Realtime Google Earth

There are several things that are needed to use Google Earth as a base for a moving map display. While all the pieces are not all in place, it is quickly coming together.

Consider:

• Google Earth as the base map and underlying system.
• GooPs (free) as the GPS interface (to a bluetooth GPS receiver).
• Option GT Max data card (~$300 - unlocked European version) with a data-only T-Mobile connection ($50/month).

An alternative is to try the tracking feature in Google Earth Pro ($20/year).

It looks like an advantage of the GooPs approach is the possibility of storing current locations on a remote server so that other people can see where you are. This might be a critical feature if a field researcher needs the support of a base-station team.

Earth, air, fire and water!

The Big Island is on hurricane watch. They also had a 5.2 earthquake last night. And on Oahu, there is an uncontained brushfire. Rock and roll time in the 50th State.

Blogging for Graduate Students?

As the Grad Program chair, I wonder if it is a good idea to encourage graduate students to start a blog. This may function to keep the graduate committees abreast of the work being done by each student -- particularly when a student is doing field research.

It is likely that several things will need to be done if this is to be successful:

• Have some examples that new students can see. These will serve as models.
• List typical things that should be added to the blog.
• Look at the blogs often and give feedback. (This can be helped if there are links to the blogs from the "people" page on the Botany website.