September 7, 2010
Redlands, California—Penn State Public Broadcasting launched the first of four episodes of the Geospatial Revolution, an online documentary series that showcases the explosion of digital mapping and geographic information system (GIS) technology that impacts millions of people daily. The video series is part of the Geospatial Revolution Project, an integrated public media and outreach initiative. Visit http://geospatialrevolution.psu.edu/ for more details.
"This is a skillfully crafted production that translates the importance of GIS technology," says Jack Dangermond, president, Esri. "The series gives the audience a glimpse of how geographic knowledge is making the world a better place."
On September 15, 2010, the first of the project's four Web-based high-definition video episodes was released, accompanied by a Web site and free outreach resources, including videos, essays, and discussion questions.
The first episode, 13 minutes in length, is divided into four chapters. It begins with an overview and moves into how geospatial and location-based devices work. Following a brief history of the evolution of mapping, the episode concludes with examples of wide-reaching applications like crisis mapping and crowd sourcing. These are featured as part of a case study on digital mapping and the Haiti earthquake response.
The mission of the Geospatial Revolution Project is to expand public knowledge about the history, applications, related privacy and legal issues, and potential future of location-based technologies. It provides the general public audience with a view into how geospatial information influences nearly everything. Some of the uses highlighted include fighting climate change, improving neighborhoods and communities, tracking disease, assisting first responders, providing better public services, and navigating through daily life.
Penn State Public Broadcasting worked with numerous GIS, mapping, and technology experts in private business, government, the military, health, public safety, education, and nonprofit organizations. Esri provided significant support for the production effort.
"We are hoping our viewers will realize how broadly, deeply, and irrevocably these technologies are part of our lives, mostly for good but with their social side effects as well," says Penn State Public Broadcasting writer-director Stephen Stept. "We want folks to share these stories with family, friends, and colleagues and perhaps even join the revolution in some way." http://geospatialrevolution.psu.edu/.
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