A new plug-in for the web browser FireFox allows to localize the user, which could bring a lot of new opportunities (and fears). “Geode“, the name of the plug-in, is currently for testing and should later be integrated in Firefox version 3.1. If you allow websites or web services to read your geographical position this information can be integrated into the service. There are some similarities to “Loki” a technology by Skyhook, which tries to identify the position of a computer using a wireless networks.
This technique can be used not only for intelligent map services but also for localised news services, security enhanced logins, etc. For example, RSS-Feeds can change their content in case of different location (e.g. Office, Home).
The Geolocation Specification by the W3C can be used for designing such services.
SVG (scalable vector graphics) is a recommendation of the W3C and used for rendering vector graphics. It was predicted that SVG is the future in the visualisation of geospatial vector data over the internet. Adobe announced that with Jannuary 2009 they will discontinue the support of their SVG Viewer plug-in (see here the official announcement). According to this Silverlight will most likely become the new Intergraph preferred standard for rendering vector graphics. (see reference entry).
Silverlight is a promising technology and the possibilities are huge. but I see some problems with this:
- Microsoft and Cross Platform
- Market share of Silverlight is currently near 0
- Strong competitor with Flash and Adobe’s Flex technology
Furthermore there is the open question: Does SVG need a repacement? SVG is nearly a standard and a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommendation which integrates with other W3C standards such as the DOM and XSL. I think browsers can or will nately represent SVG and there will not be a need for a plug-in.
Written and submitted from Home, using my 802.11g WiFi network.
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