Latest GPS Satellite Good to Go

The latest GPS Block II satellite launched by the United States on October 17, has been declared fully operational. The announcement came after a successful on-orbit checkout by a combined U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin team.

The satellite, designated GPS IIR-17M, is the fourth in a series of eight Block IIR-M satellites built by the defense contractor. These latest satellites feature a a stronger signal, two new military signals, a second civilian channel as well as enhanced encryption and anti- jamming capabilities for the military.

This is the fourth IIR-M satellite in orbit. In total, the U.S. GPS satellite constellation currently numbers 28. A fifth Block IIR-M satellite is scheduled for launch on December 20.

GPS Gadget of the Week: CPC 1100 GPS (XLT)

Forget about GPS cellphones, this Christmas the true GPS enthusiast is hoping for a serious GPS-enabled device. Something like the CPC 1100 GPS (XLT) Telescope. Its 11 inch lens is sure to draw the attention, and envy, of any serious technophile.

The GPS component allows the telescope to automatically pinpoint its location on Earth, thereby eliminating the need to manually enter the information, because after all, manually entering information is just so 90's. Once it knows its location, the CPC 1100 telescope can access a database of over 40,000 astronomical objects, allowing the user to easily gaze into the heavens for months.

Having the coolest GPS device on the block will run you about $2900.

Via Navigadget.

GLONASS Major Part of Russian Plans to be a High-Tech Leader

R ussian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, wants to spend at least $60 billion over the next 10 years to make Russia a global high-tech titan, according to Bloomberg News. LyubovPronina has posted a wide-ranging article outlining the country's goals for competing globally in high-tech. Among the highlights:

Russia is spending 9.9 billion rubles [about $405 million USD] in 2007 to turn its Global Navigation Satellite System, Glonass, into a rival of the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS. Russia plans to have full global coverage with 24 satellites in orbit by 2010.

By 2015, says Yuriy Urlichich, head of the Russian Research Institute of Space Instrument Building, Glonass will be selling tens of billions of dollars of services annually to operators of mobile communications devices around the world.

For Putin and Ivanov, space remains a high priority. Anatoly Perminov, head of the Federal Space Agency, told the RIA Novosti news agency it spent 24.4 billion rubles ($1 billion) in 2007 on the International Space Station and other projects. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration spent $16.2 billion.

Among the Russian government's other tech plans are:

• To capture 10 percent of the global market for information technology and office equipment by 2020.
• To put a man on the moon by 2025
• To put a man on Mars after 2035.
• To become the No. 3 maker of commercial airplanes.

To accomplish their lofty goals, Russia is abandoning the free-market if favor of Soviet-style central planning, combining smaller companies into single government- controlled conglomerates. Boris Chertok, who worked on the first Sputnik satellite told Bloomberg, "We need to restore what we have lost over 15 years of destructive reforms. The market economy is incapable of fulfilling such large national programs as flight to the moon."

It remains to be seen how well large, government-controlled companies can compete in a high-tech field where victory generally goes to the quick and nimble.

In addition to bureaucratic hurdles, there are at two other obstacles to Russian plans of becoming a high-tech power.

1. Many of the country's smartest math and science students leave for better paying jobs elsewhere, while many young people favor business degrees, ignoring science and math altogether.
   
2. The country is a technological backwater. A recent ranking by Economist Intelligence Unit put Russia 48th, behind India and the Philippines, in ability to support a competitive IT environment.

See also: Report: GLONASS Could Be Operating By 2009
GLONASS to Top U.S.'s GPS, Putin Says

Photo courtesy of Masta Bord.

A New Way to Map The World

Earth's 6.6 billion people have reshaped about 3/4 of the planet and now represent a “force of nature rivaling climate and geology in shaping the terrestrial biosphere.” In response, two scientists have proposed a new way to map ecosystems that takes people into account.

More from EarthSky:

The new method divides the globe into anthropogenic biomes, or anthromes, to better describe the human-altered landscape.

So, instead of traditional biomes based on climate and vegetation (tundra, tropical rainforests, grasslands, deserts, etc.), Prof. Erle Ellis of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Prof. Navin Ramankutty of McGill University propose using major categories of anthromes such as “dense settlements,” “villages,” “croplands,” “rangelands,” “forested” and “wildlands.”

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They continue: “This new model of the biosphere moves us away from an outdated view of the world as ‘natural ecosystems with humans disturbing them’ and towards a vision of ‘human systems with natural ecosystems embedded within them’.” They contend that the new system is critical to ecological studies and sustainable management of the biosphere in the 21st century.

Full map here.

See also: Worldmapper: A New Way to View the Planet

EU Lauches Probe Into TomTom-Tele Atlas Deal

The European Union has opened a detailed probe of Dutch technology group TomTom's takeover of Dutch firm Tele Atlas, RTE' Business reported today, citing concerns the deal could stifle competition in the market for personal navigation devices:

The European Commission said it would rule by mid April whether to allow the €2.9 billion takeover of Tele Atlas, a leading maker of digital maps, by TomTom, which makes portable navigation devices.

The European Union's top competition watchdog said it had 'serious doubts' the deal would 'lead to a significant impediment to effective competition.'

Compromise to Allow Galileo to go Forward

Members of the European Union (EU) have reached a compromise that will allow funding of the Galileo satellite project The Register reported:

...States voted to back a €2.4bn funding deal, drawing cash from unused farming subsidies, and restructuring research and industrial spending for the year.

This means the European rival to the US military's GPS system can go ahead, but no extra public funds will be written into the EU's budget to pay for it.

The original plan was to have the scheme be funded at least partly by the private sector, but contractors walked away (probably shaking their heads) saying they couldn't make the numbers stack.

The idea of using taxpayers' cash to fill the gap in funding was particularly abhorrent to Germany, which was worried about creating a precedent of using up excess funds instead of passing them back to the member states. The UK is said to have had similar concerns, but unlike Germany, eventually voted in favour of the plan.

German officials had previously expressed concerns that German contractors would be excluded from contracts to build the system. According to reports, the project will be split into six pieces, with each member state able to be the prime contractor on a maximum of two sections, a process reportedly acceptable to Berlin.

Not everyone in Europe is happy with the plan. In an editorial, The Times called the Galileo system "An overpriced piece of pie in the sky" saying the EU is paying too much for an overcomplicated system that doesn’t yet work.

See also: Germany Says No to Galileo Funding
Galileo's Future Uncertain
Galileo to be Grounded?

18th Century Vermont Maps Now Online

Maps dating to the 18th century have been made available online at the Vermont State Archives website the Associated Press reports:

Many have disappeared or been hidden away in dusty vaults in town clerk's offices. But now the Vermont State Archives is using digital technology to make copies of the maps accessible over the Internet so landowners, lawyers, surveyors and historians can use them to analyze colonial-era roads, boundary lines and titles.

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"Some of these records may be based on surveys and maps done 200 years ago, but they continue to have value, legal value and an informational value that has survived the centuries," [State Archivist Gregory] Sanford said.

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Besides their practical value, the Vermont maps offer a glimpse into the past. For example, a 1778 map of Royalton bears notations saying the town's four corners are marked by birch trees. Some of the 54 lots have the names of the original European owners, while others describe property as "good upland" or "level and very good."

See also: Vermont Towns Begin Mapping Ancient Roads
Old Maps Of New England Available On CD

Artist's Project Makes Invisible Grid, Visible

Artist Perri Lynch became intrigued about an invisible control grid over the land known as real-time networks. The way surveying and geodesy use linear and algebraic terms to give precise definition to that which defies definition: land and landscapes became a source of inspiration.

As the American Surveyor reports:

Perri first came to the attention of the surveying community from her work "Precisely Known Completely Lost," a photographic and sound series. She matched images of survey monuments (from the point of view most familiar to us, looking straight down) with a perfectly skyward image from the same monument. Audio from each site collected at the time of photography was played in loops exhibition.

In the exhibit materials for "Precisely Known Completely Lost," Perri notes, "Sense of place does not exist in the physical world. It is not universal and it is not permanent." Part of her attraction to survey monuments is that they are a manifestation of this human desire for sense of place, and a renewed appreciation for the practical value of such amenities.

Ms. Lynch's latest project is a series of black limestone pillars, set parallel to and along an entire kilometer-long National Geodetic Survey (NGS) baseline. The first and last stone are coincident with the NGS monuments; the rest of the six-foot high stones are placed in a progression of doubling distance at each subsequent stone. One side is rough, the other smooth to the contrast the regular and irregular or natural. Holes are drilled at eye-height (and at child and ADA height) aligned perfectly with holes in each subsequent stone, thereby giving the observer the perspective of a surveyor.

Ms. Lynch told American Surveyor that she sought to "amplify the obscure," as well as to "help folks connect to the specialness of subtle things and provide a new perspective on a familiar scene."

Mapping Errors Make News

It's been a tough week for mapmakers it seems.

First the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that flood maps issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contained a elevation error of five feet.

The error resulted from a misplaced minus sign. That means that instead of reducing floodwaters by 5-1/2 feet, the Corps' new gates and levee repairs in the Lakeview and Old Metairie area will only reduce flooding by 1/2 of a foot.

The Corps discovered the error after a public even, held on the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landing on the Gulf Coast, to announce the release of the maps:

Federal Gulf Coast Recovery Chief Donald Powell had called the reduced flood risk one of the most important events in the state's recovery. "If I were in the real estate business, or if I were anticipating coming to live in New Orleans, the first thing I would look at are these maps we're releasing today," he said at a June 21 news conference.

Meanwhile, the Delmarva Daily Times says that Snow Hill, Maryland officials met to change the zoning of a piece of property back to residential from business. That same body had just recently changed the zoning to business when the planning department determined early maps zoned the area for business. Unfortunately, there were some streets that was misnamed in those previous zoning maps.

Caputured Al-Qaeda Map key to a Safer Baghdad

A map drawn by Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and captured by U.S. forces was instrumental in helping reduced the terrorist groups attacks in Baghdad the Courier-Mail reported today:

Zarqawi was killed in June 2006 but the turning point came in December when the map was found in a safe house.

It gave US war planners insight into the terror network's methods for moving explosives, fighters and money.

"The map essentially laid out how Al-Qaeda controlled Baghdad," Major-General Bob Scales said.

"They did it through four belts that surrounded the city, and these belts controlled access to the city for reinforcements and weapons and money."

US-led forces reduced these belts one at a time and choked off Al-Qaeda's access to the city.

MapQuest on Your PND

MapQuest, AOL's online mapping service announced today a new partnership with Telmap, that will provide turn-by-turn, voice-guided, directions to GPS-enabled Personal Navigation Devices.

This new version features Live Traffic, AOL CityGuide, which includes listings and ratings of restaurants and nightlife, gas prices near your location, and 3D Map Views. In the future, users will be able send maps and directions from their computer to their handheld device using the system.Users who sign up for the new version 5.0 between now and December 31, 2007 can system for $4.99 per month.

Personally, $60 a year for directions seems a bit high to me, especially since I can access the web with my Treo and get similar information for free. However, it might be worth it for those that travel by car a lot.

See also: Lower Cost to Drive Demand for Auto Navigation Systems
Free Maps for Your Cellphone

GPS Gadget of the Week: Bladerunner GPS Jacket

Parents worried that Junior may wander too far from home need fear no longer. Not if the little tyke is wearing the Bladerunner GPS Jacket. The coat comes with a pouch where concerned parents place a rechargeable GPS device. The device, which will last about 15-hours on one charge, can track the wearer to within 43 square feet.

The tracking coat can also be configured to geo-fence the little guy, alerting parents when their offspring wanders too far away, or it can be used to set a curfew which sounds an alarm when junior is out too late. The children's tracking jacket costs $500, plus $20 a month for the tracking technology.

Via Crave.

Surveyor's Collection of Ancient Maps on Display

Maps and antique equipment collected by surveyor Dan Cory is currently on display at the New Smyrna Museum of History, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. "The Early Surveying and Mapping of Southeast Volusia County" features a copy of a 1605 map of the area, which was obtained from the St. Augustine Institute of Science and Historical Society.

The collection also highlights rare manuscript maps of surveys done of East Volusia from 1834 to 1850 as well as two full-color, full-sized Sanborn fire insurance maps of the city from 1895 and 1901. The exhibit runs through November 24, and is free.

GPS Gadget of the Week: MySpot

If you want the security of a GPS-enabled panic button but don't want to carry around a separate device, then MySpot by phantomEye may be for you. MySpot is designed to provide a 'panic button' on select cell phone. In an emergency, the user can have the company's server automatically call up to 20 numbers, as well as notify people by email and instant message, including the users location.

The system also comes with a countdown timer. This mode can be used by hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to notify selected family and friends and their location at pre-determined intervals. The company points out that it could do the same thing for parents of teenagers. The system runs about $1.50 per day plus about $30 for the initial software.

Via iTWire.

Texas Map Exhibition Begins Tour in Dallas

An exhibition of 64 historic maps has opened in Dallas. “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps” opened November 3, at the Old Red Museum. The exhibition features cartography dating from 1548 to 2006. The exhibition is a joint project of the Center for Texas Studies at Texas Christian University and the the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University. The maps on display are among more than 1,000 maps collected by Dallas natives Yana & Marty Davis. The collection was acquired by the Museum of the Big Bend in 2006.

After a two-year stay in Dallas, the map collection will travel around the state, ending at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth in 2010. A complete itinerary of the exhibition can be found here. General admission to the Dallas museum is $8.

PND Market to Surpass 100 Million Units by 2011

Worldwide sales of Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) will continue their strong growth, reaching sales of more than 100 million units by 2011, according to the new report released by ABI Research. The New York-based research firm predicts that dedicated PNDs will continue to be preferred for use in the car. However, it says that in-car navigation systems will be complemented by handset-based systems for pedestrian navigation. The firm also says new devices such as portable media players, ultra mobile PCs, Internet tablets and mobile Internet devices will also integrate navigation systems into their applications.

The recent announcement that Nokia will acquire NAVTEQ has everyone talking about "convergence". Speaking of the involvement of cellular carriers with PNDs, ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte predicts that sales of off-board handset-based navigation devices will grow strongly in North America, reaching a sales volume of 21 million units by 2012. "It will be a catalyst for the uptake of location-based services such as search, friend finder and tracking features” he said.

For future growth, ABI Research says PND manufacturers should look to China and India, saying that by 2012 more navigation systems will ship in Asia-Pacific than in any other region. Currently Europe is the leading navigation market.

Despite the growing market for PNDs, strong competition will continue as well as pressure to lower prices. This will result in a continued consolidation of the market. Manufacturers will likely seek to stand out in the fierce market, adding features such as speech technology, multimedia features and 3D map content.

Map Design Competition Underway

The Cartography and Geographic Information Society is now taking submissions for their 35th Annual Map Design Competition. The competition is designed to promote interest in map design and recognize significant design advances in cartography. Noted cartographers judge the entries based on: color, overall design and impression, craftsmanship, and typography. Entries are displayed at a number of national and international functions and then become part of the permanent collection of the U.S. Library of Congress.

There are separate categories for professionals and students. If you need some inspiration, you can browse some previous winning maps here. But you had better get busy, the deadline is January 15th, 2008.

GPS Gadget of the Week: Spot

In yet another attempt by technology companies to make the wilderness a little less wild, SPOT, Inc. has announced what it says is the world’s first satellite messenger. The SPOT satellite messenger can transmit a user’s exact location and message to a 9-1-1 emergency call center, or to friends, family or co-workers to request help, track their location, or just keep in touch. Because SPOT uses the GPS system to determine a location and transmits over a commercial satellite network, the device works in much of the world regardless of cellular coverage. The users location can be viewed using the SPOT Web service with included Google Maps™ technology.

The device is supposed to be on the shelves of major outdoor, online, wireless and electronics retailers later this month, just in time for the holidays. The SPOT will cost Santa about $170. However, if you find one under your tree this Christmas, your joy may be tempered by the fact that the system requires an annual service fee of $100.

Garmin Makes Move For TeleAtlas

GPS maker Garmin revealed its plans for countering moves by TomTom and Nokia into the digital mapping business, bidding $3.3 billion for TeleAtlas. The move comes three months after TomTom, Garmin's chief rival in the PND market, announced plans to purchase TeleAtlas for $2.8 billion.

Currently, Garmin gets almost all of its digital maps from NAVTEQ. Garmin Chief Financial Officer Kevin Rauckman told Business Week that Nokia's acquisition of the it's chief supplier "... could have potentially ended up being a difficult and awkward situation." The stakes in this bidding war are huge. The firm that fails to purchase TeleAtlas will find itself depending upon its competitors for its maps.

See also: Nokia + NAVTEQ = Trouble for Garmin?
Nokia to Purchase NAVTEQ

GPS Gadget of the Week: Satski

Wondering how your handheld GPS navigation device is going to hold up on the ski slopes this winter? Never fear. A company called Satski has developed a GPS navigation system specifically for skiers.

The Satski gives you an interactive map of the mountain that will guide, assist and record your movements throughout the day while you are on the slopes. The Satski constantly updates your current position on the map, gives you some statistics, and record your coordinates, altitude, speed, and distance to be analyzed later on.

The device also comes with an MP3 Player, a few games, a list of emergency contacts for your area such as mountain rescue, and some photos and information on restaurants in the vicinity, if you happen to be skiing in the Alps. While the company's web site only displays European ski resorts, it says the device will work in North America as well, though maybe you'll have to find good place to eat on your own.

Via NaviGadget.

GPS Gadget of the Week: Pyxis GPS Watch

The latest entry in the, "this really cool GPS device does everything you can imagine and five things you haven't thought of yet" market is the Pyxis GPS Watch from Westech Korea.

The device comes with databases of various exercise courses for running a marathon, hiking and walking. Not just for keeping time, you can also set an exercise schedule in advance. While you are working out, this GPS watch displays information like elapsed time, speed, distance and consumed calories. You can save details of up to 2,000 workout sessions.

For less energetic activities, the Pyxis also serves as your golf guide, displaying the distance to the green as well as your driving distance with information in the holes including hazards details like bunkers and waters.

Via Aving USA

Last week's GPS Gadget of the Week here.

Hitler's Globe to be Auctioned

A globe that belonged to Adolf Hitler could bring as much as $22,000 at auction the Daily Telegraph reported today. The globe was found by American soldier John Barsamian in the remains of the "Eagle's Nest" Hitler's mountain stronghold in the Bavarian Alps.

On entering the bunker, Mr. Barsamian, who is now 91, found the place devastated by Allied bombing and looting. However, he found the globe still in intact. He boxed it up with other keepsakes, and shipped them home.

One thing that should increase the value of this globe is the meticulous records Mr. Barsamian kept that authenticate his find. Not only does he still have the military paperwork that allowed him to bring it back to the U.S., but he also has a picture of himself in front of the bunker, holding the globe.

Germany Says No to Galileo Funding

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would continue to oppose the way the European Union is managing proposals for the Galileo satellite navigation system Digital Journal reported today:

Speaking at a Berlin conference on transport, the chancellor said Berlin would "cheerfully" stand up for German national interests on the issue.

Berlin has criticized EU proposals to finance an investment budget shortfall of 2.4 billion euros (3.4 billion dollars) for the global-positioning system mainly from its own budget.

The German Chancellor reportedly said that since her country was "a major financial contributor" to the planned navigation system that it had to have preference in the awarding of contracts for the project. The EU plan calls for open tendering for the contracts.

See also: Galileo's Future Uncertain
Galileo to be Grounded?

Do Microsoft and Google Have Their Sights on TomTom?

Since the NAVTEQ purchase by Nokia was announced, speculation has been rampant that Microsoft would seek to acquire GPS Personal Navigation Device (PND) maker Garmin. However, iSuppli, a market intelligence firm, says the combined TomTom/Tele Atlas group is a more attractive target for Microsoft, and for Google as well.

Speaking of a suggested Microsoft buyout of Garmin, Richard Robinson, principal analyst, for iSuppli said, “iSuppli considers this to be less likely than Microsoft buying TomTom/Tele Atlas. This is because the key item in the supply chain is the map IP [intellectual property], rather than the navigation devices themselves.” The firm says the combined TomTom/Tele Atlas group is even more attractive to Google, citing the search engine company's strong desire to offer mobile location-based services.

With prices of GPS equipped PNDs falling, it seems that many people have realized that the true value is the map itself. "Holders of map Intellectual Property (IP) now occupy the most important position in the global GPS navigation supply chain." the report said, citing the $8 billion purchase of Navteq Corp. by Nokia as evidence. Tele Atlas, the other world-wide mapping firm agreed to be acquired by GPS maker TomTom earlier this year.

The entrance of these huge companies into the mapping field illustrates that the competitive structure of the navigation market has changed dramatically. The stakes are huge, iSuppli estimates that global shipments of GPS-enabled mobile handsets will reach 250 million units by 2010.

Currently, there are about 40 companies offering GPS navigation capabilities in various products. However, consider how many companies made PCs at one time. If past experience is a guide, and I believe it is, this number will likely be reduced to 3 or 4 major players over the next few years.

See also: Nokia to Purchase NAVTEQ
Nokia + NAVTEQ = Trouble for Garmin?
Lower Cost to Drive Demand for Auto Navigation Systems

Modernized GPS Satellite Ready for Launch

The newest Block IIR GPS satellite is ready for launch October 17th, Lockheed Martin announced today. The satellite will be launched on a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems, is the prime contractor for the United States' GPS Block IIR program.

This satellite is the fourth in a series of eight satellites designated Block IIR-M, that were modernized to enhance operations. They feature the L2C signal, the second civilian signal on the L2 carrier. While GPS receivers have been manufactured to receive the L2C signal, with only three satellites in orbit, this feature has been limited. Improvements for the military reportedly include a more jam-resistant signal and features that enable better targeting of GPS-guided weapons in hostile environments.

The firm is locked in multi-billion dollar competition with Boeing to develop and build the next generation GPS satellites for the U.S. military.

See also: GPS III Decision Delayed Until December
Lockheed Martin Delivers Last GPS Satellite

Map Exhibition Asks Viewers to Question Everthing

Artists' use of maps to make a political or social statement have been highlighted here before. An exhibit at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts takes a comprehensive look at art work which incorporates cartography.

"Lines in the Earth: Maps, Power and the Imagination" explores the way mapping is used to explore social, cultural and political geographies. Some of the featured artists use maps to rearrange the world; others use them to explore the way that maps reinforce political power; while others use maps to create their own imaginary worlds.

The exhibit runs through December 7th at the center in Ketchum, Idaho.

GPS Gadget of the Week: GPS Mouse

If you're like me, you prefer to use a real mouse rather than the touchpad on your laptop. So perhaps you've been on the road with your computer and asked yourself, "Why can't this mouse double as a GPS receiver?" Now it can.

The Deluo GPSMouse works just like a regular USB-powered optical mouse, with one difference. By flipping a switch on the bottom, it transforms into a GPS receiver connected to your computer through the same USB cable. This provides you with GPS positions without carrying around a separate portable navigation device.

The GPSMouse sells for about $70 on Amazon. For about $130, you can get it along with Microsoft Streets & Trips.

Via SlipperyBrick

Last weeks GPS Gadget of the Week Here.

Three GLONASS Satellites to Launch October 25th

Three GLONASS satellites are scheduled for launch October 25, from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the Russian News and Information Agency reported today. The news service said the information came from the system's manufacturer.

The Russian navigation satellites are to be launched on a Proton-M rocket. This is the same type of rocket that crashed on September 6th, with a Japanese satellite onboard. In the last launch, the rocket's engine malfunctioned about two minutes into flight and crashed near the town of Zhezkazgan.

GLONASS is intended as an alternative to the U.S.-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The program was originally begun by the Soviet Union. With the breakup of the U.S.S.R., the project floundered, but was restarted when Russian President Putin took an interest. Russia has budgeted 9.88 billion rubles ($380 million) for the program this year.

See also: GLONASS to Top U.S.'s GPS, Putin Says
Report: GLONASS Could Be Operating By 2009

Geocachers Invited to Celebrate Earth Science This Sunday

Earth Science Week begins this Sunday and to observe the occasion geocachers around the world are invited to participate in International EarthCache Day. EarthCache is a twist on the regular GPS game of Geocaching. Instead of searching for buried trinkets, GPS enthusiasts are encouraged to set their coordinates for EarthCaches and discover Earth's natural treasures.

In EarthCaching, participants register and select a site to visit from those listed at www.earthcache.org. Players then make their way to the site using their GPS navigation device. Once there the EarthCachers are asked to perform a specific task listed on the website such such as measuring the size of fossils, or height of a waterfall. Many players like to take photos at the site and log their experience and photos on the geocaching web site.

Gary Lewis, Director of Education and Outreach for the Geological Society of America explains, "With EarthCaching, they're field geologists for a day. They have a great time exploring some of Earth's most beautiful features without disturbing the land."

The EarthCache program was begun by the Geological Society of America in 2004 with four EarthCaches in Colorado and Australia. Since then, participants have developed an additional 1,600 sites in 47 countries. More than 97,000 people have participated.

Pictured: Great Lakes-Lake Iroquois EarthCache Canada. Courtesy the Geological Society of America.

High School Students Learn to see Things Differently in GIS Course

Two California high schools are using GIS to educate students about their community as well as the technology systems used by decision-makers in a new program.

The North County Times has more:

After spending two months analyzing maps, studying topography and cataloging information by locations, Valley Center High School sophomore Abraham Chambers said he sees his city in a whole new light -- from above.

Abraham, 16, is one of 60 students enrolled in a new Geographic Information Systems course at Valley Center and Fallbrook high schools that brings high-tech computer hardware and software used for environmental research and urban planning into the classroom. The class aims to educate students about the community and the technology systems used by decision-makers. It was introduced to the campuses this year after the districts secured a two-year, $450,000 career-technical education grant from the state in 2005.

"This has opened my eyes to a whole different realm of what (computerized maps) can be used for," Abraham said Monday, as he built a map of Valley Center with recently released San Diego Land Use and Management Data.

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With the help of Global Positioning System software and the computerized mapping database, provided by a Redlands-based Geographic Information Systems software company -- Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. -- students learn how to take satellite images of an area and turn them into their own maps that chart trends and store information on everything from crime data to water sources.

Some of the projects the students have worked on include locating all the possible helicopter pads for pilots making emergency landings, mapping popular surfing beaches against known shark attacks and identifying all area water sources. Students who pass the course with an A or B earn course credits for the introductory Geographic Information Systems course at Palomar Community College.

See also: Using GPS to Turn Kids on to Geography

Pioneer Looking Past GPS Navigation to the Future

Japanese electronics maker Pioneer is working on a new navigation system that combines a GPS system with a video camera and software that analyzes the scene ahead. Not only does the system provide better directions, it even warns the driver about potential hazards.

Called the Image Recognition Car Navigation System, the system was shown at the recently completed CEATEC Japan 2007 electronics show where it was named one of the 12 most innovative products at the show.

Instead of displaying a digital map, Pioneer’s prototype provides the driver live video of the road ahead with information superimposed. For example an arrow will appear to show the location of an upcoming turn is. It also warns the driver if he gets too close to the car ahead and even monitors the road lines to make sure the driver doesn't drift out of his lane.

Pioneer has not announced a release date for the system.

GIS Big in World's Largest Country

China's self-developed Geographic Information System (GIS) industry hired more than 300,000 people and produced 400 billion yuan (about $53 billion U.S.) in aggregate output last year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The news service attributed the numbers to Zhong Ershun, deputy president of the China Association for Geographic Information System, which also stated that there 20,000 Chinese enterprises engaged in GIS.

The country's growing economy, and government spending, were cited as the main factors driving growth in China's GIS industry. Between 2001 and 2005, more than 20 million yuan has been earmarked by the Ministry of Information Industry as a special fund to fund the development and application of domestic software for GIS.

See also: China to Crack Down on Foreign Surveyors & Mappers

GPS Gadget of the Week: GPS Counter Track

We've all had that nagging feeling that someone is watching us, following our every move. These days, with the proliferation of GPS tracking devices, that feeling is closer to reality than ever. If you're bothered by the thought that someone may be secretly tracking you with a stealth GPS device, the GPS Counter Track by MicroVideoX may be for you.

The company says that the device, which plugs in a cigarette lighter, will render any GPS tracking device useless within minutes. Though the firm's website is short on specifics, the device appears to work by interfering with the L1/L2 signal broadcast by GPS satellites. Of course peace of mind doesn't come for free. In this case, the cost is $219.00 plus shipping.

Last week's GPS Gadget of the Week here.

Via coolest-gadgets.com

Galileo's Future Uncertain

The European Union is divided on how to pay for Galileo, Europe's global navigation satellite system the BBC reported:

At a meeting in Luxembourg, ministers from Britain, the Netherlands and Germany led opposition to a proposed rescue bid for the Galileo project.

They opposed a European Commission (EC) proposal to use 2.4bn euros from EU funds to get the system back on track.

Original plans called for Galileo to be operational by 2013. Thus far, orders for only four of the planned 30-satellites have placed with only one test satellite in orbit.

The program had counted on financial support from private industry. However, the consortium of aerospace and telecom companies that is to build much of Galileo's infrastructure is doubtful about how much revenue can actually be generated from the service, since the Global Positioning System already in place by the United States is available world-wide, for free. To fill the funding gap, the EC recommended using the 2.4bn euros in unused agricultural and administrative funds.

That proposal is opposed by several members including Germany which has suggested that the funding shortfall be made up by European Space Agency members.

See also: Galileo to be Grounded?
Europe's First GPS Satellite Launch A Success
World Prepares To Challenge U.S. Dominance In GPS

Researchers "Rebirth" Rome Using Virtual Map

A three-dimensional, virtual map, called Rome Reborn, is the result of a ten-year effort to better understand the Eternal City. The effort is led by the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia, and has brought together a team of international researchers hope to create a three-dimensional map of Rome as it is believed to have appeared in about 320 AD. The map contains details of 7,000 buildings and allows users to "fly" over much of the ancient city.

Researchers have been studying Rome for centuries, and have discovered quite a bit about life in ancient times. The researchers hope the digital map will help fill in the gaps of knowledge that remain. Fourth century Rome covered 35 square kilometers and is believed to have had a population of about a million people.

At the present, the virtual map is too big (800 megabytes) for people to truly "stroll" through the city. But The Times reports that the creators are in discussions with Linden Labs and other online “multiverse” pioneers to bring Rome Reborn to the masses.

See also: Old & New Combine To Map "Eternal City"

Nokia + NAVTEQ = Trouble for Garmin?

Analysts digesting the recently announced purchase of mapmaker NAVTEQ by Nokia see trouble ahead for Garmin. Forbes argues that as the world's largest maker of navigation devices, Garmin enjoys quite a bit of influence over Navteq’s product development; influence it is not likely to enjoy over a behemoth like Nokia. Forbes also wonders if a rise in map prices is in the future.

Analyst Richard Valera says Garmin's influence over NAVTEQ is overratted. However he suggests says of the combined Nokia-NAVTEQ operation, “They could be formidable competitor with Garmin in a space that is clearly Garmin’s main growth area.”

Garmin's stock price fell more than 10% on the announcement of the deal. There was wide speculation that Garmin would buy NAVTEQ itself, since the firm is its main map supplier. That speculation has not totally gone away. Reuters reports that NAVTEQ's call options, allowing investors to buy its shares at $80 by mid-January, were active on Monday. One analyst told Reuters that investors were not ruling out a rival offer by Garmin.

Charting the Unknown: Mapping Bangladesh's Capital

In an age where digital maps are available on your cellphone, it's hard to imagine a place where digital maps simply don't exist. Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, is such a place. However, University of Alabama at Birmingham Associate Professor Akhlaque Haque, has set out to change that.

Dr. Haque has begun a four-month project to create the first comprehensive digital maps of Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka. A native of Bangladesh, Dr. Haque is teaching graduate students at BRAC University in Dhaka to map the capital city. He and the students will travel around the city by car and rickshaw collecting location-specific data on major roadways, railway stations, hospitals and other public service facilities using GPS units.

The team will then import the data into GIS software to create the digital map of the city. The maps will be made available online and presented to local government officials. The team intends to map alternative routes for entering and exiting the city during times of crises, including natural disasters such as the recent floods.

See also: GIS for the Third World

Nokia to Purchase NAVTEQ

Cellphone maker Nokia will purchase digital mapmaker NAVTEQ for $78 per share in cash, the firms announced today. The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008 and is valued at approximately $7.7 billion, and has already been approved by the board of directors of each company. The deal values NAVTEQ shares at a 34% premium compared to one month ago.

Nokia is seeking to capitalize on the fast growing location-based services (LBS) market. With cell phone ownership reaching the saturation point in the U.S. and many industrialized countries, cell phone makers and service providers see LBS as a key way to continue growth and add additional income-producing services. “Location based services are one of the cornerstones of Nokia’s Internet services strategy. The acquisition of NAVTEQ is another step toward Nokia becoming a leading player in this space,” said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia's President and CEO.

Nokia is the world’s largest mobile device manufacturer with more than 900 million people using a Nokia mobile device around the world. NAVTEQ is a provider of digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, and other uses. NAVTEQ’s current map data business will continue operationally independent, but organizationally a Nokia Group company.

See also: Free Maps for Your Cellphone
Author Touts Navteq Stock

GPS Gadget of the Week: Vibrating GPS Rings

British designer Gail Knight was looking for an attractive, feminine way to make women feel safe when walking in areas they are unfamiliar with. Her solution? Vibrating GPS Navigation Rings to help them find their way.

A ring is worn on each hand. The guts of the system lies in a controller that can either be worn around the neck or clipped to clothing. The user enters a postcode into the controller and the rings guide them to their destination, using buzzes and vibrations. The rings buzz for left and right, and have different vibrations for forwards and backwards. Both rings buzz when the wearer is going in the wrong direction.

Via The Geeky Traveller
[Verified by BBC News]

India to Launch Own GNSS

India plans to launch its own Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), announcing plans to have a regional system operational in 2011-12 the Economic Times reported today. G Madhavan Nair, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said his agency will launch seven satellites. Three satellites will be placed in geo-synchronous transfer orbit, while the other four would be in geo-stationary orbit.

The Times quoted Mr. Nair as stating that work has already begun on the system. The announcement calls into question the future of Indian cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA). Two years ago, India agreed to partner with the up for partnering in the ESA in their Galileo satellite navigation system. However, the project is yet to get started due to infighting within the ESA over funding.

With only seven satellites, the Indian system could not provide the worldwide coverage provided by the Global Positioning System, already in place by the United States. India joins a growing list of countries that are working on their own GNSS. The ESA, China, and Russia are all working to implement their own GNSS. Currently, the U.S. is the only country with a GNSS providing 24-hour a day, world-wide coverage.

See also: Space Race Heats up as China Launches 5th Navigation Satellite
Galileo to be Grounded?
GLONASS to Top U.S.'s GPS, Putin Says

America's "Birth Certificate" to go on Display in New Exhibit

Two maps created in 1509 by German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller will be the centerpiece of an exhibition set to open October 1, at the James Ford Bell Library in Minneapolis. The exhibition is to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the maps.

The maps were accompanied by an introductory cosmography text, Cosmographiae introductio. One is a small globe gores map, designed to be cut out and pasted onto a sphere. The other map is a 12-panel wall map. In addition to their age and rarity, the maps are noteworthy because they were the first to use the name "America" for what we now call South America. For this reason, these maps are often referred to as America's birth certificate. The maps were also the first to display newly discovered lands (both North and South America) are depicted as land masses separate from Asia.

The globe gores map was the first map known to show the whole earth. It is one of only 4 copies known to be in existence. Station KARE reports that a similar map was sold in 2005 at a London auction house for $1 million.

Indian GIS Market to be $10 billion in 10 Years

The market for geographical information systems (GIS) in India is expected to be $10 billion in 10 years The Economic Times reported today. The times quoted speakers at the 58th International Astronautical Congress currently being held at Hyderabad.

Globally, the GIS market is expected to grow from an estimated $4 billion to $150 billion in the next decade.

"India is sitting on a goldmine with tremendous business potential for GIS and its use for land records in 600,000 villages," said Mukund K. Rao, CEO of Bangalore-based Navayuga Spatial Technologies (NST), at a session on GIS and high-resolution imagery market.

With more and more government agencies, private companies and individuals using GIS and high-resolution imagery services, the market is growing in leaps and bounds.

Increasing use of spatial information for planning, infrastructure development, disaster management, business development, and natural resources management are the main reasons given for the growth forecasts.

See also: Still More Indian Complaints About Google Earth
India Publishes First Atlas & GIS Tool
GIS for the Third World

EU Wipes Turkey Off New Map

European Union (EU) officials have stirred controversy after the design for the "tails side" of the proposed new euro coins excluded Turkey from the map The Telegraph reported today. The map shows an enlarged EU, including the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Cyprus, but omits Turkey, which is seeking to join the EU.

Marco Cappato, an Italian Liberal Euro-MP was quoted by The Telegraph as stating, "They have deliberately and secretly wiped Turkey off the map. To come up with this apparently geographical design they were obliged to put Cyprus 500 kilometres west of where it actually is. Mr. Cappato blamed France, which is hostile to Turkish membership for the omission.

Geographical Ignorance Leads to Foreign Policy Missteps, Trio Says

A lack of geographical knowledge in the United States has led to misconceptions of the world and misguided foreign policy decisions, Jerry Dobson, professor of geography at the University of Kansas recently told The University Daily Kansan:

“It is not just our beauty contestants that have these problems,” Dobson said. “We face a society in which national leaders don’t understand fundamental geography.”

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“For the past 60 years, we’ve had more quagmires than victories,” Dobson said. “This coincides with the American purge of geography. We’re playing a game of blind man’s bluff.”

Dr. Dobson was joined by Brian McClendon, co-founder of engineering for Google Earth and Alexander Murphy professor of geography at the University of Oregon, in presenting “World Hot Spots: What Google Earth and Geography Tell Us About War, Peace and Politics” at the Dole Institute at the university last Thursday.

During their presentation, the trio made the case for what they called a largely forgotten field: geography.

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“It is not just our beauty contestants that have these problems,” Dobson said. “We face a society in which national leaders don’t understand fundamental geography.”

Dr. Murphy stated that part of the problem is that people view geography as nothing but the memorization of states and capitals. Mr. McClendon said he hoped the availability of Google Earth would help people embrace geography.

Dr. Dobson told the Daily Kansan that of the top-20 private universities in the U.S., only two have geography departments.

See also: Study of Geography is Becoming a Lost Art

GPS Gadget of the Week: Freedom Keychain GPS

Tired of hauling around those bulky hand-held GPS units? Then the Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF Receiver may be for you.

The receiver can connect to your notebook, PDA or Mobile Phone using Bluetooth technology. This receiver will work in your pocket, purse or briefcase and is compatible with all the popular mapping software.

Via TechGadets

Last week's GPS Gadget of the Week here.

Working on the Railroad

N.C. Railroad has begun combining 19th-century deeds with modern mapping methods in a effort to regain control of its right-of-way. That process has angered nearby landowners, many of whom have been using the railroad's land as their own.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the railroad has begun demanding the property owners sign leases.

"Nobody told me that when I bought the building," [Frank] Abernethy said this week. "I told the guy, `What are you trying to do, put me out of business?' "

The railroad says there are hundreds of other property owners like Abernethy along its 317-mile line from Charlotte to Morehead City. One day, the company could try to reclaim the disputed parcels. But for now, the railroad just wants rent, said Scott Saylor, railroad president.

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For years, the railroad didn't know how many businesses were on its property or encroaching on the right of way. But now, the railroad has the mapping technology to identify -- and go after -- those businesses.

The railroad currently collects on 233 lease agreements with small businesses along the length of the line, said Kat Christian, a railroad spokeswoman. At least 120 newly identified businesses, including Abernethy's, haven't signed or responded to letters, she said.

Purchasing Maps by the Barrel

Jim Chandler, the new owner of what is now called Barclay Publishing, has a surprise for map freaks, local historians and those in need of cheap gift wrap: He's unloading shelves and barrels full of maps from the '60s, '70s and '80s at must-move prices - 25 cents to a buck or two each...

That according to a story in today's San Jose Mercury News. Most are of the maps are of the area around San Jose, California.

With maps freely available online, few people see the need for the traditional folded paper map.

"My wife suggested I should just get a dumpster," Chandler told The News, "but I couldn't do it. Someone might have a use for these." Then he adds, "And some people are just really into maps."

Mr. Chandler, who purchased the map publishing company back in January says that most of the firm's customers these days are real estate agencies that want custom maps showing areas in detail.

See also If Maps Are Free Who Will Pay The Mapmakers?

U.S. Officially Ends Selective Availibility in GPS

The President has accepted the recommendation of the Department of Defense to end procurement of GPS satellites that have the capability to intentionally degrade the accuracy of civilian signals the White House announced today. The move was intended to assure users of GPS equipment of the United States' commitment to support peaceful civilian use of the technology.

When originally launched, GPS satellites intentionally degraded the civilian signal, resulting less accuracy. Although the United States stopped the intentional degradation of GPS satellite signals in May 2000, there has always been the possibility that the degradation, known as Selective Availability (SA), could be turned back on. This action will remove SA capabilities from future GPS satellites.

Presently, the United States is the only country with a complete constellation of navigation satellites. Russia, China and the European Space Agency are all in the process of deploying their own satellite navigation systems.

See also: GPS III Decision Delayed Until December
Space Race Heats up as China Launches 5th Navigation Satellite
GLONASS to Top U.S.'s GPS, Putin Says

Strange Maps

The blog, Strange Maps has attracted an enthusiastic readership in the year or so it has been up. Among its admirers are some folks at Yahoo, which recently named it one of their Picks of the Week.

Strange Maps specializes in uncovering and displaying obscure, eyebrow-raising, and whimsical maps. The blog's author, who remains anonymous, searches the internet for maps that are, "sufficiently strange." He also takes suggestions from readers. So if you know of a strange map you'd like others to enjoy, visit his site and make a suggestion.

Coalition Seeks More Funding for USGS

In an effort to convince Congress to loosen its purse strings when it comes to spending on geospatial research, members of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Coalition will host a reception on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress, their staff, and the media have been invited to the event, which will highlight the research, information, and services provided by the USGS.

The coalition will also draw attention to the need for increased funding for the Survey. The USGS budget has declined in real dollars for five consecutive years, and it would decline for a sixth year if the proposed 2008 budget request is enacted. Real funding for the USGS is at its lowest level since 1996. USGS scientists will be at the even to discuss the work of the USGS conducts in the biological, geographical, geological and hydrological sciences.

The USGS Coalition is an alliance of more than 70 organizations that support increased federal investment in the USGS programs.

See also: Budget Cuts May Cost USGS Jobs
Outsourcing USGS

Kids, Others, Invited to Help Map Light Pollution

Schoolchildren as well as amateur astronomers are being asked to participate in the Great World Wide Star Count. The event, which is scheduled from October 1 to 15, is designed to help scientists map light pollution globally while educating participants about the stars. The initiative is part of the Windows to the Universe project at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

Participants in the Northern Hemisphere will look for the constellation Cygnus, while those in the Southern Hemisphere will look for Sagittarius. They will then match their observations with magnitude charts available online. "This is an important event that brings families together to enjoy the night skies and become involved in science," says Dennis Ward of UCAR's Office of Education and Outreach, who is one of the event coordinators.

Mr. Ward explained that there is a purpose beyond family togetherness, "It also raises awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on our ability to see the stars." Bright outdoor lighting at night is a growing problem for astronomical observing programs around the world. By searching for the same constellations, participants in the Great World Wide Star Count will be able to compare their observations with what others see, giving them a sense of how star visibility varies from place to place.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is a consortium of 70 universities offering Ph.D.s in the atmospheric and related sciences.

See also: Schoolchildren to Map Light Pollution.

GPS Gadget of the Week: ParaNav

So you're using GPS to in your car, on your bike, and when you go hiking. But you were wondering "why can't I use GPS when I go parachuting?". No worries, Rockwell Collins has the answer. The aviation contractor recently introduced ParaNav, a helmet mounted navigation system for parachutists.

ParaNav is a personal, GPS-based, flight management system with an integrated head-up display. It provides parachutists with accurate navigation capabilities and enhanced situational awareness, allowing them to fly to their designated landing zones. The system also allows the parachutist to divert to alternate sites with the same level of accuracy.

The firm says the system has undergone more than 100 test jumps at maximum altitudes of 28,000 feet and at temperatures of 20 degrees below zero. Rockwell Collins recently displayed ParaNav at a defense equipment show in London and is involved in ongoing evaluations of the system with potential military customers.

Photo corrected 10/04/07.

Via Navigadget.
Last week's GPS Gadget of the Week here.

Ordnance Survey Launches Explore

Britain's Ordnance Survey announced today that it had launched a new map portal aimed at outdoor enthusiasts called "Explore". The site allows users to plan, plot and share routes and maps, attach their own photographs, highlight points of interest, and share routes with others, using Ordnance Survey's maps.

The site is geared towards hikers and runners says Bridget Kendrick, head of the team that developed the site. "We want to foster an environment where users can interact, share and create an online destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. Our aim is to offer everyone, from regular walkers to casual cyclists, a central hub from which to plan their day out, so that more and more people can enjoy the benefits of getting out and about in the great outdoors."