Features
Product Overview: GeoIQ - Making Your Maps Smarter and Better Looking Too: 12-19-2006
GeoIQ is an open platform that allows you to create applications integrating your data and other folks' data using Google Maps and Microsoft Visual Earth APIs. This combination provides not only interesting visualizations, it also allows for fairly complex analysis in an easy-to-use interface. GeoIQ operates as a Web service; the API lets you configure its usage, the data sources and the level of analysis. Hal Reid provides an overview.
Product Overview – Free Plug-in for MS Outlook from CMC International: 04-19-2006
This free plug-in from CMC International creates Google Maps of individual contact addresses from within Microsoft Outlook. (It has a catchy name, too: "Google Maps plug-in for Outlook.") What makes this product interesting is that it is an advertising vehicle that promotes ESRI’s BusinessMAP. Providing free, useful products is nothing new to the advertising world, but this seems like a fairly new twist in the GIS industry.
Product Overview: Profi$ite – Online Sales Forecasting: 04-18-2006
Sales forecasting models are among the most interesting applications of technology in retail development. The models quantify the nature and value of a location, summarize the location’s surrounding market or trade area, and provide a view of the future. This product overview describes a new Web-based offering from Proxix, Profi$ite.
Product Overview - Ekahau: 04-06-2006
Editor Hal Reid interviewed Antti Korhonen, President and CEO of Ekahau, Inc. Hal discovered a series of products and technologies that address the “where is it and where are they” problem in elegant ways. Ekahau’s products address the need to track assets and people.
Alteryx – A Visual Workflow Tool for Data Transformation: 03-14-2006
When it comes to data manipulation, most people still use Microsoft Excel. Everybody has it; most people can use it; therefore its limitations may be more readily accepted. SRC has developed a data manipulation product that is more focused on spatial data, large data sets and speed in creating data transforms. Hal Reid provides an overview.
Product Review – Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Personal Navigation Device: 03-14-2006
For the past month, Hal Reid has been using the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 personal navigation PDA. It has been to Nashville, Auburn University (Alabama) twice, Georgia Tech (Atlanta), Ft. Steward (Georgia) and various other places around central Georgia. He now has to admit that although at first he questioned the validity of owning such a device, he is now a believer.
Product Overview: Laser-Scan's Radius Studio: 02-07-2006
There is a perpetual quest to "catch the wave" when marketing a new product. The quest is to be on the leading edge of demand, riding the wave of acceptance that is just beginning to crest. Everyone tries to do this, but not everyone succeeds. The recent release of Radius Studio on January 25 could hit the wave just right.
Product Overview: Matrox DualHead2Go: 01-31-2006
Hal Reid, an admitted multiple screen junkie, describes his latest find, the Matrox DualHead2Go. It runs mutliple screens in a variety of configurations.
Product Review of District 8 from GfK Macon AG: 01-27-2006
District 8, a GIS package offered by the German based GfK Macon, is described on its Web site as a “regional planning” based GIS. Although regional planning may mean many things to an American audience, make no mistake, this product is squarely aimed at the business world. This article, by City of Lincoln, Oregon, GIS Coordinator Michael Bishopp, provides a review of the product.
Product Review: Terrain Navigator Pro version 7.01: 01-11-2006
Paul Amos first reviewed Terrain Navigator Pro 6.3 for Directions Magazine in July 2004. Here he offers an update for version 7.01. Terrain Navigator Pro is a software program that provides access to U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle maps and USGS Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. The software allows the user seamless access to the topographic maps across the state or region purchased.
Distributing Drawings and Maps to Users Without Software: 02-18-2005
In the world of CAD, there are people who may need to review drawings, but don't need a copy of MicroStation or AutocCAD. They just want to see the file and make a comment on it via the phone or email - they don't need to mark it up or change it. Bentley has included the ability to write PDF files from MicroStation, and added the ability to move both animation and the ability to fly through buildings and over geography within the PDF file.
Product Overview: HP's New DesignJet 4000: 02-18-2005
In January, HP introduced a new large format printer, the HP DesignJet 4000. This product is for GIS, CAD and technical users who need a fast, high-resolution, remotely controlled printer, that supports both single sheet and roll media. Here's a quick look at the new printer.
Product Update Review: Manifold® System Release 6.00 Service Pack 1: 01-15-2005
Paul Amos first reviewed Manifold System 5.00 in September, 2002. Since that time, Manifold has released three subsequent versions (5.50, 6.00 and 6.00 SP1) with additional functionality and bug fixes to the Professional version of the product. Release 5.50 included many internal changes and optimizations to support work with very large components and unlimited size projects.
Directions Magazine Sponsors ESRI 5K: 08-18-2004
GEODiffusion 2003 - GIS in Quebec!: 12-17-2003
Editor-in-Chief Joe Francica traveled to Quebec City to cover this gathering of MapInfo and Korem users as well as other geomatics professional. At the conference, a surprise announcement by MapInfo unveiled Korem, who was celebrating its 10-year anniversary, as the "master distributor" of MapInfo products in the province. Read more...
Positive Disruption, Spreading Business Geographic Wealth: 12-16-2003
Coming soon: BusinessMap and BusinessMap Travel Edition
Directions On GIS Careers: Have We Turned the Corner?: 08-08-2003
Layoffs at United States companies dropped 53 percent in May to 68,623 from 146,399 in April. This is promising news and, hopefully, will signal an upturn in the job market as the war in Iraq is over and as businesses begin a growth cycle with increased hiring. Companies may be ready to hire soon. Are you ready? Here's some sage advice.
Conference Overview: SVG Open Conference Vancouver: 07-26-2003
This is a special report from the SVG Open Conference held in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada during the week of July 14. Contributing columnist, Jon Frost, and expert on SVG technology provides the following report on a specific presentation about SVG in HOMELAND SECURITY and MILITARY APPLICATIONS.
ESRI International User Conference Recap: 07-11-2003
Catch a wrap-up of all the news from the 23rd ESRI International. Over 11,000 attendees were in San Diego this week to hear the latest regarding ArcGIS, web services, and a full slate of application news. Read and see more by going here.
Peter Hillary Delivers Keynote at ESRI Conference: 07-09-2003
Peter Hillary, son of Mt. Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary, and accomplished mountain climber in his own right, was on hand as the keynote speaker to tell of his exploits with cohort Jamaling Norgay, son of his father's original expeditionary partner Tenzing Norgay, as they commemorated the 50th anniversary of their fathers’ historical ascent. Hillary was an animated and passionate speaker as he regaled the audience with tales of his ascent one year ago.
Autodesk Revenues Fall in Q1; SARS Cited for Stifling Sales Activities in Asia/Pacific: 05-22-2003
Autodesk today reported revenues of $210.8 Million, down from $229 Million one year ago. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was cited for curtailing sales activities in the Asia-Pacific region where sales calls had to be halted altogether in Beijing. Although revenues were down, Carol Bartz stated emphatically that, "It is way, way too early to give up on this year."
Intergraph Continues to Build on Core Technology: 05-21-2003
At the Intergraph User’s Conference, GeoSpatial World, this week in New Orleans, core technological strengths and a desire to serve their existing customers with consistent product improvements were emphasized. Solutions are key to this focused strategy that builds on Intergraph's fundamental belief in their core GeoMedia technology.
Mail-Order company saves $27,000 in one mailing: 05-12-2003
CommunityCartography Releases the New York City (NYC) Property Atlas: 04-28-2003
CommunityCartography has released a thin-client geographic data viewer for the New York City (NYC) Property Atlas. The Property Atlas is an excellent solution for users who want to distribute NYC data to a wide community of users, without having to invest in multiple licenses of full-scale GIS applications.
SPECIAL FEATURE - Stealth Fighters Target Saddam on First Night of War: 04-14-2003
John J. Lumpkin of the Associated Press used IKONOS imagery (see accompanying story on the IKONOS imagery that shows the areas targeted by coalition forces) of the Dora Farm area along the Tigris River in Baghdad to build his story of the war's first night of attacks that targeted Saddam Hussein.
Keynote address by Carol Bartz at Autodesk University: 12-04-2002
At Autodesk University on December 4 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Carol Bartz delivered the keynote address to attendees. Directions Magazine captured the keynote and we have provided the salient text of her presentation below:
Interview with Michael Hickey, Chief Operation Officer, MapInfo - November 19, 2002: 11-21-2002
This past week, at the MapInfo User's Conference in San Diego, Directions Magazine sat down with Michael Hickey, the Chief Operation Officer for MapInfo. Mr. Hickey's comments provide a great deal of insight into the company's challenges and the strategy.
Oracle OpenWorld Review: 11-13-2002
The Directions staff was roaming the floor of Oracle OpenWorld this week in San Francisco. Here's what we found!
MAPA DE SANEAMIENTO AMBIENTAL: REGISTRO Y ANÁLISIS GEOGRÁFICO DE INCIDENTES AMBIENTALES EN EL YACIMIENTO SIERRA BARROSA - AGUADA TOLEDO EN LA PROVINCIA DEL NEUQUEN - ARGENTINA: 11-10-2002
Comments by Dean Stoecker, president, SRC LLC - October 1, 2002 - Regarding the lawsuit filed against MapInfo Corporation.: 10-01-2002
Comments by Mike Hickey, Chief Operation Officer, MapInfo - October 1, 2002 - Regarding the lawsuit filed agains SRC LLC.: 10-01-2002
Notes from the American Community Survey - August 2002: 08-10-2002
Claritas Helps Jenny Craig Improve Network Rationale: 07-29-2002
MapInfo seeks control of software development for TargetPro: 07-15-2002
A Comprehensive Guide to State and Nationwide GeoData Clearinghouses for the United States: 07-05-2002
SRC parts company with MapInfo on TargetPro: 07-03-2002
The ESRI International User Conference Preview: 07-02-2002
Documents Scanned in Grayscale Look Like a Photograph of the Original: 06-17-2002
Learn to Fail Fast: Effecting Change at the Ordnance Survey: 06-11-2002
Restaurant Uses Claritas’ Analytical Modeling to Expand Into New Markets: 06-04-2002
The Richest Towns in the U.S.: 05-14-2002
An Exclusive Interview with Michael Graff: 05-10-2002
Kmart Closing 283 Stores: 03-11-2002
The Geography of Art: Imaging the Abstract with GIS: 06-19-2001
To the Swift, Go the Best Sites: 04-02-2001
Industry Loses Scott Elliott: 01-19-2001
Adena Schutzberg, GIS editor at TenLinks.com, talks about Scott's involvement in GIS and the profound impact it made on the current state of the industry.
One of the Early Business Geographers: 01-17-2001
Scott Elliott, founder and publisher of Directions Magazine, passed away on January 10th. Hal Reid reflects on the influence Scott had and the contributions he made to our industry.
The Future of Arcview; Part 2: 08-08-2000
The concluding portion of an interview with the Product Manager for desktop software at ESRI
The Future of ArcView; Part 1: 08-01-2000
An interview with the Product Manager for desktop software at ESRI
Straight Talk from the Top; Part Two: 06-28-2000
ESRI's Director of Products speaks of ArcView 8, ArcExplorer, and more
Adding dimensions to GIS with VRML: 06-05-2000
Contributing Editor Bill Huber's presentation shows how to use the inexpensive and commonly available tools of VRML to create three-dimensional visualizations.
Straight Talk From the Top: 05-16-2000
David Maguire is the Director of Products at ESRI; in Part 1 of this two-part series, he speaks about ArcInfo8 and ArcObjects
Linux For Business: It's Not Just For the Closet Anymore: 04-25-2000
Dr. Richard Shepard runs his shop on Linux; here's why.
GRASS - the Free GIS: 04-19-2000
This 350-module robust GIS toolkit, originally a US Army project, is now developed and distributed by research teams around the world.
ArcView Class Hunt Results: 04-11-2000
What Makes ESRI Software Tick?: 11-22-1999
We interview Clint Brown, Manager of the Software Products Division at ESRI.
Image Compression Software: 11-08-1999
A review of LizardTech's MrSID Geospatial Encoder and Earth Resource Mapping's Enhanced Compressed Wavelet Compressor
Convolution: Part 3 of 3: 11-01-1999
Bill Huber concludes his three-part series in pursuit of Air Emissions, dealing with issues that are fundamental to the design of any analytical GIS.
Convolution: Part 2 of 3: 10-25-1999
Fourier Transforms come into play as Bill Huber pursues Air Emissions. Part two of a three-part series.
Sidebar to "Convolution": 10-25-1999
The issue addressed in Dr. Huber's series arose from the research of Marc Hoogerwerf at the TNO Institute of Environmental Sciences, Energy Research and Process Innovation
Convolution: 10-18-1999
Bill Huber pursues Air Emissions, dealing with issues that are fundamental to the design of any analytical GIS. Part one of a three-part series.
The Future of ESRI Software: 08-23-1999
ESRI is rebuilding all of its core software products around a brand new technology. Our ESRI software analyst summarizes the implications of announcements at the recent User Conference.
Make Your Own Hurricane Maps: 08-16-1999
Steve Wallace explains how to get nearly real-time feeds of hurricane data into your GIS from public (free!) sources.
Market Mapping: A Project to Teach Business Students about Business Geographics: 06-28-1999
Useful lessons from the education front; teaching business mapping at Montana State University-Billings
Development on the March at NDS: 05-07-1999
National Decision Systems has released iMark Express, a java-based mapping and reporting package which is the core of a whole new product line for the company
Serving Maps with Linux: Part II: 04-08-1999
Steve Lombardi finishes his Linux Mapping project. Part Two: Sunday, installing a web server and a mapping application.
Serving Maps with Linux; Part I: 04-01-1999
What's the Linux operating system like as a Java web server? Steve Lombardi takes us on a weekend project; Part One: Saturday, installing Linux and a Map Server.
Half a Million and Counting: 03-29-1999
ESRI's ArcExplorer, a data viewer, may be the most popular freeware in the history of GIS.
eCommerce and the new era of Virtual Retailing: 02-26-1999
Maintaining both a physical and a Web-based storefront is a serious dilemma for many retailers. Joe Francica discusses how GIS technology will be useful as merchants forsake the ideal site for the virtual showroom.
Lifestyle Clusters Add Dimension to Thematic Mapping: 02-08-1999
Julie Dosch says that customer segmentation information should be liberated from the confines of the database marketing department.
A More Realistic View of Our World: 02-03-1999
Ramona Currie argues that the Mercator projection gives a distorted view of the world, and that we ought to replace it.
What is Microsoft Up To?: 01-19-1999
Our publisher looks at the product design and marketing considerations behind MapPoint 2000.
ABCs of GIS: 12-02-1998
Education professionals are discovering that GIS software provides a powerful classroom resource.
Retail Trade Area Analysis: Concepts and New Approaches: 11-18-1998
A review of four approaches to locating a retail site: radial studies, gravity models, drive time analyses, and radial filter analyses.
A Season of Change: 11-02-1998
What an eventful month we've had! MapInfo splits with long-time partner Claritas. GDT buys its competition. Read our analysis here and tell us what you think.
Ages of Arthritis: 11-02-1998
The swelling ranks of Americans aged 55 and older creates national health care challenges, especially in certain regions.
Did You Vote This Year?: 11-02-1998
We take a look at votor apathy, and find it's not apathy at issue; you just have more to do!
