About Us
What is DelGeotech?
The Delaware Geospatial Technology (DelGeotech) Group consists of individuals interested in exploring and sharing innovative geospatial technologies. Geospatial technology encompasses many things we see everyday, such as driving directions, GPS devices, in-car navigation, interactive mapping websites, e911 calls from cell-phones, and many more. Geospatial technologies also include many of the ideas from the professional "GIS and Mapping" industry. These include web mapping services, spatial relational databases, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, 3D visualization, geoprocessing (or modeling), digital cartography, and much more.
As I'm sure you know, these technologies are are exploding at an incredible rate. The United States Department of Labor in 2003 declared the geospatial industry one of the top three emerging technology fields (along with biomedical and nanotechnology.) The incrediably popularity of online mapping sites and Geo related software (Google earth has been downloaded over 250 milion times in only 2.5 years) demonstrates that many people are realizing the importance of geo and are now learning the various ways to extract and analyze that data.
Our primary focus is to promote geospatial technologies by demonstrating and developing applications and sharing our experiences with one another within Delaware and with the larger community. We do this through our meetings, postings to our web site (blogs, forums, etc..), and plenty of personal (phone, face-to-face) contact.
Why DelGeotech?
DelGeotech was formed to serve as a sounding board and communication medium for new ideas and information about geospatial technology. It serves as a place to ask for help as well as demonstrate your own work.
On many occasions, whether at conferences or meetings, people had continuously expressed interest to learn more about the integration of geo and technology. These people were willing to go to training or workshops. They were willing to hear people talk about these topics. The problem was that aside from large annual conferences (where most talks and user groups are well beyond the novice user), opportunities are limited. Delgeotech was organized to help solve this problems for memebr in the Delawrae region. We try to create a comfortable environment among people at all skill levels, who understand the local physical and political landscape, and the availability of data and software expertise. More importantly, there is self-interest in helping each other out since in Delaware our motto has always been "everyone contributes, everyone benefits."
We do not deal with the many ancillary issues that are usually associated within geospatial technologies and data, such as policy implications, intellectual property rights, ethical issues, and homeland security concerns.
When does DelGeotech meet? Can anyone join?
Our initial plan is to meet every few months at locations throughout Delaware. Currently we have been meeting in New Castle County, usually on UD's main Newark campus. For information about upcoming meetings as well as information and links from past meetings, visit the meetings page.
Membership is free and open to geospatial enthusiasts inside and outside the state of Delaware. Although our discussions are based locally (common data availability, software vendor popularity, state and local government policies, funding) most topics and presentations are useful to anyone. All that is needed is an interest in geospatial technology and the willingness to participate in the community.
Who administers DelGeotech?
DelGeotech is not directly affiliated with any one organization. It is run by the user community itself. Members of the group determine the needs and focus of the group and how to best solve any problems. As with most community groups, the more active members tend to carry a larger voice and are most involved in the decisions.
The DelGeotech web site is used to promote discussions, show demonstrations, share code and development tools, provide technical assistance, provide opinions and much more. The site was launched in September 2007.
The DelGeotech website is maintained, moderated and hosted by John and Tina Callahan. John and Tina started DelGeotech while working for Research & Data Management Services (RDMS), Information Technologies at the University of Delaware. John has since moved on to the Delaware Geological Survey and Tina now works for the Water Resources Agency (both DGS and WRA are still units of University of Delaware.) Both actively perform all typical hardware and software administration, maintain and continuously applications within the website, develop code where needed, and moderate all postings, like blogs, forums, etc... They also coordinates all meetings, such as by organizing speakers, determining presentations topics, locating space, and other logistics.
What technology is used for the DelGeotech website?
The DelGeotech website utilizes the following technologies:
- Apache 2.x
- PHP 5.x
- Drupal 5.x
- MySQL 5.x
- Google Calendar through Google Apps for Organizations
- Google Groups
- Windows 2003 Server
