GCS has developed GeoMarc, a powerful suite of tools integrated with the ESRI ArcGIS® product family, leveraging cutting-edge digital watermarking technology for geospatial imagery.
What is GeoMarc?
GeoMarc embeds an invisible watermark directly into the pixels of raster datasets, ensuring that ownership information is securely locked within the image. This invisible mark is undetectable to the human eye and resilient against common image processing operations, including cropping, rotating, scaling, and compression. As a result, images carry their own identity, enabling seamless verification of ownership and access to relevant linked information, regardless of changes to file formats or names.
Key Features of GeoMarc
1. Copyright Protection
When an image is marked using the GeoMarc Export tool and is subsequently sold, published online, or printed, the watermark remains embedded in all derivative products. If someone illegally uses part of the image, the original owner can utilize the DataLink tool to cross-reference the owner ID with the GCS owner database, providing definitive proof of ownership.
2. Tracking and Leak Detection
GeoMarc’s unique payload cannot be removed from the image, even if printed or reformatted. This feature ensures that the watermark remains intact throughout the image’s lifecycle, allowing for continuous tracking and identification. Each GeoMarc image is associated with a unique identifier linked to the creator or distributor, facilitating accountability in cases of misuse.
3. Automated Data Distribution and Updates
GeoMarc’s pull architecture empowers users to stay updated with the latest information associated with their geospatial imagery. When new feature layers (e.g., buildings, streams, roads) are created, organizations only need to update the GeoMarc registry. Users can then access this updated data effortlessly via the DataLink tool, enhancing workflow efficiency.
4. ImageBrief™ Publishing
GeoMarc users can create comprehensive briefings and distribute them as single images, enhancing both security and simplicity. By linking annotations, overlays, and supporting documentation to a GeoMarc, the entire briefing can be delivered digitally or in print. Recipients can reconstruct the briefing using the DataLink client, which pulls linked data from public and private data stores. This workflow ensures that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access, as the image appears devoid of any additional data to the untrained eye.
Conclusion
GeoMarc enhances the management and sharing of geospatial intelligence while significantly improving user workflows. By incorporating robust digital watermarking capabilities, organizations can protect their imagery, ensure copyright compliance, and streamline data distribution.
Explore how GeoMarc can transform your geospatial data management and security today!
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