MIX AJAX event set for March in Vegas

I just stumbled onto details of a very cool event billed as a 72 hour power  session for developers, designers, and decision makers. The MIX conference is a 72-hour conversation between web developers, designers and business leaders. When you attend MIX you’ll learn the latest about IE7, Windows Media, Windows Live!, as well as “Atlas”, Microsoft’s new AJAX framework. The event takes place March 20-22 (like you don't already have 6 or 7 events on your calendar for March!!) at the swanky Venetian hotel in Vegas. See http://mix06.com/

Opportunity - Exploring Marine GIS: An ArcGIS Field and Lab Course

I just got wind of this interesting opportunity from the folks at the Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation (BC, Canada). An exciting opportunity is now available to attend a course titled: Exploring Marine GIS: An ArcGIS Field and Lab Course
Think of it as an immersion week in geospatial sciences and marine biology in San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico, March 6-12, 2006. The cost,  $1,399.00 per person. This week long adventure is for both beginning and advanced GIS users, and will also be suitable for those with some experience looking to integrate GIS into their own conservation projects or professional work. The workshop will include 2 days of instructor led training covering an "Introduction to ArcGIS 9", using ESRI training materials and taught by an ESRI authorized instructor.  Participants will integrate these skills and perform exercises in an exploration of the Marine Data Model, and discover how data modeling is used in GIS.  In addition, participants will work side by side with CERF's graduate students and marine mammal biologists, collecting data on the distribution, behavior and ecology of gray whales occupying winter breeding grounds. The course will include data collection in the lagoon and the opportunity to learn how to use some of the tools used by marine mammal scientists, digital images, image processing software, CERF's 10 year photo identification catalog, GPS units and underwater sonar tracking devices will all be incorporated in the field work sessions.  Participants will contribute to CERF's ongoing research projects, study the concepts of data modeling and management, learn and integrate the skills used in photo id cataloging, participate in behavioral monitoring of gray whale mothers and calves and learn the basic requirements for creating a working geodatabase for conservation planning.  Additionally, those with ongoing projects or datasets are encouraged to bring their work with them, as we will have a Data Modeler and GIS Consultant on hand to work with these participants. For the full announcement - See also http://cerf.bc.ca/baja/whales.asp

An interesting take on Search Engine positioning

An interesting perception of search engine's and the linking or lack thereof to relevant news and news articles of interest has been offered up in an article on sys-con.com. The author has tested the functionality of leading news search aggregators (Google news, Yahoo! news etc...) and come up with some interesting findings. What it boils down to (and I can attest to similar findings) Google news appears to seek out and point to original news and articles, providing accurate and useful search results, whereas, anyone with a decent search placement on Yahoo! (an art that nobody seems to be able to get a handle on) can get picked up and ranked number 1 (or near the top), regardless of whether they are the true author or have copied the material from another source. In the article (which I unfortunately can't locate at the moment because sys-con's search utility is not working correctly, they reference an article published on their website. When conducting a search on the various search engines it is easily located using Google, yet when the same search is conducted using Yahoo!, the article turns up on a site (blog) which has copied the article directly from the sys-con website... the link to the "rip-off artist" came up at the top of the search and no lead to the original article turned up... how important is search engine positioning? Ever submitted a resource to Yahoo! using the submit website utility?? Good luck!

 

Batch geocoding from simple text output using Yahoo! maps

James Fee (www.spatiallyadjusted.com)  provided a pointer to this batch geocoder that I just had to check out. The page requests the user simply provide "any kind" of address data from a "simple" format - ie. simply paste address, city, state, ZIP, description, url from an excel spreadsheet. the app validates the source code, then requests the user to specify columns (I was a bit lost on what exactly step 4 does!). Finally, the geocoder runs and displays the output in tabular format with the geocoding output (lat/long) as well as on a map - using Yahoo! maps. Some info provided about the technology behind the scenes... This tool makes primary use of JavaScript ON Demand (JSOD) and JSON to dynamically call and interact with the Yahoo! REST Geocoding API. All you need is somple simple tabular address data and your web client. Ironically, shortly after posting this I heard from the developer, Phillip Holmstrand. He share's this information about the app... You can copy/paste directly from Excel, geocode, and then copy right back into Excel, and/or see addresses on a map instantly. It uses Yahoo's Geocoding API, which is nothing new, but what's nice is it allows batch processing of tabular data. Best news, it's free, and you can geocode up to 50,000 addresses per day.Check it out at http://www.batchgeocode.com/

Free Software Foundation releases draft of GNU General Public License v3

The Free Software Foundation (http://www.fsf.org/) has released a draft version of GNU General Public License v3. Of note, Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed. See http://gplv3.fsf.org/draft. A bit of background, "In fifteen years of use, version 2 of the GNU General Public License has succeeded beyond our expectations. It has nurtured a spirit of cooperation and trust that has enabled a worldwide community of user/developers to release an extraordinary range of free software." An extensive rationale behind the proposed changes has also been offered. Note: Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. For more see also http://www.fsf.org/licensing/licenses/gpl.html

GeoWeb 2006 Conference date set

Looks like the 2006 GeoWeb conference (recall GML dev days) now has a date set... mark your calendar.. July 24-28, 2006, Vancouver, BC. Topics will include Geography Markup Language (GML), KML, MapPoint, LandXML and OGC Web Services for GIS - See http://www.geoweb.org

UK film studio on the hunt for Google earth programmers

A cool opportunity for UK-based google Earth mashers has been pointed out by Ogle Earth (http://www.ogleearth.com/) citing this thread on the Keyhole BBS (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Number=279442). Seems that a major film studio is looking for a programmer to help create some google earth apps etc.. to aid in the promotion of the flick.. a cool opportunity.. note the need for someone UK-based.

White House Asking for Web addresses and records of Google searches

The caption definitely got my attention and will no doubt be used as a model case for those battling privacy laws and the abuse of the privacy of web users... it read "White House Seeks Google Records". A scenario long feared by privacy advocates over Google's voluminous storage of millions of pieces of information on user searches arose as Department of Justice lawyers asked a federal court to compel Google's cooperation with their requests. According to an article at Webpronews,  Google has not complied with a year-old subpoena that asked for "one million random Web addresses and records of all Google searches from any one-week period." Google refused the request, citing privacy concerns and the exposure of Google trade secrets in fulfilling the request... OUCH! See http://www.webpronews.com/insiderreports/searchinsider/wpn-49-20060119WhiteHouseSeeksGoogleRecords.html

KMLer and TypeConvert ArcGIS 9 extension for working with Google Earth

I recently caught wind of a new ArcGIS extension from the developer of KMLer developed by Valery Hronusov Programming, Michael Barsky Mines Institute Ural branch of the Russian Academy of sciences.. they bill the application as "the ArcGIS 9 extension for professional work with Google Earth". In a nutshell, here's what you can do with the extension... Export to KML. Convert vector layers into Google Earth *.kml or *.kmz files. - Import from KML. Convert data from Google Earth vector files to ArcMap layers. Supports multiply import of *.kml and *.kmz files to *.shp files or geodatabase. - Export screen. Saves current screen of ArcMap data view as overlay with coordinates. Opens overlay in Google Earth.  Imports current Google Earth screen shots as grayscale raster and much more. I haven't taken it for a test drive but will do soon... The develope also has made available the free extension for ArcGIS called Typeconvert see http://mi-perm.ru/gis/programs/programs.html & http://mi-perm.ru/gis/programs/typeconvert/index.html

Mapserver Enterprise (Tux) now branded as MapGuide Open Source

Recent information supplied by Autodesk has informed us that the company has changed the name of MapServer Enterprise (Previously code named “Tux”)... enter MapGuide Open Source:  Open source version. New names of various flavors are to include:

new names are of the various versions of it are as follows:

• Autodesk MapGuide® Enterprise 2007:  Commercial version (available later this year)
• Autodesk MapGuide® Studio 2007:  Commercial authoring tool (available later this year)

According to the company there were two reasons for the decision.  The existing open source web mapping community voiced concern about confusion over the existing MapServer project and Autodesk’s web mapping product.  Also, the current MapGuide customers and partners communicated they would prefer a name and a brand that they know well and identify with.  Online discussions (See the mapserver discussion list )are underway to find a new name for the MapServer Foundation, which is now seeking other open source geospatial projects to join the effort. Reminder - the MapServer Foundation and members of the open source geospatial community are scheduled to meet February 4^th in Chicago. See also http://www.mapserverfoundation.org & http://lists.mapserverfoundation.org/pipermail/discuss/

Geospatial Podcasts / vodcasts directory

With the growing interest and heightened demand for podcasts and vodcasts, I thought it was appropriate to add a category in our tools section at GISuser devoted to these cool learning aids. So, if you jump to the "Free Tools" category at HERE and browse all the way to the bottom you'll find the latest addition to this valuable resource. The selection of podcasts is a bit skinny right now but we hope for some suggestions real soon so please feel free to send us details of videos to be included. FYI, if you're looking for some amusing videos or want to upload some of your own, be sure to check google's video gallery at video.google.com... there's quite a bit of crap there but there's also some great opportunities here for exposure so I wouldn't hesitate to upload a learning video or product demo here.

ProspectV Image Visualization Tool

In a recent thread on the user forums at GISuser a UC Santa Barbara grad student provided a heads-up on an interesting application. ProspectV is an image visualization tool for MS Windows enabling users to to explore images rather than just diplaying them statically, or, rather, using obsolete interface metaphors. You can zoom, pan and rotate any ìmage in real time, in full screen, and at full-speed, even on not-so-recent computers. You can visually highlight city features in a specific order and maybe time the presentation with your speech, without the need to improvise, also producing a stunning visual effect.  You can download the demo from the following link: http://it.geocities.com/prospectvhome/. ProspectV demo is freely distributable and currently unrestricted in the access to its features: for more info see original post http://www.gisuser.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&catid=9&id=1080#1080 or jump directly to http://it.geocities.com/prospectvhome/

Navizon adds geotag option to geo-blogging functionality

I have no idea how many of you are on the NAvizon network, but for the 10,000 or so subscribers who are, they've just added a "geo" tag functionality to their mobile blogging service. Here's a bit more about it... Navizon software works by triangulating signal measurements from cell towers and Wi-Fi access points. Once a map of the wireless landscape is created, members can share it with the rest of the Navizon network. The Geotag allows members to post opinions about businesses, restaurants and landmarks, thus creating a completely new way to share geographical information. Once this information has been recorded, each time a new member enters that geographic area, the Geotag information will automatically appear as an icon on their wireless device. See www.navizon.com If you've tried it feel free to ping me... unfortunately, I have a symbian device, however, I'm not on their network

Report now available - Survey and Analysis of Remote Sensing Market, Aerial and Spaceborne

Consultants and industry professionals interested in market research on the commercial remote sensing industry will be pleased to know that NOAA has finally made available the results of a industry-wide survey. The report (PDF) can be downloaded directly from http://www.licensing.noaa.gov/SurveyAnalysis.pdf (1.2 MB 74 pages). The NOAA Satellite and Information Service Division contracted Global Marketing Insights to conduct a research study of the international remote sensing market as it relates to aerial and satellite data technologies. GISuser.com and numerous other popular industry publications promoted the survey to their readers in order to gather data for use in the report. See also http://www.globalinsights.com/

FGDC seeks comments and reviewers for the Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Mapping

For those of you interested in Geologic Mapping, the FGDC is seeking further comments and reviewers for the Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization. There are two weeks left for review of the Final draft of the Final draft, FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization. You may download the final draft from the FGDC Beta site via http://beta.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/geo-symbol/index_html - scroll down to project history.   Also note the files under "related materials." Thanks to Bob Nutsh, GIS Coordinator, State of North Dakota for the heads-up on this one.

The Google Satellite... huh???

theinquirer (a popular UK-based news resource - www.theinquirer.net) figures that rooftop advertising - something that's been going on long before google earth came along - is now gaining popularity due to the popularity of Google Earth. Actually, if you look down the next time you take off in a jet from any major airport you'll notice loads of rooftop ads. This is a good example of what they are referring to (http://adverlab.blogspot.com/2005/08/advertising-with-google-maps.html), however, I had to chuckle when I read in the article by Nick Farrell (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29048) that the objective was to get the attention of the Google satellite!! Pardon me, but since when has google used their own satellite ??? Too funny... I guess someone needs to notify the inquirer that google licenses the imagery from commercial data providers... OOPS!

Reminder - MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY EXPO January 18th

A reminder to anyone in Mississippi... this could be a worthwhile networking event ... MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY EXPO – MS TRADEMART, JANUARY 18 & 19.  Mississippi’s Largest Business to Business Marketing & Networking Event.  It’s presented by Time Warner Cable Business Class, the Mississippi Business Journal, plus 25 other great sponsors!   The Expo hours are Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PARTY, (Wednesday, January 18th,  5-7:30 pm).  Largest after hours party of the year! Great networking, 20 restaurants, cash bar, music by Debbie Buie & the Yes Men.    FOR MORE INFORMATION:  364-1000 or details at www.msbusiness.com/.

 

View any website on a mobile device reformatted for your phone

Do you browse the web on a cell or smartphone? Scobleizer (http://scobleizer.wordpress.com)  has led us to a nifty mobile search utility  from MSN mobile... If you jump to http://mobile.msn.com/Search/, enter a site to search for (simply enter a web url if you like) then click Mobile to view it on your mobile handset or on your PC so you can see what it will look like on a mobile device... pretty cool!

3dtracking Ltd launches a new range of free GPS services

Here's the skinny... using your mobile phone or PDA, along with your GPS receiver, you can record and view your movements in detail on Google Earth or Google Maps. You can even use the free service for live tracking using Google Earth or Google Maps. What's needed? Download of the required 3dtracking application, as well as use of the website, is completely free (and there are no future plans to charge for this either. Ever according to (Roydon Michael, Managing Director - 3dtracking Ltd). From Roydon... "The web server also retains all the data you’ve ever recorded and submitted, so you can always go back and view your older recorded data at any time". For more info see the FAQ or instructions on the website at http://www.3dtracking.net.

sys-con Reader's choice awards for SOA, Web Services, Java, and XML Technologies

Winners and finalists were announced today in 21 categories by SOA Web Services Journal. Java Developer’s Journal also announced winners and finalists in 26 distinct product and tool categories. A nice read if you simply can't get enough of these "best of" awards. A number of categories are listed including:

Best SOA / Service-Oriented Architecture
Best Application Server for SOA / Web Services
Best Web Services Platform
Best Web Services Integration Tool

See http://java.sys-con.com/read/171303.htm

More on MSNIndia, virtual earth, and Digital Geographics

Looking a bit deeper at some PR that Microsoft issued last week (see http://www.lbszone.com/content/view/678/2/), part of the project billed at MSRIndia (Microsoft Research India) involves developing a web-based map of India with multi-lingual and community features - the project looks pretty interesting and detailed. A topic are in the Project's areas of research include something ther refer to as Digital Geographics - analysis, and visualization of digitized geographic information (see http://research.microsoft.com/research/dgr/). The project will look to expand purpose driven navigation and the integration of maps and blogs (ie. integrating virtual earth and MSN spaces) - more on this can be found in this blog billed as "the loblog" http://loblog.viavirtualearth.com/loblog/. Finally, in the project's career area I noticed a position titled Researcher Digital Geographics. You academics interested in getting in on the research may find this of interest. For more about MSRIndia jump to http://research.microsoft.com/india/
See also http://research.microsoft.com/virtualindia/

Multi-tasking with football, google video, and webpronews

I'm now well into my 5th hour of watching football today and have been multi-tasking as well by searching out blogs and items of interest. Additionally, I've been beefing up the migration of my weblog over to the my.opera community (the blog is being mirrored there until I decide to go one way or the other). Between yelling and screaming, crying (my Colts went down today but oh, what a come back!... condolences go out to Lynn Allen, Autodesk evangelist who is likely heart-broken today by the devastating loss in Indy) responding to emails, and making a call to New Zealand, I've also stumbled onto a few very cool things... one - Google video (http://video.google.com) a cool service from Google that enables registered users to post video, tag them with keywords, etc... could be a very cool way to share your tutorials, product demos, vodcasts, or what have you... search using"gis" for a test video I uploaded using images from the ESRI user conference... I seem some great opportunities with this nifty app. Finally, in searching for "myself" i stumbled onto some material I published which has been picked up by WebProNews without realizing it (see http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/blogtalk/wpn-58-20060111SearchforMapServices.html)! Pretty neat and definitely shows you the power of exponential growth in traffic on the web... aslo confirms the benefits of getting mentioned in the blog or at GISuser.com. Later... go Sea Hawks! Note: it's always a good idea to google "yourself" to see what's out there... it's amazing what you can find;0)

Getting your website/blog positioned in Yahoo!

Do you have trouble figuring out how to best get your website or blog positioned in Yahoo!? Getting listed in any major search portal is a difficult task for any site that has not been around for the past 5+ years. Sure you can open your wallet and feed overture till your wallet dries up, but there must be other solutions. Most recently in the Yahoo! search blog http://www.ysearchblog.com/) a thread was listed that covered off details of a lecture by a Yahoo! exec (Joel Toledano) and they went as far as to share a power point of the slides used in his presentation. The lecture was titled "Opportunities for Innovators: Venturing in Online Search, Advertising & Sales" - hopefully it will help you a bit (it can't hurt), particularly since Yahoo! is likely the toughest place to get a high ranking - See http://www.ysearchblog.com/archives/yahoo.ppt

 

xxx

Sketchup 3D design Google Earth plug-in

So much news, so much innovation... not sure how I missed this one but on the heels of Google Earth being released for the MAC OS (see http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html) the folks at Sketchup have developed a cool Google earth (gearth) plug-in - recall Sketchup is a CAD program used in 3D design. The skinny on the "Sketchup Google Earth plug-in" is as follows... you can use Google Earth to view 3D models in their real-world context. You're no longer limited to just viewing the world through satellite imagery; now you can build on the tapestry provided by Google Earth. The announcement was made official at MacWorld - See http://www.sketchup.com

Google Earth Contest? Wait till January 31 and see for yourself I guess

I recall this was previously announced, however, it seems to have resurfaced. The contest (hosted at http://EarthContest.com) claims to have some 60,000+ entrants already yet it hasn't been officially opened. The objective here is to register and then take part in the biggest, baddest geo contest on the planet! The Big Game, scheduled to launch at midnight January 31st 2006 challenges players to solve mysteries, complete puzzles, and travel around the globe to defeat The GameMaster - think of the amazing race except you're at your desk and using a PC and the Google Earth client. Sounds cool, loads of hype... prizes?? Not sure yet. If anything it may be getting loads of attention by playing on the google earth "hysteria"... akin to the milliondollarhomepage idea.. you know... get rich without really doing anything except coming up with a cool idea that nobody else thought of... then sit back, watch the $$ roll in and issue PR and setup press interviews etc... I haven't decided if I'll take part yet since I likely have about 101 more important things to do.