Tuesday, January 27. 2009

Why sex-offender tracking doesn't always work

Government Technology examines the pitfalls of programs across the country. Bottom line: the technology is not perfect, those managing the implementations are not on duty 24/7 and legislators are not aware of the limitations. Another challenge: more and more paroles are homeless, making "confinement" unworkable.

New GPS Warning: Going the wrong way on the highway

Network World reports that Nissan will begin testing a new feature of its navigation system that literally alerts a driver when the car is heading in the "wrong" direction on the highway. That's the cause of accidents, some fatal. The fear in Japan is that such accidents will increase, especially as the population ages.

Tests will be held on roads operated by the West Nippon Expressway Co. The plan is to have the feature available in cars in Japan by 2011.

MSDN Magazine on Geospatial in SQL Server

MSDN Magazine offers an easy to read intro (even for non-developers) about the possibilities of using SQL Server 2008 for geospatial. It's called Spatial Data Support In SQL Server 2008, by Bob Beauchemin.

Podcast: Hybrid Positioning and Your Future

Hybrid positioning refers to handsets that use GPS and another technology to determine the device's location. Such solutions use Wi-Fi access points, cell towers, TV towers and their related signals, RFID, Bluetooth as a companion for when GPS is not enough. A recent report suggest growing use of hybrid solutions. What might your future and that of geospatial marketplace look like as these solutions proliferate? Our editors share some scenarios and point out gaps in the existing infrastructure, i.e., places to make money.

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