SpatialKey: Geotemporal Mapping

{D.C. Constuction 2004-2007, Image Via SpatialKey}

I'm increasingly interested in advancements in mapping technology. Even as wanderlust young lad I'd would flip through my father's Rand McNally with the same feverish delight that other children would with Where The Wild Things Are. Perhaps it stemmed from a feeling of worldly isolation growing up in a small town, but regardless I'm fond of maps, and as technology develops exponentially, I'm sure there will be plenty to discuss here at D.U.S.

A new mapping system comes from SpatialKey, which has created unique templates for looking at geotemporal datasets. The four template setting include animation/playback, map comparison, drill down, and temporal heat index. The software allows to even set your own specific measuring data, as long as there is time and location data. An advantage of the program is that it is flash based, so you're not tied down to your software location like GIS, as long as you have web access, you can log in.

{Terrorist Attacks on Infrastructure 2004-2007, Image Via: Spatialkey}

I think holds a variety of potential for landscape architects, planners, developers, and urban designers as a site analysis tool. An example shows a heat map of D.C. construction during a designated period. An professional unfamiliar with the area can look at this information, setting the parameters to their specification and quickly gain insight to the hotbeds of growth. Combined with cultural demographic data such as voter registration, remote access site reconnaissance can better aide in more efficient site development.

The maps also could benefit site monitoring and case studies. In a public space, using geotagged cartography to map cell phone and wi-fi usage could define areas of pedestrian traffic flow and temporal spatial comfort zones.

If nothing else, the more information we have about a site, the better we can design.

{Sacramento Real Estate Sales Over 3K Sq. Ft., Image Via: SpatialKey}

{Sacramento Residential Burglaries Jan. 2006-Nov. 2007, Image Via: SpatialKey}