This afternoon’s conversation of GIS with Dr. Walker brought out a lot of great ways that GIS can be used to visualize and interpret data. I just wanted to share a few links to help folks get their feet wet.

If you are using GIS to collect/visualize data, you might want to play with Google Fusion Tables. These are basically database tools that can be used to export a KML file that can be viewed in Earth or Maps. If you have existing data, just import it to get started. They even have occasional grants to help pay for those pricey software developers!

If you want to make a tours or maps for end users, check out the Google Spreadsheet Mapper tool. Google provides spreadsheet templates that you fill in, which in turn updates a Earth layer or Map. Here’s a simple example I’ve done recently for a client that maps local chapters.

Here are some cool examples to get you started! Happy mapping!

Founders Quest

Mobile is a hot topic and I’m particularly interested in ways in which mobile tech can be used to engage audiences in community and cultural sites. It looks like we’ll have both content experts, informal educators, and mobile tech solutions represented (e.g. GPTrex, NextExitHistory, etc.), so this could be a great discussion.

It’s easy to connect digital content or “next steps” via QR codes, Google Earth, and such. How do we take the next step to use this great mobile tech to get folks to actually interact with the resource(s) in front of them? How do we extend this experience beyond the itty bitty smartphone screen? How do we attract and engage folks in learning? How do we give them more to explore?

I have seen a lot of success with using games to engage learners (e.g. UNC Chapel Hill’s Games4Learning program). I would love to hear how others approach this challenge.