GIS !

Man, this stuff is pretty cool. Im getting down to the nitty gritty, analyzing geocoding, and dynamic segmentation. Geocoding refers to the process of assigning spatial locations to data in fields that describe their locations. Google Maps and Mapquest use this process whenever you need directions off of the internet. This reference database (which is public knowledge) has a road network with appropriate attributes so that the address location will be apparent in real time.

Do you remember the census that we all had to take last year? Well, it is still being analyzed and recorded, however, you can access the most recent information through the US census bureau's website. A lot of the data is recorded as TIGER/Line polygon vector data, which is a bunch of fancy jargon for shapefiles. Most importantly, it includes street names and other such important/relevant data.

How is this important? Why am I even talking about this, you may ask. Well, because it really IS important. For instance, how do you think OnStar works when your vehicle is broken down? How do emergency services find you when you dial 911? Where exactly WOULD we be if not for Google Maps? LOST that's where!

But that's not to say that this technology will always be made for the good of man kind. It also has potential for great danger. It's common knowledge that at any point in time, someone can track you with your phone (or at least I hope people know this). I don't know about you, but it makes me a little uncomfortable knowing that the government can find you anywhere at anytime. And have you heard that Obama is trying to make the internet indoctrinated to American law? Yes. A government internet. Man this big brother thing freaks me out. I'm going back to work!