GeoGoshen Web Map Viewer and Data Exchange Andrew Davis GEOG 596-A MGIS Capstone Proposal

GeoGoshen Web Map Viewer and Data Exchange Abstract Project Purpose Background and Prior Work Target Audience Technology Methodology Project Plan Significance & Limitations Conclusions

GeoGoshen Abstract GeoGoshen responds to several factors The demand for spatially enabled technology/applications within the American market A need for geographic educational opportunities for young people outside of formal schooling Exposing people to GIS as a way to solve problems and explore their world at a time when they are thinking about a career

GeoGoshen Project Purpose Provide a web-based map viewer and data exchange mechanism dedicated for Boy Scouts to.. View Goshen base-map data at home Print or download copies of pre-authored Goshen maps Query online datasets Download existing datasets for use at camp Upload (Contribute) new point/line data to be incorporated into Goshen spatial repository

GeoGoshen Background Geospatially-capable devices have penetrated the American market and consumers have come to expect spatial data presented in an interactive format Despite this, geographic/spatial ignorance is high Demand for personnel to work within the spatial community is high GeoGoshen requires attention to: Target Audience, Prior Work, and Technology

GeoGoshen Target Audience Goshen Scout Reservation (Nat Capitol Region) Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia Surrounds man-made lake “Meriwether” Composed of six individual camps Old hand drawn paper maps used for management of facilities (USGS Quad maps for reference) Goshen leadership are eager to upgrade their capabilities (maps)

GeoGoshen Target Audience The Boy Scouts: (National Capitol Region) A private non-profit organization Boys are taught and exposed to a possible 129 different potential career fields Past Scouts have included: One US President, numerous Congressmen, Astronauts, military personnel, and sports heroes Personal connection (my children in Scouts)

Prior Work

or

GeoGoshen Technology Wide number of web based mapping sites and services Commercial applications: Licensing costs (monetary), usually include warranty and or support Open Source: Implementation costs (time/effort costs versus monetary)

GeoGoshen Methodology Create Open Source based prototype Demonstrate working prototype to BSA Nat Capitol Region Incorporate input from BSA to initial prototype Field final working prototype for beta testing Go live for comments and input from Scouting Community

GeoGoshen Methodology Spatial Data: (PostGIS/PostgreSQL) or (continue with.shp Mr.Sid) Server: GeoServer (widely available) Client Map Viewer: Open Web Mapping (OpenLayers) Free basic services (Open Street Map for larger background) Supports common spatial formats (.shp, Mr.Sid, etc..)

Project Timeline

GeoGoshen Significance & Limitations Significance: Provides an educational opportunity for geography/GIS Is in line with the high demand for spatial technology Exposes Scouts to an open career field (in a limited manner) Allows for growing spatial data repository on hand at Goshen Can serve as the basis for a small enterprise GIS for Goshen staff Limitations: Data to be uploaded must be screened, it will be collected by beginners Cannot force Scouts to participate Budget will be a limiting factor, volunteer work force (it may be slow going) Time, will limit any additional work being done within the constraints of this program. Very wary of Mission Creep

GeoGoshen Conclusions Improvements in technology, and availability of high end open source software have taken digital maps into a broad range of activities Volunteer groups (BSA, Hope Works etc) are an overlooked and growing portion of the Geospatial Community from which future talent can be developed GeoGoshen offers: –a Tool to grow a small GIS –An educational experience involving geography/spatial technology –A point of focus for volunteer contributions by boys who will soon be choosing their careers

Questions?