Open Source Mapping Tools

I just stumbled upon a really great website for those who are looking for a great open source mapping resource.  MapTools.org provides a variety of open source software and tools for GIS.  The areas included in this site are:

• Web Tools
• Desktop Tools
• Utilities
• Other Open Source Links

Although I mainly use ESRI software, open source is becoming a growing thing.  Providing the GIS industry with a free option for mapping is a win-win situation.  I am eagerly looking to learn more about this growing phenomenon.  I could go into more details about this site, but you check it out for yourself.  MapTools.org

GPS Devices Help Prosecutors Win

Be careful before you commit that next crime.  Your GPS unit in you car could be the deciding factor to landing you in jail.  A news article released by the Associated Press tells of how prosecutors are winning convictions based upon vehicle GPS devices.  These GPS devices contain tracking points that can tell others where you have been.  Eric Hanson was convicted of murdering four family members based upon his GPS unit in his TrailBlazer.  Read Article

On the flip side, the Technology Blog of the DallasNews has an article entitled GPS violates the civil rights of murderers, other criminals.  They bring up the point of this evading out privacy.  The question is whose privacy is this taking away?  The criminal or the average citizen?  I do agree with Andrew Smith here in the fact that GPS data should be available to police when needed.  But at the same time I do not think that the government should be “following” us like Big Brother (However, I am sure they already are.)

Online Mapping for the Non-GIS Professional

I am amazed at the inability of workplace professionals to use GIS.  They think that when there is a problem that requires using a map they have to turn to the GIS guru.  And although it may only take the guru two minutes to return the requested data, they too can usually do the same thing with online mapping.   Whether it is pure laziness, lack of desire to learn, or not being aware of the other options; we must inform and educate these non-GIS professionals.

Although I understand that GIS can be very complicated, it is becoming easier to use.  People are using Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth more and more everyday.  They are simple to use and provide some good quality information.  Above and beyond these common “household applications”, there are some good mapping applications at the local level.  These are mainly at the county level, but there are other organizations that provide similar stuff.  The available data usually includes: municipality boundaries, school boundaries, streets, parcels, fire districts, aerial photos, census tracks, zip code areas, hydrology, and voter precincts.  Some counties provide move and some less.  All of this data is free and at the fingertips of anyone with a computer.  Yes, my three year old daughter can look at this stuff.

So I am taking a wild shot in the dark and assuming that the average working professional has access to a computer; therefore they have access to a wealth of information.  And yet they come to the GIS guru and request data about a parcel.  “Can you tell me who owns this parcel?  How much is it worth?  Can I get a picture of it?  Who is the adjacent property owner?  Is that city or county zoning?”  The questions keep coming, and since it is technically our job we provide the answers.  When are they going to learn that they can gather this information too?  Sure, leave the highly technical analysis to the GIS guru, but take some initiative and learn how to use an online mapping application.

And since I fall into the GIS guru category, you and I must help those who work around us learn how to find information on their own.  There will be times when we will not be able to hold their hand, and what will they do then?

If by chance you are one of these non-GIS professionals, please take a few moments and learn about your local online GIS application.  Go to Goggle and type in your county or city’s name along with the term “GIS” and find a link that is provided by your local government.  It will normally be referred to as something like a Property Information System, Online Mapping Service, or Interactive Maps.  They are easy to use and can be very beneficial while at the same time keeping your GIS guru focus on the more technical part of their job.

Here are a couple of examples of an online mapping application:

http://www.sangis.org/
http://wms.co.fulton.ga.us/
http://polaris.mecklenburgcountync.gov
http://maps.cityofmobile.org/citymap/Map.aspx

Customize ArcMap Toolbars

One of the greatest benefits of ArcMap is the ability to customize the tool bars.  There are many tools that are not visible on the standard tool bars.  Some users do not even know the extra tools exist.  The process requires only a few steps.

1. Click on the Tools menu at the top of the map document.

2. Select Customize….

This will open the Customize dialog.  The Toolbars tab allow you to select which toolbars are visible.  The Commands tab will bring up tools organized by categories.  The Options tab will allow you change certain settings.  I recommend  browsing through the commands; you never know what you might find.

3.  Once you find the tool you want, click and drag it to a location on a toolbar.

Customization of ArcGIS is a great benefit once you learn how to do it.  It will allow you to add and remove tools.  Customizing the interface can go as far you your imagination will take you.  For additional tips on customiztion and the begining of using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), I highly recommend the book: Getting to Know ArcObjects.  I got so hooked to this book that I read and worked through it in five days.  Get your copy today!

ArcGIS 9.3 Enables More Functionality in Adobe PDF

As GIS users begin migrating to ArcGIS 9.3, they will find more functionality when they export their map as a PDF. I have been using 9.3 for a few months now, and I have found that ESRI has made things a lot better for this export option. Options that I have found include:

1. Ability to enable a viewer to turn on/off layers in PDF
2. Ability to include map georeference information within PDF
3. Ability to embed attribute data in PDF

The coolest of these options is the ability to embed the attribute data. The user looking at the PDF can actually query by pointing and clicking the visual features to get the attribute data returned just like the Identify Tool in ArcMap.

The press release from ESRI discusses the new functionality in ArcGIS 9.3 and Adobe PDF 9.

Edit Polygon Graphic Vertices

Graphics can be very useful.  They are a great way to show a representation in a quick but effective manor.  Even with ArcGIS 9.2 you can do a selection by graphic.  You can also determine length and area with graphics.  Although there are many uses, the polygon graphic can be frustrating during creation.  Creation entails clicking to place each vertex.  The problems arise when you make a wrong click.  Usually, you start over with the polygon; however, you can actually edit the vertices similar to editing a feature.

On the drawing tool bar click the graphic vertex button.  This will allow all vertices of the graphic to appear.  You can then move a vertex to the desired location and finish you graphic.

Although very simple, this tip proves to be a great time saver.

Rotate ArcMap Data Frame

From time to time, you might find a need to rotate your data frame.  Many people do not realize that it is even possible.  They find that their map would look better if they could just make the slight tweak.  Well this task can be done with just a few clicks.

1.  Open the data frame properties.  Notice the orientation of the United States.

2.  Under the general tab, enter the desired rotation angle for the data frame.

With this new rotation angle set, your data frame will reflect the change.

Also note that on the layout view, the north arrow will rotate with the data frame.

ADDITIONAL TIP…..

If you rotate your data frame often and would like a more interactive way to do it, then turn on the Data Frame Tools toolbar from the tools menu.

With this tool bar you can click the rotate button and rotate the data frame interactively.  There is also a reset button as well to bring the data frame back to true north.

Do I need GIS College Training?

As you embark into the world of GIS, you may ask yourself, “Do I need GIS training?” And if so, what type of training do I need? I’m sure that this is a question that we all have asked at some point. And I have found that it is all up to the individual evaluating their current situation with these few questions:

1. Where do I want to go with GIS?
2. What previous education do I have?
3. What is my learning style?

Read more

Cartography Intro Guide Book

An excellent reference book for basic cartography techniques is the Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users book by Cynthia Brewer. Although this book does not go into extensive detail, it does cover the essential components of map making and cartography. The book is an easy read book with graphic illustrations.

Areas that are covered within this book are Read more

Saving New ArcMap Symbol

Have you gotten to the point where you are tired of changing specific characteristics of a symbol over and over?  ArcMap enables you to save that symbology and save it in your own category.  Below you will find the steps to make life a little bit easier.

1.  After you have selected the specifics for your symbol, click the “Save…” button.

2.  Enter a value for the Symbol Name and Category.  The Category can be a previous one or you can create a new one.

3.  Once you have saved the file, change the Category drop box to the one you save the symbol under.  The newly saved symbol will be available.

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