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Global news with a spatial perspective: Interesting, current supplemental materials for geography students and teachers. http://geographyeducation.org
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Seth Dixon
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"Ogooglebar. That's Swedish, and means "something you can't find with the use of a search engine." At least, that's what the Language Council of Sweden wanted Ogooglebar to mean--until Google stepped in, fearing that the word had negative connotations for the firm."
Seth Dixon's insight:
I am used to the French trying to slow the flow of English words into French, but shocked that Google would join in the fray to slow linguistic change. Words evolve based on cultural shifts and technological changes and the computer industry has especially created new words to describe emerging, new social interactions. I'm certain that the company Google is thrilled that "to google" is the verb of choice to describe the action of searching for online for content. I would have guessed that Google was savvy enough to understand that this "ungoogleable" term is not an indictment on the company, but a new way to define that elusive, mysterious, indefinable quality for a generation that sometimes acts as if everything can be found of Google. Tags: language, culture, technology, google, diffusion. Delete the scoop?
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You are looking at, more or less, a portrait of the internet over an average 24 hours in 2012—higher usage in yellows and reds; lower in greens and blues—created by an anonymous researcher for the "Internet Census 2012" project.
Seth Dixon's insight:
This is a stunning animated graphic the represents internet usage. The temporal dynamics of map make it especially mesmerizing. 
Zakary Pereira's comment,
April 30, 5:02 PM
Whoa. This is awesome. Never before had I seen internet usage across the globe before. I wasn’t too surprised by the map its showing. Obviously the United States and Europe would have the highest internet traffic of the world although I was quite surprised to see such massive internet activity in Central America, near Panama and Costa Rica. This data was collected illegally and it was interesting how they did it. It was a bot who hacked into Linux computers with no password (really…) or a default password (still really…) and then tracked their IPv4 address to see their activity. It was a non-threatening bot and they created a readme file on each computer that explained what it was doing however it was still an invasion of privacy and no matter how cool the map came out I cannot agree with their methods of obtaining this information. What interested me at first about this was activity in the Middle East. You can see a lot of activity in Turkey and around the Nile in Egypt, but other than that the rest of the region is fairly dim. It is unfortunate that is so because of how it could help people there, just look at the Arab Spring.
Kevin Cournoyer's comment,
May 1, 12:51 AM
I found this collection of data very interesting. It reveals a number of different things about the internet across the world and the intensity of its usage.
Most obviously, perhaps, you can see what areas of the world have the most internet usage, or at least access. The areas of highest use seem to certainly match up with what you would expect: high internet usage and access in first world countries in Europe and in the United States, lower internet usage and access in more impoverished areas such as Africa and the Middle East. The amount of internet usage can also be seen increasing and decreasing as the animation moves from right to left, indicating the twenty four hour cycle of a day and presumably decreased internet usage during the night and increased usage during the day. This animation provides fascinating and valuable information about the internet in a unique geographic context. Economic geography is apparent in the concentration of internet usage, while physical geography is evident in the correlation between what parts of the world are accessing the internet at higher rates and when, in contrast to other parts of the world. 
Thomas D's comment,
May 2, 11:32 AM
I find that this article of Internet usage is very interesting and somewhat helpful in understanding the development of countries. You can see from this that over a 24 hour period of time that the entire United States is lit up with a color. When over this 24 hour period there are places on the map that never once do you see a light or you only can see it for a small period of time. I think this goes to show how greatly our society depends on the Internet nowadays. That we basically use the internet or a computer for just about everything at all times of the day. That in some countries they are so underdeveloped that they barely have access to computers. According to this picture Africa is barely lit up and it’s mostly lit up in South Africa which is one of the growing countries in the world. I think this information although gathered illegally is very interesting to look at and see who uses the internet the most.
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The disastrous earthquake in Haiti taught humanitarian groups an unexpected lesson: the power of mobile devices to coordinate, inform, and guide relief efforts. Tags: technology, disasters, Haiti, TED.
Seth Dixon's insight:
We are only beginning to see the applications of smart phones to improve peoples lives. In this TED talk, Paul Conneally explores some of the possibilities (citizen mapping, crowd-sourced disaster recovery, etc.) that is just sitting in the palm of our collective hands. 
Tony Hall's curator insight,
February 18, 6:43 AM
This is why ICT is important. No. Vital! Our students need to see things like this so that they understand the positive aspects of technology. They need to see that SMS, Facebook & Twitter are so much more than just a way sharing silly photos of themselves. This technology has the power to affect real, positive change. Delete the scoop?
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Seth Dixon's insight:
This interactive dot distribution map of the United States 2010 census data has many great applications. The conversation can focus on the symbology of the map (for example, this could lead to a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of dot distribution maps) or notice how certain physical landforms are visible for either their high or low population density. One of the advantages of this map is that it uses census data at the block level. This means that the user can visualize distinct scale-dependent patterns. Sharp divisions (e.g.-urban vs. rural) might have less of a distinct edge as you zoom in. UPDATE: This map now includes Canadian census data as well as the United States. Tags: cartography, technology, mapping, visualization, population, density. 
Sam Capron's curator insight,
February 6, 10:22 PM
It is interesting in this map that you can see the growing megalopolis on the eastern coast, as well as the blending of rural and urban locations. 
Charlie Koppelson's curator insight,
February 7, 2:40 PM
This map is very useful in examining the distribution of people and geography in North America. It's easy to see that our once rural based country is completely dominated by cities, most of which are near the coast. It's fun to play around with as you can see where mountain ranges are as well as other topographic changes just by the concentrations of people, or lack there of. Delete the scoop?
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The idea of flash mobs has spread quickly, diffusing at a time when online video sharing can immortalize the moment in time and social media can amplify the audience beyond just one place.
Seth Dixon's insight:
I LOVE this particular flashmob (as a bonus, 'read' the cultural landscape to try to identify where this took place). While there are many types of successful flash mobs, all share one characteristic: place matters. The place where a flash mob performs is not simply a stage; place is a crucial part of the meaning of the flash mob. An incredibly prominent place with open spaces and many sight lines is a prime location for a flash mob. Beyond these tangible characteristics, if a site has some importance cultural significance, those qualities can be meshed with the meanings of the flash mob. For more of my musings on flashmobs (and extra clips) you can continue reading here: http://geographyeducation.org/whats-new/articles/place-and-flash-mobs/ Tags: place, space, diffusion, popular culture. Delete the scoop?
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Seth Dixon's insight:
During the holiday season, online sales shoot up as distant relatives seek to ship gifts in time for Christmas. Some have noted that online shoppers can stay at home and completely render the tradition physical storefront redundant. Online shoppers, whether they think about it or not, hoping that the physical logistics behind the scenes will work efficiently and quickly. This collection of images is a reminder that while it might appear that geography and location are eliminated with online communications, these virtual interactions in cyberspace are dependent on actual physical locations. Tags: location, economic, space, industry, technology. 
Jim Lerman's curator insight,
December 17, 2012 10:24 PM
Must be a mighty difficult place to work in. Delete the scoop?
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Entrepreneur converts shipping container into mobile internet shop powered entirely by the sun. This 2-minute video shows how a an enterpreneur has made his business (an internet cafe) self-sufficient, not relying much on external infrastruture. Modern Africa has advanced beyond what many in the developed world acknowledge and is beyond some the old stereotypes of that characterize how people view the 'Dark Continent.' Tags: Africa, technology, development, video. 
Matt Mallinson's comment,
November 5, 2012 2:36 PM
This shop is awesome. Good for him opening this up randomly, from security guard to owning a solar powered cafe. It gives children the opportunity to become more familiar with the internet and how to use it. What a great idea.
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The viral hit isn't a fluke. South Korea has been cultivating a global music business for decades. You may already know that I've been fascinating watching the cultural diffusion of Gangnam Style throughout the world as mentioned previously. This NPR podcast looks at the economic infrastructure of the South Korean music industry that explains in greater detail how this video went viral. The distribution of this video is dependent in part on the technological sophistication and economic strategies of South Korea to associate their brands with cultural cachet. Tags: popular culture, industry, diffusion, globalization, technology, economic, unit 6 industry. Delete the scoop?
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Learn about the high-tech treasure hunting game being played around the world by adventure seekers! Learn more at http://www.geocaching.com Subscribe to this... Geocaching is great way to get people outdoors, use geospatial technologies and have fun with the whole family. Tags: GPS, edtech, geospatial, technology, location. Delete the scoop?
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"We are extremely sorry," Apple CEO Tim Cook says in an open letter. Producing a poor map can have disastrous consequences, especially if that map is widely disseminated. Given that people rely on maps to be accurate and base decisions on spatial information, it is the mapmaker's responsibility to not go live with a map (or mapping platform) until it does meet the standards of expectation. Tags: mapping, technology.
Matt Mallinson's comment,
September 30, 2012 8:38 PM
This image is trippy. I agree with the caption, it is only the mapmaker's responsability to not go live with a map until it meets standards. People need to know where they're going,
Nic Hardisty's comment,
October 1, 2012 8:52 AM
While its terrifying that Apple would push a product that appears to be significantly flawed, it is nice to see them own their mistake and offer some solutions.
Charles Matley's comment,
October 1, 2012 10:17 AM
I am glad that Apple has moved away from relying on google maps. I have not had a problem with Apple Maps domestically.
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UNAVCO, a non-profit university-governed consortium, facilitates geoscience research and education using geodesy. "Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research have been using what is typically considered an error in the GPS signal to measure snow depth around GPS receivers. A GPS receiver records both direct and reflected signals from a satellite. A reflected signal bounces off of whatever is around the GPS station before being recorded, and therefore can contain information about the ground surface close to the station. Traditionally snow depth has been measured by hand. In other words, someone had to go out with a measuring stick to whatever location they were interested in. GPS snow depth measurements solve both of these problems: once a GPS unit is installed, it can function on its own throughout the winter, and will make a measurement every two hours, which is then averaged for a daily position, or in this case, snow depth." Tags: GPS, climatechange, water, technology, Delete the scoop?
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Create QR Codes for GPS Coordinates to Create Scavenger Hunts...
Not everyone was access to a full class set of GPS units. As more students have smart phone capabilities, this is just one idea on how to leverage that technology. Delete the scoop?
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There have been at least 57 in the last 30 years—and most of the killers got their guns legally.
Still not sure if I'm prepared to explain what this all means, but it would be worth discussing in class. Delete the scoop?
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"Every year, as a result of prenatal sex selection, 1.5 million girls around the world are missing at birth. How do we know these girls are missing if they were never born? Under normal circumstances, about 102 to 107 male babies are born for every 100 female babies born. This is called the sex ratio at birth, or SRB."
Seth Dixon's insight:
How do local cultures create these demographic statistics? How do these demographic statistics impact local cultures? Tags: gender, technology, folk culture, statistics, China, population. Delete the scoop?
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Iceland is working on banning Internet pornography, calling explicit online images a threat to children.
Seth Dixon's insight:
Given the cultural values and legal traditions of Western Europe in general (and Scandinavia more specifically), Iceland stands apart on this particular issue. While most Western countries would see this as a freedom of speech issue, many in Iceland view it as child protection issue. Delete the scoop?
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Tea plucking machines are threatening the livelihoods of tea pickers in the Indian state of Assam, reports Mark Tully.
Seth Dixon's insight:
This is yet another example of the uneven impacts of globalization. 
David Ricci's comment,
April 28, 12:51 PM
Contrary to the two comments above I believe that if they want the current system to work they need to make their team seem even more upper-class. If they stress the quality of their product enough to make it seem upper-class they can sell to an entirely different market. Obviously if they try to compete with the general tea leaf market they will not succeed because the average person with an average salary would rather pay for the cheaper tea. If they sell to a different market then they just might be able to preserve their way of running the operation. Now, I don’t agree with their methods or disagree because it is not my place to judge, but unless they totally redesign their product for to sell to the wealthy, they will not survive. This method of picking is time consuming and costly, and as we have all seen with automotive in Detroit Michigan machines can save enough money and time to put thousands of workers without jobs. In a competing market even after 50 years of the same way of running things, you have to be crazy not to at least entertain the thought of mechanizing some parts of the tea picking process.
Max Krishchuk's comment,
April 30, 10:23 AM
This article is very interesting because it addresses two main points: culture and economy. As I was reading through the article, I thought that the estate owners actually wanted to reduce their workforce and put in machines. I was surprised to learn that the owners actually want to keep the workers, because the quality of their tea is much better. For economic reasons, it would seem smarter for the owners to give the machines the work of the laborers because it would save them a lot of money. For cultural reasons, it would seem smarter for the workers to leave because they do not want to be portrayed as “coolies”. While I do not know the meaning of the coolie term, it seems like it is a stereotype that is given to tea plant workers. I think that it is important for the workers to keep their jobs because it would show the world that there are people in India and elsewhere that want to truly help out their workers and for their workers to have a good life. While it seems that many people do not want to work there because of the stereotype that would be given to them, I think it would still be better than not having a job and a future.
Brianna Simao's comment,
April 30, 10:29 PM
Like David said, in order for the company to stand strong they need to reach out and advertise to a higher class. If they sell to the wealthier portion of the world they could continue to have enough money to pay their workers a deserving amount for the tedious work they must do. This could potentially bring in more workers because of the high income. I do think it is good that they keep their reputation of producing high quality tea instead of giving into the high demand and competition of other tea companies who do use machines to harvest the leaves, which include the stalks.
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The stunning drop in global child mortality is proof that poor countries are not doomed to eternal misery. Here's how it happened.
Seth Dixon's insight:
Global health has substantially improved in the last two decades. This article explores the improvements in global health that have been made this year, and the attached interactive feature allows users to explore the changes in global health risks. Click here for the Guardian's version of this same data and interactive. Tags: medical, historical, spatial, technology, development. 
diana buja's curator insight,
December 27, 2012 3:44 AM
Seth Dixon, Ph.D.'s insight:
Global health has substantially improved in the last two decades. This article explores the improvements in global health that have been made this year, and the attached interactive feature allows users to explore the changes in global health risks. Click here for the Guardian's version of this same data and interactive.
vimlesh kumar's comment,
December 27, 2012 4:05 AM
Hi, Great to see a new list of top travel blogs. With over 8000 uniques per month, I feel mine should be in there somewhere. Could you take a look at http://www.honeymoonpackagesindia.org.in/ ? Thanks
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Seth Dixon's insight:
This map might appear to be completely trivial and it probably is. Still, there are interesting historical and colonial patterns that can be seen in this technological culture region map. Questions to Ponder: Will there one day be a single format? When? What are barrier to that happening? What does this tell us about the extent of globalization? Delete the scoop?
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THERE WAS SOMETHING odd about the black car at the junction of Sutter and Hyde Streets. It was an ordinary saloon. Its windows were clear, and it looked in good... Technologies today have allowed us to be digitally connected from anywhere. This impacts geographic patterns from outsourcing to local businesses that rely on interpersonal communications to connect potential demand with resources. Some may see this as geography becoming less of a barrier, and consequently, less relevant. This article in the Economist argues that as these technologies have rendered location more important than ever since they rely on geospatial technologies. "The reports of the death of distance have been much exaggerated." Tags: technology, globalization, location, place. Delete the scoop?
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A pictorial investigation bureau, at your service. Social media has fundamentally changed how information is disseminated. Many photos that are spread on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest can be 'doctored' or mislabeled since citizen journalists aren't held to the same standard of verifying their sources. In the abundance of information, sorting out fact from fiction can be quite difficult. Social media has made me a more of a skeptic, and I try not to post a picture that I it can't find it's original source. Delete the scoop?
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The Kauffman Foundation's Samuel Arbesman on his new book, The Half-Life of Facts. This is an interview, Samuel Arbesman,the author of The Half-Life of Facts explains how population density and place matter in forming a creative economic workforce. Urban centers act as drivers of innovation and advancements and attract the more ambitious and daring workers. Additionally, this map on the expansion of the printing press (discussed in the interview) is also a great map to show how technological innovations can spur cultural diffusion. Tags: technology, diffusion, urban, labor, migration, book review. Delete the scoop?
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The Gangnam Style! sensation is all over the internet, complete with parodies that both honor and mock the original. This first video is the original, which in a few short months received well ove... The following link has the video, parodies and infographics to help student explore the meaning behind the cultural phenomenon. Questions to Ponder: Considering the concept of cultural diffusion, what do we make of this phenomenon? What cultural combinations are seen in this? How has the technological innovations changed how cultures interact, spread and are replicated? Tags: popular culture, video, diffusion, globalization, culture, place, technology, unit 3 culture. 
Rich's comment,
October 3, 2012 2:27 PM
When I first saw this music video and heard the song I remember myself saying "I have no idea what is going on, but the human race is a better place thanks to this guy." I may not know what he is saying but it puts me in a great mood. This guy is breaking cultural and geographical boundaries with music.
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From technology to equality, five ways the world is getting better all the time... This article by former President of the United States Bill Clinton, outlines numerous ways that globalization can improve the world, especially in developing regions. He uses examples from around the world and includes numerous geographic themes.
Tags: technology, medical, economic, gender, class, globalization, development, worldwide. Delete the scoop?
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We are a society that is reliant on modern navigational devices. This is an interesting article that argues for keeping modern equipment, but asks us not to eliminate older technologies in our haste to embrace the shiny and new. "Technology as great as it is should never be a replacement for skills, but a tool used to assist you." Tags: GPS, technology, spatial. 
melissa stjean's comment,
September 15, 2012 4:15 PM
Driving in New York City is as scary as it gets with all the craziness going on everywhere. When my GPS signal decided to go out was not a fun time, thankfully in my car i had a real map of the city to come to my rescue. I totally agree with this article because although new technology is great, it can give out on you at any time. So knowing how to read and use real maps is crucial when driving in new territories.
Jeff F's comment,
September 17, 2012 6:49 PM
I love gps, however, I always look at a map before hand and get an idea of what the major streets in the area are. GPS also sometimes does not take into effect things like bridges being down. Two months ago, I was trying to find some place and my gps kept trying to lead me to a bridge which was closed. I ended up zooming out and looking at the map to know where the street was I was looking for. I then managed to find a route that lead around the bridge.
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Robyn shares her personal story and how it inspired her current path as a "Real Food" evangelist. Grounded in a successful Wall Street career that was more i...
Robyn authored "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It." A former Wall Street food industry analyst, Robyn brings insight, compassion and detailed analysis to her research into the impact that the global food system is having on the health of our children. As new proteins are engineered into our food supply to maximize profits for the food industry, childhood food allergies are on the rise. What are the connections between cancer and modern consumption patterns? The correlation is clearly there; is causation also present? How have the economics of agriculture shaped this situation? How will the future economics of agriculture reshape food production? Delete the scoop?
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This is an old article, but a fascinating topic that cuts across many geographic issues. Uluru, the landform that that European explorers named Ayers Rock, was the key place that is at the center of a struggle between indigenous people and the government. Many feel that the government's course of action in the mid 2000's was paternalistic and racist. They banned alcohol and pornography in over 70 indigenous communities in an attempt to lower the rates of child sex abuse. Sex Abuse is high (and often hidden) in aboriginal communities where a child is 7 times more likely to be abused than in the rest of the Australian population.
Questions to Ponder: Would the government impose such measures on other populations within Australia? When crimes have a racial component, does a government have the right to limit a particular groups' actions? Why or why not?
Tags: Australia, indigenous, ethnicity, race, Oceania.