International Geospatial Digest for April 15th 2024
- US Warns Allies of China’s Military Assistance to Russia
- Solar Eclipse Maps: Path of Totality, Peak Times, and Viewings Across the U.S.
- GIS Portal Enhances Collaboration for UK Nuclear Power Station
- Spring is Hummingbird Migration Season: Interactive Map Shows Their Migration Patterns
- California Map Reveals Potential Submerged Areas Due to Sea Level Rise
US Warns Allies of China’s Military Assistance to Russia
The US has issued warnings to its allies about China’s provision of geospatial intelligence to Russia for military purposes amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As China and Russia deepen their military collaboration, concerns have arisen regarding China’s technological support to Russia’s war effort. The assistance reportedly includes geospatial satellite imagery, microelectronics, machine tools for tank production, and other forms of support. This development underscores the growing ties between China and Russia, characterized by extensive trade, technological cooperation, and mutual support. US officials have emphasized the need for allies to address China’s assistance to Russia directly and have warned of “significant consequences” for companies, including those in China, supporting Russia’s war efforts. Read more here.
Solar Eclipse Maps: Path of Totality, Peak Times, and Viewings Across the U.S.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse traversed North America, captivating astronomy enthusiasts across 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. The eclipse journeyed from Mexico’s Pacific Coast to Canada, encompassing regions from Texas to Maine. Approximately 31.6 million individuals resided in the path of totality, with an additional 150 million living within 200 miles of the trajectory. Major cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Rochester were privileged to witness either partial or total eclipses. While some areas experienced a complete blackout of the sun, others witnessed partial eclipses, with the extent varying based on proximity to the path of totality. NASA provided valuable resources, including maps and forecasts, allowing enthusiasts to anticipate and track the eclipse’s progression. The event highlighted the awe-inspiring phenomenon of celestial alignment and served as a reminder of the natural wonders that unite humanity. Read more here. Download the data here.
GIS Portal Enhances Collaboration for UK Nuclear Power Station
EDF, a French electric utility company, has collaborated with Esri UK to implement an enterprise GIS (Geographic Information System) for Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear power station, one of Europe’s largest and most intricate construction projects. The GIS portal has facilitated enhanced collaboration and streamlined digital workflows by serving as a centralized repository for spatial data, maps, applications, and dashboards, benefiting over 1,500 users including employees and contractors. Read more here.
Spring is Hummingbird Migration Season: Interactive Map Shows Their Migration Patterns
As spring arrives in North America, hummingbirds begin their annual migration northward from Central America and Mexico. USA Today has compiled bird sighting data from Project FeederWatch to create an interactive map showcasing hummingbird migration patterns. Read more and check out the map here.
California Map Reveals Potential Submerged Areas Due to Sea Level Rise
A report by Newsweek highlights the potential impact of sea level rise on California’s coastline, based on projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The article provides insights into the potential consequences of sea level rise on California’s coastline, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate these risks. Read more here.
