Apple and Metadata on MSN VE

I’ve been busy covering the ESRI conference, so I’ve not followed the MSN Virtual Earth discussions in the last few days. But, I did find this article from the register noting that Apple headquarters appears as an empty field. Has the imagery been changed, or is it just old?. It’s sort of sad that metadata to explain the situation is not available.

ESRI-UC - “We Live in a Geodata Rich Society”

Dangermond Quote #1: "We live in a geodata rich society"
Dangermond Quote #2: "We need, as a species, to better manage our world. GIS…is focused on managing and integrating data. (It is) Particularly appropriate to manage human activity.
Conference theme: You are part of a global network of GIS Professionals.

What is most striking about being at the ESRI UC is the overwhelmingly realization just how much we are doing as a professional community. Put aside that fact that this is a "vendor" conference. It is just as much about understanding where we are putting our scarce resources to manage the earth’s resources; how we are utilitzing geospatial technology; what is important to our federal agencies, schools, and private businesses; and why it is important to build upon the knowledge base to which we collectively contribute.

In addition, ESRI puts an emphasis on education and particularly the K-12 level. This year, one group of fourth and fifth graders from Waterville Washington participated in a year-long study of the horny frog habitate. Another group of youths from Utah (see below) found themselves clawing for a "photo op" with Mr. Dangermond. Hopefully, they are learning both the technology and how to utilize this wealth of geodata for society’s gain.


 

ESRI-UC - The GEOWEB - Just a part of the wider web

Dangermond introduced his vision of the GEOWEB at the UC to include a series of sub networks as well as supporting technology. The sub networks include enterprise integration; consumer mapping, sensor networks, wireless location-based services GIS networks, situational awareness, and focused applications. He stressed that the GEOWEB will evolve rapidly and be enabled by faster processors; increased bandwidth; SOA, web services.

However, Dangermond indicated that the GEOWEB should only be considered in the context of the wider web or a network of networks. He said, "individual systems will be connected into a systems of systemsФ and Уwe are moving into a Geodata Rich Society.Ф And he again stressed, in his usual mantra, that web services will provide a framework for these interconnected networks.

ESRI-UC - Coolest Marketing

Trimble is touting its new subfoot devices. How to spread the word? Each attendee received a yellow string, tied in a bow, in their bag. When you bring it over to the Trimble booth, they measure it to see if it’s subfoot. If it is, you win the big prize. If not, a consolation prize - a cool Trimble measuring tape. Well done!

ESRI-UC - ESRI, National Geographic and Geospatial One Stop: A Three Way Street

At a press conference today, ESRI, National Geographic (NG) and Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) announced they are coming together in new ways. First off, NG will be offering a 3D Globe service of its maps for use with ESRI’s updated ArcExplorer. It will be part of the company’s MapMachine, a online atlas tool used widely in K-12 education. Data will also be available from Tele Atlas, EarthSat and GlobeXplorer.

Second, ESRI will be updating its MapShop, a for-pay service originally focused on newspaper journalists who need for print maps, to a new offering, MapStudio, aimed at other disciplines including book publishers and others who need high quality print maps.

Third, and most important perhaps, to the greater world, NG and GOS will form a partnership. National Geographic will make its metadata available via GOS and GOS resources will be available from the MapMachine. The idea, explained NG Chief Cartographer Allen Carroll is to perhaps have MapMachine be the public face of GOS. GOS’ Hank Garie also hopes it will help raise awareness of the portal and enhance contributions.

The first product of these relationships will be the new version of MapMachine, expected around the end of the year. Said Jack Dangermond, connecting the consumer/education focus of NG with the professionals geospatial community of ESRI is key.