In News 
Scientists Map Hot Activity Under Arctic Ice Cap
Deep below the frozen surface of the Arctic Ocean, scientists aboard a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker discovered a searing caldron of activity, including numerous underwater volcanoes and deep-sea hot springs that may harbor previously unknown marine organisms. The scientists mapped and studied the Gakkel Ridge, which runs for 1,100 miles from north of Greenland to Siberia beneath the Arctic ice cap. It is the deepest and most remote portion of the global mid-ocean ridge system. Ocean ridges represent great gashes in the Earth, running tens of thousands of miles on ocean basins, where the titanic tectonic plates of the Earth are pulled apart, forcing molten rock from deep within the planet's interior to rise up between them and produce strings of volcanoes. Defying expectations, the Gakkel Ridge turned out to be highly volcanically active. The researchers discovered and mapped 12 previously unknown underwater volcanoes. They also retrieved evidence of a vast field of undersea vents known as ''black smokers'' -- each serving as a super-heated oasis of life on the floor below the frigid Arctic Ocean. Almost nothing had been known about the sea floor far below the Arctic ice cap because methods used to explore the world's other deep-sea ridges were useless in such an inhospitable environment. But the scientists were able to bring back a treasure of geological and biological knowledge thanks in part to a pair of sophisticated science ships. Read complete article at: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011128/sc/science_arctic_dc_4.html
Top Stories
Maps a la Carte & Beartooth Mapping partner to provide custom-designed, waterproof topo maps
Maps a la Carte, Inc., developer of TopoZone.com, and Beartooth Mapping, developer of myTopo.com, two of the most popular sites on the Internet for topographic maps, today announced a new partnership to provide a print-on-demand service for custom-designed topographic maps. The partnership will allow TopoZone visitors to quickly link to myTopo to create a customized printed map. MyTopo will print the map on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and ship it to the customer within 24 hours. The maps measure 24"x36" and cost $14.95 each. TopoZone is joining a growing number of websites who are partnering with myTopo to make custom-designed topos available to their site visitors. Some of the leading hunting sites, including Realtree.com, Eders.com, Bowhunting.net, and DiscovertheOutdoors.com, and many others, have partnered with myTopo. In addition, myTopo has recently added the popular sites Wildernet.com and AmericanRivers.org to its line-up of partners making custom-printed topos available on their site.
Visit: http://www.mytopo.com/
View any location in the United States at a one-meter resolution-without any expense
Researchers at Florida International University's High-Performance Database Research Center (HPDRC) have recently unveiled TerraFly, a new Internet-based technology that makes it possible for users to "fly over" vast land areas using only an ordinary Web browser. By using high-resolution imagery collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other sources, users can experience an overhead view of almost any location in the United States at a one-meter resolution-without the expense of standard GIS application software. Because TerraFly offers one of the most cost-effective paths to copyrighted GIS data integration, its creators expect to attract a large and diverse set of customers, ranging from local and regional governments to realtors, environmentalists, and educators. TerraFly's data-integration capacities allow any of these groups to customize GIS data with graphic overlays that contain information specific to their industry. For instance, realtors might overlay information about property values, neighborhood demographics, and proximity of shops and schools, producing a comprehensive visual database tailored to the needs of their home-shopping clientele. Other industries could produce similarly customized results. TerraFly is also a great tool for casual Web surfers, who can type in an address or zip code and be given immediate access to a detailed overhead view of their desired location.
Visit: www.terrafly.com
MDA supports BC Hydro's river ice monitoring project with satellite imagery
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced that the company has commenced a pilot project with the BC Hydro and Power Authority that monitors and manages ice conditions in northern British Columbia. MDA's Geographic Information Products group will provide satellite imagery from Canada's RADARSAT to enhance effective operations of the Williston Reservoir on the Peace River during the upcoming ice season. Historically, the nearby town of Peace River has experienced periodic flooding, due largely to ice jams. BC Hydro has been monitoring the flow of ice by airplane over the years, but the information wasn't always reliable and flying conditions can be dangerous. "Planes can't fly during extremely cold weather with ice fog conditions along the river valley," said Dan Nixon, BC Hydro Operations Planning Engineer. "And we can't correlate ice strength to what an observer sees by air. So we turned to MDA's RADARSAT International to help us get more detailed information." Using RADARSAT imagery, which can be captured in darkness or light and during any kind of weather, BC Hydro will be working with more timely information, and have a more comprehensive view of the area.
Visit: http://www.rsi.ca/
MAPublisher-SVG Beta version released
Avenza Systems Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the developer of MAPublisherâ, is pleased to announce the beta release of its new scalable vector graphics (SVG) initiative, MAPublisher-SVG. MAPublisher-SVG is a complete set of Adobe Illustrator plugins, JavaScript applets and HTML code for use with MAPublisher, that allow MAPublisher GIS maps to be exported as data-rich SVG files for delivery on the Internet or Intranets. A similar set of files for use with Macromedia FreeHand is currently in development. Unlike standard SVG files, which are natively exportable by Adobe Illustrator, MAPublisher-SVG files retain all the data attribute tables and present them in a searchable and queriable manner. Through the use of the included JavaScript applets and HTML template files MAPublisher-SVG files can be searched and queried in an Internet or Intranet browser. Now any MAPublisher-created file can be quickly and easily published on the Internet while retaining its spatial database of information.
Visit: http://www.avenza.com
Asia News
Bay Area Start-up Telemorphic, Inc. launches free Afghanistan Internet mapping solution
Telemorphic, Inc., a leading innovator of web-based mapping products and services, announces the availability of the first open-access, web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite image visualization service for Afghanistan and surrounding environs at www.telemorphic.com/afghan.htm. The free map service provides easy access to satellite imagery and map data of the country and bordering nations via Telemorphic's Maplicity(TM) web browser mapping interface. The Afghanistan Internet map service is built entirely with publicly available data from U.S. government agencies and includes satellite imagery, major roads, airfields, rivers, populated areas, and political boundaries. Launched in early November, the Afghanistan Internet map service is easy to use and now includes full coverage of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and portions of bordering countries where humanitarian relief efforts are being directed. Users of all levels can interact with various map layers and satellite imagery, create and download custom image products, and design and print custom maps, all from within an easy-to-use browser interface.
Visit: www.telemorphic.com/afghan.htm
Hong Kong's 1st online fleet management system & intelligent road network database for the logistics industry
Brilliant Technology Development Ltd, a Hong Kong-based provider of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for Greater China, has launched V-Track, Hong Kong's first online fleet management system, and IRND-Logistics, Hong Kong's first intelligent road network database for the logistics industry. V-Track online fleet management system offers real-time tracking, management and maintenance of vehicles on land and at sea. Users can manage fleet information, and also send short messages to drivers round the clock through any Internet-enabled computer. The system helps logistics companies improve the productivity of their fleet resources and deliver enhanced customer services. V-Track uses the highly scalable ASP delivery model to ensure that it can match the rapid growth of its clients' operations. It targets small to medium-sized logistics companies -- with fleets ranging from a handful to hundreds of vehicles -- especially those with cross-border operations. IRND-Logistics incorporates the most accurate and comprehensive road geometry, road attribute and traffic information for the logistics industry in Hong Kong. It adheres to international data standards, is compatible with a range of logistics software, and supports various platforms. The database can be used to track vehicles and assets, for routing, planning and scheduling in transportation logistics.
Asian gas relies on British technology
Techology from geospatial solutions experts Laser-Scan is behind a new facilities management system at the Titas Gas Corporation in Bangladesh. The solution is provided by the Ssangyong Information and Communication Corporation (SICC) of Korea; a key component is Laser-Scan's object-oriented (OO) database management system. This contract is a major export for Korea; SICC won the contract against tough competition from around the world. The integration of Laser-Scan's technology follows on from previous SICC/Laser-Scan successes within Korea in the telecoms, electricity and land information systems.
Visit: www.laser-scan.com
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