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[geovrml] GIS Monitor November 16 , 2000 by TenLinks.com
CONTENTS
-FCC Deadline on LBS Plans Passes
-Antarcti.ca Reduces the Net to a Continent
-A Visit to MapPlanet.com
-ICANN Reviews .geo
-Comdex and GIS
-Whew! It’s Just Marketing
-Correction
-New Lists at TenLinks.com
-Week in Review
-Advertise/Contact
-Subscribe/Unsubscribe
Editor’s Note: The next issue of the GIS Monitor will be delivered
November 30.
*****
FCC DEADLINE ON LBS PLANS PASSES
The FCC’s November 9 deadline for carriers to submit their plans to
implement spatial information has come and gone. The FCC is requiring
wireless carriers to provide location information for cell calls by
October 2001, mostly for emergency response. The business community sees
the requirement as a boon for location based services (LBS).
Most of the big carriers - Sprint, Verizon, SBC, Nextel, Qwest – submitted
their plans on time. Many smaller (usually rural) carriers are still
working out the details. There was no penalty for not submitting a plan.
Each carrier can use its own existing network to determine location or the
more expensive handset based GPS. Some use a hybrid. As prices come down
on chips, most will move to a handset based solution.
Privacy activists are already considering the legal implications of
collecting and sharing individual’s location information.
Wireless Carriers Announce Location Tech Plans
http://www.business2.com/content/channels/technology/2000/11/10/22478
The Next Big Privacy Brawl May Be over Your Location
http://www.businessweek.com/ebiz/0008/ep0828.htm
TenLinks.com GIS and Privacy Issues
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/articles/features/privacy.HTM
*****
ANTARCTI.CA REDUCES NET TO A CONTINENT
Antarti.ca, a new web site, has a novel interface to the Internet. It uses
a 2D or 3D virtual map of the Web to search for content. I found the newly
opened site very slow to load. The background map of Antarctica provides
no real value. The large colored boxes representing categories, which
divide it up, are helpful: they include computers, business, sports, etc.
I began a search on GIS. I clicked on “computers” to find a list of some
40 categories. The map alongside this “legend” included boxes labeled
Internet, Mobile Computing, Programming, and Software. A note said I was
looking at 20 of 83,405 sites in computers. I selected CAD since it was
the closest thing to GIS on the list or the map. That link failed
repeatedly. So, I keyed “GIS” into the search box to find that there was
indeed a GIS directory under CAD. It contained 54 sites. I adjusted the
density of sites on the map until I had all 54 on the screen. I could find
no reasoning behind where the sites were located on the map: consultants,
portals, magazines, data vendors, software developers were “all over the
place.” The TenLinks Map/GIS Directory was near Spot Image, Leica and
Sentinel USA.
The sites are culled from The Open Directory project – a directory made by
real people (not editors) and used by Netscape, Lycos and others. The
sites appear as little black, white and red targets on the map: The
thickness of the black circle indicates how many links this site has that
point to other Web sites. The white circle indicates the number of other
sites that have links to this site. The red dot’s size represents how many
pages are found at the site. The yellow arrows signify that the Open
Directory Project editor has declared that this site is “cool.” Got that?
I wish there was a legend on the Map pages for reference.
The creators argue that “Map.net gives people a way to see [the Web]. In
real life, we are well-adapted to dealing with places. We know how to
maneuver through them and to store them in our memory. Exposing the
underlying "place-ness" of the Web just makes what's there more useful.”
That may be true, but are they asking too much from a population still
learning to use maps. “Map.net takes the existing technology and
leverages it by putting search results in real-life context.” I, for one,
am confused: what is “real life” about an imagined map of the Internet.
Antarcti.ca’s business model involves licensing its technology via an ASP
model.
Press Release
http://maps.map.net/asi/press_111400.htm
The Mapping and GIS Map
http://maps.map.net/cat/Computers/CAD/Mapping_and_GIS?ms=60
The Open Directory Project
http://dmoz.org/about.html
*****
A VISIT TO MAPPLANET.COM
MapPlanet.com is a place to connect your web information to a place on
earth. It is also a registry and search engine with paid advertising.
Here’s how it works. Members are encouraged to register their site
geographically into one of the hexagonal cells covering roughly a square
kilometer of the earth’s surface. Then, users with a Java app or Windows
plug-in can search spatially for that information. Registration and
searching are free.
There are some problems. First off, each cell can only hold one site, so
if the chosen site is already occupied, you may have to settle for
something “nearby.” Second, you need to find your way to a cell via the
famous high-resolution satellite image of the world (by Tom Van Sant).
Towns, mountains and islands appear as you zoom in. Then, once you are
zoomed sufficiently, you view the individual cells. The cells can hold
text, hyperlinks, mail address or images. There are no roads or other
infrastructure to help you locate the spot of interest. Once you have
chosen a cell, you can fill in such things as the “mouse over” text, a
URL, an image, and some keywords for searching.
On the map I could zoom in, and click on cells that were registered, to
see the links and other data. And I could key in lat/long values if I knew
them (what, you don’t know yours?). I was unable to find where I might
search for the values in the records in the traditional search engine
portion. I could search on type, country, province and name, but I was not
too sure what these were since they did not seem to parallel the values
for cells I found on the map. In fact, I was unable to perform a single
successful database search. There was no help to be found.
MapPlanet describes itself as:
- an experimental virtual community
- a geographically organized search facility
- a navigation tool on a high-resolution internet based map of the world
- a way to submit your site into some geographical context
- a search machine for geographic places
- a search machine for all the privately submitted sites
- a fun to enjoy the geographic internet experience way to
The most interesting part of the site is the map of registered cells.
Guess what? They hug the dense population centers of the world – with
heavy concentration in the eastern and west coast of the US and Western
Europe.
MapPlanet does boast their top 20 – based on member votes. What exactly
you are voting on is unclear. However, be warned that the site on top of
the list is not exactly a family oriented destination.
MapPlanet is certainly an interesting site, even if it may not be very
useful at this point.
MapPlanet
http://www.mapplanet.com/
MapPlanet Map of Most Viewed/Inhabited Cells
http://www.mapplanet.com/more/stat.cgi?vc=c&z=5
*****
ICANN REVIEWS .geo
ICANN posted its comments on .geo, the new top-level domain name proposed
last month. ICANN voiced some concerns including the untested nature of
.geo, the high buy-in costs for georegistries, and extensive use of third
parties. But on the whole, ICANN found the “novelty of the proposal makes
it stand out.” Finally, they note: “This proposal has very strong
potential to change how the Internet is used, if it is successful at all.”
These comments lead me to believe that ICANN may well pass .geo and use it
as a test case for innovative domain use.
Recommendations on .geo and other “new services” TLDs
http://www.icann.org/tlds/report/report-iiib3-09nov00.htm
Application Summary
http://www.icann.org/tlds/report/geo1.html
*****
COMDEX AND GIS
Comdex is the largest technology exhibition in the United States. A quick
search through the exhibitor list found only 3 GIS companies: ESRI,
DeLorme and GIS Soft. GIS Soft is from Korea and focuses on Web mapping.
Nexian, Inc. will show a street-level mapping product, bundled with a GPS
for the Visor. Junglesoft, and Newstel and will demo their LBS solutions.
I’m confident there are more GIS packages on the floor – embedded in other
solutions.
Comdex Exhibitor List
http://myplanner.key3media.com/comdex/fall2000/planner/exhibitorsall.cfm
*****
WHEW! IT’S JUST MARKETING.
Yesterday I received a plain white envelope from The Bureau for Better
Identification. It had “Official Business” and “Summons to Appear
Enclosed”. Oh, and of course, “confidential.”
Inside was a half size sheet from United States District 4 with official
looking SUBPOENA from the State of Illinois. I was to appear at a
conference at a particular booth and bring my “signage requirements.” In
small print I found the name of a graphics firm that I believe produces
signs. Note, too that For Better Identification is FBI! It was cute, but
required far too much energy to figure out what they did, and why they
were subpoenaing me. I was disappointed that they did not give me a web
address to visit. It was a fine call to action, but if I somehow missed
the show, there was no way to reach them!
*****
CORRECTIONS
Last week I asked where SylvanMaps had gone. They are safe and sound at
their website.
http://www.sylvanmaps.com
*****
NEW LISTS AT TENLINKS.COM
Telecommunications
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis/communities/Industry/Telco/index.htm
Transportation
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis/communities/Industry/Transportation/index.htm
Consultants
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis/consultants/index.htm
Suggest a link
http://www.tenlinks.com/ABOUT/SUGGEST.HTM
*****
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Nov 15 - GIS Day Greeting Cards at Uclid Web Site
http://www.uclid.com/gisdaycardsend.html
This is a nice addition to the festivities. Uclid provides survey data
capture from scanned documents.
Nov 15 - Traffic.com Inaugurates World-Class System in Philadelphia
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/001115/pa_traffic_2.html
Traffic.com provides digital data for many cities – soon it will be
available via wireless.
Nov 15 - Planet Project Ignites Interest in First Global Internet Poll
http://www.3com.com/news/releases/pr00/nov0900a.html
Three days to vote on hot topics with people all over the world. The poll
promises new ways to visualize the data, too.
Nov 15 - Michigan Groups to Sponsor Redistricting Academy
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001115/mi_chamber.html
Two day seminar reviews how new districts come about. Michigan uses
Caliper’s software.
Nov 15 - HUD Announces Project To Improve Urban Policy Decisions
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001114/dc_hud_int.html
The goal of the project is to increase use of geographic information
system research as the basis for making informed policy decisions making.
Nov 15 - ESRI Announces ArcGIS Data Models for Electric and Gas
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis/news/pr/111500ESRI.htm
The second model, water was first, for ArcInfo 8.0 developed by ESRI,
partners and users.
Nov 15 - The Power of Place: Geography Awareness Week at USGS
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis/news/pr/111500USGS.htm
Another year, another GAW!
Nov 14 - PlanGraphics Hires, Relocates Office, Fetes Writer
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111400Plangraphics.htm
Seven press releases in one day! Wow!
Nov 14 - GE Capital Real Estate Implements MapScape.com
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111400GE.htm
GE will use Tactician’s MapScape.com to help power its commercial real
estate underwriting decision-making process.
Nov 14 - SUBWAY Restaurants Implements MapScape.com
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111400Subway.htm
Tactician will provide new tools for site selection at Subway.
Nov 14 - USDA Embarks on Ambitious GIS Implementation
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111400USDA.htm
ESRI will provide more than $2 million in software; the acquisition comes
after a two-year evaluation and benchmarking period.
Nov 14 - Axion Spatial Imaging and VistaScape Partner
http://www.axionspatial.com/press_jay.html
Axion will add its image compression to VistaScapes platform for data
capture and storage.
Nov 14 - E&S Offers 3D Site Visualization Tool for ESRI GIS Users
http://www.es.com/pressroom/2000archive/pr11-13-2000.html
E&S announces an extension for ArcView.
Nov 14 - BGE Selects Apex Data Services Inc. for GIS Data Conversion
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111300Apex.htm
Apex will perform a paper to digital conversion for a Smallworld
implementation.
Nov 13 - Polexis Awarded Open GIS Consortium Contract
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001113/ca_polexis_2.html
Polexis will be developing a parser for a hyperlink language and other
technologies for an In-Q-tel and OGC sponsored testbed. This is “small
pickings” for Polexis – today they also announce a $22.5M contract from
the Navy. The company changed its name from DTAI on November 6.
Nov 13 - Kodak Earth Imaging Products Join Forces with DeLorme
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111300Kodak.htm
DeLorme provided the geocoding tools required making it possible to
quickly locate and purchase Kodak's high-resolution aerial images over the
Internet. I for one enjoy seeing this “consumer” company powering more
“professional” GIS.
Nov 13 - DMTI Spatial Web Site Makes Learning About GIS Fun
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111300DMTI.htm
Well, maybe – but first they need a name for their mascot.
Nov 13 - Magellan Announces the GPS Companion for Visor
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001110/ca_magella.html
Visor continues to give Palm a run for its money even in mapping.
Nov 13 - Webraska/Blue Impact Demo Mapping on GPS & GSM PSAs
http://www.webraska.com/htm/press/2000nov9_Blueimpact.htm
Every company must have such a solution…
Nov 13 - GeoAccess Solutions Receive CareStandard Seal
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/111300GeoAccess.htm
The largest physician directory ASP implements industry standards.
Nov 10 - GeoAccess/CSI Partner for Accreditation Management
http://www.geoaccess.com/pressreleases/csiadvantage.htm
The two hope to cut time for National Committee for Quality Assurance
(NCQA) accreditation.
Nov 10 - Xmarc and Inform Worldwide Partner on LBS
http://www.xmarc.com/news_events/2000/press_inform.htm
Inform Worldwide will become a strategic channel partner for Xmarc, Inc.
and will implement Xmarc’s Wireless & Internet Infrastructure Software
Environment (WIISE) platform to power the Inform Worldwide E-Hub
applications.
Nov 10 - BTG Awarded Over $12 Million in New GIS Contracts
http://www.btg.com/btg/investor_info/news_releases/0024.htm
BTG continues to hold the keys to many federal contracts.
Nov 10 - MDA to Support Panama Canal Operation
http://www.mda.ca/news/pr/prnone.html
Returned to Panamanian control from the United States on December 31 1999,
the Canal still needs careful oversight.
Nov 10 - Webraska Demos First Indoor Personal Navigation Services
http://www.webraska.com/htm/press/2000nov10_indoornav.htm
The demo showed the use of a palmtop to get around on the show floor. I
think its main use might be in navigating in huge hospital complexes!
Nov 09 - URISA Executive Director Announces Departure
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/110900URISA.htm
Hard to keep Ex Dirs – the market is too good. And, hopefully URISA will
continue moving forward in a challenging time for GIS organizations.
Nov 09 - IKONOS Satellite Recognized by Popular Science Magazine
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/110900SI.htm
This provides further confirmation that geospatial technology is reaching
the mainstream.
Nov 09 - VISTAinfo and Aon Announce Creation of New Company
http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=vinf&script=410&layout=6&item_id=131023
VISTAinfo, provider of application and information services to the real
estate industry, and Aon Services Group, Inc., provider of specialty
insurance brokerage, and affinity group marketing, products and services,
announced an agreement to form a new jointly-owned e-commerce company.
Homeowners' Planning Services, LLC, will focus on delivering an integrated
suite of products, services and tools to homebuyers and homeowners.
Nov 09 - Kodak Engages Logisoft to Add Global E-currency Capability
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/110900KODAK.htm
Kodak will be able to sell internationally with new e-commerce tools.
Nov 09 - 3Di Names President and COO
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/1109003DI.htm
Reardon a sub captain moved through Grumman and Lockheed to head 3Di.
Nov 09 - ESRI Canada Appoints Quebec Region Manager
http://www.tenlinks.com/MapGIS/news/pr/110900ESRI.htm
ESRI Canada continues to grow.
*****
ADVERTISING
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Please send comments and suggestions to:
Adena Schutzberg
GIS Monitor Editor
aschutzberg@tenlinks.com
http://www.tenlinks.com/mapgis - Ultimate Map/GIS Directory
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