IranMap

Global Positioning System is extensively used to asses the types and strength of different wild species. Conservation agencies use GPS enabled devices to monitor movements of animals and birds. The system helps to determine their numbers, breeding patterns, migratory behaviour etc with reliable data. Devices are capable of collecting and storing valuable data which can be retrieved periodically.

The satellite enabled system of data collection does not disturb the species unlike human oriented methods of “search and collect” methods. Information about their behaviour can be obtained by using GPS tracking devices which are at times attached to the animals and birds and operated by remote control. Many experiments are also conducted to study the origin of diseases that afflicts the wild lives and to take remedial measures. The spread of avian influenza among migratory birds and epidemics or injuries suffered by wild animals are detected and treated effectively, thanks to the GPS technology.

The University Museum at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is proud to present a new exhibition “Caravan across Persia: An Archaeological Tour of Iran.” This new series of museum exhibitions create unexpected connections between ancient civilizations and the modern era. Ancient and medieval ceramics from Persia are juxtaposed with historical photographs of Iran in the 1930s, made by renowned German photographer Axel von Graefe.
The exhibition features a collection of prehistoric Iranian ceramics from the California Academy of Sciences (Anthropology Department), and medieval Persian ceramics from the Matthew Higgins private collection. Prehistoric ceramics, dating from the 31st to 2nd centuries B.C.E., include gracefully shaped cups, bowls and culinary ware; many are decorated with images of birds and animals. Medieval Persian ceramics from the 12th-13th centuries C.E. include the Persian Luster Ware and turquoise-glazed ceramics from the famous ceramic production center at Kashan.

Bogheh Harunieh Tomb in Toos, Mashhad (by Axel von Graefe, 1937)

German photographer Axel von Graefe traveled to Iran during the early 1930s. Under Reza Shah, the country had just embarked on a modernization campaign and officially changed its European name, Persia, to Iran. Although there were many restrictions on foreigners taking photographs, von Graefe was able to document the ancient cities of Susa and Persepolis, picturesque villages, and ancient caravan routes crossing mountains and deserts.
Caravans (trade expeditions) hold a special place in the history of Persia. For thousands of years, Iran was at the crossroads of several international trade routes – the Silk Road, the Spice Route, and the Persian Royal Road. Caravans navigating these difficult routes brought to Europe not only silk, jewels, medicines, and spices, but also art, science, and knowledge from the Middle East and China.

Bridge on Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan (by Axel von Graefe, 1937)

The exhibition is open to the public 11:00 to 4:00, Monday through Friday, April 1st – May 8th. Admission is free.

Location: University Museum, Humanities Building 510, corner of Font & Tapia, San Francisco State University

Garmin has introduced the Nuvi 1200 and 1300 series of sat navs that join the team of ultra-thin and include some advanced functionalities. These new series of satellite navigators were introduced at the CeBit that took place between 3rd march and 8th march at Hannover Germany. It is an affordable GPS unit that includes many advanced functionalities.

These also offer pedestrian GPS mode. In this mode, the device makes use of CityXplorer maps. The CityXplorer maps, which can be easily downloaded into your nuvi, include many tourist destinations across Europe as well as North America.

Some of the premium features offered by these series of sat navs include free lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist functionality. The lane assist feature is one of the most important features in sat navs; it tells you about the correct lane that is to be followed on complicated intersection and turn. These GPS units also feature text-to-speech facility that reads out the names of the major roads and junctions as and when they appear on the screen. It also announces the names of upcoming lanes and roads. In short, it offers the excellent navigational options same as any other Nuvi device along with these advanced functionalities.

The Nuvi 1200 and 1300 series are designed for use in cars, they come with a pedestrian mode. It uses CityXplorer maps for this purpose, which allows an user to plan and use route that come with public transit facilities such as buses, trams, metro and rail system. As this is a thin and compact unit, it can easily be carried in the pocket or a purse. You can help you car run an extra mile by choosing to take the economical route, that allows you to save on fuel. You can also read through the ecoRoute’s Mileage and Fuel Report, which tells you about fuel conservation along with giving you fuel saving tips all through your journey.

All the models in the Nuvi 1200 series, come with a 3.5-inch touch screen display and is priced between $199.99 to $299.99. The Nuvi 1300 series on the other hand, comes with a wide 4.3-inch touch screen display and is priced between $249.99 to $449.99. Both the series come with Text-To-Speech functionality. Garmin has introduced these new ultra-thin series of sat navs in North America currently, it will probably hit the European markets later this year.