Scout Archives

Long-time readers may remember eBird, the birding database featured in the 10-07-2005 Scout Report. Bird Count India manages eBird-India, an extension of the eBird project focused on "the needs of birders in India." Bird Count India also provides several platforms and sub-projects "for people interested in birds at any level, [making it] possible for you to have fun birding while at the same time...

Described as a "puzzle of urban mobility space," What the Street!? explores how major cities around the world allocate their mobile space. Using OpenStreetMap software, data scientists and designers Michael Szell and Stephan Bogner creatively graphed parts of major cities' infrastructure. Currently, more than 20 cities are available, including Beijing, Chicago, Rome, and Johannesburg. To select a...

It is a question that has divided people for centuries: Are you a cat person or a dog person? Whether you prefer felines or canines, many questions surround both species. For example, Nadieh Bremer, a data visualization designer and long-time cat owner, wondered, "Why does my cat go crazy for my sweaty gym clothes?" Recognizing that many people turn to the internet for answers, Bremer created Why...

Launched in 2015, Spark Science is a podcast highlighting scientists and their work. The goal of the show is "to make science more accessible and less intimidating." Dr. Regina Barber DeGraaff hosts the show, bringing a wealth of knowledge in astronomy, physics, and science communications. With 6 seasons and 100 episodes, as of this write-up, the show also has a wealth of content. Episodes are...

On November 26, 2011, the Curiosity rover launched into space, where it traveled millions of miles (over a period of months) to land on Mars. Access Mars invites you along for the journey, "let[ting] you explore a 3D replica of the Martian surface, exactly as it was recorded by the Curiosity rover." NASA scientists created this realistic browsing model using photographs collected by the rover. The...