OS and Mac-based Map Software: Post GIS and friends, and Ortelius. October 6, 2009

PostGIS and Friends: A quick introduction to a popular free spatial database by Ragi Burhum

PostGIS spatially enables PostgreSQL and has become one of OSGeo's most popular projects. This presentation will give an overview of what PostGIS brings to the table along with some examples. If you are dealing with geographic data, why are you still storing your coordinates in different columns named "x" and "y"?

Ragi has worked on projects to build/revamp/maintain core technologies/data pipelines for ESRI (ArcGIS Desktop/Server, Core GeoDatabase developer) and Microsoft (MS Flight Simulator, MS Train Simulator, MS ESP) as well as provided solutions for organizations like the National GeoSpatial Agency (formerly NIMA), National Geographic, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Navteq, TeleAtlas, several International Governments through his work at ESRI.

Ragi is currently an active member of OSGeo and contributes code and time to promote Open Source and Hybrid (ESRI and OSGeo) solutions.

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Ortelius, a map illustration software for Mac OS X (www.mapdiva.com).

As geospatial data become more ubiquitous, the demand for custom cartographic products is on the rise. Jill explores the topics of accessible mapping applications (in terms of ease of use), the role of aesthetics in communication and development of the presentation layer, and relative lack of geospatial applications for the Mac platform. These needs led to the development of Ortelius map illustration software for Mac OS X. We’ll take a quick look at Ortelius, with a discussion of current capabilities and a view towards the future.

Jill Saligoe-Simmel is a professional geographer and co-founder of Mapdiva, LLC, makers of Ortelius™ map illustration software. She has worked on numerous projects with local, state and federal governments, private sector, and universities to support homeland security, economic development, land/water resources, and the business of government. Jill is the former Executive Director to the Indiana Geographic Information Council, Inc (501c3), a statewide not-for-profit organization. For 10 years, she has led a consensus-driven process to develop the vision, strategy, business plan, and implementation process for Indiana’s statewide spatial data infrastructure. She served six year on the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) Board of Directors. Jill received her Ph.D. in Resource Geography from Oregon State University, M.A. from Indiana State University and B.S. from Ball State University, both in Physical Geography. Her interests are in cartography and mapping, regional planning, geographic information policy, and geospatial analysis. She has more than 15 years of experience, including teaching, research, analysis, and project management.

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We meet in Kiev Training Room of Building 40 at Google HQ in Mountain View. To locate our meeting place, use this map . If you've never been there, you may need a few extra minutes to navigate through the campus. To get to Kiev Training Room, you must enter through the lobby of Building 40. Once in the lobby, Google requires that you sign an electronic NDA. Please be courteous of their professional space and grant them this request. Security will escort you to Kiev Training Room after you've signed in. Dinner and beverages are graciously donated by Google so come prepared to chat, network, have fun and get your WebMapSocial fill. Thank you for your understanding.

Contact me anytime with questions/comments/concerns: catherine@endpointenvironmental.com

Thank you very much for your support!

See you on Tuesday October 6,
Catherine

Official Website: http://www.meetup.com/webmapsocial/calendar/11384495/