The Harlow Report-GIS
2024 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
May 20, 2024
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A "Harlow Report" From May 15, 2023
Understanding Commonly Used GIS Data Types
by infotech.
GIS data types are divided into two main categories: vector and raster data, each with its own unique geographical characteristics.
As a GIS specialist or construction project manager working with a GIS platform, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the various GIS data types available. GIS data types are divided into two main categories: vector and raster data. Each data type has its unique geographical characteristics, as well as its own advantages and disadvantages, which make it suitable for specific real world applications.
Understanding Vector GIS Data
Vector data is a type of GIS data that represents attributes on the earth's surface as points, lines, and polygons. It is commonly used to map discrete features such as roads, buildings, and water bodies. Vector data is stored as a series of x, y coordinates that define the shape and location of each feature. The three main types of vector data are point, line, and polygon features.
Read full story at ENR…
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FCC's Warning Shot to Mobile Network Operators on CPNI
by Brian D. Weimer, Douglas A. Svor, Elfin L. Noce, Ethan Lamb
The Federal Communications Commission sent a loud message to the telecommunications industry: the era of lax CPNI [customer proprietary network information] compliance is over.
Key Takeaways:
- Mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators, Internet Service Providers, and Voice-Over-IP providers, and other operators subject to the FCCs CPNI rules should be aware of the FCCs expansive view as to the kinds of data subject to the CPNI rules.
- Specifically, providers should be aware of the FCCs increasing efforts to regulate more aspects of the wireless ecosystem, including subscriber llocation information and geolocation data, under the umbrella of “CPNI.”
- Going forward, providers should carefully consider compliance with CPNI rules as they seek to monetize or share subscriber data with third parties and downstream commercial providers.
Read full story at National Law Review…
India' Central Bureau of Narcotics to Implement GIS Mapping for Opium Cultivation Monitoring
by Myind Staff
The Central Bureau of Narcotics is planning to conduct a geographic information system (GIS) mapping survey to monitor opium cultivation, with the aim of combating illegal trade in the commodity within the country, according to sources familiar with the situation.
According to sources, the bureau intends to issue a new request for proposal to engage a managed service provider to carry out the survey and implement the GIS platform by the end of June or July.
The previous request for proposal (RFP), issued in February, was cancelled due to a lack of adequate response. The decision to conduct the proposed survey comes in response to an increase in illicit opium cultivation across the country, despite efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on it, sources revealed.
Read full story at Myind …
Location-Altering GPS Systems
by Ellen Smith
The GPS Spoofer Safeguards Personal Data for Your Protection
In a world where privacy concerns are increasingly paramount, the GPS Spoofer emerges as a crucial tool for safeguarding personal data. This simple yet powerful app allows users to alter their GPS location, effectively shielding their real whereabouts from prying eyes. Whether it's to protect privacy from invasive tracking by apps and websites or to test location-based applications without revealing actual coordinates, the GPS Spoofer provides a vital layer of security and convenience.
As technology continues to advance, the demand for privacy-enhancing solutions like the GPS Spoofer is expected to skyrocket. With concerns over data breaches and surveillance on the rise, individuals are seeking ways to maintain control over their digital footprint. The GPS Spoofer represents a glimpse into the future of privacy protection, empowering users to take charge of their online presence with ease.
Read full story at TrendHunter…
Navigating the Future: Unleashing the Potential of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) in the 5G Era
by Marzieh Veyseh
The telecommunications industry is experiencing a growing need for uninterrupted connectivity, spurred by the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the advancement of 5G technology, which promises improved data speeds and connectivity.
To fully leverage the benefits of 5G and IoT, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are emerging as a viable solution, surpassing the constraints of traditional terrestrial networks and fostering global connectivity. NTN, encompassing both airborne and spaceborne platforms, seeks to deliver widespread cellular services, especially in remote regions, tackling obstacles such as deployment complexities and economic limitations.
NTN's significance in extending mobile coverage to remote areas is pivotal from a radio access network (RAN) perspective. These networks, including 5G satellite communications, hold potential for global coverage and various IoT applications, such as precision agriculture and infrastructure monitoring.
Read full story at The Fast Mode…
Navigating the World: The Future of Location-Based Services in 2024
by Chris
Explore the future of location-based services in 2024. Discover the latest technologies, future outlook, and transformative power of LBS today.
Have you ever thought about how your phone knows exactly where you are, even in a new place? Or how it helps you find the closest coffee shop or navigate through traffic?
Well, get ready because the world of location-based services (LBS) is about to get even more exciting in 2024. But what does that mean for you? Let's explore the latest innovations in LBS and discover how they will change how you experience the world around you.
Technology Trends Shaping LBS in 2024
Read full story at Devdiscourse…
Industry News
In Government
The Pentagon's Brewing a Build-a-Cloud Program for Defense Agencies
by Lauren C. Williams
The young platform, dubbed Olympus, is designed for self-service commercial cloud needs
The Pentagons IT agency wants to make it easier for defense organizations to create their own cloud solutions. So its launching a program to demystify the process.
The program, called DOD Olympus, will serve as a ready-made kit for defense agencies to launch commercial cloud solutions without the hassle.
There are a lot of elements that go into creating a usable cloud environment in which teams and organizations can share information seamlessly, said Korie Seville, the Defense Information Systems Agencys deputy chief technology officer for compute.
Read full story at Washington Technology…
Report: Microsoft to Face Antitrust Case Over Teams
by javier Espinoza
Unbundling Teams from Office has apparently failed to impress EU regulators.
Brussels is set to issue new antitrust charges against Microsoft over concerns that the software giant is undermining rivals to its videoconferencing app Teams.
According to three people with knowledge of the move, the European Commission is pressing ahead with a formal charge sheet against the world's most valuable listed tech company over concerns it is restricting competition in the sector.
Microsoft last month offered concessions as it sought to avoid regulatory action, including extending a plan to unbundle Teams from other software such as Office, not just in Europe but across the world.
Read full story at arsTechnica…
State and Local Governments Can Get More Life from Mainframes
by Francisco Ramirez
For agencies using legacy technologies, there are options for minimizing downtime and protecting citizen services.
Sixty years after the introduction of the first mainframe family, the IBM System/360, the monolithic computers remain in demand. As many as 89 percent of state CIOs reported relying on mainframes in some capacity, according to a recent study.
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There are good reasons for this longevity. One is that if a system functions well for a given purpose, then there's a business case for prolonging that ROI. Another is that rearchitecting mainframe applications and data can be costly, and many state and local IT departments simply lack the budget.
Read full story at StateTech…
In Technology
Apple and Google Roll Out a Cross-Platform Feature to Tackle Unwanted Bluetooth Trackers
by Kris Holt
Android and iOS users will receive an alert if an unknown tracker moves with them over time.
… When an unknown Bluetooth device is seen moving with ”omeone over a period of time, they'll get an alert that reads “[Item] Found Moving With You," no matter which platform the tracker is paired with. Apple and Google are rolling out the capability in iOS 17.5 and across Android 6.0 and later devices starting today.
The companies announced a partnership to tackle this issue last May with backing from industry partners such as Samsung and Tile. Apple says that Chipolo, Eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee are among the companies who say that their future Bluetooth tags will work with the new standard.
Read full story at engadget…
Apple Will Revamp Siri to Catch Up to Its Chatbot Competitors
by Tripp Mickle, Brian X. Chen and Cade Metz
Apple plans to announce that it will bring generative A.I. to iPhones after the company's most significant reorganization in a decade.
Apples' top software executives decided early last year that Siri, the companys virtual assistant, needed a brain transplant.
The decision came after the executives Craig Federighi and John Giannandrea spent weeks testing OpenAIs new chatbot, ChatGPT. The products use of generative artificial intelligence, which can write poetry, create computer code and answer complex questions, made Siri look antiquated, said two people familiar with the companys' work, who didn't have permission to speak publicly.
Read full story at NY Times…
Microsoft Will Open a Mobile-Game Store to Challenge Apple, Google
by Cecilia D'Anastasio
Microsoft will launch its own online store for mobile-game consumables in July, creating an alternative to Apple and Googles app stores and their fees.
The browser-based store will debut with Microsofts own games, offering discounts on in-game items associated with titles like Candy Crush Saga. Xbox President Sarah Bond announced the move Thursday at the Bloomberg Technology Summit. Later, Microsoft will open the store to other publishers.
Bond says the store is launching on the web, versus an app, so its “accessible across all devices, all countries, no matter what, independent of the policies of closed ecosystem stores.”
Read full story at Seattle Times…
In Utilities
FERC's “Watershed” Transmission Rules Are Here. Here' What to Know About Orders 1920 and 1977
by John Engel
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unveiled two transmission rulings that, in combination, represent a “watershed” moment for the U.S. energy system.
During an open meeting on May 13, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unveiled two transmission rulings that, in combination, represent a “watershed” moment for the U.S. energy system, according to Chair Willie Phillips.
… Order 1920, the regional transmission planning and cost allocation rule, is named as a tribute to the creation of the Federal Power Commission, FERC's agency predecessor, in 1920. The notice of proposed rulemaking for regional transmission planning received approximately 1,400 pages of comments, which appears to be the largest record ever considered by the agency.
The rule passed by a 2-1 vote.
Read full story at PowerGrid International…
Legal Challenges Fly Over EPA Power Plant Rules
by Kevin Clark
States, rural co-ops say the emission cutting rules are “unlawful” and will undermine reliability.
A coalition of 23 states and the trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives filed separate lawsuits Thursday challenging the power plant rules finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April.
The rules targets coal-fired plants and new natural gas-fired plants, which would have to capture their emissions or retire by various compliance dates in the 2030s.
Read full story at PowerEngineering…
The Future of Work in the Energy and Utilities Industry
by Huron
A wave of automation is transforming industries worldwide, and the energy and utilities sector is no exception.
In this dynamic industry landscape, automation and digital transformation are paving the way for profound advancements. At the same time, theyre revolutionizing job roles and creating a dynamic shift in career paths within the industry.
To keep up with the pace of change in the industry, energy and utility companies must understand the role automation plays in reshaping their labor market, identify opportunities to further embrace emerging technologies, and help their teams adapt to changes in the current roles and future career paths.
Read full story at UtilityDive…