got geoint?

NPR’s On Point with Tom Ashbrook recently aired a podcast on the Next Generation of Maps. Ashbrook introduces the segment with a sentimental look at old schools maps, the kind you would stop alongside the road to spread over the hood of the car should you lose your way. Today, he said, “Maps can now surround you like a digital coccoon,” and people rarely get lost.

Read the full story via the trajectory magazine website, the new home of the got geoint? blog.

Full Article

The idea of digging a hole to China was something of lore from our youth and has even been referenced in many popular songs. But what would happen if you could actually tunnel through Earth? Would you end up in China from the U.S.? You would actually pop up somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean, according to a a new Google Maps-based web site called AntipodeMap.com.

Full Article

The true value of user-rated content is being able to tell what is cool and what is essentially not-so cool. From the old “hot or not” web rankings from the early 00s to sites like Reddit.com and Digg.com, the end-user is in complete control and is ultimately the “taste makers.” Google Maps is creating a similar system. Basically, users can submit their favorite place on Google Maps, and users vote on it with a thumbs up or thumbs down. The ultimate goal is to have a page where users can browse the most popular images.

Full Article

Google is taking an innovative crowdsourced-like approach to enhancing Google Maps with Map Maker, which allows anyone to assist the company in making Google Maps more up-to-date and reflect the world as it changes. According to Google, with Map Maker, you can add your favorite gift shop, the nearest tree farm, or even the golf course where you once got that hole in one.

Full Article

Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? Yes, indeed. It is the home stretch before GEOINT 2011. Speaking of the symposium, the news cycle is already starting the hum when it comes to exhibitor new and the like. And, the editorial staff of got geoint? would like to remind you to send any GEOINT 2011-related news you have our way. We also welcome the opportunity to do more in-depth stories — whether in the form of a podcast, written Q&A or feature profile — about your companies and organizations. In the meantime, fire up that second cup of coffee and check out this GEOINT 2011-heavy MMNKO post. Happy Monday.

Full Article

New competitors can emerge at anytime and often from the most unlikely of places. Case in point: Iran has decided to take on Google Earth by launching a competitive site called Basir. The Mehr news agency originally reported on this story, which had some pretty colorful quotes from Brigadier-General Mohammad Hasan Nami, the head Iran’s armed forces’ geographical affairs organization, as to why they are launching this new site.

Full Article

Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? As always, we hope everyone had a restful weekend. Now it’s time to get back to work. But fear not, we have such an eclectic mix of GEOINT-related stories that are guaranteed to fire up those dormant synapses in your brain — potentially enabling you to have the most productive week of your career. Or at minimum, it will reinforce how the GEOINT world is truly a diverse ecosystem. Well, be sure to fire up that second cup of coffee and read on. Happy Monday!

Full Article

Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? As always, we hope you had a restful weekend. We can honestly say that this week’s MMNKO post offers a completely mixed bag of stories that cover a wide-range of topics. From news about new geotagging software for hunting terrorists to an update regarding the outcome of the National Geographic Bee, this post will make you smarter, more productive and more enlightened. Well, at least it will make you see that the GEOINT world is truly diverse. So, fire up that second cup of coffee and read on. Happy Monday!

Full Article

We have to admit this is one of our most favorite times of the year. We just experienced daylight savings this past Sunday, the weather is getting nicer and March Madness is upon us. It’s like a trifecta of happiness. As our readers know, we also get excited about pretty much anything that’s GEOINT related. And well, yes, you guessed it, Google Earth is offering something that has us pumped: they’ve modeled all of the March Madness stadiums in stunning 3D. This is not the first time Google Earth has provided 3D tours of stadiums. Check out this Mashable article about its tour of Cowboys Stadium. And, be sure to check out this full post, which features a video from Google Earth showcasing all of the March Madness stadiums. Yes, we are happy.

Full Article

Welcome to the Friday’s Food for Thought post from got geoint? Our fans of the infamous FFT posts may recall that we did a FFT post about Google ruling the world back in October 2009. Well, we have decided to do a part two of this post with the news of Google Street View going into Israel. And, with all the upheaval happening in the world — from protests in Libya to all of the contentious budget dealings in Wisconsin — we thought today’s theme could be a double theme. We are facing some crazy times, and Google keeps breaking big time boundaries. And, finally, we wanted to remind you all that that the USGIF Young Professionals Group (YPG) is hosting its first event of 2011 all about apps! Be sure to check it out and learn more here.

Full Article