Presentations Spotlight Critical Role of Free Map Data in Humanitarian Work
Katherine Maher Interim
Archives for June 2016
World’s First Tango-Enabled Smartphone – PHAB2 Pro
This week, Lenovo Unveiled World’s First Tango-Enabled Smartphone (think Google) – PHAB2 Pro. This from Lenovo… Unlike any other phone, the PHAB2 Pro, powered by Tango technology – a set of sensors and software from Google that senses and maps its surroundings – makes a host of cutting-edge smartphone augmented reality (AR) experiences possible.
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FEMA’s and Their Romance with LiDAR
An interesting read via the latest edition of LiDAR Magazine looks at FEMA and their history and affinity with LiDAR data. From the article by David Maune… In 1994, Brigadier General Gerald E. Galloway chaired the Interagency Floodplain Management Review Committee following the devastating floods of 1993.
LiDAR Widely Used for Airport Mapping
Via our partner site at LiDAR Magazine… In FY 2007, the FAA issued three Advisory Circulars to provide guidance for the collection and submission of aeronautical data and to identify the FAA’s GIS data model for airport-related data.
New Google Tool Tests Your Website Performance – from mobile to desktop
This from Google … “we’re introducing an easy way to measure your site’s performance across devices—from mobile to desktop—and give you a list of specific fixes that can help your business connect more quickly with people online.”
Sample report after testing our GISuser.com [Read more…] about New Google Tool Tests Your Website Performance – from mobile to desktop
CrowTrax Open Source Webmap Maps Crow attacks
This time of year in Western Canada the crows start getting a little aggressive. As a result, a University Professor at Langara College has developed a webmap using nothing but open source software to share a real world use for a community webmap. Crowtrax identifies locations where crow attacks and aggressive crow behavior has been spotted and reported. The maps are available for Vancouver and Victoria, B.C and appear to reveal patterns such as increased activity near areas with restaurants and public parks, likely where there’s plenty of food to be scooped up!
Langara College offers classes in GIS and even have an Open Source GIS Certificate program
Dangermond Family Pledges to donate Bulk of Wealth to Philanthropy Group
Over the past several years this topic has popped up in many discussions that I’ve heard and overheard, essentially because Esri is privately owned with CEO Jack Dangermond steadily climbing on the Forbes List of wealthy Amerians. So what do Jack and Laura have planned for the future? Yesterday we received some information via an official PR from the Giving Pledge Foundation noting that the Dangermonds are included along with 17 Families Joining the Giving Pledge and Commit Majority of Wealth to Philanthropy Global group – this generous group now includes 154 philanthropic individuals and families from 16 countries.
The Giving Pledge is a multi-generational, global initiative created by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates that encourages billionaires to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. [Read more…] about Dangermond Family Pledges to donate Bulk of Wealth to Philanthropy Group
Flying a Recreational Drone or UAV? First Look at this 5 Point Checklist
In December 2015 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a streamlined and user-friendly web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) including payloads such as on-board cameras.
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Top Marketing Trends include Geo-fencing, Beacons, Location-based Context
Marketing is taking on a leading role in the digital transformation. Traditional campaign management has become worn out and is giving way to dynamic real-time communication. The Internet of Things opens up a number of new communication channels, contexts and data sources. Mobile marketing no longer only consists of mobile optimised measures but now also incorporates the context of use and location-based services.
Image Credit: locstars.com [Read more…] about Top Marketing Trends include Geo-fencing, Beacons, Location-based Context
La Niña is Coming – Here’s 5 Weather Patterns to Expect in 2016
Summer is near and with it comes a season of El Nina weather. So what does this mean? According to a feature in Slate, there’s a number of patterns that we can expect. First we need to understand what it all means… in a nutshell, the trade winds will return with a vengeance, and will promote cooler, upwelling ocean water (which we call La Niña) that will shift weather patterns worldwide. According to experts we can expect the following weather patterns:
What is La Niña? The main feature of La Niña is cooler-than-average surface waters in the tropical central and eastern Pacific: the opposite of El Niño. The cooler waters lead to an intensification of the Walker Circulation. (Source: NOAA)
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