iOS 6 Maps and Criticism

Apple has recently updated its mobile operating system, iOS 6.  One of the major changes includes an overhaul of its map app, which has not gone well.  You can check out a few examples here:  http://theamazingios6maps.tumblr.com/.  The current map app is based on data from TomTom, OpenStreetMap, and others.  The former app was based on Google Maps.

Despite the current issues, the maps will be an improvement, lightweight, have pleasing cartography, and incorporating data from businesses, etc. Some important features are missing but will be included in the near future.  You can also read Apple's response here.

Opticks Update in October

Earlier, I wrote a little about Opticks, an open source image analysis program.  It also features python extensions for added capabilities and programmability.  The Opticks team is headed towards another release--in October.  The timeline for releases is always well laid out, as well as what has been changed, updated, or improved.  Unlike many other open source programs, new Opticks versions are released several time per year.  Opticks also has a great file importer especially since there are numerous file types out there.  So, be sure to check out Opticks!

Screenshot of Opticks - Showing the Data Importer (Click image for a larger version)