Another APPlause for the Far North Queensland GIS Group!
The Far North Queensland GIS Group (Fungis) has hosted another successful workshop in Cairns, this time about smartphone technologies and smartphone Apps.
Fungis chose to keep the locals informed by hosting this informative workshop, both as a result of member feedback and to keep up with exponentially changing spatial technologies. The workshop was undoubtedly a resounding success with presentations from a variety of local, national and international speakers.
Firstly, to whet everyone’s APPetite, the workshop began with an outstanding keynote address by Dr Clarence Tan, Singularity University Ambassador and Chair of Innovation, Bond University. Clarence discussed ways of solving the world’s problems with singularity & exponential technologies. It was an outstanding review of new and current technologies including a myriad of interesting people and minds. Visit his blog at http://drctan.wordpress.com/
Local smartphone app developer Chris Dahlberg gave the event a local flavour with a passionate presentation about tourism oriented phone App technology uptake in Far North Queensland.
Joann Resing from Qld Dept. of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries presented the range of Apps available for primary producers. Joann also enlightened the audience with important security and privacy issues we all need to be aware of, including the fact that some Apps access locational information, your internet and make phone calls! So folks please look at the permissions before you download your next App!
Another local, Tablelander Tate Jones from Bluedog Technologies gave some great insights into storing data offline on phone databases and the best way to store information on your smart phone, including the most efficient way to load large images. He also discussed the pros and cons of many useful apps and the ones he was most impressed with.
George Corea from Atherton Tablelands GIS (ATGIS) showed the audience what Apps to use when you’re trekking in the wilderness or otherwise want to access data offline. His presentation was first class using Prezi to present the range of Apps out there and the best value for money.
Over a fantastic lunch at the Pacific International, Dr Kate Russo captivated the attendees with an open discussion about the psychology of chasing eclipses. Kate being a self-confessed eclipse chaser discussed the emotional impact eclipses have on eclipse observers with the workshop audience. It was very interesting and entertaining. There is more to an eclipse than meets the eye! Kate has written a book on the subject titled 'Total Addiction: The Life of an Eclipse Chaser'.
After lunch Alistair Hart from Mangoesmapping showcased augmented reality Apps and illustrated how they will improve our lifestyle, changing how we shop for a house to how we look for new employment.
Rahman Schionning from ATGIS presented a glimpse into the future of spatial apps.
The event closed on an interesting note with Jason Allen presenting his brilliant work on the development of an augmented reality tool for smart phones which can be used to interrogate natural landscapes. This sort of technology will be sought after by land managers when they see its practical applications.
Some of the presentations will be available online soon.
Workshop photos are presented below for your viewing pleasure - additional photos are welcome - please email them to: fungis1990@gmail.com