A new report, the Open Technology Development (OTD) road map, prepared for the Department of Defence (DoD) “states that collaborative software development would save money and give DOD greater systems development and acquisition flexibility.” The report is critical of current aquisition processes, saying it’s ok for physical objects but too slow for software procurement. An article in FCW explores the report.
One project is already underway: the Large Data Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration. It includes open source geospatial technology. John Scott, co-author of the OTD report says what many know already: “The biggest challenge will be cultural rather than technical.”
by Adena Schutzberg on 07/31 at 08:01 AM |
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While new players like Sony enter the GPS market, the next step for Garmin will be taking on Europe. An AP article lays it out this way:
Looking ahead, Garmin officials see the next big challenge isn’t new competitors but breaking more into the European market, where it has a little more than 10 percent share. Rauckman said the market is different from the U. S. because Europeans have had more experience with GPS technology and need it more because of the sometimes chaotic road systems there. In addition, Europe lacks ubiquitous retailers like Best Buy or Wal-Mart, forcing the company to focus on individual outlets in each country.
In other Garmin news, the company will open a retail store on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue in time for holiday gift buying.
by Adena Schutzberg on 07/31 at 07:46 AM |
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The folks at TurnHere sent an e-mail to note that the company offers the location of its videos in Google Earth. The KML is currently featued in Google Earth’s Showcase.
Haven’t heard of TurnHere? It’s a spin off of Inman News, the real estate publication/website/conference. Basically, the site hosts professionally produced videos about neighborhoods around the world with insider info. It uses Google Maps mashups on its site. The business model? Once the video are created solicit online video ads and I guess regular online ads from local businesses.
The map use is frankly not big news. But the content is, to my surprise (skeptic that I am!) pretty darn good. The three minute clips I viewed of my neighborhood (Davis Square, Somerville) and one nearby (Inman Square, Cambridge) hit most of my favorite locations and highlighted the funky, hip stores. I even saw some of the object d’art of a friend of mine on store shelves! I think they have something with a future here.
by Adena Schutzberg on 07/31 at 06:00 AM |
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Today concludes our 2006 GIS Survey but one interesting statistic that I thought I would share with everyone is the choice of databases. By far the largest number of respondants are using MS Access followed by MS SQL Server. But SQL Server does not support spatial data types without getting into user-defined commands.
The survey also indicated that many who are considering open source technology will be implementing MySQL, which does support many basic spatial operations. So, if you are looking to migrate from MS SQL Server to MySQL, check out this white paper from MySQL: "A Practical Guide to Migrating From Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL."
by Joe Francica on 07/31 at 01:16 AM |
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