GE and Google maps have announced a new partnership that could lead to significant advances in the way infrastructure is planned, cataloged, and maintained, reports Michael V. Copeland.
General Electric and Google maps are partnering to give engineers access to Google maps as an additional layer in Smallworld, GE's proprietary GIS program, which contains location data for energy grids, pipelines, telecommunications and other related infrastructure.
A GE Digital Energy representative believes the two systems have the potential to evolve together. While Google maps would enable engineers to access specific location data through its Streetview function, it could eventually provide 3D views of underground cable and pipe networks. On the consumer end, GE could eventually overlay power outage information on Google maps and make it available live for ordinary users to track outages in their neighborhoods.
FULL STORY: Google Maps, Now in Industrial Strength!

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Cleveland to Boost Bike Safety With New Bike Lanes, School Programs
The program, using curriculum created by Cleveland Bikes, is part of a broader effort to improve safety along school routes.

Florida Home Insurers Disproportionately Dropping Low-Income Households
Non-renewal rates are highest in inland counties, not the coastal areas most immediately vulnerable to storms.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations
Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.
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