Virtual Globes in Science
 

Conference Session: Virtual Globes: GIS for the Masses?
Association of American Geographers
2007 Annual Meeting
17-21 April
San Francisco, CA

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?
 

Conveners

Josh Bader
University of California, Santa Barbara
bader(at)geog.ucsb.edu

Alan Glennon
University of California, Santa Barbara
glennon(at)umail.ucsb.edu

Session presentations

Other Virtual Globes in Science presentations

Other  interesting Virtual Globes sessions and  presentations