Software that makes non-profit into cartographers?

Almost all GIS tools can be used to store, analyze and market statistics to your organization and funders. They are a great way to present information in an interesting and interactive fashion.
Maps can connect residents to their own communities by challenging individuals to collect information and think critically about their neighbors and their community's needs. They can show project goals/achievements for funders and they are much easier for the average person to understand; large datasets, dry statistics and jargon-filled reports do not appeal to the average person. Many GIS tools are also available for use in Spanish, French, German and Chinese.
There are many free tools available. Those which are not free often provide discounts for non-profits and NGOs. Layering datasets onto area maps gives your projects a professional look. You can use readily available archives to create your maps (www.policymap.org ,www.dataplace.org, www.arcgis.com ,www.geocommons.com , www.nonprofitgis.org). This allows small firms to create maps without hiring expensive contractors or maintenance staff- or just use resources as a jumping off point.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Miscellaneous Tools and Tips

I also found a great article by Phil Rabinowitz (Ed. Bill Berkowitz).  It tackles just about everything you might want to know about why and how to use GIS technology.  It can give you a good idea about how much effort you want to put into your maps.

What is GIS?
Why would you use GIS?
When would you use GIS?
Who should use GIS?
How do you use GIS?


Visit the Community Toolbox for answers: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/MainSection3.16.aspx

or visit Map Together's "The Illustrated Guide to Nonprofit GIS and Online Mapping" http://maptogether.org/sites/default/files/images/MapTogether-NPGIS-v.0.99.pdf
(Yes there are cartoons)

Did you check out a bunch of websites, see what looked like alphabet soup and get discouraged?  Don’t worry.  Esri hosts an online dictionary to help you wade through the jargon http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/Gisdictionary/browse.  PS.  If you are using Esri tools and are highly confused then you didn’t buy a beginner’s guide to GIS systems!  Hard copies will be much more useful than closing your eyes and hoping for the best (unless you decide to hire someone else to program for you).
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