Those familiar with LSNC.net know that we regularly post links to interesting (if not necessarily related to poverty) examples of how GIS mapping is used to visualize data. Another recent example we ran across is the HIT Dashboard Map, which is likely of little interest for the specific data it maps (Health IT activity and initiatives) but of considerable curiosity because of how it maps that information. Apparently built with Adobe (née Macromedia) Flashmaps, it offers an interesting and entertaining example of how a highly interactive map, with data filtering, can be built or exemplified. Just click on or hover over stuff and you’ll see what we mean. Very cool stuff.
And since we’re on the topic of GIS mapping, generally, consider visiting (or revisiting, if you haven’t been there for a while) the really extraordinary DataPlace. The site is inherently essential because of its origins in supporting the development of “freely workable” public data in the areas of low-income economic and housing analysis. That’s been a long-time given. But DataPlace has dramatically improved its user-side flexibility and ease of use, no small task given the daunting scale of data it offers to manipulate and visualize for you. Most notably, they have finally launched in beta tools for uploading your own data for mapping and other data analytics. (To gain access to the upload feature, you have to use the free registration to create a user account.) DataPlace is a subset of KnowledgePlex, which has been offering monthly web demo overviews of what DataPlace can do for you, called Expert Chats. Highly recommended.
