Google Earth and map combined on a browser and Map data updates for Canada

With the latest update from Google, Canada is also going to see the changes on how incorrect geocoding of addresses and postal codes will be handled in future. According to a recent update, "Report a problem" link will allow Canadians to report the incorrect addresses or the postal codes which will be later incorporated to enhance the geocoding by Google. Although there might not be a lot of mash ups published in Canada using Javascript (Map) APIs v2 or 3, those applications already in effect will not have any impact as the API will update the updated information automatically. However, the caches of geocoded locations might need to be updated. Check the Google Geo Developers Blog: Map data updates for Canada for more detail.

In addition to that, Google recently brought the most popular location-aware data viewing software Google Earth to the browser. Well, bringing the Google Earth to the browser is not very new, it was possible couple of months ago with the Google Earth API, but now it is available in an easier way combined with the Google Map. Majority of the people have used Google Map at some point, now with one more click, you can view the 3D Google Earth on their browsers. Although you have to install a plug-in for the Google Earth, as well as not all layers from the stand-alone desktop Google Earth versions are available on the browser, it is still a very viable option for the quick exploration of the location of interest on the browser.

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Canada Excluded in the latest BING update

Bing has been very aggressive on updating the maps. The latest imagery update includes the updates every month on an average of two parts. The most recent one that updated about 4.9 million square kilometers in March (Part I) didn't include Canada. Most the imagery updates in the USA are 20cm resolution aerial images, whereas it is 60-cm outside the USA. The latest image-updates feature very sharp images. The imagery updates can be explored with slideshows or by going to the particular area following the guide on this website.

The website also features the recent imagery-update dates and where the updates took place. It is a great opportunity to explore once more if you gave on the then Virtual Earth just because it had a very granulated pixels in your neighbourhood. One of the major features I liked and still like about the Virtual Earth the 3D option, specially provided in the major cities. It is professional because Microsoft has put tons of money on it. Google is getting there (maybe more in quantity), but still there is much to be done when it comes to the 3D features that comes from the crowd.

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Umapper: an easy way to map local weather and 5-day forecast

Umapper designed to create interactive maps, geogames, distribute across multiple destinations, tracking, and money making tool with advertising has recently announced an interactive mapping platform with the global temperature along with a 5-day weather forecast. Very easy to use, it still has the beta tag.
With the interactive weather mapping tool, the users can swtich between Fahrenheit and Celsius to update the display of their choice. Pretty neat and easy to embed on the websites or blogs. Here is a sample (Left side of the post) showing local weather in Ontario or click this link to see it on a browser.

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Opportunity to help publish a children's book about red panda

I recently received an email about an opportunity to help publish a children's book about red panda. Here is what you can do to support:

I myself was involved in some GIS analyses of red panda habitat distribution in eastern Nepal in the past. Their habitats range in Nepal, India, Burma, China and surrounding countries. Redpanda Network is heavily involved on the awareness and community outreach for the protection of red panda in the region. If you are interested in learning about red panda, please visit Redpanda Network, and watch the promotional video from Redpanda Network below:

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