Geodesy for the layman (or woman) from NGA
NGA's document "Geodesy for the layman" What is geodesy? Who needs it and why? These are some of the questions asked by many people. Actually, geodesy is nothing new having been around for centuries. Webster defines geodesy as "that branch of applied mathematics which determines by observation and measurement the exact positions of points and the figures and areas of large portions of the earth's surface, the shape and size of the earth, and the variations of terrestrial gravity." It is a specialized application of several familiar facets of basic mathematical and physical concepts. In practice, geodesy uses the principles of mathematics, astronomy and physics, and applies them within the capabilities of modern engineering and technology. A thorough study of the science of geodesy is not a simple undertaking. However, it is possible to gain an understanding of the historical development, a general knowledge of the methods and techniques of the science, and the way geodesy is being used to solve some Department of Defense (DoD) problems. Visit here for the full NGA document "Geodesy for the layman" Continue reading
Baghdad Reference Map from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Perhaps old news - but a reminder never hurts. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has a current, detailed map of Baghdad available for download or to view online. The map is a special reference map of Baghdad, Iraq, produced as a tool to help NGA public affairs office and other government public affairs offices in their efforts to discuss issues with the media and public that might be related to the area depicted. The map is unclassified and also referred to as a reference graphic. It is suitable for reference use only and should not be used for any other purpose (not for navigation, etc.). Electronic versions of the Baghdad map are available in .JPEG and MrSID formats. NGA is a Department of Defense combat support agency and a member of the National Intelligence Community. The Agency's mission is to provide timely, relevant and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of our national security. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., NGA has major facilities in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and St. Louis, Mo., areas with NGA support teams worldwide.
Continue readingA blog and feed for “governmental Alaskana”
A few years ago I started an e-mail list where I sent people listings of newly cataloged Alaska State Publications and Federal Publications about Alaska. In hopes of spreading the news about "Governmental Alaskana" and giving an example for other states to consider, I've set up a blog which may or may not replace the mailing list. Try it. If you like it, please subscribe at http://feeds.feedburner.com/GovernmentalAlaskana and tell your friends. Feedback on the blog is welcome, too. Consider commenting on the documents you see at the blog. Continue reading
New public printer nominated
According to a White House Personnel announcement:
The President intends to nominate Robert Charles Tapella, of Virginia, to be the Public Printer. Mr. Tapella currently serves as Chief of Staff of the United States Government Printing Office. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the United States Government Printing Office. Earlier in his career, he ran Kelly Communications. Mr. Tapella received his bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University.Update 5/25/2007, 5:20pm AST by Daniel A little more background on Mr. Tapella can be found in GPO's press release issued on his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff in January 2003. He is described as having several assignments on Capitol Hill:
From 1996 to 2000, he served as professional staff on the House of Representatives Committee on House Oversight, where he supervised the Office of Member Services; Chief of Staff to Rep. Bill Redmond (R-NM); and Special Assistant to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, where he worked on strategic planning for re-engineering the information technology infrastructure of the House legislative process and developed plans for major information technology initiatives for the Office of the Clerk. Tapella gained his first legislative office experience from 1986 to 1993, when he worked as district representative for Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA).And for whatever reason, in 2003, GPO thought it was important to note that Mr. Tapella was a Young Republican:
A California native, Tapella is a past National Board member and current member of the Young Republican National Federation, Inc., an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and an alumnus of Leadership Sunnyvale’s Class of 1995. He resides in Alexandria, VA.A November 2005 Seybold Report has a few comments from Mr. Tappella, although these appear to be simply GPO policy of the time:
Tapella said the GPO is beginning to evaluate how it will publish information in the future. The trend, he said, is toward an electronic delivery method because of an increase in demand for information in electronic form. "Half of all our documents are never printed," he said. Tapella doesn't envision that print will disappear in the coming decade, but the GPO is developing a model for storage and output via the Web and is using print-on-demand technology. A very important aspect of this system will be maintaining the security and authenticity of all documents in electronic form.AND
"The number of documents continues to grow," Tapella said. "It's not going down." To keep up with its mission of keeping the public informed, the GPO will need to continue to rely on external partners, which will mean plenty of opportunities for companies that can provide the services, supplies and printed materials the agency needs."Source: Title: Government Printing Office Needs a Few Good Printers. Authors: Joss, Molly Source: Seybold Report: Analyzing Publishing Technologies; 11/16/2005, Vol. 5 Issue 15, p18-19, 2p For EBSCO Subscribers: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=19163213&site=ehost-live Continue reading
USGS Pilot Project Makes High-Quality Landsat Data Available Through Web
USGS Pilot Project Makes High-Quality Landsat Data Available Through Web As of June 4, 2007, the USGS will be releasing selected Landsat 7 image data of the United States through the Web (glovis.usgs.gov or earthexplorer.usgs.gov). These data are of high quality with limited cloud cover. This Web-enabled distribution of new and recently acquired data is a pilot project for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), currently projected for launch in 2011. The project will allow the Landsat data user community to help refine the distribution system planned for the upcoming LDCM. Each scene will be registered to the terrain, or “ortho-rectified,†prior to being placed on the Web. Copies of these data will also be available on CD or DVD at the cost of reproduction. Landsat data have proven useful for a wide range of applications. From disaster monitoring after Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami to global crop condition analysis, Landsat data are being used by scientists around the world. The Web-based distribution system will allow the user community easier access to Landsat 7 data. The pilot project will be carefully examined. Customer response will be evaluated and their insight will influence the future distribution system. Continue reading