Check out this map of Google autocomplete results from the typed in statement “Why is [state] so …”.
Mind you it is from 2014, but still fun.
Why is [state] so …?
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Category Archives: Fun Stuff
Animated Map of UFO Sightings
Check out this map of UFO sightings! The dataset the map uses contains over 80,000 records of UFO sightings over the past century (between 1910 and 2014), and the data displayed lapses from year to year. You can control which year’s data is displayed using the Time Widget at the bottom of the map. Check it out!
World Imagery Wayback
World Imagery Wayback is a digital archive, providing users with access to the different versions of world imagery created over time. Each layer in the archive represents a snapshot of the entire World Imagery map, as it existed on the date it was published. Wayback currently provides access to all published versions of World Imagery, dating back to February 20, 2014. There is an ArcGIS Online item for every version which can be accessed directly from this app.
Available versions of the World Imagery map are presented within a timeline and as layers in a list. Versions that resulted in local changes are highlighted in bold white, and the layer currently selected is highlighted in blue. Point and click on the map for additional imagery details within the selected layer. One or more layers can be added to a queue and pushed to a new ArcGIS Online web map. Check it out!
/bin/rm -r -f *
Early on in my GIS career I worked for a data conversion company. Our clients were mostly local governments wanting to convert paper maps into digital data for their new GIS software installations (think Arc/Info 7 and ArcView 3). We would work on Sun SPARCstations running SunOS Unix and Arc/Info. We called the Sun workstations “pizzabox” machines because of their shape.
One day while I had a bunch of windows open and working too fast, I decided I was done with my temp data in a directory and decided to delete everything, so at the unix prompt I issued the command “rm -r -f *”, which if you did not know means delete everything without asking with force! So you know when you hit that enter key and then realize you just deleted stuff you should have not deleted? Yes, I happened to be in the window that was in the unix library directory (/lib) and just hosed the unix operating system! Why did I have admin rights again?
Needless to say, our system admin had to spend some precious time bringing my workstation back to life. I told him at least I still had my temp data to delete again! He did not appreciate that one.
So if you cringed when I mentioned that command, check out this story about how the movie Toy Story 2 was almost killed in the same way!
Giant Rotating Earth of Drones
During the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics, there was a drone display, over 1800 drones that formed a rotating Earth. Very impressive.
Fireworks 2021!
July 4th is just a few days away, which 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. Some cities allowed sales to start yesterday AND allow you to discharge them now as well! Check it out and be safe!
US Vessel Traffic App
The Living Atlas US Vessel Traffic application is a new and fun tool that lets you explore the paths of vessels in and around US waters, look for patterns and trends by time, vessel type, and place, and it provides a simple and efficient way to download manageable-sized, area-specific, excerpts. Check it out!
More info about the app here.
US Drought Monitor
Since things are heating up again, I thought I would share this interesting site, the US Drought Monitor. Check it out!
LEGO Art World Map
If you like maps and LEGOs, then this is for you! This new addition to the LEGO Art collection contains the most pieces ever included in a set in LEGO’s history … 11,695 pieces! The world map measures 25.5 inches high by 40.5 inches wide when completed. The map is made up of 40 interconnecting base plates which are divided into three sections for the build that can be arranged in one of three ways, allowing you to place your favorite part of the world in the center of the map.
And check this out, there are customizable brick-built push pins that you can use to mark out destinations already visited or highlight those still on your bucket list! All of this for only $249.99! Available June 1st. Check it out!
Cinco De Mayo on the Map
The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico.
Check out the story by clicking the map below!
SoCalGIS.org 