Archive for May 17th, 2008

Another engine comparison? It’s all just semantics…

17 May 2008

Powerset is a new semantic search engine I’ve been holding off reviewing for a while.

Given that it currently only searches Wikipedia results, not to mention the fact that (as with most new search engine sources) the primary searchable content is US- rather than UK-oriented, my instincts have so far erred toward the ‘woah nelly’. (more…)

Alright Wembley, let’s map some noise

17 May 2008

Just as you’re waiting for the application of online mapping to one social problem (say crime), along come two variations on the theme.

Firstly terrorism – Janes Defence new (subscription only) Terrorism and Insurgency Centre Events Map is now live. Its a real-time source that any journalist working in worldwide current affairs would most certainly benefit from having access to (if the demo is anything to go by, at any rate).

Elsewhere, Defra now offer noise mapping for certain cities and conurbations around the country. These maps are not in real-time (so will be of no use regarding one-off events), but instead incorporate data which has been averaged out over the course of a year.

This source could certainly be useful for regional journalists eking out stories in what is a fairly popular area of interest to local audiences.