Nowhere to hide

Article Abstract:

Refinements of geographic technology call for additional safeguards on privacy. People who know just your phone number or your address can find out your name. New geographic software even makes possible calling up an image of your neighborhood or finding out address and name by clicking on a house. Technology results in rapid improvements in the quality and detail of geographical information. One example is Geoinformation International's 'Cities Revealed,' which gives 25 cm resolution images of urban areas. The disadvantage is that technology moves faster than ethical constraints on its use.

Innovations, Evaluation, Geographic information systems

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Conflicts of interest

Article Abstract:

There were 95 armed conflicts worldwide between 1990 and 1995, mostly civil wars occurring in the world's poorer nations, according to data analyzed in Penguin's new edition of 'The State of War and Peace Atlas.' The data also shows a strong correlation between these wars and human rights abuses. News coverage of the conflicts is generally lacking because they happen in remote areas having little international news interest and lack both dramatic triumphs and widespread destruction. This emphasis on local conflict reflects the lack of a new world order to replace that of the Cold War.

Research, Statistics, Human rights, Military aspects, Wars, Peace, Security, International, War, International security, Geopolitics

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Mapping the national interest

Article Abstract:

1996 UK budget cuts to the country's mapping agency, the Ordnance Survey (OS), by over 50%. The OS has clearly demonstrated the value of its national interest work, such as maintaining continuity of the UK's mapping data to keep track of mine shafts and other hazards, and providing accurate rural maps required by the European Union's agricultural subsidies program. The OS, Treasury and Dept of Environment had almost agreed on funding OS national interest work when the budget cuts were made. The government is shirking its national security responsibilities by slashing OS funds.

Social aspects, United Kingdom, Usage, Finance, Government spending policy, Maps (Geography), Maps, United Kingdom. Ordnance Survey

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