Which Map Would You Use?
Charlie Frye at the ESRI Mapping Center has an excellent post on trying to shoehorn- bootstrap? a map out of unfit data. You know the type, you've seen them in the shadows (some of us have worked in those shadows): "straight" water lines lurching from side to side, roads going across parcels and buildings, buildings over lot lines.
But something else caught my eye. At the end he presents a typical "no worries" CAD map of a water system and a designed water utility map. The efficiency and usability of the design just leaps out at you (brace yourself from traditional users who won't necessarily be in the frame of mind to "learn how to read it"). In any case, which one would you choose?
Old School
New School
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
On vacation with a Nuvi
Is there any better encapsulation of the GIS/GPS curriculum than a Nuvi (or whatever generic name vehicle GPS navigation units are called)- except for the surveying bit...
You've got basic low level GPS- all you need to know is that it won't work in a building. Sat acquisition is fast and seemingly accurate (see below).
You've got basic and advanced GIS- on the very basic side the 255 has water, terrain, political, POI and road data layers in an all on or off format. Also zoom & pan.
On the advanced side- you've got geocoding, which means you have a heavy reliance on good databases, which for the most part were reasonably good (and I think that will get better with the floor being the new 2008 Census tiger data). Also you have some sort of buffering program which takes the approximate GPS location and gets it onto the road that you're traveling on; unless that road doesn't exist in the database. Finally, there's the network analysis to determine your route- not a simple process.
The other interesting point is that in the retail world, you pay more for better accuracy and more data. You can pay as little as around $150 for the basics and over $500 for the full monty. Just like in the geospatial industry, more money gets better results (or the promise of better).
One might expect that as these devices become integrated into people's lives and they experience the joys and defeats of both GPS and spatial data, they will understand and be more willing to integrate the efficiencies represented by these simple units into other areas of their lives (personal and community). They will be receptive to the geospatial quality versus costs issue because they experienced it at Amazon. And they'll want that subdivision on the map. It will be up to GIS/GPS professionals to make the links clear.
On another note: these units all use similar algorithms to determine your route (with little imput on what choices are important to the user) and as far as I could tell, no ability to chose a different route, other than ignoring the recommended path and having the unit calculate an updated route. At some point, multiple PhDs will be written on an analysis of traffic patterns and road use as influenced by these units. That until now little used side road that is 15feet shorter than the "main" road is going to see a lot more traffic until people figure out it's slower because of unmapped double parking or stickball or speed bumps...
You've got basic low level GPS- all you need to know is that it won't work in a building. Sat acquisition is fast and seemingly accurate (see below).
You've got basic and advanced GIS- on the very basic side the 255 has water, terrain, political, POI and road data layers in an all on or off format. Also zoom & pan.
On the advanced side- you've got geocoding, which means you have a heavy reliance on good databases, which for the most part were reasonably good (and I think that will get better with the floor being the new 2008 Census tiger data). Also you have some sort of buffering program which takes the approximate GPS location and gets it onto the road that you're traveling on; unless that road doesn't exist in the database. Finally, there's the network analysis to determine your route- not a simple process.
The other interesting point is that in the retail world, you pay more for better accuracy and more data. You can pay as little as around $150 for the basics and over $500 for the full monty. Just like in the geospatial industry, more money gets better results (or the promise of better).
One might expect that as these devices become integrated into people's lives and they experience the joys and defeats of both GPS and spatial data, they will understand and be more willing to integrate the efficiencies represented by these simple units into other areas of their lives (personal and community). They will be receptive to the geospatial quality versus costs issue because they experienced it at Amazon. And they'll want that subdivision on the map. It will be up to GIS/GPS professionals to make the links clear.
On another note: these units all use similar algorithms to determine your route (with little imput on what choices are important to the user) and as far as I could tell, no ability to chose a different route, other than ignoring the recommended path and having the unit calculate an updated route. At some point, multiple PhDs will be written on an analysis of traffic patterns and road use as influenced by these units. That until now little used side road that is 15feet shorter than the "main" road is going to see a lot more traffic until people figure out it's slower because of unmapped double parking or stickball or speed bumps...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Icy Thoughts
from all points blog comes a story about the power outage that has hit mostly southern New Hampshire after the ice storm (of the century?) last Friday.
Seems in Durham, they're having trouble figuring out who has power and who doesn't. And they're also trying to tell people what streets are being worked on or are on-deck (via the internet, which as we know, requires electricity, but I digress).
It raises a question or two.
If you worked for city or county government in this type of crisis, how would you use geospatial technology to map who had power and who didn't (in Durham, officials are driving streets at night to look for lights), where the trouble spots were, which streets emergency vehicles could drive down, where seniors or people with special needs lived, and the work plan (where crews were working or going to be)?
And most importantly, how would you get that information out and update it? (Update: this where Starbucks-GoogleMapping is useful; that is having your emergency response mapping on a server hosted out of town, so that when there's a power or other problem, you can go somewhere there's a wireless link, access the data & add new data using google maps. In addition to providing paper maps in the affected areas).
Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire (and the Thompson School, where I got my AAS). No question there are geospatially enabled students and equipment lying around. How would you mobilize them- could they be out in the neighborhoods locating this stuff in advance of the emergency and work crews to make the whole disaster recovery process more efficient?
Seems in Durham, they're having trouble figuring out who has power and who doesn't. And they're also trying to tell people what streets are being worked on or are on-deck (via the internet, which as we know, requires electricity, but I digress).
It raises a question or two.
If you worked for city or county government in this type of crisis, how would you use geospatial technology to map who had power and who didn't (in Durham, officials are driving streets at night to look for lights), where the trouble spots were, which streets emergency vehicles could drive down, where seniors or people with special needs lived, and the work plan (where crews were working or going to be)?
And most importantly, how would you get that information out and update it? (Update: this where Starbucks-GoogleMapping is useful; that is having your emergency response mapping on a server hosted out of town, so that when there's a power or other problem, you can go somewhere there's a wireless link, access the data & add new data using google maps. In addition to providing paper maps in the affected areas).
Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire (and the Thompson School, where I got my AAS). No question there are geospatially enabled students and equipment lying around. How would you mobilize them- could they be out in the neighborhoods locating this stuff in advance of the emergency and work crews to make the whole disaster recovery process more efficient?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Rats!
NYC has a pretty cool webGIS rat map going on.
It's a map of everything rat from the health department in a very nicely done interface.
No word on whether they plan to add all of Wall Street as a critical area or not.
It's a map of everything rat from the health department in a very nicely done interface.
No word on whether they plan to add all of Wall Street as a critical area or not.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Vacancy clean-up
The following places had position announcements over the past year or so. I'm posting them because they may be places to contact if you are looking for internships or positions (and I'm cleaning my desk). You never know; I started one job a month after they had hired someone else (within that month, he had crashed a company truck which didn't improve his future prospects at the company).
District Technician Hancock SWCD, Findlay, Ohio
Field Mapping for Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative Fairplay, Colorado (mrhi.org)
GPS mapping USACOE Tuscarawas County Area (Ohio) (Stan Rosenblatt, Ranger)
District Technician Hancock SWCD, Findlay, Ohio
Field Mapping for Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative Fairplay, Colorado (mrhi.org)
GPS mapping USACOE Tuscarawas County Area (Ohio) (Stan Rosenblatt, Ranger)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NR Mapping & GPS
Another change in the Hocking GIS/GPS world is the addition of a New 1 credit class: NR Mapping & GPS.
Using free or low cost software and Garmin recreational GPS units, this class is going to explore how to maximize data collection with these low cost tools and methods. By the end of the half-quarter class, you will be able to successfully create basic maps using data you collect in the field.
There are a couple of reasons to take this class. One, you find yourself working at an organization that can't afford a $2000 ArcView license or a $4,000 sub-meter GPS, but you have to get some mapping done for your job or for project funding. Two, you know that there are existing free GIS data resources like Athens County GIS data that you could be using for basic analysis in your job, but you don't know how you can view it or work with it.
We don't have a course number or a time, but it will be offered the second half of winter quarter, 2009. Stay tuned.
Using free or low cost software and Garmin recreational GPS units, this class is going to explore how to maximize data collection with these low cost tools and methods. By the end of the half-quarter class, you will be able to successfully create basic maps using data you collect in the field.
There are a couple of reasons to take this class. One, you find yourself working at an organization that can't afford a $2000 ArcView license or a $4,000 sub-meter GPS, but you have to get some mapping done for your job or for project funding. Two, you know that there are existing free GIS data resources like Athens County GIS data that you could be using for basic analysis in your job, but you don't know how you can view it or work with it.
We don't have a course number or a time, but it will be offered the second half of winter quarter, 2009. Stay tuned.
New GIS/GPS Certificate at School of Natural Resources
We've got a new GIS/GPS certificate at Natural Resources aimed at non-GIS/GPS majors who want to prove their geospatial capabilities to employers (heard from another employer today who can't seem to find enough people with GIS or GPS skills).
The required classes
GEO 100 Intro to GIS (2cr)
GEO 102 Intro to GPS (2cr)
or
GEO 104 Intro GIS/GPS combo
NRM 125 Map Reading and Interpretation (2cr)
GEO 101 Intermediate GIS (3cr)
GEO 140 Intermediate GPS (2cr)
GEO ??? NR Mapping & GPS (1cr)
For most of you, the only addition to get the certificate will be the Intermediate classes. We've shifted the meeting times to late afternoon, so you'll be able to take them outside your major block schedule. In these classes, you learn a bit more about the geo-tools and do a project on a subject that you are interested in.
The required classes
GEO 100 Intro to GIS (2cr)
GEO 102 Intro to GPS (2cr)
or
GEO 104 Intro GIS/GPS combo
NRM 125 Map Reading and Interpretation (2cr)
GEO 101 Intermediate GIS (3cr)
GEO 140 Intermediate GPS (2cr)
GEO ??? NR Mapping & GPS (1cr)
For most of you, the only addition to get the certificate will be the Intermediate classes. We've shifted the meeting times to late afternoon, so you'll be able to take them outside your major block schedule. In these classes, you learn a bit more about the geo-tools and do a project on a subject that you are interested in.
Monday, November 24, 2008
GIS Services Support Position ATC
Tia relays this job position in Wisconsin?
GIS Services Support Positions with American Transmission Company
The position description: Work to support GIS services within ATC. Specific duties include creation and maintenance of unique thematic datasets, analysis and cartographic support to our engineering, planning and environmental services departments, and the ability to work as a component of a multi-disciplined solution. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the principles of GIS.
The position is offered for the 2008/09 school year and anticipated to be some hours during school and full time during the summer.
If you look at the pdf linked above, there is a web link that reads www.atcllc.com but links to www.releeinc.com, a consulting company that provides GIS, Engineering and Surveying (they could be the subcontract to ATC for this position)
A note: this is how it starts to work. As all of you get out in the field and have various positions, you'll hear about other positions, etc. I'm happy to serve as a clearinghouse, if you want to send me what you're seeing and hearing in the job market (for only 10% of your gross- haha).
GIS Services Support Positions with American Transmission Company
The position description: Work to support GIS services within ATC. Specific duties include creation and maintenance of unique thematic datasets, analysis and cartographic support to our engineering, planning and environmental services departments, and the ability to work as a component of a multi-disciplined solution. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the principles of GIS.
The position is offered for the 2008/09 school year and anticipated to be some hours during school and full time during the summer.
If you look at the pdf linked above, there is a web link that reads www.atcllc.com but links to www.releeinc.com, a consulting company that provides GIS, Engineering and Surveying (they could be the subcontract to ATC for this position)
A note: this is how it starts to work. As all of you get out in the field and have various positions, you'll hear about other positions, etc. I'm happy to serve as a clearinghouse, if you want to send me what you're seeing and hearing in the job market (for only 10% of your gross- haha).
Monday, November 17, 2008
ESRI mapping blog
the ESRI mapping blog has a couple of posts that tie into topics that we have talked about in Cart the last few classes.
At the top are some tips on how to restrict the colors available in a color ramp (basically customizing a color ramp). A way to acheive control over color!
Just below it is a discussion on text blocks. Some things to think about before you add them and then ways to customize them with multiple columns, etc. Perfect
At the top are some tips on how to restrict the colors available in a color ramp (basically customizing a color ramp). A way to acheive control over color!
Just below it is a discussion on text blocks. Some things to think about before you add them and then ways to customize them with multiple columns, etc. Perfect
Design Specialist 2 for Abandoned Mined Lands Program
Scott emailed this new full time position in Athens with the Abandoned Mined Lands Program within ODNR. the closing data is November 20th, so you'll need to move fast!
Design Specialist 2
The link to the Ohio Hiring Management System is here. I believe (but am not certain) that you can apply via the link at this page. However, it never hurts to call the Athens office, politely introduce yourself and ask at the source. Updates, as I receive them.
Job duties
Prepares original designs of the Abandoned Mined Lands (AML) program under the direction of a registered professional engineer; utilizes engineering/technical computer workstation; operates computer applications in CAD, geology, hydrology, statistics, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), spreadsheets and database; conducts special projects on workstation as directed by supervisor (e.g., earthwork, culvert sizing, drainage control, etc.); verifies field information, writes/reviews preliminary/final designs to insure conformity with design criteria; maintains computer programs and designs; reviews change orders on construction projects;
Design Specialist 2
The link to the Ohio Hiring Management System is here. I believe (but am not certain) that you can apply via the link at this page. However, it never hurts to call the Athens office, politely introduce yourself and ask at the source. Updates, as I receive them.
Job duties
Prepares original designs of the Abandoned Mined Lands (AML) program under the direction of a registered professional engineer; utilizes engineering/technical computer workstation; operates computer applications in CAD, geology, hydrology, statistics, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), spreadsheets and database; conducts special projects on workstation as directed by supervisor (e.g., earthwork, culvert sizing, drainage control, etc.); verifies field information, writes/reviews preliminary/final designs to insure conformity with design criteria; maintains computer programs and designs; reviews change orders on construction projects;
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Geography Scholarship
Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship
The Association of American Geographers is pleased to announce a national scholarship program for community college students. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from community colleges, junior colleges, city colleges, or similar two-year educational institutions who will be transferring as geography majors to four year colleges and universities. These scholarships are funded by Darrel Hess, coauthor of the textbook Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation by McKnight and Hess, published by Prentice Hall.
The award consists of a scholarship to be used for any educational expenses in the amount of $1,000 and a formal certificate of merit.
The Association of American Geographers is pleased to announce a national scholarship program for community college students. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from community colleges, junior colleges, city colleges, or similar two-year educational institutions who will be transferring as geography majors to four year colleges and universities. These scholarships are funded by Darrel Hess, coauthor of the textbook Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation by McKnight and Hess, published by Prentice Hall.
The award consists of a scholarship to be used for any educational expenses in the amount of $1,000 and a formal certificate of merit.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
How many voters per electoral college delegate
The New York Times had an interesting cartogram illustrating the number of voters represented by each delegate to the electoral college.
In this cartogram, the larger sized states indicate fewer voters per delegate; meaning that each voter has "more" influence over the result. The article discusses how each voter represents a multitude of people- those that don't vote, those under 18, noncitizens and prisoners and felons. Interesting read.
In this cartogram, the larger sized states indicate fewer voters per delegate; meaning that each voter has "more" influence over the result. The article discusses how each voter represents a multitude of people- those that don't vote, those under 18, noncitizens and prisoners and felons. Interesting read.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Clark County Kentucky GIS Position
Stephen Berry of Clark County, Kentucky GIS (ph. 859-737-9255 or email: info@ccgisonline.com or www.ccgisonline.com) has posted a position on the college career management website. The county is to the east of Lexington and the county seat is Winchester.
The position assists with the development and maintenance of the countywide GIS program, including collecting and maintaining GPS data.
Minimum education is high school diploma supplemented by GIS course work.
Salary is $20,000-22,000
Deadline is December 1, 2008
I'll post a link as soon as I can get one...
The position assists with the development and maintenance of the countywide GIS program, including collecting and maintaining GPS data.
Minimum education is high school diploma supplemented by GIS course work.
Salary is $20,000-22,000
Deadline is December 1, 2008
I'll post a link as soon as I can get one...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Data Sources
Here's a list of data sources that I've come across over the past few years.
I haven't checked each one to make sure they work, so if you see a busted link, let me know. If you have some really cool data source that's free, let me know. Thanks.
I haven't checked each one to make sure they work, so if you see a busted link, let me know. If you have some really cool data source that's free, let me know. Thanks.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Laser Scanner Demo This Monday!
Carol Hill has set up the following:
Monday, October 27, 2008 from 2-4pm in JL345 or Oakley307
Joel Douglas of Faro Technologies will be here to demo a 3D Scanner.
He was here last year outside the multiplex and there was a lively discussion about them at the Purdue Survey School last Spring because they are so new and everyone is trying to figure out if they are worth the money.
In capable hands, the units have the ability to obtain a ton of spatial data in a brief period of time. The challenge is making sure that the data isn't junk and also taking all that data and putting it into a useful format. Two of the projects that I heard discussed were airport runways and urban highways that needed to be land surveyed but couldn't be shut down. Not safe environments for traditional human powered surveying, but these scanners could get the data from limited vantage points.
There are two different types of 3D scanners (long and short distance, basically) and require some experience as they are susceptible to extremes in temperature, etc.
Monday, October 27, 2008 from 2-4pm in JL345 or Oakley307
Joel Douglas of Faro Technologies will be here to demo a 3D Scanner.
He was here last year outside the multiplex and there was a lively discussion about them at the Purdue Survey School last Spring because they are so new and everyone is trying to figure out if they are worth the money.
In capable hands, the units have the ability to obtain a ton of spatial data in a brief period of time. The challenge is making sure that the data isn't junk and also taking all that data and putting it into a useful format. Two of the projects that I heard discussed were airport runways and urban highways that needed to be land surveyed but couldn't be shut down. Not safe environments for traditional human powered surveying, but these scanners could get the data from limited vantage points.
There are two different types of 3D scanners (long and short distance, basically) and require some experience as they are susceptible to extremes in temperature, etc.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Adams County GIS Position
thanks to Rebecca
Adams SWCD is accepting applications for our newly created GIS Coordinator position. This is a full time position.
All who are interested may call the office at 937-544-5121, email further questions to allan.cluxton@oh.nacdnet.net, or stop by the office at 807 NE MainSt. #B, West Union, OH 45693 between the hours of 8 a.m and 4:30p.m, Monday through Friday.
Job description and application are linked.
Deadline is November 3, 2008
Anita Conaway
Administrative Assistant
Adams SWCD
807 NE Main St. #B
West Union, OH 45693
937-544-5121
Adams SWCD is accepting applications for our newly created GIS Coordinator position. This is a full time position.
All who are interested may call the office at 937-544-5121, email further questions to allan.cluxton@oh.nacdnet.net, or stop by the office at 807 NE MainSt. #B, West Union, OH 45693 between the hours of 8 a.m and 4:30p.m, Monday through Friday.
Job description and application are linked.
Deadline is November 3, 2008
Anita Conaway
Administrative Assistant
Adams SWCD
807 NE Main St. #B
West Union, OH 45693
937-544-5121
Monday, October 13, 2008
GIS Skills Survey
Via the GIS Lounge, is a link to this survey by New Urban Research. You can take or leave the survey, since they don't really say what they're doing with the results; what is interesting is the compiled list of GIS tasks.
I don't think that it's the be all, end all, but it is a pretty good list of primary GIS concepts, techniques and skills that you may want to copy so that you can map your progress.
I don't think that it's the be all, end all, but it is a pretty good list of primary GIS concepts, techniques and skills that you may want to copy so that you can map your progress.
Potential Internship
Drew mentions that there might be an internship possibility primarily working with GPS mapping at a nearby US government facility that includes a 664 acre lake. If you are interested in knowing more, let Drew or me know.
Ohio Government Positions
Justin directs us to this link of Ohio State Government positions search- both paid and unpaid (internships). It's statewide and department wide.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Thursday, October 9, 2008
4H, GIS and ESRI
ESRI has announced grants for local 4-H programs.
The 4-H is encouraged through the grants to work with the local GIS community or taken another way, if you are a member of the local GIS community, here's a chance to reach out to your local 4-H group, get some money and have some fun (watershed, farm management, land use- there are a lot of possibilities...).
Also, there are 3 levels of grant funding, from intro to intermediate.
Link to ESRI Grant Announcement
The 4-H is encouraged through the grants to work with the local GIS community or taken another way, if you are a member of the local GIS community, here's a chance to reach out to your local 4-H group, get some money and have some fun (watershed, farm management, land use- there are a lot of possibilities...).
Also, there are 3 levels of grant funding, from intro to intermediate.
Link to ESRI Grant Announcement
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Forest Service Job in Nelsonville
Scott points out this job for the USFS in Nelsonville. Link to USAJobs posting is below. It might be a 13 month position initially with more time added?
Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Forest Service
Sub Agency: Please do not send mail.
Job Announcement Number:ADS08-R9WNF-2420D (P-AS)
Natural Resource Specialist
SALARY RANGE: 45,040.00 - 58,557.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Monday, October 06, 2008
to Monday, October 20, 2008
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0401-09/09 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Term, not to exceed 13 Months
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - NELSONVILLE, OH
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: US citizens
USAJobs Link to the description and links to the application and further information.
Also, there seems to be a good chance that ODNR will be posting some GIS positions in the near future. I'll put those up as soon as I hear something.
Good Luck
Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Forest Service
Sub Agency: Please do not send mail.
Job Announcement Number:ADS08-R9WNF-2420D (P-AS)
Natural Resource Specialist
SALARY RANGE: 45,040.00 - 58,557.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Monday, October 06, 2008
to Monday, October 20, 2008
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0401-09/09 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Term, not to exceed 13 Months
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - NELSONVILLE, OH
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: US citizens
USAJobs Link to the description and links to the application and further information.
Also, there seems to be a good chance that ODNR will be posting some GIS positions in the near future. I'll put those up as soon as I hear something.
Good Luck
Monday, October 6, 2008
National Park Service data clearinghouse
I tripped across this site at the NPS website (looking for something else, of course).
I checked into Isle Royale page and there was an extensive amount of info, from the helpful, like trails and orthos, to the facinating, like geologic faults on the Isle (of course, there may not be any and it maybe a data layer that conforms to some requirement that all parks have geologic faults data layers- get back to me once you check it out!). I'm working on getting permission to take the GPS Apps I class up there to field check the data this Fall.
Awesome NPS data site
I checked into Isle Royale page and there was an extensive amount of info, from the helpful, like trails and orthos, to the facinating, like geologic faults on the Isle (of course, there may not be any and it maybe a data layer that conforms to some requirement that all parks have geologic faults data layers- get back to me once you check it out!). I'm working on getting permission to take the GPS Apps I class up there to field check the data this Fall.
Awesome NPS data site
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Projection Basics that Every GIS Professional needs to know
Buried in the help files in ArcGIS is this gem called Projection Basics that Every GIS Professional Needs to know.
This is a link to the 9.2 version, but I doubt it will change radically with new versions...
This is a link to the 9.2 version, but I doubt it will change radically with new versions...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
perennial electoral map link
With less than 4 weeks to go until the election, all blogs that discuss GIS, spatial data or geography have to post at least one link to an electoral map (it was added at the last minute to the bailout/rescue/bag-o-cash bill that was passed yesterday).
The NY Times (don't knock it if you haven't read it) has a particularly good one. Not only does it have expert predictions, there is also a tab to a map that lets you make your own prediction (Rep & Dem only). However, I don't think it lets you split the electoral vote in Maine & Nevada?, which are not winner take all states.
In addition, you can relive 2000 and 2004 presidential electoral vote totals, if you care to...
The NY Times (don't knock it if you haven't read it) has a particularly good one. Not only does it have expert predictions, there is also a tab to a map that lets you make your own prediction (Rep & Dem only). However, I don't think it lets you split the electoral vote in Maine & Nevada?, which are not winner take all states.
In addition, you can relive 2000 and 2004 presidential electoral vote totals, if you care to...
new kml viewer
This in from Planet Geospatial this morning (and no I'm not in my pajamas)
Earth Atlas is a Google Earth viewer that operates within a browser window. No more worrying about whether your user has Google Earth loaded on their own workstation.
In addition to preloaded KML data layers, you can also upload your own KMLs. I'm not sure if you can host your KML files on your own server and link to Earth Atlas so that others can see the same views, but time will tell.
While you can view KML files in GoogleMaps, the interface here looks pretty nice.
Link to the Earth Atlas blog.
Update:
from the Earth Atlas blog, you can create links to load data from other servers directly into Earth Atlas...
Other KML/KMZ files can be visualised by adding a link in the left panel, or directly in the Earth Atlas URL:
http://earthatlas.info/?kml=http://www.nature.com/nature/googleearth/avianflu1.kml
Earth Atlas is a Google Earth viewer that operates within a browser window. No more worrying about whether your user has Google Earth loaded on their own workstation.
In addition to preloaded KML data layers, you can also upload your own KMLs. I'm not sure if you can host your KML files on your own server and link to Earth Atlas so that others can see the same views, but time will tell.
While you can view KML files in GoogleMaps, the interface here looks pretty nice.
Link to the Earth Atlas blog.
Update:
from the Earth Atlas blog, you can create links to load data from other servers directly into Earth Atlas...
Other KML/KMZ files can be visualised by adding a link in the left panel, or directly in the Earth Atlas URL:
http://earthatlas.info/?kml=http://www.nature.com/nature/googleearth/avianflu1.kml
Sayings from the Chairman
Via the Ministry of Information at ESRI, this interview of Jack Dangermond, CEO (& owner of the privately held company) from this online source ...
ESRI has been growing annually at about 10-15% worldwide for many years, and in 2008 the company is growing at a rate of 17%, said Dangermond, adding that this "is counter intuitive to the whole stock market and economic downturn."
"People are investing in information infrastructure in advance of their actual construction infrastructure - like water, highways or other sorts of things," he said, adding that this is being done "very wisely because GIS [geographic information system] is not simply to manage data, but to help design."
In terms of the global financial turmoil, Dangermond said "people today are very nervous about what is happening on Wall Street and what I am more concerned about is ecological sustainability and global warming issues on the planet, because they are not something that you can go to the bank and borrow more money from. The real sustainability issue and the real economic foundation is nature's capital, it is not artificial money capital."
Regarding ESRI's growth, the executive said "we are very positive about the future, and not because it means something from the business perspective, but because people are starting to listen and understand what we have been saying for many years about the necessity to approach problem solving considering all the external issues, like polluting water and not having to pay for it, or destroying wetlands or other natural resources that sustain all of us."
"GIS is unique as a technology because it helps people design infrastructure by using what we like to call the 'geographic approach,'" he said, adding that this means "taking all the different considerations - social, environmental and physical, as well as economic - and overlaying the data and then modeling it and saying this is where we should go or this is what we should do in a kind of holistic approach."
ESRI has been growing annually at about 10-15% worldwide for many years, and in 2008 the company is growing at a rate of 17%, said Dangermond, adding that this "is counter intuitive to the whole stock market and economic downturn."
"People are investing in information infrastructure in advance of their actual construction infrastructure - like water, highways or other sorts of things," he said, adding that this is being done "very wisely because GIS [geographic information system] is not simply to manage data, but to help design."
In terms of the global financial turmoil, Dangermond said "people today are very nervous about what is happening on Wall Street and what I am more concerned about is ecological sustainability and global warming issues on the planet, because they are not something that you can go to the bank and borrow more money from. The real sustainability issue and the real economic foundation is nature's capital, it is not artificial money capital."
Regarding ESRI's growth, the executive said "we are very positive about the future, and not because it means something from the business perspective, but because people are starting to listen and understand what we have been saying for many years about the necessity to approach problem solving considering all the external issues, like polluting water and not having to pay for it, or destroying wetlands or other natural resources that sustain all of us."
"GIS is unique as a technology because it helps people design infrastructure by using what we like to call the 'geographic approach,'" he said, adding that this means "taking all the different considerations - social, environmental and physical, as well as economic - and overlaying the data and then modeling it and saying this is where we should go or this is what we should do in a kind of holistic approach."
Friday, October 3, 2008
GIS is for...whiners?
No doubt about it, learning GIS concepts and software can be both eye opening and hard. As I tell my GIS grasshoppers, in 11 weeks, they not only crash learn a new software, they are also learning a new way to view the world (one based on location and geography, instead of words). Contrast that with having a lifetime to learn how to read and write and at least 4 or more years to learn Word. It's going to have it's challenging moments.
So, I expect some whining or appeals for sympathy or begging for mercy, it's part of the territory. But when it happens every week for 11 weeks, it is wearing on the teacher, the whining student and the class. What people in the whine death spiral don't realize is that they are creating a mental block that prevents them from seeing the value of what they're learning or frankly, enjoying anything.
What I find is that students who whine a bit, laugh a bit, focus a bit and grab a root and growl every once in a while, get through it. What makes it rewarding is that they also learn to see the world in a new way that they can apply to their careers or communities. And once in a while, they even become GIS/GPS majors!
So, I expect some whining or appeals for sympathy or begging for mercy, it's part of the territory. But when it happens every week for 11 weeks, it is wearing on the teacher, the whining student and the class. What people in the whine death spiral don't realize is that they are creating a mental block that prevents them from seeing the value of what they're learning or frankly, enjoying anything.
What I find is that students who whine a bit, laugh a bit, focus a bit and grab a root and growl every once in a while, get through it. What makes it rewarding is that they also learn to see the world in a new way that they can apply to their careers or communities. And once in a while, they even become GIS/GPS majors!
Shortcuts
In ArcMap, keyboard shortcuts are a good thing- if you remember to use them.
The suggested shortcuts below come from the help files, where you can find even more.
While we live in a mouse driven, carpal tunnel world, Windows also has general keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl + C to copy & Ctrl + V to paste. They are worth learning for speed and for variety to ease the pressure on hands and wrists. I'll save the discussion of old school command driven ArcInfo versus new school mouse driven ArcMap for a crankier day.
Anyway, to whet your appetite
ArcMap Shortcut key>>>Editing function
Z key>>>Zoom in
X key>>>Zoom out
C key>>>Pan
B key>>>Continuous Zoom/Pan
V key>>>Show vertices
Esc>>>Cancel
Ctrl + Z>>>Undo
Ctrl + Y>>>Redo
Spacebar>>>Suspend Snapping
The suggested shortcuts below come from the help files, where you can find even more.
While we live in a mouse driven, carpal tunnel world, Windows also has general keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl + C to copy & Ctrl + V to paste. They are worth learning for speed and for variety to ease the pressure on hands and wrists. I'll save the discussion of old school command driven ArcInfo versus new school mouse driven ArcMap for a crankier day.
Anyway, to whet your appetite
ArcMap Shortcut key>>>Editing function
Z key>>>Zoom in
X key>>>Zoom out
C key>>>Pan
B key>>>Continuous Zoom/Pan
V key>>>Show vertices
Esc>>>Cancel
Ctrl + Z>>>Undo
Ctrl + Y>>>Redo
Spacebar>>>Suspend Snapping
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
in memoriam
I wanted to note the tragic accident that claimed the life of Jacob Webb last Friday. Jacob had just started the GIS/GPS program and while we did not have a chance to know him well, his enthusiasm about the opportunities starting the school year and the program were very present. Our thoughts are with his family and the two Hocking students who were with him and are in critical condition.
Link to the News Herald obituary and comments from those who knew him well.
Link to the News Herald obituary and comments from those who knew him well.
strategy versus tactics
It's been in the news a lot, so for the record (from wikipedia, who else):
Strategy: long term plan of action to achieve a specific goal.
Tactic: a municipality in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz OR a specific action that advances toward the goal defined by the strategy.
The example the business dictionary gives is that the Board of Directors determine the strategy and department heads figure out the tactics that subordinates will carry out to achieve that overall goal.
BTW. you can use Ctrl-Tab to switch between tabs in the Firefox browser- very handy.
Strategy: long term plan of action to achieve a specific goal.
Tactic: a municipality in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz OR a specific action that advances toward the goal defined by the strategy.
The example the business dictionary gives is that the Board of Directors determine the strategy and department heads figure out the tactics that subordinates will carry out to achieve that overall goal.
BTW. you can use Ctrl-Tab to switch between tabs in the Firefox browser- very handy.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
More GPS Spoofing
Spoofing is the name given to creating a bogus GPS signal- similar to the signal broadcast by the satellites- in order to get the unit to provide the wrong location. This is way different than errors caused by multipath or signal reflection (intent being part of it).
Unlike the previous example, here's a link to a story about Cornell scientists who have figured out how to spoof the actual signal.
Unlike the previous example, here's a link to a story about Cornell scientists who have figured out how to spoof the actual signal.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Financial Crisis in GIS!
This is basic GIS, but it's spatial analysis of the crisis (if you want to call it that- there seems to be more debate on whether it actually is). Recall that it all started with over-extended home mortgages. Variety of reasons why some areas aren't doing so bad- sometimes when the economy hasn't been great for decades, a crisis doesn't really register.
The series that this map is from is here . There is a link to a web-gis map application here .
The series that this map is from is here . There is a link to a web-gis map application here .
Internship Opportunity: City of Columbus
Job Opportunity
City of Columbus
Department of Public Utilities
This position is for a Student Intern II at the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage & Drainage at 910 Dublin Rd. The preferred candidate will be majoring in GIS or a related field and be knowledgeable with GIS software such as ArcView. Candidates must also have the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel proficiently. This position will assist in archiving and scanning drawings and files. Additional duties will include GIS related tasks such as address searches, data entry and map plotting. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is also required in order to conduct field inspections and to verify geographic data through the use of GPS equipment. You must also maintain full-time collegiate status in order to qualify for this job classification.
Candidates must deliver a resume by 3:00 p.m. on October 10, 2008 to Patty Nalepa, Department of Public Utilities, 910 Dublin Road – Room 4150, Columbus, OH 43215, or by fax to (614)645-0500, or by e-mail to pjnalepa@Columbus.gov. Clearly indicate on your resume which position you are applying for. If you have any questions, please call (614)645-5802.
City of Columbus
Department of Public Utilities
This position is for a Student Intern II at the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage & Drainage at 910 Dublin Rd. The preferred candidate will be majoring in GIS or a related field and be knowledgeable with GIS software such as ArcView. Candidates must also have the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel proficiently. This position will assist in archiving and scanning drawings and files. Additional duties will include GIS related tasks such as address searches, data entry and map plotting. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is also required in order to conduct field inspections and to verify geographic data through the use of GPS equipment. You must also maintain full-time collegiate status in order to qualify for this job classification.
Candidates must deliver a resume by 3:00 p.m. on October 10, 2008 to Patty Nalepa, Department of Public Utilities, 910 Dublin Road – Room 4150, Columbus, OH 43215, or by fax to (614)645-0500, or by e-mail to pjnalepa@Columbus.gov. Clearly indicate on your resume which position you are applying for. If you have any questions, please call (614)645-5802.
Monday, September 22, 2008
GPS spoofing: steal this truck
via Planet Geospatial and a chain of blogs, comes this story on spoofing the GPS signal on a tractor trailer in order to trick the dispatcher into thinking everything is hunky-dory.
Meanwhile, you and your buds are taking the truck to a different location and cleaning out the goods to sell later. Skills you can use.
Meanwhile, you and your buds are taking the truck to a different location and cleaning out the goods to sell later. Skills you can use.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wish I thought of it...
From the Ithaca College GPS manual...
While the reason you are reading this is probably because you have to use the GPS units for a class, GPS do other things besides lower your GPA. With it you can map out areas, find out where you are, where to go, and how to get back. That sounds really lame but you must remember that
people have been trying to figure out where they are since there have been people.
Columbus would have killed for a GPS unit and maybe then he would have found what he was actually looking for.
While the reason you are reading this is probably because you have to use the GPS units for a class, GPS do other things besides lower your GPA. With it you can map out areas, find out where you are, where to go, and how to get back. That sounds really lame but you must remember that
people have been trying to figure out where they are since there have been people.
Columbus would have killed for a GPS unit and maybe then he would have found what he was actually looking for.
Friday, September 19, 2008
GIS & Surveying: getting along
In Professional Surveyor magazine , they've run a column called Intersect, in which a Professional Surveyor and a GIS Professional (GISP) examine issues that geospatial professionals discuss and sometimes argue over. A classic example is this column where they discuss who should be collecting data in the field (except below)
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to access the columns online except by going to Professional Suveyor and clicking on the Archive link. The other option is to subscribe to the once a month publication.
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to access the columns online except by going to Professional Suveyor and clicking on the Archive link. The other option is to subscribe to the once a month publication.
Intersect: Are Surveyors the Right People to Collect GIS Field Data?
Janet Jackson, GISP and Randy Rambeau, PLS.
GIS JANET says ...
When I first began writing my response to this question, my answer was, "It depends." It depends on how accurate the data needs to be. It depends on what type of GIS project is involved. And it depends on the surveyors' level of experience using customized, and probably unfamiliar, field-to-GIS computer interfaces.
However, the more I wrote, the more I realized that "it depends" is really not my answer to the question of whether surveyors are the right people to collect GIS field data. My true answer is NO, unless the project requires a highly accurate boundary survey or a network of geodetic controls that will be used to tie in additional data...continues
SURVEYOR RANDY says ...
I think you were on target when you first began writing. It does depend. It depends on the data accuracy needed and the type of GIS project involved. It depends on whether or not the data being collected is regulated by the general statutes and the licensing board of the state where the project is located. It also means the surveyor using customized field-to-GIS interface needs proper training, which I am sure also holds true for the GIS staff.
When survey grade (centimeter and decimeter) accuracies are required, it is imperative the data is collected by surveyors who are in the field every day and use the equipment—be it conventional surveying equipment such as total stations and data collectors or RTK GPS units—every day. Using the equipment day in and day out requires the surveyor to recognize problem indicators both with conventional and GPS equipment, and to use the proper methods to avoid incorrect or inconsistent data. Surveyors have the experience and training to establish accurate horizontal and vertical local control networks, and know how to best tie the collected data into those networks...continues
Thursday, September 18, 2008
At long last!
Over the Summer, the GIS lab was finally updated.
A lab with a view!
Your eyes aren't deceiving you- 24 dual monitor Dell Precision workstations designed for graphic/image based software. They not only look good, they scream.
With dual monitors, we enter the realm of the paperless office. No longer will you need to print out instructions or help files because they can go on one monitor while the action is on the other.
I'd like to recognize the contribution that students have made to making this happen.
A lab with a view!
Your eyes aren't deceiving you- 24 dual monitor Dell Precision workstations designed for graphic/image based software. They not only look good, they scream.
With dual monitors, we enter the realm of the paperless office. No longer will you need to print out instructions or help files because they can go on one monitor while the action is on the other.
I'd like to recognize the contribution that students have made to making this happen.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
GIS & Farmland Analysis
Via Spatial Sustain blog, here's a report/project where GIS & Remote Sensing played an important role.
American Farmland Trust has released a report trying to examine if enough food is grown within 100 miles of San Francisco to meet the city's food needs.
Link to report (including map)
From the report:
A key part of the study is an examination of the farmland
from whence comes locally-produced food. The most
reliable data on land use is provided by the Farmland
Mapping & Monitoring Program (FMMP) of the Division of
Land Resource Protection at the California Department
of Conservation. This program is arguably the best of its
kind in the nation, updating land use trends on a parcelby-
parcel basis every two years using aerial photography.
American Farmland Trust has released a report trying to examine if enough food is grown within 100 miles of San Francisco to meet the city's food needs.
Link to report (including map)
From the report:
A key part of the study is an examination of the farmland
from whence comes locally-produced food. The most
reliable data on land use is provided by the Farmland
Mapping & Monitoring Program (FMMP) of the Division of
Land Resource Protection at the California Department
of Conservation. This program is arguably the best of its
kind in the nation, updating land use trends on a parcelby-
parcel basis every two years using aerial photography.
GIS Data Trends downside
The previous link about adding data layers to ArcMap highlights a discouraging trend in GIS.
Back in the day, GISers used to be data fiends. Anytime actual data (in shapefile, e00 or coverage form) was available for free or through a friend, you grabbed it and made a copy of it (on floppies, zip disks, or finally CDs). The data that you created you gave away or traded for other data. It didn't matter if you used it right away, because you'd use it eventually. The web, ftp and servers helped organize a lot of this. It was a substitute for baseball cards or comics, but it worked.
Then, came World Wind, Google Earth, WMS, etc. There is a ton of good that has come out of internet-based data mapping. But the downside is that a lot of data is now available via the net as a layer to add- read as an image to view.
It's the look but don't touch school of GIS data. It reinforces the "making pretty pictures" side of GIS and obliterates any analysis (because typically the attribute data is stripped out). Ultimately, the complete dataset is available for a fee; as it should be I suppose.
Back in the day, GISers used to be data fiends. Anytime actual data (in shapefile, e00 or coverage form) was available for free or through a friend, you grabbed it and made a copy of it (on floppies, zip disks, or finally CDs). The data that you created you gave away or traded for other data. It didn't matter if you used it right away, because you'd use it eventually. The web, ftp and servers helped organize a lot of this. It was a substitute for baseball cards or comics, but it worked.
Then, came World Wind, Google Earth, WMS, etc. There is a ton of good that has come out of internet-based data mapping. But the downside is that a lot of data is now available via the net as a layer to add- read as an image to view.
It's the look but don't touch school of GIS data. It reinforces the "making pretty pictures" side of GIS and obliterates any analysis (because typically the attribute data is stripped out). Ultimately, the complete dataset is available for a fee; as it should be I suppose.
ESRI Mapping Center
It would be easy to base a lot of posts on the blog at the Mapping Center, so instead, I'll just give you the link.
Mapping Center Blog
Now, on to a really simple and cool way to load some base data layers into an ArcMap session. The link below has a link to a variety of existing data layers from topos and basic world street layers to current weather imagery and current national fire data.
Steps to Add data
Mapping Center Blog
Now, on to a really simple and cool way to load some base data layers into an ArcMap session. The link below has a link to a variety of existing data layers from topos and basic world street layers to current weather imagery and current national fire data.
Steps to Add data
GIS GPS Program First
In his opening message to faculty yesterday, Dr. Light recognized the GIS-GPS program as one of the examples of innovation at Hocking College. In his list of firsts, he pointed out that Hocking had the first 2 year program dedicated to GIS-GPS in the nation. The statement, long in coming, was a real tribute to Ralph Moran who had the foresight to get the ball rolling in the 90's.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Job Book
Just picked up a new how to get a job book at the library called "Ditch the Flip-Flops" by Sylvia I. Landy. The focus is providing job interview advice to new or soon-to-be graduates.
The opening sentences say it all: "College solidifies a brutal reality: preparation is the difference between pass or flunk; win or lose, and feast or famine. The lack thereof is the universal deal breaker". The more effort on the front end, the smoother the finish will be.
Some of you will probably be seeing it in the Winter!
The opening sentences say it all: "College solidifies a brutal reality: preparation is the difference between pass or flunk; win or lose, and feast or famine. The lack thereof is the universal deal breaker". The more effort on the front end, the smoother the finish will be.
Some of you will probably be seeing it in the Winter!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
City of Columbus Job Posting
I received this announcement from the City of Columbus. The date has passed, however, they did indicate some interest in hosting interns.
Official Link
Job Class Title: GIS Technician
Job Code: 0545
Recruitment: 08-0545-C1
Salary Range: Grade 55
Pay Rate: $18.18 -$27.26**
Open Date: 08/18/2008
Close Date: 08/27/2008
Minimum Qualifications: (The job class specification, which includes the class definition and a complete listing of examples of work, can be viewed by clicking on the Job Class Title above.)
Possession of an associate's degree or equivalent coursework in geographic information systems, geography, planning, computer science, engineering or closely related field, which includes the use of GIS software. Substitution(s): Two (2) years of architectural, engineering or GIS experience using GIS software packages (such as ArcView, ArcInfo, ArcGIS) and associated hardware may be substituted for the associate's degree/equivalent coursework.
Official Link
Job Class Title: GIS Technician
Job Code: 0545
Recruitment: 08-0545-C1
Salary Range: Grade 55
Pay Rate: $18.18 -$27.26**
Open Date: 08/18/2008
Close Date: 08/27/2008
Minimum Qualifications: (The job class specification, which includes the class definition and a complete listing of examples of work, can be viewed by clicking on the Job Class Title above.)
Possession of an associate's degree or equivalent coursework in geographic information systems, geography, planning, computer science, engineering or closely related field, which includes the use of GIS software. Substitution(s): Two (2) years of architectural, engineering or GIS experience using GIS software packages (such as ArcView, ArcInfo, ArcGIS) and associated hardware may be substituted for the associate's degree/equivalent coursework.
Public Land Survey
Here's a link to an excellent Oregon Extension primer on land surveying. The illustrations on public land survey system are very good.
PDF Version
PDF Version
Hocking Hills Flatwater Classic
Not exactly geospatial, but from Dr. Mike Caudill:
For those interested in flatwater canoe and kayak racing there is a
new canoe and kayak race in southeastern Ohio (Hocking Hills
Flatwater Classic at Lake Logan State Park, Hocking County). This
event is scheduled for Oct. 18th and includes a 6-mile race for
competitive paddlers and 1.5-mile race for recerational racers. Join
us for a fun event and fall colors. Race is sanctioned by the Ohio
Division of the U.S. Canoe Assoc.
To view race flyer, see the following web page
http://ohiopaddler.com/ Click on "Race Shedule". Scroll to the
bottom and select Hocking Hills Flatwater Race.
Now, get a boat, a paddle & pfd and get out there.
For those interested in flatwater canoe and kayak racing there is a
new canoe and kayak race in southeastern Ohio (Hocking Hills
Flatwater Classic at Lake Logan State Park, Hocking County). This
event is scheduled for Oct. 18th and includes a 6-mile race for
competitive paddlers and 1.5-mile race for recerational racers. Join
us for a fun event and fall colors. Race is sanctioned by the Ohio
Division of the U.S. Canoe Assoc.
To view race flyer, see the following web page
http://ohiopaddler.
bottom and select Hocking Hills Flatwater Race.
Now, get a boat, a paddle & pfd and get out there.
Athens County Aerial
Ben reports that a provisional version of the new Athens County Aerial has finally been posted at
What a difference 12in pixel resolution makes!
What a difference 12in pixel resolution makes!
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