-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: New Thanksgiving Dinner Poster Available
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:49:51 -0500
From: Grabach, Kenneth A. Mr. <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
References: <[log in to unmask]>
Linda,
These maps, compilations of data, and the posters made from them, are really great! They are fascinating on various levels. 1, they demonstrate what GIS is: data presented in a geographical context to reveal additional information. 2, this is a timely and fun project that will capture attention for something that seems to many to be arcane and specialized. 3, and my favorite, they raise additional questions about geography: What physical geography, economic geography, and cultural geography result in the patterns that appear on these maps? What results did you expect to see (potato production in Idaho, or wheat in the central plains states, for example) and what surprises did you see (pecan production 4th in New Mexico is one for me)?
Another raised the question of California, Florida, and Michigan being leaders in squash production. For many of the crops, California is a major producer, and Florida, as well. Climate is certainly an important factor for both states. California is also a large state, with many zones that are either well irrigated or have water sufficient to produce market crops. But Michigan? With its northern setting, how is this working? First, the state is surrounded by large lakes that moderate the climate and limit the days of frost in winter. Second, the soils are light and very suitable for these kinds of crops. Even if not a leader, you notice that it is a player in nearly all of them (pecans being the sole exception). There are certainly cultural factors that lead farmers in various states to grow the crops they do, as well. This makes room for further exploration that can go in many directions.
Ken
Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]>
Maps Librarian Phone: 513-529-1726
Miami University Libraries
Oxford, Ohio 45056 USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & GIS Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Moderator
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 2:46 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: New Thanksgiving Dinner Poster Available
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: New Thanksgiving Dinner Poster Available
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:44:43 -0600 (CST)
From: Linda R Zellmer <[log in to unmask]>
To: Map & Air Photo Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Hello,
In honor of GIS Day tomorrow, I have developed a new set of maps and poster showing where Thankgiving dinner grows using data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture, which was released earlier this year. The maps, poster and data (which you can use to demonstrate GIS tomorrow at your GIS Day festivities) are available at: http://faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/thanksgiving.html.
Enjoy! Happy GIS Day! Linda Zellmer
--
Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
415 Malpass Library
Macomb, IL 61455
[log in to unmask]
Phone: 309-298-2723
Fax: 309-298-2791
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