Outline What is GIS? Why use GIS? How are journalists using
GIS? Data driven journalism What do you need to make and share maps
Data Software Online Apps Some coding skills (python, html)
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What does GIS stand for? Hardware and Software Data Mapping
Standards GIS Savvy Users GIS G eographic I nformation S ystems
often defined as a computerized database management system for
capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display of spatial data.
- www.cml.upenn.edu/what_is_gis.htm
www.cml.upenn.edu/what_is_gis.htm allows the user to create visual
displays using tabular information.
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GIS is in reality nothing more than a large database with a
geographic component. The power behind GIS is in the attributes
attached to the features...allows for more complex analysis based
on more than just geographic location.
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How GIS works GIS breaks anything that has a geographic
location into: Vector Data: Points - GPS points, address points,
treeocations, etc. Lines rivers, railroads, streets, corridors,
etc. Polygons political boundaries, lakes, building footprints,
etc. Image Source: www.esri.com 2013
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Why Use GIS/Maps Layer the different datasets to do geographic
analysis (analysis based on geographic location) Map Where Things
Are Where is the Ukraine located? Map Quantities The total number
of acres devoted to coal mining in the state of West Virginia. Map
Densities - Population per square mile. Find Whats Inside - How
many historic homes are located within a proposed neighborhood
rehabilitation zone. Find Whats Nearby - How many parks/recreation
areas are there within a mile from my house? Map Change Urban
Sprawl, Rainforest depletion Source: www.esri.com 2013
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Random GIS Fact In 1854 Dr. John Snow analyzed geographic data
to determine the source of a cholera epidemic in London. The
earliest recorded uses of Geographic Information techniques The
source was a contaminated well.
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First, You need: 1. data (your own or someone elses) 2.
software to filter and map complex data 3. apps to visualize and
share the map with others Making a Map
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Data What makes data spatial? Must have a geographic component
Address Lat/Long coordinates Tied to a location such as a state,
city, region, service area, census block. When should you create
and share maps of your data? Only if it enhances the data and makes
it easier for users to understand and comprehend!! A picture is
worth a thousand words!
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Maps need base or reference data helps those viewing the maps
figure out exactly what and where they are looking at.
Orthophotography Streams Watershed Boundaries Jurisdictional
Boundaries Streets ..and many more datasets, such as parcels,
zoning boundaries, contours, soils, etc. Source: www.esri.com
2013
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Your data GPS points Georeferencing - a historic map or image
Geocoding addresses Heads-up-digitizing Analysis Tools with GIS
Software Mobile Mapping cellphones, tablets Upload from a database
(Excel, Access, etc.) Stream from Twitter or other social
media
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Government data sources Data.gov ARDA the association of
Religion Data Archives Census.gov CIA World Factbook Eurostat
Global Health Observatory Harvard Dataverse Network HUD.gov
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Data NOAA IndianaMap (or other
state GIS data collection) UNdata United Nations Statistics
Division Community Commons
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You can use a GIS Software Program or Online Applications. The
number of options is daunting! You have data, now to analyze and
create the map
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GIS Software
Slide 15
Esri ArcGIS Desktop
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Quantum GIS (QGIS) Open Source GIS- which means FREE! Runs on
Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, Windows and Android. Adds spatial support to
the PostgreSQL database program. Allows you to write queries based
on Geographic location. QGIS can connect to a PostGIS database for
viewing and editing free of charge. PostGIS
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Map Maker Gratis free GIS for Windows Fully functional map
production program Doesnt have an online map sharing component
http://www.mapmaker.com/v3/products.htm Map Maker
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Visualizing and Sharing Your Data
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Google Maps http://www.walkscore.com/score/94043
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Google Earth
http://www.brocku.ca/maplibrary/digital/War1812/WarOf1812.php
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Tableau Public Free data visualization tool
http://www.tableausoftware.com/public/galler y
http://www.tableausoftware.com/public/galler y
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MapBox Powered by Open StreetMap Foursquare Evernote Financial
Times Pinterest Source: mapbox.com/showcase, 2013
http://www.mapbox.com/showcase/