Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/29869
Time-sensitive GeoWorld departments such as NetLink, PeopleLink, Product News and Business News now are maintained solely at the GeoPlace.com Web site. Check there often for the latest updates as they happen. bringing users and partners up to date on company progress as well as spotlighting new initiatives. It’s new “Portfolio Balancing” approach to licens- ing allows users to annually exchange underused Bentley software for software of equal value to meet existing or future needs. Bentley also launched its iWare Apps site for enhanced interoperability at www. bentley.com/iware and acquired the SACS business (specializing in offshore structure-analysis software) from Engineering Dynamics Inc. Spatial Infrastructure Programs Award Grants The 2011 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Cooperative Agreements Program selected 20 projects in six categories to support NSDI development through efforts such as advancing standards, devel- oping geospatial plans in 10 states and sponsoring return-on-investment analysis for geospatial initia- tives. Although funding levels are relatively low—just more than $750,000 for the group of projects—the payoff for government and NSDI users is expected to be significant. The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Small Grants Program also presented cash awards of $2,500 per project as well as assistance-only awards. Sponsored by the Federal Geographic Data Committee and URISA GISCorps, the program supports projects and activities for spatial data infrastructure or Earth-observing systems in eco- nomically disadvantaged nations. The GSDI grants include 10 cash awards, two awards for cash plus URISA GISCorps volunteer professional services and two awards for URISA GISCorps volunteer pro- fessional services. Geotechnology Tracks Wounded Soldiers’ Trek to North Pole Esri UK launched an online, interactive map to track four wounded soldiers undertaking a charity expedition, “Walking with the Wounded,” to the geographical North Pole. After approximately four weeks of unaided trekking in spring 2011, the group, which includes two amputees, hopes to raise more than $3.2 million. The route called for the team to start at a location around 85-86 degrees north latitude—about 240 to 300 nautical miles from the pole. Esri UK’s interactive map will track the team’s progress and feature regular blog and picture updates on the Web at www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk. To plot the trekkers’ progress, GPS coordinates are col- lected daily and added to the map to track the team’s jour- ney across the ice. Site visitors also can explore historic map data supplied by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers). The interactive maps should allow users to compare the team’s route to routes taken by other earlier Arctic explorers. For example, site visitors can view information on the over-ice journeys taken on foot by Robert Peary in 1909 and Sir Wally Herbert in 1969—as well as expeditions by Fridtjof Nansen and Fredrik Hjalmar Johansen, who attempted to reach the North Pole via ship in 1895. An interactive mapping application will help site visitors follow the progress of a charity walking expedition to the North Pole. British Prince Harry is serving as expedition patron, with the money raised going to help members of the British armed services injured while serving. Mobility/GPS Special Issue A P R I L 2 O 1 1 / W W W . G E O P L A C E . C O M 7 ESRI UK