Tuesday, August 29. 2006

Another Patent

I got this through one of the listservs that I subscribe to, and then verified at GEN-ERIC Patent News. A U.S. Patent 7,092,957 has been issued for a Computerized national online parcel-level map data portal.

Abstract: A National Online Parcel-Level Map Data Portal (NPDP) is provided that optimizes online delivery of parcel-level maps and linked attribute data. To do this, the NPDP manages a database of assembled and current vector based parcel data in a spatial format (GIS) that enables geocoded parcel boundaries to be linked to property tax records. A user enters a street address into an appropriate screen window to call up and view road right-of-ways, all parcel boundaries and the "exact" address location as a highlighted parcel area. In addition, a list of property record attributes such as owner, use code, assessed value and year constructed can be displayed.

Hmm... I have worked for two companies who have been doing this for years, and I know of countless others who do the same. But never thought to apply for a patent...

What do you think the implications of this patent will be?

Update 9/1 by Adena: The patent is issued to Boundary Solutions, Inc. a company founded by Dennis Klein (remember FMS/AC?). Also involved: Chris Harlow (remember The Harlow Report?) Press release from the company is online.

Saturday, August 19. 2006

Off Topic -- Perpetuum Mobile

An Irish company, Steorn, claims to have invented a Perpetuum Mobile -- a perpetual motion machine. What a bunch of bull! Or is it a brilliant media campaign?

Ignorant inventors (or is it charlatans?) have been trying to build a Perpetuum Mobile since as early as 1150. Ignorant masses have been enchanted by the possibility ever since. But nothing like the Internet to generate mass psychosis, and huge traffic to the "inventor's" website. Or so the theory goes.

Long tail, anyone?

Sunday, July 23. 2006

The New York Times Chimes In on Web Mapping Sites

The NYT leads its Monday Technology article with a comparison of the three major mapping portals -- Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps and MapQuest.

In the Race With Google, It's Consistency vs. 'Wow'

"But today, Google Maps still does not offer some of the pedestrian conveniences of Yahoo Maps and MapQuest from AOL. For example, it does not remember addresses, so users need to tell it where they live every time they want driving directions."

Full text is here. User registration may be required.

Friday, June 16. 2006

How (not) to Size Your Servers

As a racing sailor I have been monitoring (and reporting on) the efforts by race organizers to track an ocean sailboat race and deliver live data on the web in map format. One such current event (Start Friday, June 16, First warning at 12:50hrs) is the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race.

This event in and of itself probably doesn't merit a mention here. What does, in my opinion, is that after weeks of buildup to the "new satellite tracking system", all a visitor gets four hours after the start is: "We are currently experiencing a very heavy load. Please check back later."

Which begs the question: How was the system's back end sized? Why was not the heavy load anticipated? And are similar surprises awaiting other such systems (AGX implementations, perhaps)?

Saturday morning update:

"Saturday, 0900: Server Overload

Due to everyone's enthusiasm, the iBoattrack system is overwhelmed with requests.

Technicans are adding additional server capacity and hope the system will
be back online later on Saturday. We apologize for this server outage.

Below is a snapshot taken Saturday at 0400."

Posted by Atanas Entchev at 16:05 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) |

Monday, June 12. 2006

Google Releases Google Earth V4

Chris DiBona from Google posted the news on Slashdot. Chris DiBona is an open source program manager for Google. Quite fitting then that GEv4 features Linux support.

"It features 3D textured buildings, some neat UI updates, better internationalization and, with this release, a native Linux version is available for download as well."

Friday, May 26. 2006

Wikimapia

Someone had to do it. A duo with Russian-sounding names launched Wikimapia.org -- modestly described as not just another mashup, but a project to help describe the whole planet Earth.

At the time of my trial (a few minutes ago) the system required no registration -- anyone can add a place on the map and describe it. I already saw signs of abuse. The site is powered by the Google Maps engine, and has a Flickr-like interface for saving descriptions and tags (keywords).

I will be watching for signs that the general population is (or is not) already tired of consumer online mapping aplications.

From the laconic "About" document:

How to use
Just move the map to find interesting places, click on rectangles. To add an interesting place or object use Add New link. Small rules: please add places with interest to other people.

Who We Are
Wikimapia was created by Alexandre Koriakine and Evgeniy Saveliev, inspired by Google maps and WikiPedia.