GeoGoshenWeb Map Viewer and Data Exchange

Andrew DavisGEOG 596-A

MGIS Capstone Proposal

GeoGoshenWeb Map Viewer and Data Exchange

• Abstract• Project Purpose• Background and Prior Work• Target Audience• Technology• Methodology• Project Plan• Significance & Limitations• Conclusions

GeoGoshenAbstract

GeoGoshen responds to several factors• The demand for spatially enabled

technology/applications within the American market

• A need for geographic educational opportunities for young people outside of formal schooling

• Exposing people to GIS as a way to solve problems and explore their world at a time when they are thinking about a career

GeoGoshenProject Purpose

Provide a web-based map viewer and data exchange mechanism dedicated for Boy Scouts to..

•View Goshen base-map data at home•Print or download copies of pre-authored Goshen maps•Query online datasets•Download existing datasets for use at camp•Upload (Contribute) new point/line data to be incorporated into Goshen spatial repository

GeoGoshenBackground

• Geospatially-capable devices have penetrated the American market and consumers have come to expect spatial data presented in an interactive format

• Despite this, geographic/spatial ignorance is high

• Demand for personnel to work within the spatial community is high

• GeoGoshen requires attention to: Target Audience, Prior Work, and Technology

GeoGoshenTarget Audience

Goshen Scout Reservation (Nat Capitol Region)

• Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia

• Surrounds man-made lake “Meriwether”

• Composed of six individual camps

• Old hand drawn paper maps used for management of facilities (USGS Quad maps for reference)

• Goshen leadership are eager to upgrade their capabilities (maps)

GeoGoshenTarget Audience

The Boy Scouts: (National Capitol Region)

• A private non-profit organization

• Boys are taught and exposed to a possible 129 different potential career fields

• Past Scouts have included: One US President, numerous Congressmen, Astronauts, military personnel, and sports heroes

• Personal connection (my children in Scouts)

Prior Work

Prior Work

http://alltrails.com/ or http://www.trails.com/

http://www.hopeworks.org/gis/gallery.html

GeoGoshenTechnology

• Wide number of web based mapping sites and services

• Commercial applications: Licensing costs (monetary), usually include warranty and or support

• Open Source: Implementation costs (time/effort costs versus monetary)

GeoGoshenMethodology

• Create Open Source based prototype

• Demonstrate working prototype to BSA Nat Capitol Region

• Incorporate input from BSA to initial prototype

• Field final working prototype for beta testing

• Go live for comments and input from Scouting Community

GeoGoshenMethodology

• Spatial Data: (PostGIS/PostgreSQL) or (continue with .shp Mr.Sid)

• Server: GeoServer (widely available)

• Client Map Viewer: Open Web Mapping (OpenLayers)• Free basic services (Open Street Map for larger background)

• Supports common spatial formats (.shp, Mr.Sid, etc..)

Project Timeline

GeoGoshenSignificance & Limitations

Significance:• Provides an educational opportunity for geography/GIS• Is in line with the high demand for spatial technology• Exposes Scouts to an open career field (in a limited manner)• Allows for growing spatial data repository on hand at Goshen• Can serve as the basis for a small enterprise GIS for Goshen staff

Limitations:• Data to be uploaded must be screened, it will be collected by

beginners• Cannot force Scouts to participate• Budget will be a limiting factor, volunteer work force (it may be slow

going)• Time, will limit any additional work being done within the constraints

of this program. Very wary of Mission Creep

GeoGoshenConclusions

• Improvements in technology, and availability of high end open source software have taken digital maps into a broad range of activities

• Volunteer groups (BSA, Hope Works etc) are an overlooked and growing portion of the Geospatial Community from which future talent can be developed

• GeoGoshen offers:

– a Tool to grow a small GIS

– An educational experience involving geography/spatial technology

– A point of focus for volunteer contributions by boys who will soon be choosing their careers

Questions?