Google Squared takes a category and creates a starter 'square' of information, automatically fetching and organizing facts from across the web. This could be used for vocabulary lists (it includes an image and description and you can add custom columns) or other types of research. Finished squares can be downloaded as .csv or to Google Spreadsheet.>Google Squared#gbar{float:left;height:22px}.gbh,.gbd{border-top:1px solid #c9d7f1;font-size:1px}.gbh{height:0;position:absolute;top:24px;width:100%}#gbs,.gbm{background:#fff;left:0;position:absolute;text-align:left;visibility:hidden;z-index:1000}.gbm{border:1px solid;border-color:#c9d7f1 #36c #36c #a2bae7;z-index:1001}#guser{padding-bottom:7px !important;text-align:right}#gbar,#guser{font-size:13px;padding-top:1px !important}.gb1,.gb3,.gb3i,.gb3f{zoom:1;margin-right:.5em}.gb2,.gb2i,.gb2f{display:block;padding:.2em .5em}a.gb1,a.gb2,a.gb3,a.gb4{color:#00c !important}.gb2i,.gb3i,.gb4i{color:#dd8e27 !important}.gb2f,.gb4f,#gb5{color:#900 !important}.gb2,.gb2i,.gb2f,.gb3,.gb3i,.gb3f{text-decoration:none}a.gb2:hover{background:#36c;color:#fff !important}
GMapCatcher is an offline maps viewer. It downloads tiles automatically from many providers such as: CloudMade, OpenStreetMap, Yahoo Maps, Google Map. It displays them using a custom GUI. User can view the maps while offline. GMapCatcher doesn't depend on google-map's java scripts so it should work even if google changes them. It also provides a downloading tool.
KmlFactBook is a unique site which lets you load data sets from CIA Factbook and WRI Earthtrends into Google Maps and create cool presentations from them. You can view facts such as population of various countries, their GDP, immigration rate and a lot more on Google Maps and on Google Earth. If you would like to view the data offline then you can download it in kml format and open it with the desktop version of Google Earth.
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Home arrow Articles arrow Storycaching
Storycaching
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The premise of Storycaching is to combine the use of a GPS with an iPod where a user goes to a specific place using map coordinates, then listens to a podcast (audio on demand), usually a story, that takes into account the nature of the area where the listener is now located.
Like geocaching, a cache may be located at the site and can contain some relevant objects that add a physical dimension or symbolism to the cached story. Storycaching is designed to enhance the experience of both the storyteller and the listener. By allowing the storyteller to reference elements in the environment where the listener is located, the listener is provided a third dimension to the story, that of authentic physical feelings and sensory input. Storycaching is a concept created by Dr. Martin Horejsi at The University of Montana-Missoula.
For example, a girl walks to a distinctive place in order to listen to a story on her iPod. Using map coordinates and a GPS, she climbs part way up a hill on the edge of town. When arriving at a specific spot according to the GPS, she locates a small box containing some relics. Sitting on a rock, she holds the objects in her hand listens to a sound file on her iPod. Overlooking the valley, the power of the Native American elder's words stir her emotions as landmarks, smells, the wind, and other sounds are referenced in the story, all possible because the person telling the story knows that the listener will be in a specific place while listening to the story. Or maybe, the story was recorded years ago when the elder sat in the very spot where the young girl now sits. A connection with the story is forged in a way never before experienced alone.
Another example is where a high school student studying earth science walks through a river drainage with his teacher. But his teache