SkylineGlobe Released

After a non-release announcement earlier this month, today I got word from Skyline Software about the official announcement. SkylineGlobe.com is available. [Update 11/1/06: It’s officially announced but apparently still in beta per comments below.]

Of note:

- a free API that lets users host there own tools (functions and or data) for free
- a commercial API for those who want to integrate 3D into apps or build app from scratch
- SkylineGlobe Pro will be out in two months or so and will include more data, more tools than the free version
- more data available including Europe and Japan
- local language support available

Q: How is this different from Google Earth?
A: “It’s about showcasing what other developers have built.”

Directions reviewed SkylineGlobe.com in June.

Dvorak on Nav Systems

Think maybe Dvorak is trolling in his latest article in PC World on GPS annoyance?

I’ve had the various DeLorme and Microsoft systems and a number of nifty handheld devices. My conclusion: Buy a friggin’ map! Much of the appeal of the GPS is that the general public today is too stupid to read a map. I know plenty of people who actually think that going north on a map means they are going uphill.

GIS in ElectionSpeak

I’ve not documented this but in my daily look at the GIS news I believe I’ve found more references to support or upgrading or implementing of GIS from candidates running for local office than ever before. It’s anecdotal; I wonder if it’s related to the rise of the new mapping portals at all?

Here’s a sampling from today’s news:

“I have no other political aspirations other that to finish the job of fully implementing the new CAMA system and integrating GIS (Geographical Information System) data into the CAMA.”

- Sandoval County, New Mexico (Observer)

“Our courtroom was 1960s, 1970s. We pretty well stripped it and put in new wiring, carpet, desks, furnishings and technology upgrades—GIS (geographic information system), (audio) recording equipment and cameras to televise the meetings.”

- Muncie, India (Muncie Star Press)

Off Topic: History of the Press Release

SearchDay offers an article titled “The 100th Birthday of the Press Release,” wherein guest writer Greg Jarboe offers a brief history of the press release and sees what if anything is new today. I had no idea of the origin of the PR (train wreck, actually) or that it was such a part of search engine marketing today.

That said, mishaps in PR still occur. Consider that MapInfo US put out a PR last month about a study. MapInfo UK put out the same release this week. I’ve seen it posted (again) at the same sites which ran it the first one. I guess if a PR was news before it can be news again.

RFP out for OSGEO 2007

From OSGEO:

The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, or OSGeo, today announced that the OSGeo Conference committee has released a request for proposal (PDF), or RFP, for the hosting of the 2007 conference. After a very successful FOSS4G 2006 conference in Lausanne Switzerland, OSGeo aims for the 2007 conference to be the geospatial conference of the year. The RFP solicitation closes Dec 1st, 2006.

I like that there’s an RFP out so anyone can put in a bid.