Technical Specifications
EARTHscope Workspace UI
EARTHscope v3.0 can be downloaded from the Internet, distributed via CD, or installed in a kiosk to any computer capable of running Flash Player v7.0+.

Version 3.0 will offer many improved features including:

  • Geo-referenced live (or near-live) updating capability
  • Improved Map window controls
  • "Jump-to-neighborhood/country" shortcut in map window
  • Improved text display, including international character sets
  • Quicktime movies with audio sound track in media window
  • "Purchase print version" link to partner's store
GIS/IMS-Enabled EARTHscope
Since Flash uses vector graphics as its most efficient graphic display format it makes for a natural evolution to integrate GIS formatted data (shape files exported to TIFFs) into the Flash environment. We recently built IMS functionality into EARTHscope to allow seamless importation of shape files from any map server in the world, such as through the Geography Network. This will allow students and teachers to easily import GIS data as they prepare maps, graphs, text, and images for a complete presentation powered by EARTHscope.

Current Development Platform
Ultimately, we envision the EARTHscope as a full-fledged application, with sophisticated scenario controls, real-time data streams, and a full authoring environment. We are currently developing ES using Macromedia Flash software, which is proving useful for three main reasons:

  1. Flash offers an easy authoring environment for the integration of graphics, text, animation, and interactivity. This allows for rapid prototyping and editing of the user interface design, features, and functionality.
  2. Most Internet users already have Flash installed in their browsers. It provides a readily established presentation platform that can reach millions of people without the need to install new software onto their computer.
  3. Flash presentations can viewed from CD's without an Internet connection
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EARTHscope is project of the Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI),
and the leading edge of our spaceshipEARTH initiative.