-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Using maps for research (UNCLASSIFIED) Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:41:39 -0500 From: Hadden, Robert L AGC <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]> CC: <[log in to unmask]> Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE Hi Michael! In addition to the usual stuff, it is also helpful for researchers, such as disaster response engineers, to use older and a more variety of different kinds of maps. After an earthquake in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for example, a mobile hospital was sent in by the US Marines. They needed a flat space where they can put up the hospital tents, set up a supply dump, helicopter pads, and the site was needed to be near supplies of fresh water, easy road communication, and yet can be defended if the crowds panic or looters attack. They also need to be out of the danger zones in case the nearby volcano erupts, and safe from ash flows that could come downhill. The flat places can be clearly seen through aerial photography, satellite imagery, and other resources. However, to make sure this is not the backyard of a temple, or a cemetery without tombstones, or a rice paddy that will be flooded tomorrow, they needed street maps, population maps and other geographic data. They also needed information about past ash flows from eruptions, ground shaking hazards and other geological maps. They needed information on water supplies and hydrological maps as well. They needed information from soil maps for soil mechanics and load bearing capabilities. The street maps will also give guidance on locating transportation choke points, security areas and cultural treasures. Text data is also needed. For example, if this city needed to be evacuated, evacuation plans not only need fuel supplies for trucks, cars and motorcycles; but also feed for mules, donkeys and other transportation animals. Food supplies will be needed along the evacuation route not only for people, but also for livestock animals as well, such as cattle, pigs and chickens. Geological and geographical reports, many scanned and placed online, also needed to be posted. Some examples of the different kinds of maps used during the Java Island earthquake response and the Mt. Merapi volcano threat can be seen at: http://www.agc.army.mil/Merapi/index.html Lee Hadden R. Lee Hadden, BA, BS, MLS Geospatial Information Library (Map Library) Army Geospatial Center 7701 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA 22315 (703) 428-9206 [log in to unmask] "Shaving my head for bald kids with cancer" See: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/Hadden -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Using maps for research Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:52:48 -0400 From: Michael Fry < > To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]> Hi, I'm teaching a class next month to co-workers here at Nat Geo ("Mapping and GIS Research") and am looking for useful examples of how maps and geospatial resources can be used by writers, researchers, fact checkers, producers, etc. I intend to cover the essential basics (e.g., scale, projection, legends and symbology, dates, map types) but can't spend too much time on that stuff because a lot of my audience is already pretty savvy about it. So I'd like to spend time talking about how maps can be useful--perhaps in unexpected ways--to their work. I have some ideas and examples from my own experience, but am hoping you all have favorite stories/anecdotes/lessons that would help. In short, I'd like to illustrate how geospatial resources--maps in general, specific map types, gazetteers, etc.--can provide info that some other resources don't. Thanks for anything you can suggest! mf -- Michael Fry Senior Map Librarian National Geographic Society 1145 17th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 202.857.7098 [log in to unmask] ------------------------------ Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE