GPS is Like GIS, Except Different

Paul Miller of P. A. Miller Surveying Ltd. wants to install a GPS base station at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Miller said the GPS (Global Positioning System) is similar to the GIS (Geographic Information System) Frontenac County recently established but is far more accurate, allowing subscribers (at a cost of $2,500) to receive real-time, real-world positioning to an accuracy of 2 to 3 centimeters.

“They are two different animals,” he said. “A GPS provides data for a GIS.

“GPS is a measuring tool for surveyors whereas GIS is more like a phone book.”

So, are they similar or different?
- Frontenac Local Community News

Slightly Off Topic: Esri Turkey Map a Turkey in Local Paper

I fear Esri’s “fun for Thanksgiving” map of where turkeys are safest, in the local paper, will get a mixed review in Redlands this morning. The map was produced as a PR effort. The version online in the Press Enterprise, which shows just California, appears to be scanned from the print version of the paper. I guess the turkeys get the last laugh - if turkeys do laugh.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Press Enterprise

Map Fakes out Montreal Metro Users on Possible Sponsorships

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) had to put out a statement to quell concerns that stations would be named after those who paid sponsorship after a mock map got folks riled up that such a scheme might happen. STM said discreet sponsorship bids will be considered, but not something like that.

[STM executive director Yves] Devin was responding to complaints from the opposition Projet Montréal, which last week called the sponsorship idea “hare-brained” and “crazy.” The party released a mock métro map; it’s covered in car advertisements and stations have been named after cellphone companies.

- Montreal Gazette

New DoD Building Shiny, But Lacking Commuter Access

The Mark Center is nearly done,  after five years of planning and a $1 billion construction effort. Slated to open next fall to 6,400 workers, the new structure is part of the the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).

The big problem: transportation. There’s no way to accommodate the commuters: there’s no good highway access, no Metro, not enough parking and there’s a nature reserve nearby, limiting options.

- Federal Times

Property Holder Checks in on Google Earth to Find Croatian Tenants’ Landscaping

The Croatian mother moved to Australia to live with family and left another family to live in and take care of her house and property for free. But, a chance peek at Google Earth revealed trees were cut down and new buildings popping up. The caretakers are now asking to be paid for the work they did. The case has gone to court since the tenants will not leave.

- Croatian Times