Groundbreaking technology called augmented reality is affecting digital maps, changing how we find and discover the world around us.
Rebecca Maxwell
GIS Data
The 25th Anniversary of the U.S. Census Bureau’s TIGER Project
It is something that many of us take for granted every day. If we need to find directions to an unfamiliar place, all we need to do is pull out our smartphone or tablet and get maps of that place instantly. But these tools have not always been available, and […]
GPS
Using GPS Data to Help Cities in Emergencies
In October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the United States causing billions of dollars in damage. The super storm became the most destructive hurricane of the season but it also provided transportation researchers a new way to analyze the effect that extreme events have on traffic […]
GIS Data
Using Drones to Create Fast Orthorectified Maps
Computer scientist Mark Pritt, along with colleagues at Lockheed Martin in Gaithersburg, Maryland, developed a new algorithm to handle thousands of images and speed up the process of creating an orthorectified map from UAV aerial imagery.
Spatial Analysis
Finding Fossils with Remote Sensing
In the field of paleontology, finding fossils is often a substantial undertaking. Researchers usually have to assemble crews of up to 15 people, each one carrying their own food and shelter, and head out into remote areas where making good time means driving 10 miles an hour. On top of […]
GIS Data
3D Maps for the Blind
The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) is developing low-cost technology to print 3D tactile maps for the blind.
GIS Data
CryoSat Shows Record Loss of Polar Ice
Scientists concerned about climate change are closely monitoring the thickness of polar sea ice. For many years, ice cover has been deemed a significant gauge of global warming’s impact on the Earth. The loss of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica could speed up the rate of global warming, […]
GIS Data
Mapping the Outbreaks of Diseases
In August of 2014, the World Health Organization declared a public emergency in response to the growing number of Ebola cases that have struck several West African countries. So far, the countries that have been hit hardest include Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Senegal. In those countries, more than […]
Spatial Analysis
Create Your Own Mental Maps with MindRider Helmets
Biking is an enjoyable way to not only exercise but to commute around town. On the other hand, riding a bike can be a stressful experience. Bicyclists have to constantly be aware of their surroundings, safety dodging other people as well as traffic. A new mapping application called MindRider hopes […]
GIS Data
EarthCube Data Initiative
Improvements in technology have led to the wide dissemination of information. As long as you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can access a large amount of data from nearly all parts of the globe. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is taking advantage of this reality through their […]