Archives
19/05
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then is a map is worth a thousand opinions! There were already 65 opinions posted when I published this, and a number of them address issues with the map!
Click on the link below to read this story by Seth Slabaugh, Muncie Star Press, from May 17, 2010, as well as the interesting comments posted on-line.
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201005170317/NEWS01/5170301
Click on the link below to read this story by Seth Slabaugh, Muncie Star Press, from May 17, 2010, as well as the interesting comments posted on-line.
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201005170317/NEWS01/5170301
19/05
Contributed by: Jim Stout, IMAGIS Program Manager
WASHINGTON -- Eleven questions that should shape the next decade of geographical sciences research were identified today in a new report by the National Research Council. Reflecting a time when populations are moving and natural resources are being depleted, the questions aim to provide a more complete understanding of where and how landscapes are changing to help society manage and adapt to the transformation of Earth's surface.
The committee that wrote the report solicited input from the geographical science community to identify research priorities and the approaches, skills, data, and infrastructure necessary to advance research. The strategic directions span from overarching issues of environmental change and sustainability to specific areas in the field that are transforming. They are grouped by topic area, but are not ranked in any order of importance.
How to understand and respond to environmental change:
· How are we changing the physical environment of Earth's surface?
· How can we best preserve biological diversity and protect endangered ecosystems?
· How are climate and other environmental changes affecting the vulnerabilities of coupled human-environment systems?
How to promote sustainability:
· Where and how will 10 billion people live?
· How will we sustainably feed everyone in the coming decade and beyond?
· How does where we live affect our health?
How to recognize and cope with the rapid spatial reorganization of economy and society:
· How is the movement of people, goods, and ideas changing the world?
· How is economic globalization affecting inequality?
· How are geopolitical shifts influencing peace and stability?
How to leverage technological change for the benefit of society and environment:
· How might we better observe, analyze, and visualize a changing world?
· What are the societal implications of citizen mapping and mapping citizens?
The report was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, National Geographic Society, and Association of American Geographers. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council make up the National Academies. They are independent, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under an 1863 congressional charter. Committee members, who serve pro bono as volunteers, are chosen by the Academies for each study based on their expertise and experience and must satisfy the Academies' conflict-of-interest standards. The resulting consensus reports undergo external peer review before completion. For more information, visit http://national-academies.org/studycommitteprocess.pdf. A committee roster follows.
Copies of Understanding the Changing Planet: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences are available from the National Academies Press; tel. 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242 or on the Internet at http://www.nap.edu. Reporters may obtain a copy from the Office of News and Public Information (contacts listed above). $33 for PDF Download
From the oceans to continental heartlands, human activities have altered the physical characteristics of Earth's surface. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050 and the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are happening. Innovation in the geographical sciences has the potential to advance knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society.
Understanding the Changing Planet outlines eleven strategic directions to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer.
WASHINGTON -- Eleven questions that should shape the next decade of geographical sciences research were identified today in a new report by the National Research Council. Reflecting a time when populations are moving and natural resources are being depleted, the questions aim to provide a more complete understanding of where and how landscapes are changing to help society manage and adapt to the transformation of Earth's surface.
The committee that wrote the report solicited input from the geographical science community to identify research priorities and the approaches, skills, data, and infrastructure necessary to advance research. The strategic directions span from overarching issues of environmental change and sustainability to specific areas in the field that are transforming. They are grouped by topic area, but are not ranked in any order of importance.
How to understand and respond to environmental change:
· How are we changing the physical environment of Earth's surface?
· How can we best preserve biological diversity and protect endangered ecosystems?
· How are climate and other environmental changes affecting the vulnerabilities of coupled human-environment systems?
How to promote sustainability:
· Where and how will 10 billion people live?
· How will we sustainably feed everyone in the coming decade and beyond?
· How does where we live affect our health?
How to recognize and cope with the rapid spatial reorganization of economy and society:
· How is the movement of people, goods, and ideas changing the world?
· How is economic globalization affecting inequality?
· How are geopolitical shifts influencing peace and stability?
How to leverage technological change for the benefit of society and environment:
· How might we better observe, analyze, and visualize a changing world?
· What are the societal implications of citizen mapping and mapping citizens?
The report was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, National Geographic Society, and Association of American Geographers. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council make up the National Academies. They are independent, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under an 1863 congressional charter. Committee members, who serve pro bono as volunteers, are chosen by the Academies for each study based on their expertise and experience and must satisfy the Academies' conflict-of-interest standards. The resulting consensus reports undergo external peer review before completion. For more information, visit http://national-academies.org/studycommitteprocess.pdf. A committee roster follows.
Copies of Understanding the Changing Planet: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences are available from the National Academies Press; tel. 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242 or on the Internet at http://www.nap.edu. Reporters may obtain a copy from the Office of News and Public Information (contacts listed above). $33 for PDF Download
From the oceans to continental heartlands, human activities have altered the physical characteristics of Earth's surface. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050 and the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are happening. Innovation in the geographical sciences has the potential to advance knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society.
Understanding the Changing Planet outlines eleven strategic directions to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer.
12/05
To: Indiana’s GIS Community
From: Kevin Mickey, Indiana State Fair Subcommittee Chair
I am writing to share some exciting news as well as to offer you an opportunity to participate in an important new collaboration that is anticipated to significantly enhance awareness of IGIC and the IndianaMap in the State of Indiana. The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America and the Indiana State Fair to offer a series of activities at the 2010 State Fair that will be taking place from August 6 to August 22.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the United States and in recognition of this important event the State Fair has agreed to the construction of a permanent Scout Camp exhibit at the Fairgrounds. In addition, on selected days during the Fair the Scouts will have an additional presence in several areas of the Fairgrounds including Main Street. Many of the activities that Scouts promote are directly related to the work that we do in the GIS community. Examples include orienteering, geocaching, environmental management, and much more.
IGIC has been invited to have a presence in the Scout Camp throughout the entire Fair in 2010 and, depending on the success of our efforts this year, to possibly having a permanent presence at the Fair. While we are still working out the details of our 2010 program, ideas currently being explored include developing an adventure activity that leads people around the Fairgrounds to learn about Indiana Agriculture, wildlife, science, etc and then has them come back to the BSA Scout Camp area to learn about Scouting. One possible element of this experience might include viewing the IndianaMap to see where Scout units are located around the state. We could also develop one or more activities that integrate various types of Scout craft (orienteering, map reading, plant identification, etc.) Scouts that complete these activities could earn credit for merit badge requirements. Another thought is that we could provide demonstrations on topics, tools, and skills that have relevance to GIS and geography as well as to Scouts. These demos could include how to use a GPS unit, how to do geocaching, etc. and could be offered both in the Scout Camp and in the Adventure Base area.
The value to IGIC in being involved in this collaboration is clear. This will provide us with an opportunity to show those that we serve what the value of GIS is to them on a practical level. Not only do we have the potential to reach thousands of Indiana citizens, it is also reasonable to expect that many local politicians and members of the media will also have an opportunity to visit with IGIC members and to hear about what our work means to them.
The key to making this initiative a success is securing enough volunteers to staff the different activities. At minimum, IGIC volunteers (members and others) will need to be onsite during the three weekends that the Fair is taking place. Those dates are August 7/8, August 14/15, and August 21/22. August 15 is an especially critical day since that is the official Scout Day at the Fair. On that day there will be three different sites where Scouting is being promoted and where IGIC has been invited by the BSA to be present. Those areas include (a) Main Street (b) the Scout Camp and (c) the Adventure Base area by the Free Stage on the west side of the track. As an FYI – Adventure Base is a traveling 10,000 square foot exhibit that promotes Scouting. In addition to the weekend dates, we are also strongly encouraged to have a presence on a least one weekday – more if possible.
Now to the opportunity! In order to make this program a success we need your help. If you are willing to donate a few hours of your time on one or more days of the Fair to staff one of the IGIC exhibits or to do demonstrations, please contact Janet Tomlin at jtomlin@igic.org or 317-489-0091 no later than May 17, 2010. We encourage you to spend a few hours helping out with the IGIC activities and then spend the remainder of your day with your family and friends enjoying the delights of the Indiana State Fair. If you have questions about this information or ideas about activities that you would like to share, please contact the IGIC Indiana State Fair Subcommittee Chair, Kevin Mickey, at kmickey@iupui.edu or 317.371.4479.
From: Kevin Mickey, Indiana State Fair Subcommittee Chair
I am writing to share some exciting news as well as to offer you an opportunity to participate in an important new collaboration that is anticipated to significantly enhance awareness of IGIC and the IndianaMap in the State of Indiana. The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America and the Indiana State Fair to offer a series of activities at the 2010 State Fair that will be taking place from August 6 to August 22.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the United States and in recognition of this important event the State Fair has agreed to the construction of a permanent Scout Camp exhibit at the Fairgrounds. In addition, on selected days during the Fair the Scouts will have an additional presence in several areas of the Fairgrounds including Main Street. Many of the activities that Scouts promote are directly related to the work that we do in the GIS community. Examples include orienteering, geocaching, environmental management, and much more.
IGIC has been invited to have a presence in the Scout Camp throughout the entire Fair in 2010 and, depending on the success of our efforts this year, to possibly having a permanent presence at the Fair. While we are still working out the details of our 2010 program, ideas currently being explored include developing an adventure activity that leads people around the Fairgrounds to learn about Indiana Agriculture, wildlife, science, etc and then has them come back to the BSA Scout Camp area to learn about Scouting. One possible element of this experience might include viewing the IndianaMap to see where Scout units are located around the state. We could also develop one or more activities that integrate various types of Scout craft (orienteering, map reading, plant identification, etc.) Scouts that complete these activities could earn credit for merit badge requirements. Another thought is that we could provide demonstrations on topics, tools, and skills that have relevance to GIS and geography as well as to Scouts. These demos could include how to use a GPS unit, how to do geocaching, etc. and could be offered both in the Scout Camp and in the Adventure Base area.
The value to IGIC in being involved in this collaboration is clear. This will provide us with an opportunity to show those that we serve what the value of GIS is to them on a practical level. Not only do we have the potential to reach thousands of Indiana citizens, it is also reasonable to expect that many local politicians and members of the media will also have an opportunity to visit with IGIC members and to hear about what our work means to them.
The key to making this initiative a success is securing enough volunteers to staff the different activities. At minimum, IGIC volunteers (members and others) will need to be onsite during the three weekends that the Fair is taking place. Those dates are August 7/8, August 14/15, and August 21/22. August 15 is an especially critical day since that is the official Scout Day at the Fair. On that day there will be three different sites where Scouting is being promoted and where IGIC has been invited by the BSA to be present. Those areas include (a) Main Street (b) the Scout Camp and (c) the Adventure Base area by the Free Stage on the west side of the track. As an FYI – Adventure Base is a traveling 10,000 square foot exhibit that promotes Scouting. In addition to the weekend dates, we are also strongly encouraged to have a presence on a least one weekday – more if possible.
Now to the opportunity! In order to make this program a success we need your help. If you are willing to donate a few hours of your time on one or more days of the Fair to staff one of the IGIC exhibits or to do demonstrations, please contact Janet Tomlin at jtomlin@igic.org or 317-489-0091 no later than May 17, 2010. We encourage you to spend a few hours helping out with the IGIC activities and then spend the remainder of your day with your family and friends enjoying the delights of the Indiana State Fair. If you have questions about this information or ideas about activities that you would like to share, please contact the IGIC Indiana State Fair Subcommittee Chair, Kevin Mickey, at kmickey@iupui.edu or 317.371.4479.
07/05
Contributed by: Jim Sparks, State of Indiana Geographic Information Officer
I had the great pleasure recently to address Michigan’s GIS community about the amazing progress that we are making in Indiana. I also spent a little time on the subject of GIS funding. In particular, I noted the disparity between the amount of data that is created at the local level and the richness of detail of that data, with the funding that is dedicated to GIS. More detail is created at the local level than the state. More is created at the state level than at the Federal level. Likewise, the richness of the data is greatest at the base of the pyramid and less at the top. Unfortunately, the amount of federal funding dedicated to GIS is inverted, and does not match reality.
I had the great pleasure recently to address Michigan’s GIS community about the amazing progress that we are making in Indiana. I also spent a little time on the subject of GIS funding. In particular, I noted the disparity between the amount of data that is created at the local level and the richness of detail of that data, with the funding that is dedicated to GIS. More detail is created at the local level than the state. More is created at the state level than at the Federal level. Likewise, the richness of the data is greatest at the base of the pyramid and less at the top. Unfortunately, the amount of federal funding dedicated to GIS is inverted, and does not match reality.
Which of the following shapes does not match the others?
I think we are all aware of the large amount of money that is spent at the federal level on geospatial activities. How about diverting a few percent from the federal pot to the local level in support of GIS? “Righting” the upside-down funding pyramid will go a long way toward facilitating a true national map in which local data rolls up to the state and state data rolls up to the national level. In this way, the very best geospatial data would be available to all.
To that end, IGIC and the Geographic Information Office are advocating at every opportunity for an improved and more realistic configuration of the three Great Pyramids of Geologia!
To that end, IGIC and the Geographic Information Office are advocating at every opportunity for an improved and more realistic configuration of the three Great Pyramids of Geologia!