Volume 27 • No 02 • 2004
ISSN 0742-468X • Since 1978
On-line Since 2000
Out of the Box
Editor's note: In “Out of the Box” we bring you news snippets that are not necessarily related specifically to GIS. These are items that come across my screen that help me understand our industry, by understanding the world around us. For the complete article just click “Details Here.” Think of it as thinking Out of the Box
In State and Local Government …
• Lawsuit against property appraiser could set precedent in GIS cases. The Naples Daily News reported that “MicroDecisions, an Orlando-based real estate information provider, is suing Skinner because he copyrighted the Property Appraiser's Internet Geographic Information System, or GIS. Collier Circuit Judge Ted Brousseau issued a summary judgment in favor of Skinner earlier this year in the case. A summary judgment means the case is dismissed “with prejudice” and thereby prevents MicroDecisions from suing again. MicroDecisions is appealing the summary judgment and the issue will be heard by the Second District Court of Appeals in Tampa on April 28.” Details Here
• ITASCA County using infrared forest photos for land management Details Here
• SUNY student helps map Lyme breeding grounds. Her internshiphas her using Geographic Information
Systems to create new reference maps for studying Lyme disease.
Details Here
In Technology …
• MobilePro Corp.filed a patent
application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a wireless
technology invention created by the company. The application covers 32 claims
in multiple frequencies around multiple wireless standards including ZigBee,
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wireless standards themselves are in the public domain
and thus not patentable. Details Here.
• The U.S. and China are embroiled in a trade dispute that could disrupt the global technology industry.
The U.S. has asked China to back off on plans to impose software encryption standards for wireless networks and related devices, as of June 1. The U.S. has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization about a 17% tax imposed by China on imported computer chips.
Details Here
In Utilities …
• Expansion plans at electric power companies have effectively been short-circuited by an expected slowing of demand for electricity in the coming decade. Details Here
• The state Public Utilities Commission of Hawaii waived a number of regulatory requirements for wireless carriers operating in Hawaii. Details Here.
• Moody's Investors Service lowered the debt ratings of NUI Utilities, Inc. (Utilities) to B1 from Ba3 (Sr. Unsecured) and that of NUI Corporation (nyse: NUI -news -people ) (Corp.), the parent, to Caa1 from B3 (Sr. Unsecured). The outlook for both entities is negative. Details Here.
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