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The New Age of Cloud Computing and GIS
Cloud computing is rapidly emerging as a technology trend that can be leveraged by almost every industry that provides or consumes software, hardware and infrastructure. The technology and architecture that cloud service and deployment models offer are a key area of research and development for ESRI in current and future iterations of the ArcGIS platform.
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Four Lessons on Usability and the GeoWeb
As a community, geodevelopers are moving away from exposing lots of complex GIS functionality in the Web browser. While quick performance and pleasing appearance including an open, uncluttered layout are certainly important in the age of the GeoWeb, they are only part of the equation. Creating great applications for public-facing or line-of-business sites serving non-GIS professionals requires focusing on the user and a mental model of how they interact with the exposed functionality.
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GeoConnections Announces Additional Workshops on Framework Data
GeoConnections announced four additional English sessions in a series of national workshops for those interested in learning more about finding and using geospatial framework data. Based on the recently completed Framework Data Guide, these workshops will be of particular interest to practitioners in: public health; public safety and security; environment and sustainable development; and Aboriginal matters. Workshops are scheduled for Calgary, St. John's, Peterborough and Vancouver.
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| DATA |
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Accurate DEM for International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Initiative
Intermap Technologies announced its high-resolution NEXTMap digital elevation data is being used to develop an advanced terrain and obstacle solution in advance of the ICAO's Electronic Terrain Obstacle Data (eTOD) initiative. This solution will help address cross-border harmonization issues to satisfy the need for uniformity and consistency in the provision of aeronautical information.
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China to Build 100 Digital Cities in 2010
The State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping (SBSM) announced it will continue to promote 100 merit-based digital cities nationwide, which will rapidly push the construction and completion of the digital China geospatial framework.. This unified and authoritative geospatial information public platform will help facilitate integration, sharing and full use of information resources, and speed up the process of city information harmonization.
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USGS Provides DEM Data from the National Map Seamless Server
National Elevation Dataset (NED) data is available through The National Map Seamless Server and The National Map viewer. The data is offered as a pre-packaged product utilizing the Tiled Data Distribution System and is available in a zip file as 1 x 1 degree blocks. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data is also available.
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ArcGIS Data Appliance Includes Expanded Street Maps and Consolidated Imagery
The latest release of ESRI's ArcGIS Data Appliance includes significantly enhanced maps in a new tiling scheme and simplified licensing. All datasets on the preconfigured network storage device have been updated, and coverage has been expanded to ensure that users have access to the most efficient and consistent data they need for their GIS projects. ArcGIS Data Appliance is used by many organizations that need reliable access to high-performance data and tasks behind their firewalls.
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U.S. Releases Biogeographic Data for U.S. Waters and Oceanic Regions
A one-stop source for biogeographic information collected from U.S. waters and oceanic regions is now available from the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Program. The OBIS-USA Web site offers a unique combination of tools, resources and biodiversity information to aid scientists, resource managers and decision makers in the research and analyses critical to sustaining the nation's valued marine ecosystems.
>> Read more
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WEB WATCH |
ArcGIS Online Maps Migrated to Google Maps/Bing Maps Tiling Scheme
In response to user requests, ArcGIS Online map services have been migrated to the Google Maps/Bing Maps tiling scheme in Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere. This enables Web developers to more easily combine ArcGIS Online map services with other popular Web map services including Bing Maps, Google Maps and others using the same Web map tiling scheme.
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Discuss the Future of Community Planning at the Spatial Roundtable
Ahmed Abukhater, ESRI's community development manager, explains how social media and the GeoWeb are enhancing community involvement and transparency in the planning process.
>> Join the discussion
Free Web Map Tools - Mapping for Everyone Community
Use GIS to create maps to make better decisions. Explore these free ESRI Web map tools: 1) Make a Map - Make interactive demographic maps and share them; 2) Web Mapping APIs - Create interactive maps and embed them in your Web site; and 3) Virtual Globe - Use the free ArcGIS Explorer download to view your spatial data and combine it with free map services.
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ESRI Challenges Geodevelopers in API Mashup Competition
With the theme “Map Your App”, ESRI's 2010 Mashup Challenge invites members of the geodeveloper community to use their imagination, test their technical skills and develop creative geospatial Web applications. The guidelines are simple: construct a mashup using ESRI's ArcGIS online content and Web APIs, publish the related URL, shoot a video describing the application and post it on YouTube. First place receives $10,000; second place wins $5,000; and third and fourth places get $2,500 each. Judges will base their selections on uniqueness, utility, user experience and analytic process. Deadline for submission is March 5, 2010.
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Call for Participation in the 3rd Phase of the GEOSS Architecture Implementation Pilot
The Architecture Implementation Pilot Phase-3 (AIP-3) will focus on contributing to other GEO Tasks, increasing the capacity of GEOSS to provide societal benefits, and, consistent with the data sharing guidelines, improving access to data. AIP-3 will be conducted during 2010 and will generate results in time for the 2010 Ministerial Summit in Beijing. It will build on previous phases of the AIP, the AIP Service Architecture and the GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI).
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geoNorge Portal Now Allows Users to Download Maps and Other Geographical Data
The Norwegian national portal for map data and other geographic information (geoNorge) has made digital geographical data available to Norwegian citizens. The data is collected into a central system and can be downloaded via Norway WEB, which citizens can access via a user name and password.
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ArcGIS Cloud Computing Promises Leading-Edge IT Technology and Benefits to Users
As part of its commitment to support cloud computing, ESRI is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to join the growing community of AWS Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) building services and solutions in the cloud computing environment.
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Volunteered Geographic Data is the Future
In an interview with GIS Development, Jack Dangermond indicates that the three most disruptive technologies over the next five years will be: 1) the computing platform and the Web; 2) mobile GIS; and 3) technology supporting volunteered geographic information (VGI).
>> Read more
Community Mapping Project at Fort Hope Opens a Window to the Future
In July and August 2009, 12 youths from the Eabametoong First Nation reserve (Fort Hope) in northern Ontario, took a giant step into the technological world of global navigation satellite systems by exploring their own community through a geographic lens.
>> Read more
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| PRODUCTS |
Geocortex Essentials 2.2 Released
Latitude Geographics announced the release of Geocortex Essentials 2.2., which includes more tools and features that allow GIS professionals to quickly build and deploy focused, feature-rich ArcGIS Server applications.
>> Read more
Mobile Viewing for BlackBerry Smartphones
GIS Buzz is an easy-to-use mobile viewing solution designed specifically for BlackBerry Smartphones. Developed to utilize ESRI's ArcGIS Server technology, Buzz enables the goal of getting GIS data into the hands of the entire enterprise.
>> Read more
Open Access to Public Data Improves Municipal Efficiency and Collaboration
Safe Software announced that the City of Vancouver has selected FME Server, the spatial ETL (extract, transform and load) solution, to power key aspects of its ‘Open Data' initiative. FME is enabling the city to improve collaboration and efficiency by creating an open, centralized spatial data resource for public and private businesses, individuals, governments and others to access and share up-to-date spatially based information.
>> Read more
MapMart Unveils Free ArcMap Toolbar for Instant Access to Geospatial Data Sets
MapMart, the most extensive online source of mapping and image data sets, introduced the MapMart On-Demand Toolbar for ESRI ArcMap. Available free from MapMart, the On-Demand Toolbar integrates directly into ArcMap and enables ESRI users to search, compare imagery options, preview and purchase a wide variety of geospatial data from inside their GIS environment.
>> Read more
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| NEWS |
Twitter Add-in for ArcGIS Explorer Available for Download
Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that gives users the ability to send or receive short (140 character) status messages called tweets. A Twitter add-in for ArcGIS Explorer is now available that gives users the ability to geotag tweets and perform a number of geospatial operations using the Twitter API.
>> Read more
Indian Geospatial Data Policies and the NSDI
India has long recognized the significance of geospatial data and the need to share and make data easily accessible to all its stakeholders. Today, there is an industry being created around maps and specialized portals being launched to enable the use of geospatial information in day-to-day development activities. Several Indian States are creating their own SDIs. Other States are expected to follow suit, host their data for civilian use and work closely with the India Geoportal of NSDI.
>> Read more
ESRI Technology Deployed at the Nature Conservancy for Climate Trend Analysis
The Nature Conservancy Climate Wizard, powered by ESRI, displays free maps of historic climate change and future projected change. These new displays replace previous static climate map images with live Web mapping services. The Climate Wizard offers scientists, planners, environmentalists and public users an intuitive means to understand and compare climate change models useful to decision making.
>> Read more
Korean Spatial Data Infrastructure for Business, Government and the People
Korea achieved significant economic growth through rapid industrialization. But the process has left in its wake reckless territorial development and overburdened infrastructure facilities. Such side effects increase inefficiency, thus undercutting national competitiveness and productivity. As part of Korea's efforts to prevent or minimize these problems, the nation uses GIS technology.
>> Read more
Agency Reorganized to Develop South African Spatial Data Infrastructure
The National Spatial Information Framework (NSIF) Directorate has a mandate to co-ordinate South Africa's Spatial Data Infrastructure in terms of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act of 2003. The Act establishes the South African Spatial Data Infrastructure (SASDI), the Committee for Spatial Information (CSI) and an electronic metadata catalogue. The CSI is required to administer and co-ordinate the capture and sharing of spatial information by identifying data custodians, specifying standards for spatial data, capturing and publishing metadata of spatial data and avoiding duplication of spatial data capture.
>> Read more [PDF]
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| EVENTS & TRAINING |
Canadian Geomatics Conference Preparations in Full Swing
Preparations are well under way for the Canadian Geomatics Conference to be held in Calgary from June 15-18, 2010. This gathering will attract non-traditional users of spatial information, as well as those within the Geomatics community including educators, developers, government, industry and scientists. Over 500 participants are expected to share successes in the use of spatial data; discuss the advances in geospatial applications and the convergence of Geomatics as a science and as a useful tool for everyday life. Over 190 abstracts have been received and half the exhibit space is now reserved. Where will all this take us in the next few years? What is the future of Geomatics in Canada? Will you be there to be part of the answer?
>> Read more
GEOIDE Poster Session at Canadian Geomatics Conference
A poster session will be held at the Canadian Geomatics Conference in the afternoon on Thursday, June 17. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers to present their work to a broad audience. The GEOIDE Students' Network will present the "Best Student Poster" awards.
>> Read more
GeoWeb Call for Presentations and Workshops
GeoWeb 2010 will take place in Vancouver, BC from July 26-30. Organizers are currently seeking submissions for presentations and workshops. GeoWeb is focused on showcasing the collective impact of the Web on geographic information standards, architectures and technology; and the convergence of GIS and the Internet and its resulting economic, social and technical consequences. The emphasis for GeoWeb 2010 is “Going Real Time.” All submissions must include a title, theme, abstract and description. Deadline for abstract submissions is March 12, 2010.
>> Read more
GSDI 12 World Conference Call for Papers Now Open
The GSDI 12 World Conference will take place in Singapore from October 19-22, 2010. The conference theme is “Realizing Spatially Enabled Societies.” GSDI 12 invites presentations covering the full range of practice, development and research experiences that advance the practice and theory of spatial data infrastructure development and spatial enablement of society. Deadline for submission of abstracts is April 1, 2010.
>> Read more
Creating and Publishing Maps with ArcGIS
A well-designed map sends a clear message to its intended audience. Using a standard process and sound cartographic principles helps ensure that your maps communicate effectively. This course teaches how to employ the elements of good cartography as part of a standard cartographic process that can be applied each time you make a map. Learn to create maps that are easy to interpret and properly designed for their audience and delivery medium.
>> Read more
GEOIDE Summer School (GSS) at the University of Calgary
The 2010 GSS will be taking place at the University of Calgary in Alberta from June 8-13, 2010. Designed for graduate students, GSS offers courses in three of the leading innovative Geomatics fields: Public Information of Geomatics, 3D Laser Imaging and Spatial Games. There will be a session dedicated to "young" researchers at the summer school that will provide mentorship to professionals beginning a career in the academic domain. A team of senior professors including Michael Goodchild, Nicholas Chrisman, Elizabeth Cannon and David Coleman will speak. Registration closes May 23, 2010.
>> Read more
2010 ESRI Canada Web Seminars
ESRI Canada is offering new Web Seminars that are complimentary, live, interactive and streamed directly to your desktop. Dates and topics include:
- How to Create Great GIS Web Applications - March 18
- Building Web Applications using the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight/WPF - April 8
- Building Web Applications using the ArcGIS API for Flex - May 6
>> Read more |
| BEGINNER'S CORNER |
What is CSS?
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a computer language used to describe the presentation (look and formatting) of a document written in a markup language. Its most common application is to style web pages written in HTML or XHTML, but it can also be applied to any kind of XML document, including SVG and XUL. CSS is designed primarily to enable the separation of document content (written in HTML or a similar markup language) from document presentation, including elements such as the layout, colours and fonts. This separation can improve content accessibility, provide more flexibility and control in the specification of presentation characteristics, enable multiple pages to share formatting, and reduce complexity and repetition in the content. For example, the ESRI Java Web ADF allows users to modify the CSS in order to customize their application's look.
>>Read more |
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| IN THIS ISSUE |
| FEATURES |
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| REGULAR COLUMNS |
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Register now for the
2010 ESRI Canada User Conferences.
>> Learn more
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
NICDS - Workshop on Statistical Methods for Geographic & Spatial Data in the Management of Natural Resources
March 3-5
Montréal, QC
ILMF - International Lidar Mapping Forum
March 3-5
Denver, CO
PDAC - Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
March 7-10
Toronto, ON
ESRI Worldwide Business Partners Conference
March 21-23
Palm Springs, CA
GLOBE 2010
March 24-26
Vancouver, BC
O'Reilly Where 2.0 Conference
March 30 - April 1
San Jose, CA
XXIV FIG International Congress 2010
April 11-16
Sydney, Australia
GeoTec Event 2010
April 13-15
Toronto, ON
Pan-InfORM - Public Health Workshop - H1N1 Pandemic
April 19-20
Winnipeg, MB
GITA - 2010 Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference
April 25-29
Phoenix, AZ
European Geosciences Union - General Assembly 2010
May 2-7
Vienna, Austria
URISAOC - Be Spatial '10
May 6
Vaughn, ON
2010 International Symposium on Collaborative Technologies and Systems (CTS 2010)
May 17-21
Chicago, IL |
Browse the interesting cartographic designs submitted to the 2010 Map Gallery contest.
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