Posted in biographical sketch, New thinking

AI chat GPT

Posted on by maherrv

Jonathan Murphy, founder of GoGeomatics Canada, for fun, asked Artificial Intelligence chatGPT

‘who is Bob Maher’?

Below is the response.

Dr. Robert Maher is a significant figure in the Canadian geospatial community, particularly known for his contributions to the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS) and the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG). His importance to the geographic community stems from his extensive work in education, research, and application of geographic sciences.

Dr. Maher obtained his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Western Ontario and later taught at Memorial University of Newfoundland in the Department of Geography, covering areas like Quantitative Methods, Computer Mapping, and Biogeography. In 1980, he joined the faculty at the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute, which he helped transform into COGS. This transformation played a crucial role in developing the institute’s focus on geographic sciences, including Computer Programming, Cartography and Planning, and Surveying​​.

Between 1988 and 1999, Dr. Maher worked as a GIS consultant in Indonesia and for ESRI in the United States. He also collaborated with universities and government agencies across Canada. He returned to COGS in 2000 as the Senior Research Scientist in the AGRG, retiring from this position in 2011​​.

His work at COGS and AGRG involved significant developments in geographic education and applied research. During his tenure, the focus at COGS shifted towards applied geomatics research, highlighting the practical application of technology to real-world problems. This included cooperative projects with industry and government partners in various sectors like Forestry, Geology, and Health Sciences​​.

Dr. Maher has also been involved in writing “The Story of COGS,” a project documenting the history and development of the College of Geographic Sciences. This work includes research, interviews, and the compilation of materials and experiences from COGS’s inception as the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute to its evolution into a hub for geographic sciences education and research​​.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Maher was appointed as Geographer Emeritus at COGS. This role reflects his ongoing commitment to geography and his efforts to maintain connections within the geographic community, emphasizing the importance of geographic education and the application of geographic sciences in various fields​​.

Dr. Maher’s work, particularly at COGS and within the broader geospatial community, has been instrumental in advancing geographic education and research in Canada. His contributions have helped shape the landscape of geographic sciences, making him a notable and respected figure in the field.

— ChatGPT

I forwarded it to Edward Wedler. His suggestion was that the response should reference my over 500 blog posts spanning several years. This is interesting, since the blogs are published under ernestblairexperiment.wordpress.com. The name comes from Ernest, for Ernest Buckler, and Blair, for Eric Blair (aka George Orwell) . Experiment – life is an experiment.

Today, I visited Integrity Printing in Bridgetown to request a hard copy of my 2023 blogs. Volume 8. This blog post will be #550.

Jon’s response from AI chat GPT raises a number of interesting questions about the impact of AI on Geography/ Geographic Information Systems.

In the mail, on our return from BC, I found the 2024 Esri Canada calendar.

In the letter from the President, Alex Miller, he describes the founding of Esri Canada in 1984. Forty years ago. I remember well; Alex’s visit to COGS

From COGS, he hired David Roscoe, John Houwelling and Eric Melanson. It has been an exciting journey.

In the Esri 2024 calendar, the map for July shows the Harvest Moon Trailway through the Annapolis Valley (see Tourism Nova Scotia’s Harvest Moon Trailway LINK). The Map was designed and produced by Marcel Morin, Lost Art Cartography — another COGS graduate, living and working in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia (see the Recording of Marcel’s December 2023 meeting of the Blomidon Naturalists Society).

Acknowledgements

Jon Murphy, a COGS graduate, initiated the inquiry. Edward Wedler, retired COGS faculty, added value to the query.

Reference
ESRI Canada 2024 Calendar, Forty Years, The Science of Where.

Posted in Uncategorized

Travel Tip #3

Posted on by maherrv

Home, sweet home !
We arrived back in Paradise last night at 12:30 am (Monday). It proved to be a three day return trip. On Friday, Andrew escorted us down from Rossland to Grand Forks. Afterwards, we were on our own, until we returned the car rental at the Kelowna airport on Saturday morning.

The flight to Toronto was scheduled for midnight. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed. This meant that we did not make our connecting flight to Halifax. We arrived back in Halifax around 6 pm Sunday. It was snowing, and the roads were slick. The road conditions improved as we headed west beyond Windsor to exit #19 Lawrencetown.

Lessons

Andrew had made the travel arrangements. Talking, and watching other passengers, those with cell phones seemed able to reschedule, ‘on the fly’. Could we have obtained an earlier flight to Halifax?

If passengers can use their cell phones to intervene without going through an agent at the airport does that result in a two tier system — those of us who are cell-phone-savvy versus those who need the intervention of an agent?

I don’t know the answer. I DO know that there is a generation of ‘seniors’ who have not grown up with the technology of the day.

Fortunately, I was in the company of the book by Roger Lewis’ ‘Identity Matters’. I will write a separate book review, once we have our lifestyle back to normal.

What is salient about Roger is that he has spent time teaching English Literature at Acadia University. He now lives in the Slocan Valley, BC.

His collection of short stories cover both geographies.

For now, from the cover, I will only quote Canadian thinker, Northrop Frye who declared ‘that the real question defining Canadian identity is not‘ what are we?’ But ‘where is here?’ Lewis explores both questions.

Acknowledgements

I appreciate the support of both my BC families: Laurel and Nic in Port Moody; Andrew and Julia in Rossland. They provided remarkable insight into the two BC geographies. Heather shared with me the two, very different landscapes and cultures. Edward added the illustrations and links.

Reference
Roger C, Lewis, 2017, Identity Matters, Custom Book Publications.

Posted in Travel

Old Geography / New Geography

Posted on by maherrv

This week, we have been living in Rossland, BC. We have visited Trail and Nelson. The families have been enjoying the skiing on Red Mountain.

With the car rental, we have been introduced to the wonders of GoogleMaps, and the use of a cell phone to obtain shortest path and directions to these mountain communities.

Certainly, it feels as if I am operating in a different technological age. Wanting to stop at the gas station, to purchase a paper map.

The new technology offers three dimensional imagery of the mountain landscape (for skiing and mountain biking). It provides feedback on road conditions (e.g. congestion).

The end result is that my grandchildren have access to an online GIS/GPS, as we navigate the landscape.

When exactly did this happen?

How does someone who studied Geography in the 1960’s adapt to the technology of 2024? Slowly.

What is the impact of current technology on teaching GIS?

In our travels, I have checked out a couple of bookstores. At Otter Books, Nelson, I found Roger Lewis’, ‘Identity Matters’. At Gold Rush Bookstore, Rossland, I found Jane Goodall’s, ‘The Book of Hope’.

The new Geography is very ‘person-centric’.

Postscript.

This afternoon, we left Rossland early because of a pending snow storm. We enjoyed the drive through Grand Forks, Osoyoos, Penticton; finally, back to Kelowna. En route, we enjoyed the sight of the hoodoos, as well as, the orchards and vineyards throughout the Okanagan valley.

Acknowledgements

Andrew, my son, has been mentoring my learning on the iPhone, GoogleMaps and messaging. Heather is sharing the experience: ups and downs. Edward has added his original cartoons and links.

References

Roger C. Lewis, 2017, Identity Matters, Noveletta Imprint.

Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams, 2021, The Book of Hope, Caledonian Books.

Posted in Travel

Travel Tips #2

Posted on by maherrv

Saturday (December 30) we were up early to fly from Vancouver to Kelowna. The flight departed at 9:40 am. Once again, we checked in our carry-on bags at the gate.

Unfortunately, we could not land in Kelowna because of low cloud/fog. We were back in Vancouver by mid-morning.

The next challenge was to find out what had happened to our bags, and what was the plan. With help from Andrew, who was at Kelowna airport, we discovered that they would try again at 2 pm. Meanwhile, we searched for our bags on the carousel, and seeking new boarding passes.

edited Google Map Link

The second time, we were successful. Andrew met us at Kelowna airport. We rented a car and he drove through the mountains to Rossland. There was snow, but the roads were clear. The bags were delivered in Kelowna.

Lessons learned.

  1. While I use email on my iPad, I need to become more proficient with the messaging capability of my iPhone.
  2. It was not clear whether Air Canada was using messaging on the iPhone to confirm the status of flights and bags.
  3. If cell phone is the preferred device, then it is critical that seniors are familiar with the messaging functionality.
  4. What happens if you do not use a cell phone, or are not proficient with the full functionality? This becomes a form of discrimination for elders.

Next weekend, we hope to navigate the roads through the mountains, back to Kelowna, followed by a flight to Toronto and then Halifax.

Postscript

Rossland is an awesome downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and mountain bike resort. It attracts a highly active, youthful clientele (link).

Acknowledgements.

Thanks to Andrew and Laurel for their help in navigating the cell phone/messaging environment. Edward added his graphics touch.

Posted in Uncategorized

Travel Tips

Posted on by maherrv

Heather and I have just arrived in Port Moody, BC. It was likely our first cross-country air trip for several years. Things have changed.

We left Paradise, Annapolis County on Christmas Day. It was a bright, clear day. Very little traffic. We decided to stay at the airport hotel. This gives us parking, while we are in BC.

Boxing Day, up early. We had everything packed in carry-on luggage. This avoids the likelihood of lost luggage, especially if there are travel delays because of the weather.

The air travel was essentially uneventful. Air Canada from Halifax to Ottawa. Air Canada from Ottawa to Vancouver. Nic picked us up at Vancouver airport and drove us to Port Moody.

Some observations. Air travel has changed with the technology.

  1. All passengers are using their devices: watching movies, playing electronic games. I had forgotten the need for headsets. Rectified, after an hour or two.
  2. Food is ordered, and placed on your credit card.
  3. Carry-on baggage was on the aircraft. No worries there except that it ended up on the baggage carousel.

The next leg may prove more complex. We fly to Kelowna, rent a car, and drive to Rossland. That is likely a separate blog.

After the Rossland visit, we fly Kelowna to Toronto; Toronto to Halifax.

Posted in Event Review

Napoleon and Moore

Posted on by maherrv

We went to see the film, Napoleon, the matinee performance at Kings Theatre in Annapolis Royal.

Watching the portrayal of Napoleon in the European wars, it was difficult not to make the comparison with Putin and the other confrontations in the world today (see also History Professor reactes to Napoleon Trailer).

On the way home, we witnessed a house fire; at our neighbours, just four houses away on Highway #201; a very sad event.

On a more positive note, I received mid-Winter news from FOLDE, Dorset in the UK.

This newsletter illustrates the potential of bookstores in rural England.

Another newsletter, The Marginalian, contained a section on ‘Working Out, Working In’.

Applying the six principles of Athletic Training to Writing and Creative work.

Before heading to BC, I returned the books by James Bridle to the Library. In place of these books I have borrowed, from Heather, Thomas Moore’s The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life.

”There is a sophistication prior to adult learning and modern development of culture, an appreciation for the interiority of Nature and the hidden power of persons and places.” p.xx.

Acknowledgements

Jeannie Barteaux drove us to the matinee performance in Annapolis Royal. Heather suggested the writing of Thomas Mooore. Edward added the graphics.

References

The Marginalian by Maria Popova, December 24, 2023.
FOLDE Dorset, MidWinter News, December 23, 2023.
Thomas Moore, 1996, The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life, Harper Collins.

Posted in biographical sketch

A Day in the Life

Posted on by maherrv

Monday night, we had heavy rain and winds. Consequently, the power was out in Annapolis Royal on Tuesday. At the junction of the town and along the Granville Ferry road several poles were down.

After lunch, the sky was misty. We decided it was time to walk up from our house on Highway #201, up South Mountain to the Inglisville Road. The circuit takes about two hours. The light was amazing. The Forest floor was a vibrant green of mosses, lichens and fungi.

Mosses from Cornell University Press

Heather had recently purchased Mosses of the Northern Forests and Mosses and Common Liverworts of the Northeast (both published by Cornell University) at MareGold.

We could imagine a profile of species from the Annapolis River to the top of South Mountain.

Yesterday, I received some poems from Sandra Barry. Sandra is well-known for her work on Elizabeth Bishop, Nova Scotia’s ‘Home- made’ poet.

From the Lawrencetown librarian, Caleb Miles, I received notice of an inter-library loan and a second book, by James Bridle, New Dark Age: Technology and the End of the Future.

With these materials in our hand-baggage, we can depart for Vancouver on Boxing Day.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Sandra Barry for the poems, The Singing Bowl and Sky. Thanks to Edward for his graphics and links. Heather added to our botanical library.

References

James Bridle, 2018, New Dark Age: Technology and the end of the Future, Verso.
Sandra Barry, 2011, Elizabeth Bishop: Nova Scotia’s ‘Home-Made’ poet, Nimbus.
Jerry Jenkins, 2020, Mosses of the Northern Forest: a photographic guide, Cornell University.
Sue Alix Williams, 2023, Ecological Guide to the Mosses and Common Liverworts of the Northeast, Cornell University Press.

Postscript

View from Shorefast, Putting Leadership in its Place, Short online video of a lecture by Zita Cobb.

Posted in Book Review

Ways of Being

Posted on by maherrv

This weekend, we find ourselves in New Glasgow, prior to heading to British Columbia for Christmas and New Year. This week, I received a call from the Lawrencetown library. I picked up an inter-library loan; James Bridle’s Ways of Being.

To date, I have read the first three chapters. In praise of the book, Jane Goodall writes:

’We humans are not alone in having a sense of community, a sense of fun, a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of nature. Be prepared to re-evaluate your relationship with the amazing life forms with whom we share the planet.’

Thinking about other ‘ways of being’, I reflect on my recent visit to Annapolis Royal. At MareGold Bookstore, we talked to Russell and Geoff Butler. Russell described his work at the store, in terms of a curator of the books. This extends to the recently opened children’s section.

Afterwards, we went to the Brown Dog Kitchen at the Annapolis Royal library. Fortunately, we could pick up fresh pies for supper.

These ‘ways of being’ seem a far cry from the endless advertising to purchase products over the Internet — or managing scams over the telephone.

With a certain trepidation, we look forward to our travel to British Columbia. But we shall enjoy different ‘ways of being’ with family, available through a different geography.

Reference

James Bridle, 2022, Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines, The Search for Planetary Intelligence, Farrah, Straus and Giroux.

Acknowledgements

Edward has been travelling between Nova Scotia and Florida, hence blog delays. Heather and I will travel to British Columbia to share time with family in Port Moody and Rossland. Again, leading to delays.

Posted in Book Review

Gaspereau Press

Posted on by maherrv

We managed to get to Kentville this week and were able to stop at Gaspereau Press on Church Street. We found three books of interest.

Sue Goyette’s, Monoculture: a commentary of monologues.
Ray Cronin’s, A Gaspereau Field Guide to Canadian Artists, No. 1: Mary Pratt, Still Light.
Ian McLaren’s, All the Birds of Nova Scotia: Status and Critical Identification.

I picked out the first book. I was interested in the commentary on the Forest industry in Nova Scotia.
(image of Sue Goyette via Gaspereau Press)

This remains a contentious issue, regarding saving old growth forest and the practice of sustainable forestry.

Ray Cronin is the author of the series ‘Gaspereau Field Guide to Canadian Artists’. I selected #1, Mary Pratt: Still Light. On a previous visit I purchased #7, Alan Syliboy: Culture is our Medicine. Other artists in the series include Gerald Ferguson, Alex Colville, John Greer, Maud Lewis and Colleen Wolstenholme.

Heather made the third choice. Given the number of birds coming to our feeder. She was interested in Professor Ian McLaren’s All the Birds of Nova Scotia: Status and Critical Identification, published in 2012.

Acknowledgements

We enjoyed brunch at the Half Acre Cafe before crossing the road to Gaspereau Press.

Edward added the graphics and links.

References (all published by Gaspereau Press)
Sue Goyette, 2022, Monoculture: a commentary of monologues.
Ray Cronin, 2018, Mary Pratt: Still Light, Field Guide to Canadian Artists #1
Ray Cronin, 2022, Alan Syliboy: Culture is our Medicine Field Guide to Canadian Artists #7
Ian McLaren, 2012, All the Birds of Nova Scotia: Status and Critical Identification.

Posted in biographical sketch

A Sense of Agency

Posted on by maherrv

Every weekend I receive Emergence Magazine. Last Sunday, there was an interview with James Bridle, entitled An Ecological Technology.

The podcast references his latest books: Ways of Being and New Dark Age. The podcast was a refreshing alternative to the discussion of AI in the popular media.

Before the snowfall, Heather and I increased our exploratory walks. In Middleton, we connected the CARP marsh trail to the old railway trail between Middleton and Nictaux.

Later, we went to Valley View Park and the radio tower.

Again, we extended the walk down to the Hampton Mountain chalets, to Dragonfly Lane. Then back on the Hampton Mountain road to the parking lot.

With the fresh snow, I would not recommend this trail. You need to see the ground to negotiate the brush and recent cuts. Even the ‘TOWER’ signs are starting to disappear from the trees.

This week, I shall be attending Maclean’s Fundamentals of GIS class (FunGIS). While the detailed technical information is challenging, it does provide an entré into the current technologies.

My plan, in the months ahead, is to understand the current remote sensing technologies (e.g. the use of drones, the availability of online imagery).

Acknowledgements

Heather has shared both the reading and the walking. Edward added his graphics touch.

Reference

Emergence Magazine, Shifting Landscapes, December 3, 2023, An Ecological Technology: An Interview with James Bridle.