GIS and Location Technology

Spatially-enabled databases can be used to streamline decision support for resource management. This presentation describes an example that automates data interchange between a cost modeling application, GIS database, and pavement scenario manager.

Decentralized databases, open source components and non-traditional visualization tools can enhance the value of an existing GIS.

Google Maps, Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth and other emerging technologies can be integrated with traditional GIS tools to deliver useful and targeted "enterprise mashups".

This recent presentation discusses how organizations can leverage spatially aware databases, free mapping API's like Google Earth, and open source software like Autodesk Mapguide, to manage data, integrate systems, and deliver compelling geospatial applications for a fraction of the cost of traditional GIS.

With the release of the latest version of Microsoft Virtual Earth, it is more apparent than ever, that open mapping technology can offer competitive tools for GIS professionals. We discuss when you should consider using one of these public mapping solutions, and how they can be integrated with in-house GIS data.

Everyone seems to be taking an interest in mashups. Although the uses are diverse, the common thread is that they use location and maps as a theme, and they provide a simple visual interface for decision support. From a GIS perspective, when would it be desirable to use a mashup? We give an example of landslide hazard analysis in the Bay Area.

At Farallon we receive a lot of questions about geodatabases, spatially aware databases, and in particular, about Oracle Spatial. In this episode we look at what it means for a database to be spatially-aware, and how this translates to enhanced data validity, finer control over user permissions, and easier access for web developers.

There is a lot of buzz around geospatial 3D right now. This is most recently highlighted by all of the news and speculation surrounding the combination of Google Earth and their free Sketchup 3D modeling software. The expanding interest in 3D and its relevance to GIS may reflect a growing fundamental change in how we work with geospatial information.

ArcWeb Services offers on demand geospatial capabilities to businesses. ArcWeb Explorer goes beyond Google Earth with backend geoprocessing, easier mashups, Flash and SVG graphics. GIS in the future will be less about mapping and more about background geoprocessing that uses SOA to integrate into business analysis.

Autodesk GIS Web mapping server goes open source - what this means and what is their motivation. GIS vs Spatial Information Management (SIM) - how are they different. Google Earth - why is it cool and how is it transforming GIS from the realm of specialists to mainstream IT.