Get Started with GIS Mapping

Part 1of 3

Madhu Lakshmanan

Agenda for this sectionIntroduction to GIS and some

mapping jargonBrief exploration of Google EarthThematic maps on GEThe Census KML online

applicationHomework!

What is GISMappingWide spectrum of complexityCombination of hardware,

software & dataCan be one single large system

or a suite of tools or one small tool depending on your requirement

Data is key

Terms that we will come acrossLayer – A slice of the geography of a particular

area. On a paper map, one layer could be the roads, another could be parks, another could be places of interest.

Geocoding – Converting street addresses into spatial data that can be displayed on a map (usually a latitude and longitude pair)

Shapefiles – A data format that stores a particular geographic feature of a certain area. (it is usually a set of files) and is almost the de-facto standard. It is an ESRI-created format.

KML/KMZ – an XML based language schema for expressing geographic visualization. It is an official open standard for all geobrowsers.

Projection – transformation of a map from a spherical object (Earth) to a flat sheet of paper.

Google Earth

Transparency Control

Navigation Controls

3D Viewer

Search Panel

Layers Panel

PlacesPanel

Toggle Sidebar

Exploring Google EarthCopy Image/ Print ScrView MenuTools – OptionsNavigationFly to LayersAdding your own placemarks to a

folder and saving a KML file

Thematic MapsMap made to reflect a particular

theme (social, physical, political etc.) about a geographical area. It shows distributions rather than actual locations where people live.

Ideal to display census data on a map for general understanding

Example of a simple thematic map from the US Census

Percent Population below poverty by county in North Carolina.

The KMZ Census Mapper

http://ctasgis02.psur.utk.edu/tokml/Default.aspx

The Census KMZ Mapper

Downloaded KML visualized in Google Earth

Percent Population Without Access to Private Auto in Whole State

Resources and Interesting Mapping Applications - 1Census website http://census.govAmerican Factfinder http://factfinder.census.govGoogle Earth User Guidehttp://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/Rural Assistance Center Mapshttp://raconline/org/mapsShow@/USAhttp://show.mappingworlds.com/usa

Homework

1. Use CensusKML application to create 3 thematic maps with census data for your state on Google Earth. You can send me the KML files via email with appropriate annotation.

2. Play with Google Earth to be familiar with its interface.

3. Get familiar with the American FactFinder website.