Sorry about the title, after George Carlin's death they replayed the bit on "a place for your stuff" and it just fit. In recent hours both companies have opened up new ways for people and organizations to share their geographic data and knowledge in Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth.

Google's MapMaker (introduction on LatLong blog, tour) is a tool for those with knowledge of specific countries to "fill in the gaps" where the company does not have data. There's no option for such additions or edits in much of the world.

Microsoft is asking localities to share their aerial imagery via GoVE (no website, but introduced on the Virtual Earth, an Evangelist's Blog). That's not new; the company was thinking about it way back in 2005, but the data was to be kept in the public domain as I noted at the time.

BusinessWeek is running a special report on Web design this week. I got drawn in by an article about Stamen, which among other mapping projects, created CrimeSpotting. There's the usual roundup and best and worst of the Web and the 10 commandments of Web design. Frankly, these are basics worth reviewing regularly. Alas we are not all trained as designers.

The New York Times reports that the bill will be signed by Governor Paterson. Cancer maps at the county level are already available from the state heath department and the National Cancer Institute, but there's not been required reporting at the census tract level. Proponents want the data to be available; others are concerned viewers may misinterpret the maps. In particular, they may not take into account that people move and factors at the different locations may be the cause of newly diagnosed disease.

When publishing any kind of maps for the public it's always good to include a "how to use these maps" and highlight appropriate warnings.

A few weeks ago COGO, the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations made itself known to the geospatial community. The group, comprised of leading geospatial organizations aims to increase communications between the groups, work toward common goals via advocacy and education. This week Adena Schutzberg takes a closer look at the members, goals and possible future of the group and its implications for the geospatial community.

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