Exercise #01

 

Purpose

Develop strategies for locating the dispersed GIS data resources for a selected state.

Discussion

In class I said that, for many if not most states, there is currently no centralized repository for all the GIS resources of the state.  Although this will presumably (hopefully) change sooner or later, for the time being it will take resourcefulness to tease out available data sources. 

Follow the strategy we used in class for finding GIS for Ohio; start with a search from the state's homepage.  Some states will actually have a GIS link on that page.  Use the search engine on the state's homepage.  You might search with "GIS" and "GIS download".  You should try "ESRI", "shapefile", "E00", "ArcView", etc.  Check the states geological survey.  It may be in the natural resources department and may be housed on a state university's campus.  Check the division of water and transportation department.  Try a general Google search.  Be persistent and thorough.

Deliverable

  1. By next class (April 13, 2004) prepare and send to me a Word document  similar to that I prepared for Ohio.  You needn't imbed the hyperlinks as was demonstrated in class.  Email this page to and I will put it up on the class webpage (don't forget to sign your work).  Try to find the state geologic maps (surficial and bedrock).  This will not be possible for all states but try your best.  If you can't find it, you might try emailing the state geological survey and asking about its whereabouts and/or status.

  2. Establish an account for yourself with GeoCommunity by filling in the requested information here.  GeoCommunity distributes a great deal of USGS data.  The account is free and will be used often through the quarter.