Inspire 7-2

Google Earth and How It Can Help Development Activities Google Earth is a FREE map of the world viewable through the internet. You first have to download the software onto your PC from the site http://earth.google.com Once the software is loaded the first thing you see is a view of the earth seen from outer space. You can then zoom into any part of the world using the navigation bar or simply type in your home town and Google Earth will take you there automatically. The imagery of the earth you see varies in scale but for many parts of the world it is possible to look at individual houses, cars, waterways, and even trees. The software also allows you see the land in 3 dimensions. This means, for example, that you can view a mountain looking straight down on it or from an oblique angle. In a lot of countries you can also do a search for restaurants, or ask for directions from one town to another. Unfortunately information can be very sparse but the good news is it is getting better day by day. In the year 2005 in Malawi when I was putting in a proposal for mapping large areas of land to enable assessment of water reservoir positions, water pipe routes and general infrastructure development, the only way to properly define the areas was through Google Earth - no other means were easily available. I already had the software loaded on my laptop and so it was no problem to connect to the internet at a local cyber café and view Malawi in detail. Joining me in the café was the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Irrigation and Water and the Project Manager of a World Bank funded Infrastructure Development Assessment Project (IDAP). Together we agreed areas of mapping by zooming into different parts of Malawi and creating a boundary of the mapping area. These areas were then sent off to various satellite imagery companies for prices. If funding had been awarded for the project it would have enabled the Malawi government to carry out detailed infrastructure development analysis using the very latest imagery. Goole Earth is currently trying to encourage non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) to get involved, details at http://earth.google.com/outreach/index.html There are many benefits to becoming a member. Why not have a look, download the software, and play around with the tools, then share what you have learnt on the NAYD YAHOO site. It has been said that one of the major development problems with Africa is that it is an information desert. In my view Google Earth is one potential way of changing that. Paul Shaw
Posted by: Dr. Devendra Kumar Dwivedi(Lecturer in economics) Comment: Some more NGOs have thus been commercialized and learning is on sale. Many serious developmental thinkers and futurists have lampooned the dream of infinite education, research and economic growth depends are finite. Geo-vision thinking for Nayd with special reference to Malawi and assessment project is everything our current education and research system is not. Our assessment system, and to a great extent water reservoir positions as well, is still caught up in a highly reductionistic and fragmented traditional way of thinking. For the quality of higher research in geo-vision, mind and nayd, it is not expected that there will be formulated in near development activities. Resent trends and actions within IDAP and NGO areas for exploitation. Technology is an essential component of volunteer living, either primitive or advanced. However geo-vision resources consumed by them and performance (Output) in terms of quality, quantity, impact, sustainability, productivity and volunteer effectiveness depict a very large quantum jump and attempt is comment have to study the efforts made by a mind, Nayd, Ngo to empower the geo vision for network of African youths for development : geo-vision has a special interest in Malawi. For almost geo-vision has been organizing the local needs, resources and local people to form SHGS to meet their felt needs and enable them to participate in planning and implementation of their volunteer developmental programs in Malawi. Besides, it has been conducting economic, business, education, social health governess and awareness campaigns to eliminate superstition customs attitude and thinking related to youth sustainability and knowledge technology which are blocking the progress of oriented youngster. Today youth in learning in its true sense despite its tradition of ‘Atithi Deve Bhava. Life long development learning has grown with a slow pace and its resources potential is under utilized and under achieved. Problem faced by youth educators and learning Institutions in India and Africa and other country such as inadequate infrastructural facility, lack of training knowledge facilities, lack of availability of commitment and practices therefore, appear perennial and pertinent. Life long learning is development education and research at all stages of youth life.
Comment form. Have something to say about the above article? Complete the form below to let others know your views. E-mail address Name Comment