Tuesday, March 10. 2009

Forbes Profiles Real-time Weather Technology Pioneer

The March 16 issue of Forbes profiles an entrepreneur whose company I have watched for some time and with whom I've become friends. Bob Baron, founder of Baron Services, has developed technology that was once only used by TV stations but is now looking to find its way into the hands of millions of consumers: real-time weather tracking. To me, weather may be the ultimate in dynamic data feeds.

Baron was one of our two guest speakers at the Rocket City Geospatial Conference this past November, and it's no coincidence that Forbes elected to profile Bob. His success as a businessman and dynamism is only preceded by his booming voice, a gift that led him to a career as a TV weatherman on a local Huntsville, Alabama, NBC affiliate station.

Baron Services develops weather tracking software so that TV stations, particularly in regions of severe weather, can alert residents to impending danger. The company has developed similar solutions for aircraft pilots in conjuction with Sirius XM and Garmin, and is now negotiating with companies like Honda and Toyota to have real-time weather information available in high-end, luxury vehicles.

Update: Following up on three PRs

Update 3/10/09: Cimex's rep responded. The company funded the research on UK crime mapping sites itself:

The answer to your question is that Cimex funded the research themselves. The agency believes it is very important that the Usability Team is given the time to explore current industry issues and contribute to industry standards. Sometimes this is carried out for internal knowledge development but occasionally Cimex’s findings are put out as a release to stimulate debate.

--- original post 3/9/09 -----

Three press releases crossed my electronic desk in the past few weeks that gave me pause. Each one left out what I considered "the rest of the story" (goodbye Paul Harvey!). So, instead of forgetting about those omissions, I followed up with companies' PR folks. I've yet to receive a reply from Cimex.

Continue reading "Update: Following up on three PRs"

Sybase's LBS SMS App

NetworkWorld is reporting that "Sybase has announced two new mobile services based on SMS messaging, one for phone users to get turn-by-turn directions, another for vendors to insert ads or promotions at the bottom of the message blocks." Called the SMS Locator Service, the technology is available to clients using the Sybase mBanking 365 service. A user can enter an address which then relies on ESRI technology to geocode the location.

The Guardian (UK) Opens its Platform with Partner OpenStreetMap

The Guardian is the paper behind the Free Our Data campaign aimed at opening up the Ordnance Survey's licensing. So, it's eating its own dogfood by offering its Open Platform, an API and raw data to use freely (some limitations) in mashups:

A content application programming interface (API) will smooth the way for web developers to build applications and services using Guardian content, while a Data Store will contain datasets curated by Guardian editors and open for others to use.

Of note for the geospatial community, the integration of OpenStreetMap for geotagging:

Other partners for the launch of the service include web design firm Stamen and OpenStreetMap, a free, open alternative to commercial map data services. Stamen and OpenStreetMap developed a service that they hope will encourage Guardian readers to "geo-tag" the newspaper's content, positioning every article, video and picture on a map so users can find news, commentary, video and other content related to their area.

Business Model:

The Guardian is positioning its Open Platform as a commercial venture, requiring partners to carry its advertising as part of its terms and conditions...

- The Guardian
- FAQ
- Terms of Service

GIS and Policing with ESRI (UK)

The BAPCO Journal interviews Simon Cottingham, Public Safety Strategist at ESRI (UK) on the state of GIS in policing. The answers suggest police are still ripe for education about GIS.

Quote of the Week

"When I see these symbols on a map, they make me feel comfortable, and keep me from getting lost. A musical map is really similar. All of these things talk to us without using words."

- Avid recreational hiker and Cleveland Orchestra cellist, David Harrell used analogies from navigation to explain how printed music works to underprivileged students in South Florida. Per the article in the Plain Dealer, "he likened a musical score to a map, pointing out how both offer precise, non-verbal information. A key signature, for instance, is a sort of musical compass." (I've been playing music since I was about nine. I never thought of it that way. I guess a time signature is a sort of speed limit?)