Anything Geospatial

GIS, Maps, Geo and Location Technology by @gletham

Archives for March 1, 2011

Features That Would Encourage iPad Owners to Upgrade to the iPad II

by

an interesting look at what it might take to convince iPad owners to upgrade. The question is, will the iPad II have enough improvements to woo current iPad owners to the next level. For me, it will take a whole lot more than a forward facing camera. Here are some of the features on teh wishlist of Jennifer Jacobson, Director of Public Relations for Retrevo.com:

  1. Project Like You Mean It. The ability to connect to a projector and project anything. Currently the iPad only projects documents out of “KeyNote” and select videos on . For most of us, it’s not worth buying the $39.00 connector cable.
  2. Wireless Sync (and the ability to back up to MobileMe over the cloud). Cables are so last year. Let’s commit to wireless sync and the ability to backup and store files on your MobileMe account.
  3. Tap-To-Share. Wouldn’t it be great to tap your iPad to your computer or phone and share whatever file you’re looking at?
  4. Go Forth With Multiple Carriers. For those of us who aren’t standing in line to join AT&T, it would be nice to have the option of using our iPads in the great beyond, on other carriers.
  5. Be a Real Computer. Get A Real OS. Let’s face it, having an app for “settings” is a little over the top. Let’s give the iPad an “app free” way to store files… like a real computer.
  6. Don’t Miss The Connection. We’d be happier if the iPad II had USB or FireWire connectors like a netbook (I mean computer). MIDI would be great too.
  7. Lose Some Weight. We know the iPad is currently as heavy as it is because of the battery and the glass, but it would be great if it were a tad lighter.

Will You Be Upgrading? Fro more about iPad 2 check it this article – Will the New iPad 2 Have What It Takes to Compete?

Access Geo Data Via WeoGeo Tools for ArcGIS

by

Details of an interesting new app comes out way via Zekiah Technologies and WeoGeo – enter the WeoGeo Tools for ArcGIS. Available free of charge (although charges for data may apply) the tool supports browsing and ordering data from WeoGeo Market and libraries. Downlaods currently available for users of ArcGIS 9.3 and 10.o. With final release targeted for mid-June of 2011, Zekiah plans to expand capability in future beta releases to include the ability to publish data to WeoGeo libraries from within ArcMap and support advanced WeoGeo features such as tables of contents. See more info in this announcement or  jump to  http://www.zekiah.com/weogeo.html

24th Annual GIS in the Rockies Conference in Denver, CO

by

Indeed there’s plenty of activity in Colorado this fall when a number of GIS tech events are scheduled to take place in September. While we know the truly GeoGeeky will be consumed with FOSS4G and SoTM (State of the map) running in Denver, there’s also another event planned for September – GIS in The Rockies. GIS in the Rockies has been held at The Ranch (aka. The Barn) in Loveland, Colorado on the Front Range for the past several years, however, this year the event heads back to Denver – should be interesting to see how attendance will compare to previous years.

Event details – GIS In The Rockies 2011 Will take place August 31 – September 01, 2011 at  The Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Boulevard, Denver, CO 80210.
Located on the University of Denver (DU) campus, approximately five miles south of downtown Denver, near the intersection of I-25 and South University Boulevard.

www.GISintheRockies.org

B.C. Locals Crying Out Over Government Use of iPad

by

Oh government.. when will they get it? I was interested in a recent news item here in our region where once again local Government workers are under pressure for spending… this time the locals are ticked off because thy are coming of age and connecting themselves with iPads. Personally I think its a great idea… government using state of the art technology – what’s wrong with that?? In this day of open government, accountability, and social engagement, politicians being connected with the latest gadgets has to be a good thing I would think. I’m also all for government workers using the latest technology.

But, the idea seems to have been de-railed a little and perhaps for good reason. First, apparently each iPad purchase has been reported to be in the area of $1,000 for device and accessories… man, that’s some pretty nice accessories! Sorry Mr and Mrs Government Exec but last time I checked the iPad was coming in at well below $800 or even $700 although perhaps they have gone with THE top notch unit, a 64GB with WiFi and 3G. Other issues with their “justification” apparently the users are going to justify using the device by going paperless – kind of strange but I’d have to assume that most savings would be the result of time and increased productivity wouldn’t you think?

According to the article, the new iPad equipped workers will apparently save about $700 a year on paper by using their new iPads! I’d have to think that if the use of the iPads are to be justified that they look at increased productivity and also examine which apps and services are being used with the devices rather than simply trying to justify the purchase based on a reduction in paper. Interesting to note that senior BC MPs couldn’t really use their iPads while sitting in the Legislature anyway because there is no available WiFi in the Capital Office! Perhaps is the Government complemented a widespread WiFi initiative with a pilot project of iPad users the public might understand rather then being told the users are going to simply save paper…

See details in this Times Colonist news report

Copyright Spatial Media LLC 2003 - 2016