March Geo-Challenge: Put Spring Break on the Map!

MARCH 2008 NEWSLETTER We're going to latitude 37°13'58.02" N, longitude 76°38'43.80" W! (That's Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia.) Image courtesy of Busch Gardens, Williamsburg March is the month when many winter-weary folks take time off from work or school and document their trips through photos. We continue our series of monthly "asks" with a challenge to take picture-sharing to a new level. "Geo-referencing" is the practice of tagging data, like pictures, according to geographic coordinates—latitude and longitude. There are several ways to do it that vary in cost and technological sophistication. Check out these online resources for ideas: 1. Flickr.com instructional video on geo-tagging. 2. Makezine.com "How to GPS-tag:" An in-depth tutorial demonstrates how to geo-tag photos using a variety of Web resources 3. The Sony GPS-CS1KA is a relatively affordable device that attaches to a digital camera to automatically geo-reference photos. 4. Geospatialexperts.com features cameras with built-in GPS units for the ambitious geographer willing to spend some cash. CAMPAIGN UPDATE We're pleased to announce the release of My Wonderful World public service announcements (PSAs) for placement in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and other print media. The PSAs complement the existing set of television and radio spots that have earned more than ten and a half million dollars in donated ad value to date. Check our Web site soon for free, downloadable versions of the print PSAs. Take them to local media outlets and help spread the word! GAMES AND COOL STUFF Map of the Day National Geographic magazine Online's "Map of the Day" application highlights a pivotal historic event for each day of the year, along with an interactive map. Add this innovative tool to your bookmarks and start thinking geographically about world events past and present.     Where's the happiest place on Earth? Eric Weiner set out to answer this question in his light-hearted yet provocative new book The Geography of Bliss. Visit the author's Web site and chime in with your own happiest place. There's still time to apply for one of the National Council for Geographic Education's (NCGE) "excellence in geographic education" awards. Earn recognition for all of your hard work; you deserve it! For Kids: Aside from traveling, the next best way to learn about a new country is to speak to someone who lives there. E-pals.com is a fun and easy way to make friends with young people all over the world! For Teens: March 15th marks the deadline to apply for one of National Geographic's new Student Expeditions, which will take place this summer. You'll have the trip of a lifetime, and you might even learn something! More: For Parents More: For Educators More: For Kids and Teens IN THE NEWS Kosovo Independence Kosovo made history on February 17th by declaring independence from Serbia to become the world's 195th country. The road to nationhood has been rocky for the UN protectorate as dominant nations remain divided about accepting its Declaration. EXPLORE MORE TALK BACK IN THE BLOG SPREAD THE WORD E-MAIL YOUR LAWMAKERS TEST YOUR GLOBAL IQ ABOUT MY WONDERFUL WORLD   TELL US That's Amore! Last month, we challenged you to learn how to say "I love you" in a foreign language. How did you sign your Valentine's Day cards? What other phrases did you learn?   You received this e-mail because you signed up for My Wonderful World. To change delivery or format options or to change your address, please use the links below or write to National Geographic; Attn: E-newsletter Program; 1145 17th Street N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20036. Unsubscribe        Privacy Policy         Copyright © 2008 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.