There are special promotional prices for the market release: The regional version for Germany, Austria and Switzerland costs 49,95 Euros and the europe edition 74,95 Euro. You can use the “Try & Buy” option, which allows you to test the product for 30 days without obligations.

But you have to be very careful. There is an online / offline (on-board) Version of Mobile Navigator – and guess what they do have the same name. So it is not easy to see which version is installed on your android device. You should also check about the versions 2.0 vs. 2.5. You can easily check about online/offline version by running Mobile Navigator in flight mode.

The online version of NAVIGION Mobile Navigator requires a permanent data connections and you should be aware of:

• route finding and calculation is done on a central server and not on your device.
• for routing a permanent data stream is send from the server to your device (~ 1,2 MB for 100km routing length)
• this can lead to heavy costs to your provider if you don’t have flat rate or a special data product.

In my opinion online navigation on a smart-phone will not shortly replace offline or on-board navigation where you have all your data on the device and you are not constrained by mobile Internet coverage (At least if you want to find your way also on more remote places).

So what is your opinion about Mobile Navigator? Can it be used as replacement of traditional car navigation or is it only a nice alternative or supplement? Which navigation software do you use on Android (Copilot & Co …), or will you wait for TomTom or Skobbler for Android?

Download NAVIGION Mobile Navigator here.

The people behind twitter have realized very early that location plays a critical role in their business idea and focused on this topic from the very beginning. In August 2009 there was a post on the official Twitter blog entitled: Location, Location, Location. (Compare the three L’s statement of Michael Goodchild)

In this post developers introduced their work with location and announced an API support for location, which should make Twitter truly location-aware. The API is simple but effective, so that it is possible to add latitude and longitude to any tweet. Developers of mobile applications and even desktop or browser applications can benefit from the API and integrate location on the fly. In particular for mobile applications Twitter and location is a very powerful combination. Not long after the announcement of the location API clients integrates location and now it is an integrated part of Twitter. People now can search and read tweets not only by a period of time but also by their location. For example you can follow all tweets in your neighborhood or city.

Disaster events like the Haiti or Chile earthquake showed the distribution of tweets written from the effected areas. Following mashups shows the benefit of location for twitter in a practical manner. One is based on Google Maps the other was done with ESRI ArcGIS Server and their Flex API:

Trendmaps

If you’re a regular Twitter user, you know about Twitter Trending Topics. It’s that list of keywords that appears in the right hand column of the Twitter homepage. It’s a global system that gauges the thoughts of all of Twitter’s users. These trends are on a global scale and therefore limited for local trends. But most people are only interested in these local trends and what to know what Twitter users in the neighborhood care about. This issue is addressed by  Trendsmap, a new mash-up of Twitter and  Google Maps. Showing Twitter trend on a local scale and on the map. This new service, created by the people behind RetailMeNot. For example you can see what Twitter users are talking about in Vienna, New York, London, San Francisco, Japan, Canada or the state of California. Clicking on any of the trends will bring up information on the volume of tweets for that word, a description of the trend (via What The Trend), and relevant multimedia and links.

Fluttr

A different Mashup is called Fluttr, the social media mapper. It is based on the ESRI ArcGIS Flex API and shows real-time tweets on the map. The map is re-centered to the latest tweet. You can choose your desired map extend and radius where you want to get your tweets. It is an very interactive experience reading tweets on the map.

Google recently promoted their Map Maker tool to gather more community driven data  (called volunteered geographic information VGI). They continue their philosophy to become more and more independent from conventional data providers like Teleatlas. Public aware events are used to promote volunteered data production. But in comparison to OpenStreetMap (which is under public license) the data/knowledge produced with Map Maker is transfered to a private company located in the US.

The following video shows the visualisation of the response to the earthquake by the OpenStreetMap community. Within 12 hours the white flashes indicate edits to the map (generally by tracing satellite/aerial photography). Over the following days a large number of additions to the map are made with many roads (green primary, red secondary) added. Also many other features were added such as the blue glowing refugee camps that emerge. A lot of these edits were made possible by a number of satellite and aerial imagery passes in the days after the quake, that were release to the public for tracing and analysis.

OpenStreetMap – Project Haiti from ItoWorld on Vimeo.

What is your opinion on using public aware events for promoting community driven data production?

Executive Compensation packages are so large that they are hard to comprehend. We gathered compensation data from the New York Times, county income data from the IRS, median household income data from ArcGIS Online and mashed it all together in the ESRI Flex API.

The development was done with the ESRI ArcGIS Server Flex API and data from the US census report on ArcGIS Online and a New York Times article about “Pay the Top“. Additional they build an iPhone App about this topic.

According to Daves Blog the idea was born because of the public indignation about the bonuses paid to AIG executives. Most people find this huge amount of money too abstract to think about. The mashup should help people to get a feeling about salaries of top managers in the US.

You can view it at: http://mashup.dtsagile.com

If you know about another interesting map mashup or idea about an map mashup let me know.

[via Dave Bouwman twitter feed]

• Senior GIS Programmer/Analyst (N/A, Anchorage, USA)
• Doctoral Research Assistent (University of Technology Vienna, Vienna, Austria)
• GIS Software Analyst / Developer (CMRC,Cobh, Ireland)
• Geospatial Analyst (Boeing, Saint Louis, USA)
• GIS / Imagery Analyst (Thermopylae Sciences & Technology, Arlington, USA)

Senior GIS Programmer/Analyst

Location: Anchorage, AK (USA)

Task: Seeking candidates for a Sr. GIS Programmer/Analyst position (preferably with Project Manager experience). The client is an established, stable, and growing organization in Alaska.

Requirements: 5+ years of experience in ESRI ArcGIS products, ArcIMS, ArcObjects, GIS Server, Spatial Database Engine (SDE) and Java, or .Net development with ArcSDE. This senior position requires the ability to lead development teams and work directly with clients to implement best-of-class GIS solutions. Desired: Stable work history, experience in the oil and gas industry is a plus; be self-directed; have good communication and people skills; have the ability to see other opportunities with clients (i.e. sales).

Contact: bkenaston@grnboulder.com

[Source]

Doctoral Research Assistent (2x)

Location: Vienna, Austia

Task: The Department of Geoinformation and Cartography at the Vienna University of Technology (http://www.geoinfo.tuwien.ac.at/) invites applications for two doctoral research assistant positions in Geographic Information Science (GIScience). We seek individuals whose research interests include (but are not limited to) areas such as qualitative and/or quantitative spatial analyses, spatial cognition, spatial ontology, spatial statistics, user interface design for GI technologies. In particular, we hope to advance some of the following topics: 1.Modeling processes in GIS, possibly with the integration of partial differential equations to describe processes and linkage to finite element software (extending a completed Ph.D. thesis); can we use data from time series to calibrate the process description and redefine GIS as spatial simulation machine? 2.Extend the use of ontologies beyond data integration to automate the construction of graphical user interfaces: What are the semantics of communication between user and GIS? How do they relate to ontologies, database schema and other formal description of semantics? 3.GIS with 3D (and 3D and time): a novel, essentially dimension independent geometric data model that serves multiple resolutions (resulting from a Ph.D. close to completion) should be used to construct essential parts of a GIS (e.g., modeling buildings, geological formation.)

Requirements: The successful candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in research leading to a Ph.D. and will have opportunities to gain teaching experience. We expect an M.Sc. in GIScience, Surveying and Mapping, Computer Science, or Geography; a good background in mathematics and the ability to program is required (knowledge of Haskell or another functional language, a plus), as well as good command of English. The term of appointment is 4 years, in which time the completion of a Ph.D. is expected. International networking is part of our work environment: we cooperate with other GIScience research labs in Europe and other parts of the world, participate in 2 COST projects and other European research projects and encourage attendance in GIScience conferences. Applicants should send a letter of application that reviews and documents their qualifications, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three referees to: Andrew Frank, Chair, Department of Geoinformation and Cartography, Gusshausstrasse 27-29 E127, 1040 Vienna, Austria. Email applications will be accepted, preferably before end of February. Email to frank@geoinfo.tuwien.ac.at. Both positions have been already funded, and the review of applications will begin immediately. The starting date of each position is negotiable, preferably early summer.

Contact: Andrew Frank (frank@geoinfo.tuwien.ac.at)

[Source]

GIS Software Analyst/Developer

Location: Cobh, Ireland

Task: The successful candidate is expected to contribute to one or more of the European projects mentioned above. He/she will be a highly motivated self-starter working very closely with the Marine Geomatics & IT team on the development and documentation of innovative software architectures and solutions for the management, delivery, visualisation, and interoperability of marine geospatial data.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for liaising with project partners, attending meetings, and coordinating and producing project deliverables on schedule.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the multi-disciplinary approach fostered by the Centre and will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the wider group of academic researchers in UCC and throughout the Republic of Ireland and will be actively encouraged to pursue independent research.

Requirements: Candidates for this post are expected to have fully documented post-graduate / professional experience, with either:

• A higher degree in an IT discipline, and a good appreciation of earth sciences, • Or, a higher degree in an earth science, along with appropriate qualifications / experience in IT.

The ability to demonstrate practical experience in one or more of the following areas is essential: • Software development methodologies including open architectures frameworks (e.g. RM-ODP) and software analysis, • Programming/web development, • Familiarity with web-based GIS systems, standards, and data management practices, • Competence in report writing, and excellent communication skills (oral and written).

Ideally the candidate will also be able to demonstrate: • Familiarity with EU Framework research projects, • Leadership and project management skills, • Aptitude and experience in developing project proposals,

• Ability to produce high quality scientific and technical papers, • Ability to work as part of a team.

Contact: Gráinne Lynch (grainne.lynch@ucc.ie)

[Source]

Geospatial Analyst 3/4

Location: Saint Louis, MO (USA)

Task: This position supports The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency vision and goals. Qualified candidate will have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principals/methodologies within the defense, intelligence, and government communities. Selected candidate will be required to extract/manipulate geospatial data, develop geospatial products; manipulate imagery; perform mathematical and geodetic analysis, testing, and evaluation; and design databases. Qualified candidates will have experience working with Multi-Spectral imagery, Controlled Image Base (CIB), Commercial Imagery, Vector Data, Digital Terrain Elevation Data, Raster Data, etc. Candidate should be able to investigate, interpret, and resolve complex problems with products and processes and implements solutions. Candidate maybe asked to monitor schedules, metrics, and report completion status and performance per customer requirements. Previous experience working with, or supporting, The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and legacy products desired. Candidate should have hands on experience using relevant software applications such as: NES, IEC, Remote View, ESRI ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Socet Set, ENVI, Arcview and FalconView.

Requirements: General: [ + ] Communication [ + ] Customer Focus [ + ] Decision Making [ + ] Systems Thinking; Technical: [ + ] Analytical Skills [ + ] Ops Effective Analysis [ + ] Process Management Skills

Typical Education/Experience: Level 3 – Technical bachelor’s degree and typically 5 or more years’ related work experience or a Master’s degree with typically 3 or more years’ or a PhD degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A technical degree is defined as any four year degree, or greater, in a mathematic, scientific or information technology field of study. Level 4 – Technical bachelor’s degree and typically 9 or more years’ related work experience or a Master’s degree with typically 7 or more years’ or a PhD degree with typically 4 or more years’ related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A technical degree is defined as any four year degree, or greater, in a mathematic, scientific or information technology field of study.

Contact: Contact Info: Boeing

[Source]

GIS/Imagery Analyst

Location: Arlington, VA (USA)

Task: The candidate will provide support in processing imagery, terrain, and vector data for use in a 3D geospatial product. The candidate assists with reviewing, editing, and processing massive amounts of geospatial data.  Must have an understanding of raster and vector file formats, coordinate systems projections, and experienced using the ArcGIS 9.x software. Candidate must be able to process massive amounts of data in short periods of time, while maintaining a high level of quality.   Must be able to stay organized and work with minimal supervision.

Requirements:

•Bachelor’s degree (in geography or related field) with 3+ months experience. High School diploma or equivalent with formal military training may be substituted in place of a degree. •3+ months GIS/Imagery related experience. •Experience using ArcGIS 9.X. •Familiarity with using/editing/projecting raster data. •Ability to create and edit vector layers. •Strong Communication Skills (in person and virtual). ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: •TS/SCI Security clearance •Familiarity with creating Google Earth format files •Linux Familiarity • Ubuntu and Red Hat • Shell Scripting is a Plus •Familiarity with Classified Networks

Contact: Linda Avers (lavers@t-sciences.com)

[Source]

Original text to the application:

The great Trans Siberian Railway, the pride of Russia, goes across two continents, 12 regions and 87 cities. The joint project of Google and the Russian Railways lets you take a trip along the famous route and see Baikal, Khekhtsirsky range, Barguzin mountains, Yenisei river and many other picturesque places of Russia without leaving your house. During the trip, you can enjoy Russian classic literature, brilliant images and fascinating stories about the most attractive sites on the route. Let’s go!

You can see this widget on : http://www.google.ru/intl/ru/landing/transsib/en.html

Data: Digital Universe, American Museum of Natural History (http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/universe)

Visualization Software: Uniview by SCISS

Director: Carter Emmart
Curator: Ben R. Oppenheimer
Producer: Michael Hoffman
Executive Producer: Ro Kinzler
Co-Executive Producer: Martin Brauen
Manager, Digital Universe Atlas: Brian Abbott

Music: Suke Cerulo

For more information visit http://www.amnh.org

For example their new topographic Map looks great and has a lot of details (at least in some parts of the US):

Some Map details from ArcGIS Online

Server URL: http://services.arcgisonline.com

Coordinate system: Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere (WKID 102100)

Units of measure: Decimal degrees

Map DPI: 96

Tile Size of Map Cache: 256 pixels by 256 pixels

Levels of Detail: The number of cached levels of detail varies among map services. The scale levels are calculated, based upon the tile size (256 by 256) and the WGS 1984 Web Mercator coordinate system, such that when tiles are laid out starting at 180W and proceeding eastward, the final tile aligns perfectly (no overlap) with the first tile at the international date line.

These are the standard map scale and cell sizes:

We know Google mounts car with 360 degrees cameras and GPS to show us streets. We know Google also mounts bicycles with 360 degrees cameras and GPS to show us streets where cars are not allowed to drive. But now Google also mounts snowmobiles with 360 degrees cameras and GPS to show us ski slopes in the mountains.

Rign on time, only several days before the official start of the winter olympics Google publishes street view images from Whistler Mountain and several other ski resorts around Vancouver.

View Larger Map

Quote from the Google Blog:

The Street View team’s constant experimenting yielded a snowmobile decked out with cameras to capture slope-level imagery of several runs on Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. The view from the top of 7th Heaven chairlift on Blackcomb and from the peak of Whistler are among my favourites, as are the top of the Dave Murray downhill, where the men’s alpine skiing events will start, and the Peak 2 Peak gondola. (That’s Whistler’s new feat of engineering which takes skiers and riders from Whistler to Blackcomb.) With the Street View trike, we’ve also covered Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside at the mountains’ bases.

The Google Maps team also launched a new site, including all street view areas of ski slopes, for the Olympic Winter Games: www.google.com/games10

The only question left: Where else will be StreetView and do we need all this imagery?

Critical Statement: The next thing announced are indoor StreetViews in stores and shopping centers. Again a playground for marketing. I hope at least some places on planet earth will left blank on the StreetView Map.

[http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/02/street-view-hits-slopes-at-whistler.html]

• double tap to zoom in
• +/- buttons for zoom in and out
• tap & move for pan
• 2 finger pinch for zooming

Multi-touch should work on all devices. So not only on the Nexus One or Motorola Droid/Milestone but also on older devices such as Samsung Galaxy, HTC Magic, HTC G1 or HTC Hero (at least with custom Roms).

It really seems Google will no longer consider Apples “claim” for Multi-touch. In the near future it is expected that Google and 3rd party developers of Android will provide a lot of apps with Multi-touch capabilities (some examples like the browser are seen in the video). Reasons for buying an iPhone are smelting like snow in the sun.

Other new features for Android Maps are extended Lab functions. Following “experimental” functions are available:

• Map scale
• Terrain view
• Favorite categories
• Button for switching themes
• Direction arrow for current position
• Traffic layer including lables
• Button for my location
• Address info buttons
• Directions and distance
• Measurement tool

With the new version it should be also possible to use your Google My Maps Account.