| The precise location of a fire hydrant can determine how and where a city planner decides to design and place a new street or roadway improvement. Inaccurate base map images can cause delays in the project, require additional monies to locate the street, and cause lots of frustration. Inaccuracies also create the impression that base map images are unreliable and that spending taxpayer dollars on base mapping images would be a waste of resources.
Until recently, no commercial company had a solution to check the accuracy of digital orthophotos and derived maps without spending nearly as much money as the cost of the original images. That’s where CEO Charles (Chuck) O’Hara and his company, Spatial Information Solutions, fills a need in the geospatial market. Spatial Information Solutions helps small municipalities, counties, or any user or data provider verify the accuracy of base map image data. “Our software uses easily understood visuals that explain map errors and show where fixes and additional updates are needed,” Dr. O’Hara explains. Software and services provided by Spatial Information Solutions can mean the difference between getting details right by the deadlines, and delaying projects because of map inaccuracies. That’s the concept he had when he decided to form his company, which uses high-tech mapping tools created through his research at Mississippi State University’s Geosystems Research Institute (GRI), where he works as an associate research professor.
Chuck began investigating modern mapping technologies about six years ago using a $2 million research grant. He and David Shaw, then the director of GRI at MSU (currently the VP of Research), soon saw the opportunity for commercial applications of the project. “Part of the mission of a land grant institution like Mississippi State is figuring out how we can do research that really matters,” David said. As they decided to move forward with establishing the company, Chuck and David involved MSU’s Office of Technology Commercialization, a resource that aids researchers and inventors in patenting and licensing their technology or creating start-up companies. From patent applications to licensing agreements, the OTC assists to protect research and technology and helps move the results of research invention to the commercial market. Chuck said that when he started the research project he had no plans to establish a commercial company, but he saw the need and today we have Spatial Information Solutions!
Chuck’s wife, Leslie O’Hara, joined the effort at Spatial Information Solutions. Leslie spearheads the company’s marketing and advertising efforts as their Vice President and Director of Communications. Both Chuck and Leslie have been active in the geospatial community, joining industry groups such as MAPPS and ASPRS with plans to become more involved in the future. CompassData would like to welcome Chuck and Leslie to our team and look forward to a long-lasting partnership. |
