FVN Weblog

What's Your Latitude? (Part 3)

2008-07-17T17:25:00Z

I've written a couple of articles (What's Your Latitude? Part 1 & Part 2) about Google Earth and Google Maps. Both applications continue to evolve. This article will focus on Google Maps, the 2D web based map application. Google Maps allows users to choose and customize the data that is presented on the maps. Users can toggle between a standard road map, satellite imagery or topographical representations of the maps. In addition users can turn on "Traffic" to view both "Live traffic" and predicted traffic data. Predicted data is based on past conditions.

Additional data can be presented on the maps by clicking the "more" button. Clicking the "Photos" check box will link geo-tagged photos from the Panoramio website. Panoramio is a photo sharing website owned by Google. Clicking the image will take you to the photo published on the Panoramio website. Similarly, clicking on a Wikipedia placemark will open a window with information and a link to the full article on Wikipedia. Wikipedia is an on-line encyclopedia anyone can edit.

In the previous articles I mentioned a feature in Google Maps called "Street View". Street View gives the user the ability to actually view imagery at the street level. Click on the "Street View" button and the roads with Street View available will be double lined in blue. Click between the double blue lines and the "Street View" image will be displayed in a window. Users can move through the "Street View", zoom images, pan around 360° and tilt the images up and down. Users can also view "Street View" in full screen mode Much of the Farmington Valley is now covered with Street View. Based on the below screen shot, I would say the images of the Farmington Valley were captured late last August or sometime in September.

To View the Google Maps Master Street View Map click here.

The Street View feature has raised some concerns over privacy issues. As a result Google now offers a way for users to report and request removal of inappropriate images. To request an image be removed or blurred click on the "Street View Help" link in the Street View window. At the bottom is a link to "Report inappropriate image". This link will lead users to the request removal form.

In addition to the features mention above, users can further customize the data presented on Google Maps by clicking on the "My Maps" link. A number of additional content layers are available. Google Real Estate Search, Videos from YouTube, Gas Prices from GasBuddy.com, Places of Interest and data from the Weather Channel are some of the available data layers.

Users who have a Google account can further customize data and even create, save and share custom maps.

There are literally hundreds of data layers available once logged in with your Google account Click here for video explanation.

There are other features and tools for developers. I hope you found this article informative and enjoy using Google maps as much as I do. I'm not sure how much better it can get for interactive mapping, but if it can, Google will figure out how to bring it to you.

Richard

Connecticut's No Child Left Inside and the Great Park Pursuit

2008-06-28T17:38:00Z

One of the programs included in Governor Rell's special initiative "No Child Left Inside" is the Great Park Pursuit! Coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Great Park Pursuit is a contest designed to promote outside activities and create greater awareness and use of the Connecticut State Park System. The contest is held over a seven week period with registered teams consisting of at least two members, one of which is over the age of 18 and the other under 18. Teams were encouraged to decode hints on the "No Child Left Inside" website to determine which state park the next event was to be held. The state park locations were always revealed prior to the event, just in case your team could not decipher them. A wide range of both guided and self-guided activities were included, determined by the setting of the state park. From canoing and kite making at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, letter-boxing and hiking at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester and or Talcott Mountain State Park in Bloomfield. The seven week event culminated last weekend with an overnight camp out and a bon fire at Peoples' State forest in Barkhamsted. I think this is a great way to get people to explore and enjoy all of the natural beauty and wonderful state parks we have here in Connecticut. Be sure to check out the Connecticut State Park Locator.

Below are some photos from the Finale at Peoples' State Park:

Skype Me! Voice over IP and Video Too!

2008-03-12T13:26:00Z

What the heck is Skype? Skype is software you download to your computer that allows you to talk and or video conference with other Skype users for free using the Internet. Essentially the software allows users to make phone calls from their personal computers over the Internet using VoIP (voice over ip) technology.

Skype is totally free to download and use with other Skype users. Skype users can also connect a web cam and experience true video conferencing, enabling users to not only talk with each other but also to see each other over the Internet.

Users can tele/video conference with as many as 9 other Skype users. Skype users also have control of their on-line status.

Skype users are not limited to talking only with other Skype users. Skype has a number of call plans that allow users to call and receive phone calls from cell or traditional land based lines. These rates are extremely low, starting at $0.02.1 per minute within the US. In addition to making phone calls, Skype also has a built in instant messaging client allowing users to type messages to each other as well as several other features to allow user interaction such as games.

The bottom line is Skype is cool and very easy to use. If you have friends or loved ones in far off locations this may be a great way for you to communicate with them. I sure like it. There are other features I have not mentioned, so be sure to check it out for yourself.

Richard