2007 Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California Online Program

Paper Session: 4510 Virtual Globes: GIS for the Masses? is scheduled on Friday, 4/20/07, from 4:00 PM - 5:40 PM in Franciscan A, SF Hilton Sponsorship(s): Geographic Information Science and Systems Specialty Group Cartography Specialty Group Organizer(s): Josh Bader - UCSB Geography J. Alan Glennon - UCSB Geography Chair(s): Josh Bader - UCSB Geography Abstract(s):   4:00 PM   Author(s): *Karl Grossner - UC Santa Barbara Michael F. Goodchild - UC Santa Barbara Keith C. Clarke - UC Santa Barbara  Abstract Title: Defining a Digital Earth System 4:20 PM   Discussant: Gregory A. Elmes - West Virginia University   4:40 PM   Author(s): *Meg Stewart - Vassar College Mary Ann Cunningham - Vassar College Kirsten Menking - Vassar College Ken Bolton - Vassar College  Abstract Title: Sharing Project Data Using Google Earth: Doing GIS Without Learning GIS 5:00 PM   Author(s): *Ming-Hsiang (Ming) Tsou - San Diego State University  Abstract Title: A New Cartographic Research Agenda for Virtual Globes 5:20 PM   Discussant: Michael F. Goodchild - University of California - Santa Barbara   Discussant(s): Gregory A. Elmes - West Virginia University Michael F. Goodchild - University of California - Santa Barbara Session Description: Since the introduction of Google Earth in June 2005, the popularity of virtual globes software has exploded. Within a year of its launch, Google announced its globe software had reached 100 million installations. Other globe products also have experienced wide distribution, including 10 million installations of NASA's open-source virtual globe World Wind. The scientific community has taken notice.  Virtual globes made the cover of the February 15, 2006 issue of Nature accompanied by the title,  "Mapping for the Masses." If virtual globes are indeed "GIS for the masses," then their role within the discipline of geography deserves examination. This session invites speakers to discuss their work exploring the potential of these and associated internet-based geographic tools. Topics may include: Does the architecture of virtual globe software offer a viable path for a fully-functioning, analytical geographic information system? What insights does the geographic discipline offer in the further evolution of such software? How will issues such as data quality and uncertainty be dealt with in virtual globes?  What effects will virtual globes have on geographic awareness, education, and decision-making?   What is the future of virtual globes?

(52) 2007 Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California