“KSU grad's maps guide oil cleanup - Wichita Eagle” plus 1 more

KSU grad's maps guide oil cleanup - Wichita Eagle

Posted: 05 Sep 2010 10:04 PM PDT

BY RICK PLUMLEE

The Wichita Eagle

You wouldn't think bartending and creating maps for the Gulf oil spill have much in common.

But Matthew Hosey of Wichita learned this summer that they did.

Hosey worked part-time as a bartender in Manhattan while finishing his bachelor's degree in geography at Kansas State University before graduating in May.

"There's no such thing as doing one thing at time as a bartender," Hosey said. "You get used to dealing with pressure."

Plenty of pressure, stress and chaos greeted him when he arrived at an oil spill command post in Mobile, Ala., in late June.

"At first, my head was spinning," said Hosey, who grew up in Goddard.

He spent the next six weeks working 12 to 14 hours a day — 14 days on, four days off — for one of the oil recovery companies contracted by British Petroleum to help contain the disaster that erupted with the April 20 explosion of an off-shore drilling rig.

Hosey, 27, used his skills as a geographic information system analyst to collect data, create maps and make daily presentations for operations in Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle.

Much of his information came from satellite images and pictures taken from airplanes and helicopters. More data was picked up from workers rating the heaviness of oil that had washed up on the shoreline.

Hosey pieced it all together to create the maps. And he had to do it often, usually producing a map every 10 minutes.

Right from the start, he was asked to learn 10 maps.

"The guy who trained me was intense," Hosey said. "He didn't sugar-coat anything."

It prepared him well for what he would face.

He made daily updates for 10 to 15 maps — aerial operations, oil observation summaries, boom placements and where oil was being washed up on the shore — plus met map requests from contractors and the U.S. Coast Guard.

"But they didn't like you to call it oil on the maps because you couldn't be sure what it was," Hosey said. "So they wanted us to call it anomalies."

His working environment in a large building with no room dividers was often chaotic, some 650 people all trying to carry out a mixture of duties.

"A thousand different conversations going on at once," Hosey said. "All these people were trying to accomplish something."

To help bring some order, categories of workers wore different colored vests. Hosey was in the planning group, so he wore blue.

He and his co-workers lived in a make-shift tent behind the command building. They were fortified with three meals a day.

Good thing; the work was long, hard and intense. For his final three weeks in Mobile, Hosey worked the night shift from 8 p.m. to about 9 a.m.

One of his least-expected duties came each morning at 6 o'clock sharp. From his very first week on the job, he presented the maps in briefings to the operation's top brass, including executives with BP and the Coast Guard.

"I'm sitting in the front of this room with 50 or 70 people behind me waiting to see the correct visuals on the screen," Hosey said. "That was part of the chaos."

With the capping of the well in mid-July and the cleanup progressing, jobs were phased out — including Hosey's.

But his work was regarded so highly that the Coast Guard has asked him to display his boom retrieval map at a conference next summer in San Diego, he said. He spent his last eight hours on the job creating the map, carefully highlighting the booms against a faded-out background.

Some may wonder why a veteran analyst wasn't chosen to make those morning presentations.

"I don't know," Hosey said.

The obvious answer is that he isn't your usual recent college graduate. Besides being older, he came to the task with hands-on experience in the working world.

A 2002 graduate of Goddard High School, Hosey went to Pratt and Cowley community colleges before taking two years off school to work full time.

His duties ranged from driving a 7UP truck to working as a plumber.

Last summer, Hosey was an intern for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"That's probably a big reason why I got the job," he said.

But don't discount his passion for geography.

As a first-grader he took home flash cards of the United States. He had them memorized and could write in the names of all the states. He later won a geography bee at his Goddard elementary school.

"I've been obsessed with geography for a long time," Hosey said.

And now he has the satisfaction of using that passion to accomplish something.

"Before I went down there, I was pretty upset at the situation," Hosey said. "I had no idea I would be able to help out.

"Now it will be one of those things to talk about for years."

He's now back looking for a job, but you have to figure this summer's work will open some doors.

"Coming out of college, it was the best job I could ask for," Hosey said.

"I made a lot of contacts. My fourth day down there, I was asked if I would be interested in a full-time job in Anchorage, Alaska.

"I told him I'd think about it. I'd love to go there, but I'm not sure if I want to plant roots there."

But he is sure this summer prepared him to handle pressures that even juggling customers at the bar couldn't.

"I can't see how it couldn't," Hosey said. "I learned and succeeded in that environment."

Reach Rick Plumlee at 316-268-6660 or rplumlee@wichitaeagle.com.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent.

Cheap ! TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps ... - Zimbio

Posted: 03 Sep 2010 04:59 PM PDT

TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Review

I travel to various regions of the country (US) and normally rent a gps through the rental car company. Rencently though I bought a TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS.

It was inexpensive so I was somewhat pensive on its ability to be an effective navigation device. Here are some thoughts on the device:

Pros
-The unit is fairly intuitive from entering and address to reading the display information to changing volume.
-Volume control is speed sensitive so when you enter a freeway the volume increases accordingly
-The Advanced Lane Guidance feature makes it easy to determine exits off of freeways. The proper exit is shown with green arrows on the screen so if there are multiple lane exits you have ample time to merge
-On the top right of the screen it shows you the next intersection that coincides with your exit/turn and displays it in miles and minutes.
-On the bottom of the screen a display shows you how many miles and how much time you have left in your trip
-Your speed limit and the posted speed limit is shown on the right/bottom of screen
-Voice controls are clear and give you ample time prior to a lane/change or turn.
-Adding an itinerary was easy once I understood how to add waypoints to make the most efficient trip possible. This took me about 10 minutes of playing with the device but was easy to do once the process was understood.
-When searching for an address, you can click on the "State" Icons and choose which state where your destination is to help search for the city faster.
-Traffic Delays were nice to have and were fairly accurate when I was driving in the DC/Virginia/MD areas
-The 4.3″ screen display was ample in terms of size and readability
-The Fold & Go EasyPort Mount was simple to use and easy to attach to the windshield.

Cons
-Volume control, although intuitive can be a little touchy when increasing or decreasing the volume.
-Touchscreen is sometimes not super responsive
Overall, this was a great unit and I highly recommend it!

TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Feature

Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates
Lifetime Traffic Updates included–outsmart traffic and avoid delays for life with real-time information via your TomTom
Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories–gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more
IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money
Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently

TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Overview

The brand new TomTom XL 340TM GPS is an amazing widescreen portable navigation device. No activation, no monthly fees. TomTom has the most accurate maps. Get it today!

Available at Amazon Click To See Best Price!

Customer Reviews

Great GPS hampered by TomTom Home software – Watch Collector – San Jose, CA USA
I bought this GPS (XL340TM Live) for two features:

1) IQ Routes
2) MapShare corrections

The GPS itself is great, but the TomTom Home software was unable to download the Latest Map Guarantee (the GPS was new and not refurbished) and neither was it able to accept and process the lifetime maps activation.

Several calls to TomTom tech support were unable to fix the problems with this unit. The TomTom tech support was polite, responsive but not very useful.

I ended up returning the unit and purchasing an XL350TM for less. That unit was able to get updated maps and lifetime map code also worked.

The LIVE service is SLOW and with the lifetime traffic and my iPhone, it is quite useless.

TomTom no match for Garmin Nuvi – Karl – Bozeman, MT USA
This is my second GPS (third if you include the Forerunner sports GPS). I compared this review unit with a Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition that I purchased earlier in the year.

I ran around town with both the TomTom and Garmin giving me maps and directions, and found the TomTom's timing and prompts much less useful than the Garmin's. The maps had much less detail – the Garmin shows bodies of water, side roads, etc., none of which appeared on the TomTom. The icons to locate nearby services were not easily discerned while driving. The menus and functionality were awkward.

I was not able to test the traffic feed, as my city is too small, so will have to post more on that after my son in Los Angeles tests that out later.

For many things, the weaknesses of the TomTom are addressed by the Garmin, but the weaknesses of the Garmin (and there are some) are addressed by the TomTom. But, overall, for maps, POIs, navigation, voice prompt quality, easy of use, total number of features, features of the web site for updates and interface with Google maps, etc., I think one would do better looking at the Garmin line, even with its faults.

Posting some photos comparing the two units.

TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Specifications

Get street smart with the TomTom XL 340·TM–complete widescreen navigation, featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates. Outsmart traffic and minimize delays with Lifetime Traffic Updates. Based on incoming traffic events, your device will suggest alternate routes. And, with Lifetime Map Updates you'll always drive with the latest and most accurate maps. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the XL 340·TM you'll always stay current.

Complete widescreen navigation, featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates.

Expand your horizons with a 4.3″ extra-wide touchscreen.

The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability.

Switch on and go right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names will guide you to any address in the US, Canada, and Mexico–including more than 7 million preloaded points of interest. The TomTom XL 340·TM is complete, widescreen navigation.

Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology* which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route while saving time, fuel and money. Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.

With TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device. The "Help Me!" menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

Maps of US, Canada & Mexico with Map Share
Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico, worry free.

Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates
Enjoy a lifetime of easy driving with two great features from TomTom. LIFETIME Maps guarantees you receive four new editions of your TomTom map each year to ensure that you are always navigating with the industry's most up-to-date map. And, LIFETIME Traffic sends updates to your TomTom every three minutes, so you can always steer clear of traffic delays and take the fastest route possible to your destination.

7 Million POIs
Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.

IQ Routes Technology
TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.

Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the fastest route.

Advanced Lane Guidance*
TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.

Spoken Street Names
Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.

4.3″ Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 4.3″ extra-wide touchscreen. An additional 20% in size allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The EasyPort mount makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.

*Feature only available in the US and Canada
**Feature available in the US only

All TomToms Feature

Plug & Go–Works right out of the box.

30 Day Latest Map Guarantee–Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share–Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu–Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

TomTom HOME–Always up to date.

Fuel Price Service (optional)–Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box

XL 340TM GPS device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger w/ integrated traffic, and user guide + LT maps voucher

About TomTom

Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.

TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage–more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 04, 2010 13:45:03

Maps Guides

Monday, September 6, 2010