Mapping the True Identity…

National Geographic is taking nominations for a geotourism mapping initiative where travelers can nominate places for a interactive maps that are due to debut in September.  The idea of interactive geotourism allows the community and off the beaten travelers themselves identify and geotag often overlooked tourist spots.  The main focus is to identify places that emphasize the character, environment, heritage, culture, and aesthetics of a place.  Places of local importance that may be of importance to a traveler who is looking to get in tune with the local culture is what National Geographic hopes to put on stage.

For more information about the project, click here…

Kenneth E. Liwag; Rutgers University Planning Intern; VERTICES, LLC.

The Externalities of Mapping…

The Economic Development department and GIS/Technology department of Frederick County, Maryland have joined forces to map out the major business parks and retails centers located in their county.  While it is advantageous to have this information for their personal use, the main focus of the map is too provide valuable information to possible businesses looking to do business in their area.  The ability for businesses to have access to valuable information regarding zoning, lot sizes, and availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week will give Frederick County the leading edge against its neighboring counties when trying to lure businesses in.  The county hopes to provide an easy and seamless transition for any businesses looking to expand or relocate to the Frederick County area through its new and innovative interactive map.

For more information about the initiatives of Frederick County, click here…

Kenneth E. Liwag; Rutgers University Planning Intern; VERTICES, LLC.

Mapping and the Rural US…

This piece from the New York Times helps to justify the $350 million portion of the stimulus bill slated to map all the areas of the United States with less than adequate accessbility to internet broadband service.  While this information may be easily accessible by asking internet providers where their respective services extend to, the companies themselves may not be so willing to volunteer that information.  Either way, it seems that internet accessbility is a major component of education availability and communication accessibility in the stimulus bill.

For more information, click here…

Kenneth E. Liwag; Rutgers University Planning Intern; VERTICES, LLC.

More Mapping and the Middle East…

More community mapping and GIS is being used to help stabilize life in the West Bank.  JumpStart International is starting their pilot program of mapping streeets, and various important businesses and establishments in the West Bank as way to encourage economic development in the area.  The organization is training residents from the West Bank with GIS technical skills and techniques so that they may be able to actively manage the sight.  While the site will be aimed for the use by the public, both the private and public sector will be able to access and benefit from the site.  JumpStart International hopes that this project will prove to be successful and bring these projects to other less-developed areas of the world.

For more information, click here…

Kenneth E. Liwag, Rutgers University Planning Intern, VERTICES, LLC.

Entrepreneurship Advice Through Mapping…

Many have believed that the location of a venture is the single most important characteristic that leads to its success.  So why do many businesses in great locations fail to make it past their first year?  Zoomprospector.com has propsed that while location is indeed important, other factors also come into play including demographics, and transportation opportunities.  They have even provided an interactive map where they predict new businesses will flourish and where they will flounder.  In  these times of economic uncertainty, those who choose to move forward and open a business will need all the help they can get of which zoomprospector.com may provide some great assistance.

To learn more or learn about the entrepreneurial characteristics of your location, click here…

Kenneth E. Liwag, Rutgers University Planning Intern, VERTICES, LLC.