Black Ice Geospatial LLC

06/24/2012

When data is not available from one source, it can be derived from many others. By using the NOAA Satellite and Information Service, I found hot spot information collected by the MODIS satellite, and derived a fire boundary map before the information was available anywhere else. I have found these derivative images to be in the neighborhood of 86% accurate coverage when plotted against actual infrared images - but those will not be available for days. See it at http://www.blackicegeospatial.com

06/16/2012

Here is a second attempt at the web map publication. Installing ArcGIS for Android on you smartphone should allow access to this web map. We will upgrade the the features and publish more detailed instructions as soon as possible.

Web Map for ArcGIS for Android or iOS

06/16/2012

I created this map of the High Park wildfire using ArcGIS Online to allow it to be used on Android or iOS smartphones. Details will follow on operation. It has an editable layer that may be used to place points with note information. Details of operation will follow in a later post. To get started, go to your app store and install ArcGIS for Android or ArcGIS for iOS on your phone.

Web Map for ArcGIS for Android or iOS

06/15/2012

Black Ice has experienced a phenomenon in the past few days. By creating a map series and explaining new means of exploring and viewing the devastating High Park wildfire near Fort Collins, the site www.blackicegeospatial.com has literally gone viral. The enormous demand has driven the site offline twice, with hundreds of thousands of hits per day. The reason is simple: The concept of making important information intuitive and immediate using maps is an untapped resource. Enormous amounts of data exist, but it is not presented in such a way as it becomes information. Visualizing Unseen Information© is not just a catchy slogan. It is what we are going to do with data to make the world a better place.

The mission of Black Ice Geospatial LLC is to produce better ways to view vital resources to facilitate the best possible decisions and actions for individuals and communities. Hidden data is of no value, so we Visualize Unseen Information © to reveal what you need to know.

06/15/2012

How can you not create a page for Facebook when you stated purpose in life is to communicate in new ways? I began Black Ice Geospatial and made it an LLC because it has no choice but to exist on the cutting edge of technology and controversy. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) developed from the top down, created to serve governments and corporations and control their data and infrastructure. The best part about the study and use of GIS is it's ability to empower anyone to be an active participant in the processes of community and government. That is what we hope to do here, communicate and empower by developing ways to help people understand the world around them.