Community Mapping with Free Online Software and Simple GIS

This one day, hands-on workshop will help community planners, economic developers and community organizers learn to analyze locational data and create both interactive web maps and static paper / PDF maps. Whether the need is to map batches of addresses, make better presentation graphics, evaluate demographic or land use trends online mapping and GIS tools are now readily available and simple to use.
The central themes of the workshop are:
• To obtain hands-on experience with simple online mapping and GIS tools
• To quickly and appropriately incorporate new mapping skills into current job tasks
The hands-on exercises will use geographic data from different easily accessible sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the state of Massachusetts, and Google.
The exercises will use different online mapping tools including Google Maps, American Factfinder, Social Explorer, and Mango Maps GIS. Students will also learn the process to identify potential mapping projects, determine the data needed, and then produce an understandable and usable product.
Note: This interactive workshop is held at the Salem State University GIS Lab, in Meier Hall, Room #325.  If you are purchasing multiple tickets, please purchase each ticket individually using the name and contact information for each person you are enrolling. You may use the same PO/Check or credit card for each ticket purchased. Parking permits will be emailed to you on receipt of registration/payment.

Presenter

Keith Ratner

Dr. Keith A. Ratner is a Full Professor of geography at Salem State University. Dr. Ratner specializes in urban and transportation planning, and GIS implementation and development. He has a PhD in geography from the University of Denver and a Master of Regional Planning from Penn State. He worked for eleven years as a professional planner in New England before returning to school to get his Doctorate.

Keith Ratner

Professor
Salem State University

Email

kratner@salemstate.edu

Website

www.salemstate.edu

Presenter

Jeff Blossom

Mr. Jeffrey Blossom is a consultant and Senior GIS Specialist at the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA), at Harvard University. Mr. Blossom has 20 years’ experience working in the GIS industry as a consultant, technician, analyst, developer, and manager. Prior to joining the CGA, he was the GIS Photogrammetry Administrator for the City and County of Denver, and served as Chairman of Denver’s GIS Steering Committee.