For some time I've experimented with creating terrain for use in 3D immersive spaces. Usually I am trying to alter DEM files to create simulations of project sites. But lately I've started to explore creating specific shapes or designs, and I think I've finally found a work flow that might make the whole process a little easier….
Merry Christmas – Happy Holidays in 3D
Over the last few months, I've been working a lot more in Unity3D to develop my skills in creating 3D environments. While the purpose of doing so is to create 3D visualizations of designs or 3D learning aids, today I've used the program to set up a 3D Christmas/Holiday Card for everyone. So whatever your…
Infographic of the Month – December
This month we have an infographic showing the rising need and salaries for IT professionals. IT services support a lot of what we do in government, and if we want to ramp up and innovate delivery of our services, IT professionals will play a key role in supporting our efforts. For those thinking about IT…
Employers, Schools, Social Media, and You – An Update
It has been about a year and a half since this blog first discussed (link here) how some employers and public schools were forcing employees and students to allow unrestricted access to their private social media accounts. We also pointed out the risks associated with those actions. At the time, there had not yet been a…
Using GIS to Assist in Recent Illinois Tornado – Related Emergency Response
Recently in Illinois several communities unfortunately experienced extensive tornado damage. And over the last week I've seen several GIS-related efforts set up to offer information that could be helpful to those working to recover and rebuild. Below are a few quick summaries of these efforts: OpenStreetMap According to their website, OpenStreetMap is "a free, editable map of the…
Mobile App for ADA Requirements in the Right of Way
Over the last week, we worked on setting up a basic mobile app to display the requirements from the 1991 ADA Law that relate to facilities in the right of way. For the content, we used the requirements and some of the graphics from Chapter 6 of the ADA Toolkit for Local Government. When it was…
3D ADA Toolkit for Local Government in Unity 3D
A couple years ago I put together an unofficial 3D version of the ADA Toolkit for Local Government. It was based in an immersive environment anyone could visit and experience as an avatar or digital representation of themselves. Normally the ADA Toolkit is only available as an online, primarily text-based document. So I figured the ability…
Walking Helps Build Community
Over the summer I saw several notices about "walks with the mayor" in two different communities. While these efforts seem to focus on improving the health of people living in those areas by encouraging walking, I can see how these walks also have the potential to help build a strong community. (Photo credit: Mary R. Vogt on morguefile.com) Walking the…
Fixing the Illinois Pension System by Investing in Local Economies
Today we read an article, INTERVIEW: When a State Doesn’t Realize Its Best, City-Level Assets, in which Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord talked about the impact that the transfer of funding of education from a state to local responsibility would have on his state's economy. While we might not have totally agreed with his hesitation to transfer at least…
IPSI – Public Works Management Training that Works!
I just returned from spending a week at the Illinois Public Service Institute – "a three-year training program which provides instruction expressly designed for public service professionals." Since this is my second year of the three-year program, I thought it would be a good time to share my experiences with others who might be considering attending…