method to mitigate such limitations. Understanding local geocontext through modern visualization technologies is another method to solve the geospatial operational overload. Through the use of visualization techniques such as lifelike virtual lThe Yelp iPhone application uses augmented reality, mapping the location, distance and reviewer ratings for nearby locations on top of a feed from a phone’s camera. scene generation and augmented-reality overlays, geo- spatial users can rapidly grasp local context and lever- age that knowledge to meet the growing complexity of their operational environment. Kirk Benell is chief technology officer, ITT Visual Information Solutions; e-mail: kirk@ittvis.com. POINT. CLICK. GO DIGITAL! Subscribe to the FREE digital edition of GeoWorld today! Page-for-page replicas of the print edition Plus bonus content only available in the digital edition Receive your issue one week prior to mailed issues Read content instantly, no downloading required Hot link to advertiser Web sites Subscribe to either the print or the digital issue today. Sign up at www.geoplace.com/subscribe Look for this symbol throughout the magazine. It means there is additional coverage available in the digital edition. M AY 2O11 / WWW . GEOPLA CE .C O M 21