Day: February 17, 2010

The Guide to Social Science Data Preparation and Archiving: Best Practice Throughout the Data Life Cycle

/ Matt Artz

…a free e-book from the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR):

“Archives that preserve and disseminate social and behavioral data perform a critical service to the scholarly community and to society at large, ensuring that these culturally significant materials are accessible in perpetuity. The success of the archiving endeavor, however, ultimately depends on researchers’ willingness to deposit their data and documentation for others to use.”

The fourth edition (2009) has updated information related to digital preservation, informed consent, copyright, and qualitative and geospatial data.

Work at RFF: Development and Spatial Modeling of a Major Climate Change and Forestry GIS Tool

/ Matt Artz

Resources for the Future (RFF) seeks a highly-motivated individual to lead the development and spatial modeling of a major climate change and forestry GIS tool for policy makers, stakeholders and investors. Qualified candidates will have a graduate degree in a quantitative social science such as geography, economics, environmental science and management or related field. Must have demonstrated experience with raster datasets and raster-based spatial analysis using large global raster datasets. Familiarity with policy related to climate change, forestry, agriculture, and REDD+ and experience with forestry and land use datasets preferred. Government or peer-reviewed publications using GIS should be mentioned in application materials.

GIS Data Show Relationship Between Violence, Liquor Retailers

/ Matt Artz / 1 Comment

Annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

18 – 22 February 2010, San Diego, California

As cities grapple with liquor-related violence, new data suggests zoning commissions may want to take a second look at where they put liquor retailers. IU Bloomington criminologist William Pridemore and Geographer Tony Grubesic are in the midst of analyzing new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data that seem to suggest violent crime is more likely to occur in the vicinity of stores that sell liquor expressly for off-premise consumption. Violence, they are learning, is less likely to occur near other types of establishments that offer alcohol, such as bars, pubs and restaurants. Pridemore and Grubesic have conducted their studies in Cincinnati (Ohio) neighborhoods using blocks as a unit of analysis. Pridemore led the research and is the session organizer. Grubesic will speak about the scientists’ collaborative research, which is using GIS and other spatial analysis techniques to learn more about human behavior patterns.

“Using GIS and Spatial Analysis To Better Understand Patterns and Causes of Violence,” Monday, Feb. 22, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Room 5A

Grubesic and Pridemore will take part in a press briefing regarding “Using GIS and Spatial Analysis to Better Understand Patterns and Causes of Violence,” at 2:00 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 21, at the San Diego Convention Center. Please visit the Press Room beforehand for the event’s location (TBD).

To speak with Pridemore or Grubesic, please contact Steve Chaplin, University Communications, at 606-356-6551 or stjchap@indiana.edu.

[Source: Indiana University press release]

Croatia Launches First Spatial Data Infrastructure in Southeast Europe

/ Matt Artz

ArcGIS Server Geoportal Extension Helps Reduce Real Property Time Registration Processing from 400 Days to 37 Days

The Republic of Croatia has simplified access to countrywide geographic data through an online geoportal, a type of Web site that makes it easier for citizens, government, and private-sector users to find and access vast quantities of geographic information and related services. The geoportal has already proven its value as an essential component of the country’s Organized Land Project, which streamlines and regulates the real property registration of land in the republic. By making data more accessible, the average time for processing changes to land titles has dropped from a 400-day average to 37 days.

The geoportal is hosted by the State Geodetic Authority (SGA) of Croatia and can be found at www.geo-portal.hr/Portal. Dr. Željko Bačić, head of SGA, states, “Simple access to geospatial data is the key prerequisite for an efficient and economically prosperous society. The geoportal in active operation means that other governmental organizations can use SGA data but also make their data accessible. This is the first step to establishing a Croatian national geoportal as part of a national SDI.”

The geoportal is modeled after the European Union’s Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE) directive to share geographic information across Europe. “The Croatian geoportal is the first comprehensive NSDI [National Spatial Data Infrastructure] in southeastern Europe,” says Mark Cygan, ESRI manager of map, chart, and data production and SDI. “Croatia continues to be a leader in the region when it comes to the collection, management, and distribution of geospatial data.”

SGA is able to support the discovery and purchase of national data through the geoportal while also providing strict access control and data quality policies. Data available through the geoportal includes digital orthophotos, basemaps, administrative units, and land survey information.

The geoportal was developed by ESRI distributor GISDATA d.o.o. and con terra GmbH, the professional services arm of ESRI Deutschland GmbH, using ESRI’s ArcGIS Server Geoportal extension. The Geoportal extension provides the platform for organizations to quickly access geospatial resources regardless of location or type.

“The implementation of this portal is enabling a change in behavior from a restrictive data policy to a more open, transparent, and efficient use of spatial information,” says Andrej Lončarić, director of GISDATA in Croatia and the southeastern region of Europe.

For more information on how ESRI GIS software helps organizations create effective and efficient SDIs, visit www.esri.com/SDI.

[Source: ESRI press release]