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February 21, 2013

News for geographers

Geography in Action

Gaining a more thorough understanding of food deserts
Researchers are attempting to gain a more complete understanding of food access by incorporating the impact of mobility. The research, which tracks commuting data in Cincinnati, "proves the point that there are cases where mobility does actually have a significant impact on how much access a person might have [to food]," said Michael Widener, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Cincinnati. The Atlantic Cities (2/20)

Research shows link between availability, use of hospital beds
A study led by geographer Paul Delamater of Michigan State University has corroborated previous research that uncovered a link between the availability of hospital beds and the number that are used. The correlation remains even when various factors that can lead to hospitalization are accounted for, the researchers found. DOTMed.com (2/15), FierceHealthcare (2/15)

Research, Education and Global Change

WHO database shows global obesity patterns
A map based on data from the World Health Organization shows countries in relation to the percentage of people who are obese or overweight according to gender. In the U.S., more than 75% of men and women are considered overweight or obese, as judged by body mass index. The Guardian (London)/Data Blog (2/19)

Maps, research at center of China-Japan territorial dispute
China has been focusing on academic research and mapping as it attempts to assert control over islands that are also claimed by Japan. The dispute could have a significant regional impact and ultimately affect the U.S., which is an ally of Japan. The Washington Post (2/14)

Researchers study the extent of social connections
The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/18)

Technology and Applications

Esri president talks about cloud GIS
In this interview, Esri President Jack Dangermond discusses cloud GIS and the power of mapping tools, among other topics. "Maps are a language," he said. "And their power is that they communicate intuitively to people." Data Informed online (2/14)

Lack of satellite data could take a toll on weather forecasting
The Government Accountability Office is warning that the U.S. may be faced with a shortfall in satellite data used for weather forecasting. Launch delays may result in a data gap that could last as long as 53 months, according to the GAO, which notes that satellite programs have suffered from cost overruns and other issues. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Green blog (2/18)

Association News

New field trips added to Annual Meeting program
The AAG has added more, expert-led field trips to its Los Angeles conference. The new offerings will cover transit-oriented development with an emphasis on L.A.'s rail transit lines, activist geographies of the Los Angeles port and goods movement complex, and Temecula's viticulture. Other trips are available to various locations such as Mt. Hollywood, Chinatown and the Arroyo Seco, but space is limited. See a full list at www.aag.org/annualmeeting/fieldtrips.

Los Angeles is an additive, not subtractive city
Despite past attempts of urban theorists, city "fathers" and real estate hucksters to package Los Angeles as this or that kind of a city, L.A. resolutely maintains its status as an additive rather than a subtractive city, according to Rob Sullivan of UCLA. He says, "Los Angeles is carceral and postmodern and every huckster's dream and it is not a city at all. And yet it is more than all that as well." Read on.

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