10 Tips And Techniques For More Effective Presentations

Why present? Or better yet, why learn how to present well? Simply put, because your life is one big presentation. You are presenting all the time, and many people's lives have been defined by presentations. Promotions have been made or missed. Deals are won or lost. An election was just won due largely to one candidate being a far better presenter. It's an important skill, a skill most people wish they had. We've all been there - sitting through an excruciatingly boring, dry, scripted presentation with nothing to look at on the screen except bullet points, full sentences and lowsy clip-art. Making it even worse, the presenter has made no effort to keep you interested, help you understand the material, or create anything worth looking at. You're in hell, and you're counting down the minutes until you can leave – but it doesn't have to be that way.
"10 Tips And Techniques For More Effective Presentations"

Breaking the mold and standing out from the crowd.

Social Media Cheat Sheets for Twitter, fadcebook, Gmail

Ok, this isn't exactly GEO, however, for those producing and sharing media, Geo data etc... there's loads to know about social media and how to leverage these tools. I recently found some handy cheat sheets that are available for download (PDF). A simple request form is required (painless) and these handy sheets are pretty useful!

 Facebook Keyboard Shortcuts: Facebook provides users with about a dozen of handy shortcuts that users may use for faster navigation through Facebook. For instance, Alt+1 will take you to your home page. Alt+M will take you to a new message screen. There are many more and this cheat sheet list them all, including codes for Facebook chat emoticons.
 Twitter Shortcuts: Many people don't know, but ever since Twitter redesigned its website they have added a bunch of handy features including support for keyboard shortcuts. This cheat sheet lists all shortcuts that you can use to navigate Twitter faster.
 Gmail Shortcuts: When it comes to Gmail there are a bunch of very useful shortcuts that make it easy to navigate and perform certain actions in Gmail. Download the Gmail cheat sheet. It's free.

USGIF EDU Tip - donate to USGIF Academic Programs

This year, USGIF awarded almost $100,000 in scholarships to 20 students studying the geospatial tradecraft. The Foundation has given out almost half a million dollars since the program began just a few years ago.

Part of USGIF's mission is to promote the geospatial intelligence tradecraft through education and ensure its robust future. To help us continue to achieve this mission, USGIF is calling on federal employees to donate. Learn more about USGIF Academic Programs and how they are supporting the future of our community.  http://usgif.org/education/scholarships

Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) have collaborated on the development of a notably enhanced global elevation model named the Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) that replaces GTOPO30 as the elevation dataset of choice for global and continental scale applications.  GMTED2010 provides a new level of detail in global topographic data. The GMTED2010 product suite contains seven new raster elevation products for each of the 30-, 15-, and 7.5-arc-second spatial resolutions and incorporates the current best available global elevation data. The new elevation products have been produced using the following aggregation methods: minimum elevation, maximum elevation, mean elevation, median elevation, standard deviation of elevation, systematic subsample, and breakline emphasis.

Additional Information:

GMTED2010 Technical Documentation

GMTED2010 Metadata

HTML Version

XML Version

Intergraph and DigitalGlobe offer a geospatial challenge

An interesting competition being offered up to the ERDAS user community from Intergraph and DigitalGlobe. The competition challenges the user community to exploit tools from ERDAS and imagery from DigitalGlobe. Enter the challenge to get free imagery for your study and a chance to win five WorldView-2 scenes of your choice. In addition,  three finalists will be sent to present at ASPRS in Sacramento, CA on March 21-23, 2012. Entries will be accepted until December 12. DigitalGlobe will make 8-band imagery available to qualifying contestants to exploit WorldView-2 imagery using ERDAS IMAGINE for:

• Spatial Modeling and Analysis
• Image Visualization
• Image Processing
• Stereo Compilation and Elevation Modeling
• Image Analysis
• Feature Extraction

For those seeking a little extra help on this topic, ERDAS will be hosting a free webinar on Automated Feature Extraction with DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-2 Data – the webinar will take place online on December 7, 2011 and December 8, 2011.

Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) have collaborated on the development of a notably enhanced global elevation model named the Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) that replaces GTOPO30 as the elevation dataset of choice for global and continental scale applications.  GMTED2010 provides a new level of detail in global topographic data. The GMTED2010 product suite contains seven new raster elevation products for each of the 30-, 15-, and 7.5-arc-second spatial resolutions and incorporates the current best available global elevation data.

In addition to the elevation products, detailed spatially referenced metadata containing attribute fields such as coordinates, projection information, and raw source elevation statistics have been generated on a tile-by-tile basis for all the input datasets that constitute the global elevation model.

GMTED2010 Spatially Referenced Metadata

GMTED2010 Viewer 

EarthExplorer

Running Android or iOS as a Windows phone

Windows phone for android
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

So, you've heard all about the new Windows Phone OS, you know, the OS that Nokia has adopted for all their new high end devices moving forward. Well, thanks to a tip via engadget, you can now hit a very cool demo site on your iPhone or Android smartphone and you'll get a really good idea what its like to be running in the WP mobile environment (like on a Nokia Lumia 800). Very cool stuff! You can hit the emulator by pointing your mobile web browser to http://aka.ms/wpdemo - Image shown was captured using a Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone.

Android Tip - A Guide to Droid Devices

Looking for resources to help stay informed of the latest mobile devices, in particular those running on the Android OS? If so, here’s details of a free guide that may be useful to you – These Are The Droids You’re Looking For: An Android Guide. Some details of the resource:
Android is among the most influential operating systems crafted this century. Along with iOS, it has paved the way for mobile devices that offer an unprecedented level of functionality. Currently Android is the most common mobile operating system–and there’s no sign that its popularity will wane anytime soon. If you’re reading this guide, it’s likely because you have an Android device. This 23 page guide will go over Android’s history and the different versions on the market.

See These Are The Droids You’re Looking For: An Android Guide

Tip - Gmail for Power Users- Free Video Tutorial

In Gmail for Power Users, Susan Cline shows how to personalize email, manage multiple accounts, and be more productive with Google's email service.

The course offers tips and tricks for customizing Gmail to suit your needs; working efficiently with shortcuts; taking advantage of labels; integrating with Calendar, Google Docs, and social media; using voice and video chat; implementing time management in Gmail; and much more. 
Gmail for Power Users- Free Video Tutorial

ThinkPad Tablet (Android)

ThinkPad Tablet (Android)
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The new Thinkpad Tablet has been released for those interested in this latest Android OS device. ThinkPad sells for about $499 and sports the following features:
NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 Dual-Core 1GHz processor
Android™ 3.1
10.1" HD multitouch display with pen input
Starting at 1.6 lbs
Up to 8 hours (with WiFi enabled)
Up to 64GB storage
Up to 1GB DDR2 memory

The Google Public Data Explorer

A handy data visualization resource from Google - The Google Public Data Explorer makes large datasets easy to explore, visualize and communicate. As the charts and maps animate over time, the changes in the world become easier to understand. You don't have to be a data expert to navigate between different views, make your own comparisons, and share your findings.

http://www.google.com/publicdata/home

Suggested Reading - Thinking About GIS

Some Suggested reading... Thinking About GIS: Geographic Information System Planning for Managers presents a planning model for designing data and technology systems that will meet any organization’s specific needs. Designed for two primary audiences—senior managers who oversee information technologies and technical specialists responsible for system design—this book provides a common platform on which to conduct GIS planning. The fourth edition reflects the latest trends in geospatial technology, and includes new case studies, exercises from author Roger Tomlinson's course Planning for a GIS, and video of his "Planning and Managing a GIS" seminar from the Esri International User Conference.

Motorola Defy Android Smartphone

Motorola Defy Android Smartphone
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

Some cool, GPS tracking technology for pet owners. The Tagg tracker is designed for dogs and cats over 10 lbs. and is a small, lightweight and durable device that attaches securely to an existing collar. Built to withstand all the running, digging and jumping of a pet’s busy day, the tracker is meant to be worn at all times, even while swimming. The long-lasting battery can last up to 30 days, but actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns. The Tagg Master Kit, which includes all hardware and one full year of service, is $199.99 and has an anticipated September ship date - http://blog.gisuser.com/2011/08/15/qualcomm-tagg-pet-location-gps/

QUALCOMM TAGG - Pet location GPS

QUALCOMM TAGG - Pet location GPS
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The Tagg tracker is designed for dogs and cats over 10 lbs. and is a small, lightweight and durable device that attaches securely to an existing collar.See www.lbszone.com/content/view/7814/2/

10 Tips And Techniques For More Effective Presentations

Why present? Or better yet, why learn how to present well? Simply put, because your life is one big presentation. You are presenting all the time, and many people's lives have been defined by presentations. Promotions have been made or missed. Deals are won or lost. An election was just won due largely to one candidate being a far better presenter. It's an important skill, a skill most people wish they had. We've all been there - sitting through an excruciatingly boring, dry, scripted presentation with nothing to look at on the screen except bullet points, full sentences and lowsy clip-art. Making it even worse, the presenter has made no effort to keep you interested, help you understand the material, or create anything worth looking at. You're in hell, and you're counting down the minutes until you can leave – but it doesn't have to be that way.
 Get Details HERE

2011 ESRIUC Photo Gallery

Images catpured by GISuser's @gletham in San Diego at the esriuc - original photoset here on Flickr

Latest Report on LightSquared GPS Plan Shows Major Threat to U.S. Economy

Oh my, even more on the LightSquared GPS issue… get used to it! This time we have some fresh research findings and numbers to share courtesy of reports via the SaveOurGPS coalition. The latest findings from the anti-LightSquared coalitions reveals that proposed Interference with GPS Poses Major Threat to U.S. Economy and get this, 3.3 Million U.S. Jobs and $96 Billion in Annual Direct Economic Benefits Are at Risk! The $96 billion figure is the total of up to $87.2 billion in costs to commercial GPS users and up to $8.8 billion in costs to commercial GPS manufacturers. The commercial benefits of GPS are largely enabled by high precision GPS technologies.

From the report… “The commercial stakes are high. The downstream industries that rely on professional and high precision GPS technology for their own business operations would face serious disruption to their operations should interference occur”

See details HERE

Note, this topic (billed as DarkSquared) was also featured in अ recent Amerisurv newsletter in the intro editorial by Managing Editor Marc Cheves – See HERE

Charter edition of LiDAR Magazine is now available

Kudos to Gene Roe, Allen Cheves, and the team of developers and writers who managed to put together Volume #1 of LiDAR Magazine. This interesting E publication is now online and industry articles are available via a web-friendly (and iPad / tablet friendly) “flip” style magazine format or as high-res PDF as well.

About the publication… Back in 1999, we wrote our first article on the Cyrax laser scanner. At the time, the field to office ratio (from raw scan to deliverable) was 40:1. That’s 40 hours of processing for every hour in the field. This ratio is now approaching one to one. Prices are falling, too; some scanners are less than $50,000 USD. Long story short, there’s more opportunity than ever before. The way we map and visualize our world is changing—the 3D Revolution is upon us. The magazine is iPad, tablet & browser compatible. You can also access individual PDF files.

The first edition covers topics as varied as:

• Laser Scanning, Orthophotos & BIM
• ASTM E57 Data Exchange Standard
• Reflections on Scanning a Coast
• Mobile Mapping in South America
• Automated Feature Extraction
• Introduction from Editor Gene Roe & more…

Click here to view your digital copy

Report on LightSquared GPS Plan Shows Major Threat to U.S. Economy

The latest findings from the anti-LightSquared coalitions reveals that proposed Interference with GPS Poses Major Threat to U.S. Economy and get this, 3.3 Million U.S. Jobs and $96 Billion in Annual Direct Economic Benefits Are at Risk! The $96 billion figure is the total of up to $87.2 billion in costs to commercial GPS users and up to $8.8 billion in costs to commercial GPS manufacturers. The commercial benefits of GPS are largely enabled by high precision GPS technologies.
From the report… “The commercial stakes are high. The downstream industries that rely on professional and high precision GPS technology for their own business operations would face serious disruption to their operations should interference occur”
See details HERE

New Esri ocean base layer

New Esri ocean base layer
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The ocean basemap includes bathymetry, surface and subsurface feature names, and derived depths. See more information http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/23822/2/

week-end tip - Practical Social Media Tools

A social media tip... Practical Social Media Tools: Over 70 tools you can use today to take your social media program to new heights. The Social Media Tools Guide is a comprehensive list of social media marketing tools that they recommend for organizations considering social media management responsibilities. Some tools overlap (such as WordPress and MovableType) but their inclusion here is meant to provide you with a set of options to evaluate for your own implementation needs. There are hundreds of social media tools that you can use in each category outlined in the guide. You will also find a section with links to more information.
See Practical Social Media Tools

Analyzing Tornadoes from a Spatial Perspective Using GIS

Spring in North America brings not only new flowers, but a new crop of tornadoes.  As we are all aware, the 2011 tornado season has already been horrific, and our hearts go out to all those affected. Joseph Kerski, Esri, describes how educators could use ArcLessons to analyze spatial patterns to better understand tornado outbreaks.
See details HERE

WhereCampDC and IgniteSpatial June 10-11

WhereCampDC and IgniteSpatial June 10-11
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

WhereCampDC, a cool unconference taking place on June 10-11 in the nation's capital hosted at National Geographic and The Washington Post. The event is free to attend and all are welcomed and encouraged to participate. You can follow @wherecampDC on Twitter

Corbett Administration Recognizes GeoDecisions

Corbett Administration Recognizes GeoDecisions
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

GeoDecisions and the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Task Force were recognized in the category of Information Technology at the 15th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence for the development and management of the Law Enforcement Justice Information System (LEJIS). see www.gisuser.com/content/view/23343/2/

Topcon Field Tools for ArcPad

Topcon Field Tools for ArcPad
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

Topcon Positioning Systems announces the newest version of Field Tools for ArcPad® to support the latest version of ArcPad (v10.0) and Topcon’s GRS-1. See www.gisuser.com/content/view/23214/2/

ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap

ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap has received an update. Recall the tool allows you to download data from the OSM servers and store it locally in a geodatabase. esriosmeditor.codeplex.com/

CARIS Spatial Fusion Enterprise

CARIS Spatial Fusion Enterprise
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The latest release of Spatial Fusion Enterprise is building on its support of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards by implementing the Web Coverage Service (WCS) standard for bathymetric data. Using Spatial Fusion Enterprise, to distribute and interrogate bathymetry on the web - see www.gisuser.com/content/view/23308/2/

Magellan eXplorist Pro 10

Magellan eXplorist Pro 10
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

Supply your mobile workforce with the durable, compact eXplorist Pro 10 that incorporates functional features such as photo, video and voice note capture and a high-yield GPS receiver with 3 to 5 meters real-time positioning accuracy. See www.gisuser.com/content/view/23236/2/

Thinking spaces social wiki

Thinking spaces social wiki
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

The Economist Launches Thinking Spaces 2.0 - a location-based wiki of public thinking spaces - see more www.gisuser.com/content/view/23251/28/

Texas Drought Conditions Map

Texas Drought Conditions Map
Originally uploaded by @gletham GIS, Social, Mobile Tech Images

From the US Drought monitoring resource, the latest map showing the entire State of Texas is under serious drought conditions and as a result, wildfires are a serious concern - see www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html