LiDAR, all the cool kids are using it! But what exactly is LiDAR data and where can I get more info you might ask? And so, the following info via the USGS might help shed a little light on the topic for you – enjoy!
LiDAR scene of Ground Zero (Credit: NOAA)
The USGS liaisons are updating the United States Interagency Elevation Inventory (https://coast.noaa.gov/
[Read more…] about United States Interagency Elevation Inventory Data
Here’s a handy eBook from our friends at Safe Software – Beginner’s Guide to Open Data.
Learn how to be successful with your open data portal. Download the eBook for examples of top open data sites, tips on managing your data, a look at available open data solutions, and much more. Get the eBook
According to the USGS, their maps have been downloaded by the millions since converting to digital delivery. The U.S. Geological Survey, through the National Geospatial Program, has delivered more than 18 million US Topoquadrangles and Historic Topographic Maps in the past six years. A download is counted when a user select the desired map(s) from the USGS Storeor The National Map Viewer and places that file on their computer or mobile device for further manipulation.
A report from the White House… “In January, you asked us to conduct a 90 – day study to examine how big data will transform the way we live and work and alter the relationships between government, citizens, businesses, and consumers. This review focuses on how the public and private sectors can maximize the benefits of big data while minimizing its risks. It also identifies opportunities for big data to grow our economy, improve health and education, and make our nation safer and more energy efficient. While big data unquestionably increases the potential of government power to accrue un-checked, it also hold within it solutions that can enhance accountability, privacy, and the rights of citizens. Properly implemented, big data will become an historic driver of progress, helping our nation perpetuate the civic and economic dynamism that has long been its hallmark… ” Enter the White house White Paper – Big Data: Seizing Opportunities, Preserving Values {PDF}
The 85+ page PDF provides a detailed look at Big Data, data sources, management issues, policies, recommendations and more
So you need USGS topos do you? After years and years the USGS topo data is still a hot ticket item that many Geo professionals rely on for their basemaps. Since the dawn of time these data have been quite a pain to get.. imagine sifting through archaic data repositories on academic sites, state portals and antiquated web repositories (think 12 clicks to get your free download). Well, fear not because not only are these data easily available from the USGS via the national map but thanks to Google and the Google Map Gallery project, users have one click access to downloading the USGS topo quad of choice. Note, these data are made available as GeoPDF files so if you need other GIS formats or DRGs consult some of the State data repositories listed here and also in this comprehensive article on downloading free USGS data. See also this primer on working with USGS SDTS data
[Read more…] about Google Map Gallery – One Click USGS Topo Downloads and more!
Showing historic estimates and future projections for cities, urban areas and megacities with more than 750000 inhabitants for 1950-2050. The data has been acquired from UN Population Division and georeferenced. The data is available as spreadsheet/table, maps, for Google Earth, in an animation video and for GIS data download. The data has been retrieved from the UN Population Division publication and web service World Urbanization Prospects, 2007 revision, and georeferenced using a variety of sources.
The database is available for unrestricted download, under the Creative Commons 2.5 attribution license. This gives you the right to reuse and modify the data, as long as Nordpil and the UN Population Division are properly credited. See http://nordpil.com/go/resources/world-database-of-large-cities/
An interesting data product for the real estate professional… Datamap Intelligence has created a unique application that creates customized comprehensive snapshots of the entire new housing market across the United States. The application is powered by an extensive dataset that tracks all new home sites of the top 200+ builders (updated bi-monthly). Detailed search options place the interactive map of choice at ones fingertips. Cutting-edge features provide powerful visual analysis benefits which affords businesses the ability to expand to uncharted sites and stay inform about prime developing areas pertaining to their line of business. See Datamap’s application at www.datamapi.com which would allow one to perform a query to obtain desired results. the company has also JUST rolled out a new resource via www.nsdmaps.com where users can sample data via free SHP file download.. indeed this is a way interesting data product!
An interesting data product… LandBase provides classification down to individual property level. Using Definiens software to develop the land cover classifications, LandBase is designed as a framework, for used within a GIS system, to allow specific spatial queries-what percentage of this area is covered by trees-as well as allow the addition of further detailed classifications.This new land cover product is a vector map produced using the latest digital aerial imagery and object based classification technology. See more HERE
Numerous significant enhancements and bug fixes have been made to Global Mapper for this release. The most significant changes are:
– Added support for loading JPG files with embedded EXIF GPS position data.
– Added support for tracking and managing multiple GPS devices
– Added new Color Grade tab to raster options dialog
– Added support for exporting loaded data to NITF format files.
– Added support for exporting an alpha channel to ECW and JPG2000 format
files.
