Technology in the Field: Smartphones

Once upon a time (back in 2011) I wrote an article on the accuracy of smartphones in the field compared to dedicated GPS units (click here to read it). Coming back from the field has reminded me that nothing’s changed — I’d still rather use my phone than wait for the GPS unit to power up and figure out where I am.

There’s plenty more GPS apps for smartphones now than there was 5 years ago, but I still find myself consistently going back to Maverick (Play Store). It’s simple, lets me drop my waypoint, take a georeferenced picture, add in descriptions, and makes me happy. Used to use OruxMap (Play Store). It has great features, but for some reason I just click on Maverick for fast fieldwork.

It’s nice to see people getting on board with smartphones as GPS, from geography field trips (article) to research investigations (article). Not nearly the backlash when I presented at conferences oh so many years ago (*gasp*! How DARE you say some PHONE is as good as a $2000 Trimble?!??).

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Integrating Paleoecology and Time-lapse Technology in an Elevator

I love when my interests align in a brilliant example of integrating paleolandscape reconstructions, human ecodynamics, and technology for public consumption — this time in the guise of a time-lapse video on an elevator ride.

Five elevators which will be servicing the observatory atop the new 1 World Trade Center (in NYC) will show a 47-second video time-lapsing 515 years of panoramic landscape change along the tip of Manhattan Island. What a brilliant documentary and concept!

55-feet below ground, visitors begin in 1500AD. At 250 feet they reach 1760AD — the British Colonial Era. By the time they reach 1,269 feet above ground, visitors have seen skyline landmarks come and go.

For more information visit the original article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/20/nyregion/on-time-lapse-rocket-ride-to-trade-centers-top-ghostly-glimpse-of-doomed-tower.html?smid=fb-share&_r=1