Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency - PCI Geomatics

18 February 2009, 11:06am

Richmond Hill, Ontario – February 2009: PCI Geomatics, a world leading developer of hardware/software systems for geo-imaging solutions, is pleased to announce that the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB – Myndigheten för Samhällsskydd och Beredskap) has selected GeoConference software to assist with its emergency preparation and planning.

As of January 1, 2009, the Swedish government announced a new organization called the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), which is responsible for unifying, coordinating and supporting tasks before, during, and after emergencies. MSB replaces the Swedish Rescue Services Agency, the Swedish Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Swedish National Board of Psychological Defence - all of which ceased operations on December 31, 2008.

GeoConference was purchased for the new organization as a tool for assistance with disaster management by facilitating the cooperation and communication between government and various vital agencies.

MSB works together with municipalities, county councils, government authorities and organizations to ensure the safety of society, and to improve the capacity to handle emergencies. MSB develops the preparedness of Swedish society to manage serious crises.

GeoConference allows groups to share and view maps and imagery interactively over the web, in real-time. It contains tools for hosting interactive geospatial teleconferences, linking clients in remote locations and facilitating connections to geospatial databases.

“GeoConference will allow MSB to facilitate team coordination and communication amongst all organizations involved in emergency situations,” said Yves Carbonneau, Chief Product Specialist, PCI Geomatics. “Through the web conferencing capabilities, decision makers will have information on demand, be fully briefed on the situation, and be able to speak to a virtual map-on-the-wall – regardless as to where they are located.”

“After demonstrations with the Swedish Road Authorities and Sweden’s Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), it was clear that GeoConference would be an ideal fit for MSB,” said Nils Erik Jorgensen, Senior GIS consultant, TerraNor, and PCI Geomatics Reseller Partner in Sweden. “By sharing geographic data over the web, it’s possible to discuss and describe problems in detail – even if the group of people isn’t physically in the same room.”

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a world leading developer of software and solutions for geospatial imaging applications. For over 25 years we have specialized in remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, spatial analysis, cartographic production, automated production systems, image management and on demand mapping solutions. Our flagship software Geomatica® enables users with the necessary tools to address a wide variety of industry applications including sustainable agriculture, forestry management, wetlands, carbon management, public security, disaster management and more. PCI Geomatics technology turns images into useful information for effective decision making.

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)

GeoConfererence

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