Globalization

Space-time data science for a speedy world

Miller, H.J. (2015) “Space-time data science for a speedy world,” I/S: A Journal of Law and Policy for the Information Society, 10, 705-720.

Abstract: Space-adjusting technologies such as transportation and information/communication technologies are accelerating our world in complex ways. A speedy world has benefits but also challenges attempts to make it more sustainable and resilient. Our capabilities for observing human dynamics have improved dramatically, but less well developed are capabilities for extracting relevant space-time knowledge and making decisions while that knowledge is still fresh. This paper reviews the challenges and issues involved in developing space-time data science to deliver actionable knowledge quickly in a speedy world.

A map of every device connected to the Internet

Gizmodo reports on a new world map produced by John Matherly: A Map of Every Device in the World That’s Connected to the Internet.

You may ask – why are China and India so dark?  Keep in mind that this is a map of devices connected to the Internet, not people.  And in 2012, the estimated number of devices connected to the Internet was 8.7 billion, larger than the world’s population.  This will grow to 15 billion devices connected by 2015, and around 40 billion devices by 2020. [How Many Things Are Currently Connected To The “Internet of Things” (IoT)?].  There may be more people in China and India, but there are more devices in Europe and North America.

For more on the Internet of Things, see Wikipedia or The Daily Show

Drug trafficking in Central America wreaking havoc on forests, study finds

A fascinating study published in Science by my colleague Kendra McSweeney shows that drug trafficking in Central America is increasing deforestation, with much of this resulting from building transportation infrastructure (roads, landing strips).

The Christian Science Monitor has an article about this study