Links List 11.7.08

James Fee joins in and shares his insight on supporting ESRI’s Geodatabase format and how a File Geodatabase can be shared efficiently. He agrees that the more file formats supported by a GeoData application, the more likely people will use it.

The election rallied much excitement, perhaps due in part to several compelling mapping implementations. The media, for example CNN, turned to maps to present data regarding the election. Maps compiled included locations of candidate rallies and the country’s standings (color-coded in red vs. blue). We even provided our own analysis post-election. (And maybe the most well know, SNL’s Magic Map….)

Jeff Thurston discusses GIS implementation across large energy companies, specifically at Saudi Aramco and BP. Saudi Aramco has 15 GIS units where contractors and numerous amounts of sensors that feed SCADA systems are all dynamically linked through GIS. As for BP, the company embarked on an innovation strategy that seeks to embed GIS and spatial information across the company. Thurston states he knows ‘of a few operations using GIS at the scale and complexity of Saudi Aramco’ and has seen ‘few companies attempt to extend the application of GIS in strategic role beyond practical and operational considerations.’

Google Maps now offers a feature that enables you to download your search results as a waypoint into your GPS system. The feature supports Garmin, TomTom and Pioneer. Make sure you have the correct software installed on your computer.

The KML Handbook by Josie Wernecke is now available for pre-order. Wernecke is a Google tech writer and explains the various elements and features of KML in her brand new book, including topics like Regionation and View Based Refresh.