Article Review - Google and Search: Some of the Latest Developments

Again, this is an assignment for the FIS program...

Phil Bradley wrote the article “Google and Search: Some of the Latest Developments” (Bradley, 2005, Google and Search) in July 2005. The article itself was written to provide further insight into what developments Google has had in recent times and also delves into some of the comparative search engines that have emerged. The article describes Google’s development of “Google Personalized”; “Google Local” (although this discusses the local content for the UK), which also alludes to the popular “Google Earth”; “Google Video”; and “Google Wallet”.

It is a subjective article in which Bradley writes in the first person and his opinion on Google becomes apparent through a reading of this article. His bias towards Google as one of the best search engines becomes apparent when reading another article Bradley wrote in April 2004, entitled “Search Engines: The Google Backlash” (Bradley, 2004, Search Engines) where he defends Google as a search engine in response to the heavy criticism that Google endured starting in 2003.

Bradley makes the statement, “I'm not, however going to talk about how to search Google since, if you read this column on a regular basis you'll already know about all of the basics” in his introduction which struck this author as a rather grandiose statement. Bradley is clearly making the assumption that anyone reading this one article should be familiar with his writings and has not taken a beginner’s foray into utilizing search engines into account. He also does not discuss any of the larger and more familiar search engines (such as Yahoo or AltaVista) available in order to give a better understanding or insight into the strengths and weaknesses of Google. However, this article is relatively short and was written to introduce the reader to new developments in Google so it is conceivable that this type of comparison would not be necessary. Also consider that Bradley’s most recent article in Ariadne was written in October 2005 where he does write extensively about image search engines (including Google) in a comparative fashion (Bradley, 2005, Image Search Engines). Phil Bradley, in fact, writes many articles primarily about search engines for Ariadne and also in his weblog (Bradley, 2005, Phil Bradley’s Weblog) and his homepage (Bradley, 2005, The Phil Bradley Home Page).

The article, “Google and Search: Some of the Latest Developments” is a good article to read for those that prefer to use Google as a search engine, particularly because it introduces the user to elements and features that Google provides that the user might be unaware of. The article itself is short and an easy read which makes it quite accessible for any beginners that might be new to internet lingo and interested in learning more about what features Google has to offer. Some readers might even prefer his writing in the first person while academics might be a little distracted by it considering that it lends itself to a biased viewpoint. Upon performing a search in Ariadne for Google related articles for comparison to Bradley’s article, all relevant hits were articles all written by Bradley himself. Clearly he is an expert (whether in an official or in a self-promoted fashion is debatable) on search engines, specifically on Google.

An interesting component of the article is that Bradley compares Google to other search engines but the engines mentioned (Graball, Twingine, DoubleTrust, NEWSiness, Thumbshots Ranking, and Dogpile) are not stand-alone search engines in league with Google but compares the actual results from other search engines. For example, Graball presents search results from Google in a left-hand panel and the results from Yahoo, Ask Jeeves, MSN, DMOZ, AltaVista, Gigablast or LookSmart in the right-hand panel (GrabAll, 2005). Dogpile (“all the best search engines piled into one”) differs from the aforementioned search engines in that rather comparing the results between search engines, it combines all search engines to obtain results (Dogpile, 2005). This particular search engine is specifically mentioned in Bradley’s article as being one of his personal favourites.

While this author has been using Google for a few years, there was some information that Bradley divulged that has made Google not only more understandable as to how it works, but a better understanding of everything Google has to offer. Of particular interest was the mention of the upcoming Google Wallet which would provide the public with the ability to make micropayments which subsequently raises questions about whether or not this will adversely affect PayPal. In an online article in Enterprise News and Reviews, David Edwards, an analyst with American Technology Research in San Francisco, responded to this concern by stating that “there is a high-degree of loyalty among consumers and vendors who use PayPal for transactions outside of the eBay auction sites, he said. Just the existence of a Google payment system wouldn't be a compelling reason to switch from PayPal” (Pallatto, 2005). While this is an accurate statement, one could argue that PayPal has had a monopoly on online payments and like any service available to the public, a little competition tends to benefit customers. Currently, Google has not provided any new information about the development of this service and when it might become available.

Grammatically speaking, Bradley’s article could use some improvement. He constantly uses pronouns such as “we” and “our” in addition to his use of first person narrative. Academically speaking, using the terms “we” or “our” is not acceptable as he is literally putting his own views onto anyone who reads his article, which is not an accurate way of writing. This is a relatively finicky observation on this author’s behalf but one that is worth mentioning in light of the fact that some academics might not take this article seriously due to how biased the information appears just based on his writing style.

Bradley does explain in a user-friendly manner the points on Google that he felt were the most relevant, particularly for the British public. Overall, this article did provide some interesting (albeit brief) information that can give the average Google user some extra insight into various services that Google offers that the user might have been unaware of previously. Despite the flaws already mentioned, this article is worth reading for anyone interested in Google.

Resources

Bradley, Phil (November 10, 2005). Phil Bradley’s Weblog. Retrieved November 12, 2005 <http://philbradley.typepad.com/phil_bradleys_weblog/search_engines/index.html>

Bradley, Phil (October 30, 2005). Image Search Engines. Ariadne (45). Retrieved November 12, 2005 <http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue45/search-engines/>

Bradley, Phil (September 6, 2005). Phil Bradley: The Phil Bradley Home Page. Retrieved November 12, 2005 <http://www.philb.com/>

Bradley, Phil (July 30, 2005). Google and Search: Some of the Latest Developments. Ariadne (44). Retrieved October 12, 2005 <http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue44/search-engines/intro.html>

Bradley, Phil (April 30, 2004). Search Engines: The Google Backlash. Ariadne (39). Retrieved November 11, 2005 <http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue39/search-engines/intro.html>

Dogpile (2005). Dogpile Web Search Home Page. Retrieved November 13, 2005 <http://dogpile.com/>

GrabAll (2005). GrabAll. Retrieved November 13, 2005 <http://www.graball.com/>

Pallatto, John (June 20, 2005). Electronic ‘Wallet” Makes Sense for Google. Enterprise News and Reviews. Retrieved November 13, 2005 <http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1829828,00.asp>

Project Profile Assignment – GeoConnections

Please be warned!!! Any non-FIS students will not want to read this post. This is a project that I am required to post to my blog. Thanks :)

GeoConnections is a national alliance directed by the Natural Resources of Canada, which provides assistance in the daily operation of geomatics (the technology and science of the acquisition, management and application of geospatial information). The data gathered and shared about the environment, people, geography, and natural resources of a country encourages well-grounded administration in social, environmental and economic projects (National Resources Canada, 2005). GeoConnections has various partnerships with different organizations such as NatureServe Canada, which provides a scientific basis for conservation efforts, and the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA). GeoConnections also operates on a collaborative level with international agencies and partners, such as the Open GIS Consortium Catalog (GeoConnections, 2005, Welcome). The list of the national partnerships is quite extensive with organizations from the public sector (federal departments and agencies, federal project partners, provinces and territories, provincial project partners, municipal and local-level project partners, and government organizations), the private sector (industrial project partners), academic groups, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies.

Some examples of the practical use of GeoConnections are, in the case of emergency services, the coordination of geospatial data which can provide the geographic data necessary to identify the locality of an emergency. Criminal activity can be closely monitored by the police; health data against the endangerment of such incidents as toxic waste dumps for community health and safety and governments can plan more efficiently founded by information about traffic patterns, business distribution and population (FindArticles, 2005).

GeoConnections is highly regarded in many fields as advocated by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, R. John Efford who stated, “GeoConnections contributes to our high quality of life by helping us understand the world around us through geomatics" and Dr. Robert Moses, President and CEO of PCI Geomatics, who in a speech in 2003, stated three times that “Canada needs more GeoConnections” (Moses, 2003). The GeoConnections website provides a sample of the hundreds of success stories volunteered by many Canadians, which emphasizes the strength of the GeoConnections program.

Writing as a novice on this project and subject matter, the website is clearly set-up in an understandable and user-friendly manner. The website offers FAQ’s, Help and Tutorials in both English and French. Under data search for finding geospatial data, the search results provide icons to indicate if the data is Canadian, metadata verified and whether the data is available for free or not. There are sections for satellite imagery, topographical data and aerial photography. The links to access the data take the user to an external website in order to access it (for example, when accessing the data for the aerial photography of the plant pest data in Canada, the link takes the user to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Online government website).

GeoConnections also supplies a list of links for such topics as GeoBase (a free geospatial base data for Canada), GeoGratis (free geospatial data of Canada), The Atlas of Canada (maps and related information about Canada), Quicklook Swath Browser (browse recent satellite image acquisitions), Global Landsat 7 Data Catalogue, North American Landsat 7 Archive, and Interactive Tsunami Disaster Mapping by DM Solutions. The user has the opportunity to subscribe to the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) for an electronic mailing list for a monthly e-Newsletter which showcases news as well as upcoming workshops and training sessions. However, the only information available in the workshops section of the GeoConnections website, show that all workshops (with the exception of the CDGI Development Network) were all in the late 1990’s and early 2000. Considering the constant growing and evolving information and technology of GeoConnections, it would seem in their best interests to maintain these workshops on a yearly basis. GeoConnections Discovery Portal and its CEONet engine only average approximately 24 hours of downtime each year and a differential backup of its directory is completed every day with a complete backup executed once a month (GeoConnections, 2005, Discovery Portal).

GeoConnections was initially established in 1999 in order to supply all Canadians access to amalgamated location-based information through the internet. The program worked on establishing the CGDI through technology, policy, standards, and partnerships. This new program also advanced Canada as a, “world leader in developing, delivering and using on-line geospatial information” (National Resources Canada, 2005). In recent development, on June 15, 2005, the Government of Canada indicated their intention to provide funding of 60 million for a five-year renewal of the GeoConnections program. The new initiative is designed not only to remain updated with new technologies but to better understand the user’s requirements, particularly in four specific areas; Aboriginal issues, the environment and sustainable development, public safety and public health (GeoConnections, 2005, About). There is a listing of eight Aboriginal success stories on the GeoConnections website and while these stories show great promise for the benefit of Aboriginal communities, time will tell if the geographical information systems (GIS) will continue to benefit these communities or not. Calling the stories “success stories” seems a trifle premature considering the majority of stories are all in the beginning stages of inception. An example of this is in the “success story” of the Kivalliq Inuit Association in Nunavut who have developed a GIS system to aid in better decision-making in the land and sea resources of Kivalliq, but this is where the “story” ends. This is the beginning of an auspicious future for the Inuit of Kivalliq and hopefully the good intentions of the new initiative behind the renewed program of GeoConnections will remain diligent (GeoConnections, 2005, Media Room).

GeoConnections is a unique national partnership and online catalogue for all Canadians enabling the access of countless geospatial data products. The new initiative and funding by the Government of Canada indicates the importance of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure as an important program for all Canadians, and the world. According to the aforementioned Dr. Moses, “This technology also has a large export potential, and fits with the new vision of transplanting “capacity” rather than “product” to the developing world… GeoConnections is needed domestically in Canada. And we can export the technology. And we can help the world with it” (Moses, 2003).

Resources

FindArticles (2005). Summit: GeoConnections stimulates government and business. Retrieved September 29, 2005
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3993/is_200310/ai_n9245265>

GeoConnections (Sept. 8, 2005). Discovery portal. Retrieved September 19, 2005.
<http://geodiscover.cgdi.ca/gdp/index.jsp?language=en>

GeoConnections (June 16, 2005). About GeoConnections: welcome to GeoConnections. Retrieved Sept. 26, 2005.
<http://www.geoconnections.org/CGDI.cfm/fuseaction/aboutGcs.whatIsNew/gcs.cfm>

GeoConnections (July 15, 2005). Welcome to the renewed GeoConnections program. Retrieved September 26, 2005
<http://www.geoconnections.org/CGDI.cfm/fuseaction/home.welcome/Lang/E/gcs.cfm>

GeoConnections (July 5, 2005). Media room: success stories. Retrieved October 1, 2005.
<http://www.geoconnections.org/CGDI.cfm/fuseaction/mediaRoom.successStories/gcs.cfm>

Moses, Dr. Robert (2003). PCI Geomatics: Canada needs more GeoConnections. Retrieved September 30, 2005
<http://www.pcigeomatics.com/company/papers/DrMosesSpeech_GISDay.pdf>

Natural Resources Canada (June 16, 2005). GeoConnections: Funding renewed. Retrieved September 28, 2005
<http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/media/newsreleases/2005/200543_e.htm>

Why Rush?

I thought I would take a small break from schoolwork to write another small blurb in my blog. I thought that perhaps I will explain why I chose the title "Rush" for my blog, even though no one has asked :) It's nothing to do with being stressed or busy or the band...when I was pondering what I should name my blog, the first word that popped into my head was "rush". I thought of that rush of love or of pure joy that we sometimes get...sometimes randomly...but oh so rarely. One of the last times I had a rush of joy was about 5 years ago when I was in Mexico...

Musings...

We are now into our second week at FIS and I feel like the classes are slowly taking shape. I was thinking about adding another post to my Blog and wasn't sure what to say. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and wanted a diary with a little lock and key oh so badly!! When I was given one, I believe I wrote in it that same day and then never picked it up again :) I've always wanted to be a writer and write a novel but never seem to get around to it...I must have a mental block when it comes to writing (except when I'm forced to write an essay) :) I tried my hand at photography this week and was quite pleased with the results. I find it much easier to tell a story visually. So, after commenting on having nothing to say, I suppose I do have something to say :)

"A day without laughter is a day wasted" -- Charlie Chaplin

Welcome to all of my fellow FIS classmates (and, of course, anyone else who stumbles into this blog) :) I'm 37 but apparently look like I'm in my 20's (it's genetics so don't ask me about cosmetics) :) I'm a single mother of an 11 year old autistic boy, fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, he is only mildly autistic. I've been in Toronto (around the Bathurst & St. Clair area) since July after finishing an undergraduate university degree in Anthropology and have started my first year at FIS in the Library Sciences stream. I hope to dispense with the cliche stereotype of the prim librarian :) I also have a calico cat named Emma (named after the Jane Austen novel). My tastes in everything are quite eclectic...in my 20's I followed a gothic/punk lifestyle and while I have changed since having a child, I have been influenced from my various and crazy experiences. I love autumn and dressing up for Halloween. I've loved dragonflies since I was a child (perhaps the dragonfly is my spirit guide?) so I have one tattooed on my back. I also have a humpback whale tattooed on my shoulder as I love their grace and song. One of my biggest influences (other than my mother and my son) is Dead Can Dance. Words cannot express the importance their music has had in my life. I consider myself to be somewhat spiritual but I cannot abide religious intolerance. I cannot abide any form of intolerance, come to think of it. Enough about me for now...

Food for Thought

I will be posting a thoughtful message here in the near future...just not today :)