- March’s compendium of technology updates is pretty cool! Come check out new developments in new battery technology, tiny lab-grown 3D structures, and plastic waste recycling:
New strategy for long-life batteries.
Improved optical fibers transmit data even when bent.
Another important stride forward for commercially-available quantum computers.
Interlinked, identical molecules make for a strong, flexible material.
Stride forward for liquid battery technology in support of clean energy.
Lab-grown nano-scale 3D structures could improve fuel cells.
New 2D material could revolutionize computer chips.
And this new technique could help grow 2D materials.
From plastic waste to useful construction materials.

- The January 2023 NOAA Global Climate Report is out, and, not surprisingly, it was a relatively warm one. The January 2023 average global surface temperature was the 7th highest on record since 1850. Hawaii tied January 1941 for the warmest January on record. California experienced nine consecutive atmospheric rivers, which brought an astonishing 32 trillion gallons of snow and water to the state. And New Zealand recorded its wettest month on record since 1853.
- Did you know that March 2nd is National Banana Cream Pie Day? So our Google search of the month was, “Bananas and GIS”. We found this article by Wayan Nuarsa, Nyoman Dibia, Ketut Wikantika, Deni Suwardhi, and Nyoman Rai, titled GIS Based Analysis of Agroclimate Land Suitability for Banana Plants in Bali Province, Indonesia. The article was written for the Hayati Journal and was published in January 2018. It discusses how the need for bananas in Bali greatly outstrips the rate of production. In the article, Indonesia is identified as the 6th largest banana producer in the world. Using GIS for land-use suitability mapping and analysis, the study aimed to evaluate land potential for banana cultivation. Using agroecological factors such as rainfall, altitude, dry month and slope, the study showed that roughly 46.14% of the Bali Province in Indonesia could be planted with bananas. This would greatly increase the amount of bananas Indonesia could produce. If you’re curious about the process of banana farming, check out this Youtube video. Bonus points if you enjoy a slice of banana cream pie while you watch it! 😉
- Last month we checked out the online GIS resources of Minnesota’s third largest city, Rochester. This month we look at online GIS resources for Mississippi’s third largest city, Southaven. The DeSoto County GIS Website (Southaven is a part of DeSoto County), is user friendly, visually appealing and has many a collection of both free and purchasable resources. The map catalog provides useful tools, such as interactive maps, city demographics, and a parks and trail finder.
Southaven, MS GIS Website
Southaven, MS GIS Contacts (on the right side of the page)
Southaven, MS GIS Web App
Southaven, MS Map Collections
Southaven, MS GIS Direct Downloads
Brock Adam McCarty
Map Wizard
(720) 470-7988
brock@apollomapping.com
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