Company Profile of the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation

University of Latvia

The Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation (Umi.Latvia) is a research & development unit of the University of Latvia. The Institute consists of two departments:

Department of Geodesy and Department of Geoinformation. The main topics of the activities are:

Department of Geodesy –

• Satellite laser ranging (hardware, software)

• and GNSS applications,

• participating in the project EUPOS®

Department of Geomatics –

• development of 2D and 3D country-wide geographical databases,

• development of large urban geographical databases and DEM,

• development of highly detailed local geographical databases.

The Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation of the University of Latvia was established in 1994 by quitting the the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Latvia..

The Department of Geodesy has experienced staff dealing with satellite on ground observations; its hardware and software has been designed for this purpose. Currently several projects are being carried out on the issues of research and development.

• ERAF 2.5.1. Projekts: Ģeogrāfisko informācijas sistēmu komponentes izstrāde Latvijas teutsaimniecībai. Līgums Nr.VPD1/ERAF/CFLA/05/APK/2.5.1./000081/039

• EUREKA supported ”E3095! EULASNET LEO SATELLITE” Low Earth Orbiter Satellite Observation. The pilot project of the SLR machine is under development

• INTERREG III C East Project „European Position Determination System – Interregional

Co-operation” 4E0026I – EUPOS - IRC

• An automated zenith telescope for the vertical deflection is under design. The optics have been calculated and ordered to be made at the advanced optics factory.

• The Riga multifunctional GNSS positioning system is " EUPOS® - RIGA ". the joint project with Ŗiga GeoMetrs”.

• GIS and GNSS education and training.

• The international symposium “European Galileo Information Days in Riga, 12-13 May 2005” has been organized by the Department of Geodesy jointly with Galileo Point of Polish Space Research Institute.

Activities in geomatics of the Department Geoinformation. Research on GIS development trends and strategies in Latvia:

• analysis of actual trends in national GIS developments

• drafting the national strategy for GIS development

Development of proprietary GIS software:

• development of low-cost mini-GIS software (discontinued now)

Development of 2D geographical databases (digital maps):

• development of country-wide geographical databases

• development of large urban geographical databases

• development of highly detailed local geographical databases

Development of 3D geographical databases (digital elevation models):

• development of country-wide digital elevation models

• development of digital elevation models for urban areas

Development of complete GISes.

Application of GIS techniques to specific practical tasks:

• computation of Latvia's economic exclusion zone

Many projects have been developed by skilled personnel in digital mapping and GIS by using ESRI and ERDAS software.

The Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation cooperates closely with the "Rigas GeoMetrs" in the development of Riga multifunctional GNSS positioning system. " EUPOS® - RIGA ", as well as in development of the SLR and zenith telescope."Rigas GeoMetrs" is an advanced surveying and mapping company of the Riga city Municipality. Recently the company has celebrated its 125 years anniversary.