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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Google Mapmaker



The above video is a short introduction to using Google Mapmaker

Google Mapmaker is not a tool for creating personal content.  Instead this is an excellent way to get your organization on the map.  If you've ever googled your organization and wondered why it did not show up in Google Maps then you should add it or edit the existing map.

Sign in to Google Mapmaker with your standard google account (email and password).  Then zoom in to the area you want to edit.  Add a placemarker where your organization exists and any additional information you would like the general public to know (website, street address, phone number etc).  If your street, industrial complex, building  et al is not on the map then use then feel free to draw these changes in.  Changes made may not appear immediately.


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3 comments:

  1. Home Budget IdeasApril 5, 2013 at 5:27 PM

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    Seems like it would go well with a nonprofit software program. Thanks for posting it.
    -Jack

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  3. Jason SJanuary 14, 2014 at 9:29 PM

    An easy way to map multiple addresses at one time on a google map is to use something like http://www.easymapmaker.com Map your address and share your map with the world.

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