A spatial DVD (sDVD) gives users an advantage in disseminating information. Initially, the sDVD was produced only in the USA, which was a very time consuming, expensive and difficult process, as sometimes the most basic of Australian geography was underestimated - as well as misspelt! Gyrovision therefore decided to set up their own sDVD workstation which has enabled them to produce hundreds of DVDs internally.

A spatial DVD works exactly the same as a standard DVD. However, it contains sufficient data to show geo-referenced video footage, as well as customised layers of maps, ortho-rectified photos, voice notes, text documents, cost estimates or other information. It also contains sufficient software to be completely interactive. There are licence options for users of MapInfo and for ArcView.

The sDVD is able to be read in any computer so that the imagery and other information that it contains is extremely portable. It is also a particularly effective way of communicating information about a project or proposal. Many of Gyrovision’s existing clients use the sDVD to show the public the facts, figures and images of a project or to demonstrate the progress of ventures to senior executives.

There are a number of specific applications for pipeline users where the sDVD can save time and money. The sDVD has the capability of providing the recipient with lots of information, in an easy to use and easy to understand manner. The GIS based software means that everything is point and click. Icons are used to mark items of specific interest. A video image of that point is visible, at the same time as a word document or audio notes can be accessed for further explanations.

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In any industry, the more information available, the lower the risk and the more accurate pricing can be. An sDVD provided to tenderers and sub-contractors provides a complete picture of any project. This should be reflected in lower contingency allowances and construction costs.

A series of sDVDs could form the basis of a library of information tracking the condition of assets or the progress of a project over time. An alternative to the sDVD is to store the data on a hard drive providing a video library for internal use.

A geo-referenced video contains on the tape (and sDVD) the latitude and longitude of the point of capture of each frame of the video so that the location of each point of the surveyed asset is known. The user can then look at the fully integrated map which exhibits the track line of the survey, and the images at a particular point by clicking on the track display.

Gyrovision is a company that is relatively new to the pipeline industry with an established product in the environmental industry. The Aerial Video Mapping System Gyrovision offers combines high resolution, gyro-stabilised, aerial video, seamlessly integrated with positional information on a stand-alone DVD or within your own GIS system.