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Geology News
GPS and GIS Current Events

Here’s a Google map that serves USGS topo map tiles. You can browse topo maps in any of the 48 states and Canada and print a copy of these maps from a PDF document.

A video that explains how Eratosthenes was able to calculate Earth’s circumference using observations made at two wells at different locations on the first day of summer.

Here’s a source of printable polar coordinate graph paper that can be used to plot things like joint and fracture orientations, current directions, fossil orientations or any type of data that is collected in degrees. These are .pdf files that you can easily download and print. Bookmark it for easy access when you need it.

There are now a few vendors selling relatively inexpensive GPS tracking devices, some providing the data to you in near real time via a website. People use them to track kids and pets. FedEx and UPS are using them to study the effectiveness of shipping routes, and plumbing services use them to know the progress of plumbers on daily calls.

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a concept in which cell phones are equipped with radiation detectors. If they detect dangerous radiation they would transmit a signal along with geographic coordinates to a central location. If large numbers of cell phones are equipped this way perhaps they could be used to detect dirty bombs in areas where there are high volumes of people. Other types of monitoring could be done with cell phones.

Metro Graphic Arts of Grand Rapids, Michigan, publisher of wall maps and street guides, will close at the end of next month. GPS and mapping software have cut so severely into the demand for paper maps that Metro Graphic Arts and many other paper publishers have closed.

NASA has new research that should improve existing tsunami warning systems with real-time GPS monitoring. Also a new theory on the source of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Chicago-based Navteq and Netherlands-based TeleAtlas are the only two sources of highly detailed digital road maps, such as the ones used to populate websites such as Google Maps, automotive GPS units and road map software. Recently, the phone manufacturer, Noika purchased Navtec and the GPS company, TomTom purchased TeleAtlas. These purchases were strategic moves to gain control of the maps. Prior to these purchases the maps were freely sold to many different companies for use in their proprietary products. Are there monopoly problems with these two map makers being purchased by companies who may have strong incentives to tightly control the availability of the maps?

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $4.5 million dollar grant to establish the Polar Earth Observing Network. They will place GPS trackers and seismic sensors in West Antarctica. These will monitor interactions between the ice and the earth below, then transmit the data to researchers via satellite.

A 17-year-old driver was clocked doing 62 mph in a 45 mph zone but has a GPS log that says he was under the posted speed limit. He is using that log to contest the speeding ticket on the basis that the radar gun was inaccurate.

Cell phones are becoming personal mapping devices. Using GPS technology they can determine your geographic location and display a map on your screen with your location clearly marked. If your buddy has an enabled phone he can call you and see a map on his screen showing your current location.

NASA Image

India is developing a country-specific GPS system that will provide locational and timing services. It will consist of seven satellites and should be ready about 2012.

Should geologists be allowed to use precision GPS units as a routine part of their field work? I think that in many situations it would be irresponsible not to use them. Some surveyors in Arizona feel that the use of these devices for mapping earth’s physical features should be restricted to those who hold a surveyor’s license.

LOC.gov Image

The GPS system owned by the United States can be used with great results by anyone in China. In addition, the Glonass system of Russia and the European Galileo GPS system will have coverage over China. Still the Chinese government is developing their own satellite constellation for GPS navigation. China sees this as a backup in time of war or if the offensive weapons that they are currently developing cause enough fear that other nations will decide to block Chinese use of these other GPS systems.

If you visit Grand Canyon National Park you can rent a GPS unit that has trails, roads, lodges, points of interest, and educational information pre-programmed for your use. If you are familiar with GPS the pre-programmed information could be useful and if you are new to GPS the FUNfinder units might give you a nice introduction. The devices are available through the nonprofit Grand Canyon Association. (Caution: GPS is not a substitute for navigational skill in the field. Be ready to take over if you misplace it or the battery dies.)