Geocoding- Exercise 1
The location I chose to find and list the GPS coordinates for is the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library at 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062. I found the coordinates using the recommended GPS Visualizer Quick Geocoder with Google as the primary source.
The coordinates returned are 29.559044, -95.120043.
When I map it, the coordinates shown are off by half a block. See the map:
View Larger Map
Using Yahoo as the primary source, I get a more accurate reading of 29.558611, -95.119551.
Use the coordinates above in Yahoo to take a look yourself.
Geocaching - Excercises 2&3
This is a geocache that I would be interested in finding. Ithink I knew the general location right off. This was the case with several of the local geocaches listed.
The the url of the geocache is: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=ae0dbd31-6456-49d7-814d-f07e2db90e2e
The GPS Coordinates are N 29° 31.891 W 095° 07.794
My thoughts on geocaching: I think is something I would like to do for fun, but at this time do not own a GPS unit. I would not want to do it alone. I would rather have at least one partner long for both fun and safety's sake. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Maps #33: Relocating with Online Maps
ACTIVITY 1:
I choose the Apartment part of this activity because I already know about the House part. I still occasionally check out my neighborhood to keep track of values.
I searched for apartments in the 77062 area, the same zip as the Library. I found that using the radius search gives me more seletion that just seaching with in a zip code area. But the zip area nicely limits the selection if you don't have a vehicle. Most of the apartments I found listed handicap accessiblity. It was only a search criteria for one search service, the others needed a little digging.
I found 3 possible properties that I would consider. They were all listed on 2 of the 3 search services. I like that floor plans and pictures are available for viewing before you contact the management about availability. One service even connects you to the properties website ro more details.
I found that the hybrid map view was the most useful to me, especially when additional seaching(banks,stores,libraries)were an option. The plain street map was too sterile and the satellite view without street names was too busy. The combination gave a more realistic view.
This leads to ACTIVITY 2:
I like both Apartments.com and Apartment Guide with a leaning towards Apartment Guide. Apartment Guide has bigger maps. The maps also give more detail and more search options on what is nearby. That gives you a better idea on what is in the neighborhood.
The public library was only .31 miles from the property I choose . There were 3 pharmacies within half a mile, one inside of a grocery just across an intersection. There is an elementary school only 3 blocks away and a couple of daycares even closer. An auto repair center is .21 miles away. Several restaurants are within .5 miles, both fast food and sit down. A Metro Park & Ride is within a mile, easy walking distance to catch a bus downtown.
I like Apartment Guide, but might also check the other search services to compare total info. Not that I'm moving anytime soon, I too attached to what I currently have.
I choose the Apartment part of this activity because I already know about the House part. I still occasionally check out my neighborhood to keep track of values.
I searched for apartments in the 77062 area, the same zip as the Library. I found that using the radius search gives me more seletion that just seaching with in a zip code area. But the zip area nicely limits the selection if you don't have a vehicle. Most of the apartments I found listed handicap accessiblity. It was only a search criteria for one search service, the others needed a little digging.
I found 3 possible properties that I would consider. They were all listed on 2 of the 3 search services. I like that floor plans and pictures are available for viewing before you contact the management about availability. One service even connects you to the properties website ro more details.
I found that the hybrid map view was the most useful to me, especially when additional seaching(banks,stores,libraries)were an option. The plain street map was too sterile and the satellite view without street names was too busy. The combination gave a more realistic view.
This leads to ACTIVITY 2:
I like both Apartments.com and Apartment Guide with a leaning towards Apartment Guide. Apartment Guide has bigger maps. The maps also give more detail and more search options on what is nearby. That gives you a better idea on what is in the neighborhood.
The public library was only .31 miles from the property I choose . There were 3 pharmacies within half a mile, one inside of a grocery just across an intersection. There is an elementary school only 3 blocks away and a couple of daycares even closer. An auto repair center is .21 miles away. Several restaurants are within .5 miles, both fast food and sit down. A Metro Park & Ride is within a mile, easy walking distance to catch a bus downtown.
I like Apartment Guide, but might also check the other search services to compare total info. Not that I'm moving anytime soon, I too attached to what I currently have.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Maps #32: Current Events
ACTIVITY 1:
I looked through the list of "100 Things To Do With Google Maps" .
One hypothetical question that I could best answer through visualization is "What is my elevation above sea level?". Along the Texas gulf coast, this is a relevant question.
I used the Freeman Library again as a subject. I went to http://www.earthtools.org/ and found that if you were standing on the sidewalk in front of the library, you would be 10m above sea level. The latitude and longitude is 29.558°N 95.1196°W . Since the site also gives latitude and longitude, you know the height above sea level at that point. And since you can have a satellite view, you can make sure that the data is from the exact point you want. Pretty cool.
ACTIVITY 2:
Explore Global Incident Map , Terra Server, or National Atlas .
I looked at all three to see what they were about. Terra Server is pretty, but is a commercial enterprise. The Global Incident Map is flashy, but most of the "incidents" I looked at turned out to be nothing. Of course, I could have just looked at the wrong incidents.
National Atlas is intriguing and for the most part FREE. They provide printable PDF maps, but you can also order printed maps, if you want. I've been having fun with the Boundaries of the United States . I'll need to remember the Reference and Outline Maps of the United States the next time I get a reference question regarding U.S. maps. Yous can print either the entire U.S. or individual states. There are several printing options to choose from and you can always preview to make sure it is what you need. It was neat to see just the rivers & lakes of Texas without other map features.
Optional Bonus Activity: EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer
This is the coolest thing. The EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer lets you view footage from Landsat satellites, sometimes in REAL TIME. The site tells you what the day & time of the currently running pass. It also let's you know the time of the next live pass. Leave this running on your desktop & you are likely to return to someone staring at the satellite image passing by.
I looked through the list of "100 Things To Do With Google Maps" .
One hypothetical question that I could best answer through visualization is "What is my elevation above sea level?". Along the Texas gulf coast, this is a relevant question.
I used the Freeman Library again as a subject. I went to http://www.earthtools.org/ and found that if you were standing on the sidewalk in front of the library, you would be 10m above sea level. The latitude and longitude is 29.558°N 95.1196°W . Since the site also gives latitude and longitude, you know the height above sea level at that point. And since you can have a satellite view, you can make sure that the data is from the exact point you want. Pretty cool.
ACTIVITY 2:
Explore Global Incident Map , Terra Server, or National Atlas .
I looked at all three to see what they were about. Terra Server is pretty, but is a commercial enterprise. The Global Incident Map is flashy, but most of the "incidents" I looked at turned out to be nothing. Of course, I could have just looked at the wrong incidents.
National Atlas is intriguing and for the most part FREE. They provide printable PDF maps, but you can also order printed maps, if you want. I've been having fun with the Boundaries of the United States . I'll need to remember the Reference and Outline Maps of the United States the next time I get a reference question regarding U.S. maps. Yous can print either the entire U.S. or individual states. There are several printing options to choose from and you can always preview to make sure it is what you need. It was neat to see just the rivers & lakes of Texas without other map features.
Optional Bonus Activity: EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer
This is the coolest thing. The EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer lets you view footage from Landsat satellites, sometimes in REAL TIME. The site tells you what the day & time of the currently running pass. It also let's you know the time of the next live pass. Leave this running on your desktop & you are likely to return to someone staring at the satellite image passing by.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Maps #31: Have Map, Will Travel
I had trouble viewing the Google "Create a Map" tutorial at work, but was able to do so at home. I figured out how to create a map before viewing the tutorial and had fun. I decided to make a make of the places to eat around the library titled "Dining near Freeman Library". I figure this is an easy way for visitors to look at the food options nearby when they go to the Library for programs or training. Just do a Google map search for Freeman Library dining. Here it is embedded below:
View Larger Map
I'm not sure why the plaza is labeled Dickenson Shopping Center. I'll have too investigate and notify Google.
I think this is a good way to direct people to your house, though town from the airport, or just get info about places for yourself. I also made a note about the James Coney Isand being closed when I did the seach for restaurants near Freeman. I like how people are allowed to make comments or corrections(pending verification)to keep the maps current. Think about it - you were in the mood for coneys & search Google only to find the closed note. No wasted trip.
I have found Google & Yahoo to be simillar in looks for maps, but I'm still looking at all the features. I tend to use Yahoo over Mapquest because it seems to be better with keping current.
View Larger Map
I'm not sure why the plaza is labeled Dickenson Shopping Center. I'll have too investigate and notify Google.
I think this is a good way to direct people to your house, though town from the airport, or just get info about places for yourself. I also made a note about the James Coney Isand being closed when I did the seach for restaurants near Freeman. I like how people are allowed to make comments or corrections(pending verification)to keep the maps current. Think about it - you were in the mood for coneys & search Google only to find the closed note. No wasted trip.
I have found Google & Yahoo to be simillar in looks for maps, but I'm still looking at all the features. I tend to use Yahoo over Mapquest because it seems to be better with keping current.
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