While driving through Fillmore over the weekend, I noticed the firework stands that were being put together. Ah yes, July 4th is just a few days away. That means there will be fireworks again!

Use the app to view cities in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino County that allow the sale and discharge of fireworks.  Included are days and times when fireworks will be sold and when you can light them up, as well as links to city websites and telephone numbers.  Data was collected from municipal codes, websites, and/or contacting each city. Data provided as is.  Some cities are allowing sales to start today AND allow you to discharge them now as well!  Check it out and be safe!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a great holiday season! Enjoy this year’s Christmas Card … I think Santa is learning about points, lines, and polygons!

Looking for a unique gift for someone who loves maps? Check out these shaded relief maps. They are flat 2D maps, but really look like they are jumping off the page in 3D. My guess the bigger the map you get, the better 3D effect on your eyes! Check it out.

You can also visit the author’s project site here.

The National Audubon Society has a new interactive map that combines bird distribution and migration maps with conservation data for 458 species of migratory birds. The interactive map displays its information from hemispheric to local levels. Check it out!

Wildfires can be sparked by a number of sources, including naturally via lightning strikes or simply by heat from the sun, but experts say most are caused by humans.

Many Earth-observing satellites can detect the heat signatures associated with wildfires. NOAA’s N-20 satellite passes over every spot on Earth at least twice a day and can detect fires with 375-meter accuracy.

Check out this wildfire app that displays hotspots and fire activity in real time in the US and Canada, and within 3 hours for the rest of the planet.

The Climate Prediction Center at NOAA has a site for current and future drought estimations. Check out their Drought Monitor interactive map and Monthly Drought Outlook and Seasonal Drought Outlook maps. There are other tools too.