January 2011 Resource Review

Free Resources & GIS Happenings

• In the News: Torrential rain inundated southeastern Brazil in early January 2012, causing severe damage in multiple states. View the regional rainfall, as observed by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM).
• View an excellent example of what geographic crowd sourcing can create with an animation showing all additions and modifications contributors entered to make OpenStreetMap in 2011.
• Learn about and follow the Tagging of Pacific Predators project . It gives us better data to protect endangered species, and provides information to better manage fisheries that risk collapse or threaten the survival of other species caught in nets and long-lines.
• We’re gluttons for infographics, and a team at Kansas State served up a feast: they created maps of sin created by plotting per-capita stats on everything from sloth to pride.
• With ClimateWizard you can view and download historic temperature and rainfall maps for anywhere in the world in a few easy steps.
• The Aqueduct Atlas can create comprehensive, high resolution maps of water risks. It consists of a global database and interactive mapping tool that enables companies to quantify and map water risks at a local scale, worldwide.
• Explore Kenya with the BOOST portal, featuring highly specialized, data rich maps which are perfect for an AP Geography classes to explore.
• Discover a rich variety of fossil data with maps and trace ecosystems as theycollapse and rise over the ages with Walkabout through Time.

Apps We Love & Geo Fun

• Apps We Love: Dragon Dictation - Discover an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. It’s up to five times faster than typing on the keyboard!
• Apps We Love: Quake Feed - This location aware app features six different basemaps provided by ESRI and an information feed of the past 7 days of earthquakes with magnitude > 2.5, displayed in a map or list format. Includes a variety of user-friendly filter and sort options.
• Apps We Love: Offline Topo Maps - This app helps you find your way with comprehensive topographic maps, even when you aren’t connected; perfect for exploring remote areas where service isn’t guaranteed. 
• Apps We Love: GeoMaster - Have fun by putting your geography knowledge at test with GeoMaster. For any age, GeoMaster allows you to learn and improve your skills and knowledge.
• Made From a Map: DIY Map Display - Looking for a clever way to display a favorite or locally focused map? Check the link for a creative idea that can make a dynamic piece of map at for your home, office or classroom.
• Just for Fun: Online Puzzles from National Geographic - If you’ve never done an online virtual jigsaw puzzle before, you’re in for a real treat! Enjoy dozens of beautiful, data rich mapping puzzles. 

GeoTech 2012

• GeoTech 2012 - allows teachers to explore the most cutting edge technologies available in education today. Join us as we explore these exciting new developments in instructional technology. The conference consists of 2 days of extensive hands-on workshops on March 1-2, 2012 on topics from geospatial technologies, social media, Web 2.0 and much more! Saturday, March 3, offers innovative mini-workshops and presentations across a variety of grade levels, technologies, and curriculum strands. 
• Featured Speakers from National Geographic's Emerging Explorers Series: Dr. Mireya Mayor, author of Pink Boots and a Machete and Kobie Boykins, NASA Engineer for the Mars Rover
• Click here for Earlybird Registration (discount available until February 24): $125 
• On-site Registration: $150.00 for all three days (or $55 per day)
• Includes Saturday keynote, presentations, workshops, exhibits, breakfast, lunch, snacks & giveaways
• Join our GeoTech facebook page for more updates!

Costa Rica 2012

• Costa Rica 2012 - We are eager to invite teachers of all levels to build their technology skills and experience sustainable development in Costa Rica. You will discover lush tropical environments ranging from rainforest, grasslands, rivers, foothills, and their impact on the marine national park of Marino Ballena. These 9 days will offer a blend of engaging hands-on experiences in digital technologies, useful in offering key community leaders and businesses valuable products, resulting in meaningful service.
• Download Flyer
• Full Itinerary
• Register Here