got geoint?

Welcome once again to Friday’s Food for Thought. The theme for this week’s post is…well, we really did not have a theme. There was just too much cool news to cover that we opted out of doing one. For example, Google launched Sky Map, so you can track the stars and planets up in the heaven, Microsoft Virtual Earth and OnStar partnered to provide 3D tracking capabilities so first responders can find accident victims, and much more. So, scroll down and consider yourself enlightened. Oh, and happy Friday!

Google Launches Sky Map
What will Google think of next? This week, the company launched a new application for the Android phone called Sky Map. And, yep, you guessed it. It allows you to track stars and planets. Google Sky Map uses your exact whereabouts, including the direction you’re facing and the tilt of your handset, to show you the stars and planets all around. To learn more, check out this video:

Microsoft Virtual Earth Used for On Star
This week it was announced that OnStar will soon be using Microsoft’s Virtual Earth in their emergency response system. This means that OnStar operators will have access to 3D and Birds Eye images of subscribers’ locations, and have location information. Great application of Virtual Earth and we applaud this joint effort to enhance roadside safety.

Looking for a Job? Check Out GeoReps
We received an email this week about a new online job networking service in the geospatial arena that sounds very interesting. It’s a referral-based recruiting site that allows you to be “rewarded” for helping find someone a job. We highly recommend you check out this site and give it a whirl. If anything you can rack up good karma points by helping others find the right job.

Mapping of the TARP
For those of you wondering about where the Treasury Department’s $700 billion bailout plan for the banks is going, then you have come to the right place. We found an online map of the U.S. that shows where the funds are being distributed, and it’s not all going to big Wall Street banks. Check out the map here.

10 Biggest Tech Failures of the Past Decade
We often forget that we are coming up on the end of the decade. Remember 10 years ago and all the Y2K hysteria? Anyhow, Time Magazine pulled together a list of the top 10 tech failures of the past decade. Go on. Click on the link…we all engage in a bit of schadenfreude from time to time. It’s OK. Oh, some key failures to note: Microsoft Vista, Sirius XM and others.

Have a great weekend!

Tags: 3D Imagery, General Motors, GEOINT, GeoReps, Google Android, Google Sky Map, got geoint?, Sky Map, TARP map, USGIF, Virtual Earth and OnStar