The brave new world of the e-Media

by Ilse Genovese

For many, the Internet is synonymous with web browsing, e-mail, and chat. But, the Internet and, IP-based networks in general, are also the foundation for a host of commercial services with significant impact on our daily lives. Many of us shop, net-bank, and search online for government services ranging from education to health care. Behind all this activity is cloud computing. In parallel, ever since mobile wireless devices made their appearance, the way people collect, contribute, and consume information has dramatically changed. Various new technology sparks have solidified into web and mobile "e-publishing" platforms which encourage personalized engagement with published content and, consequently, an altogether new way of informing and educating different audiences. With our much improved digital edition of the ACSM Bulletin, which officially joins the new e-publishing media with this edition, we aim to form long-lasting partnerships with our readers, wherever they may be, through the cloud, with their IP addresses or e-mails, and their iPhones and iPads. Read "Inbox" on p. 7 of the April digital edition of the magazine.

Prevent GPS from Disappearing

by Joseph Paiva

The headline might sound sensationalistic, but the reality is that one of our federal regulatory agencies, in a fit of enthusiasm to extend broadband availability to more people, may be doing GPS in. Go to page 9 of this issue to learn how you can help to save GPS.

Forensic Investigations

by Robert Galvin

The much promoted economic recovery seems, at best, lukewarm. Which means business for many surveying firms remains stressed. Nevertheless, positive thinking is key, and right now is the best time to think of other niches to carve out for your business. One niche that seems a logical fit for surveying firms is forensic mapping of crash and crime scenes. Entering this field requires special preparation. In addition to his technical expertise, the expert surveyor tackling forensic work also must be trained in the law, rules of evidence, civil procedure, rules of discovery, property law, and tort law, among other legal areas. Go to page 11 for the rest of the story.

Pinning Down the Cloud

by Michelle Price

Likened by some technophiles to the Industrial Revolution, cloud computing is already transforming the world around us and it promises to shape our future world too. Despite its growing importance, however, many companies are struggling to pin down exactly how this technological miracle can truly benefit their balance sheets. The practice of cloud computing is something with which consumers all over the world are already relatively familiar, even if the term itself leaves the lay technophobes scratching their head. Sending an e-mail using a third-party Web-based e-mail service provider, such as Google Mail, for example, is a basic form of cloud computing. (More on page 17.)

Mobile Mapping Solutions

by Richard Rybka

Vehicle-mounted mobile mapping systems are quickly taking the lead as a fast, efficient, and safe way to collect data for a wide variety of applications. It is only a matter of time before these systems replace conventional ground survey and mapping data collection methodologies. Go to page 19 for the rest of the story. Read the rest of the story on p. 19.

imaging.com

Do Geospatial Communities Work Together?

by Jeff Thurston

On the technical side the design, GIS, remote sensing and surveying communities have never been more aligned than they are at the present time. Most geospatial technology works together, interoperability is high, and many products even display advanced cross product functionality. However, on the conceptual side of the equation there seems to be a dusty trail with many explorers setting up homesteads―and staying in them. This has important ramifications for growth. Do you think the design, surveying, remote sensing and GIS communities are aligned? Go to page 22 for the rest of the story.

Crowdsourcing and Land Surveyors

by Landon Blake

For surveyors, crowdsourcing is a technological phenomenon where the power of new technologies links up with our independent spirit and our need to share information with one another. I believe there are tremendous opportunities that crowdsourcing can bring to the land surveying profession and the communities we serve. To benefit from these opportunities we need to be alert and encourage those willing and capable of implementing the frameworks that will make these opportunities tangible. Read more on Page 26.