WEEK FOUR BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post in the link below.

Web map design (MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)

We had considered using MangoMap in this module but others tools like OpenLayers and Geoserver link much better with JavaScript, are more widely known and offer much greater functionality. Also, unfortunately, MangoMap stopped being free! The blog post discusses some elements of good design for web maps rather than standard maps for expert users. Discuss some of the main differences between (A) standard maps for expert users and (B) web based maps for the masses.

The following link from Esri may offer some help:

Supporting story (NOT THE MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)

Both articles will offer some help when it comes to completing assignment 2 (the practical project). Please make sure you post your comments by Sunday of next week (9th April) - posts after Sunday will not receive the 1% mark.

Paul

WEEK THREE BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post entitled `Ultra Lean Government – Open source best practices and the Cloud` found at this source.

http://www.sys-con.com/node/1608498
LINK

The Cloud represents a major change in how we interact with software such as ArcGIS or MapInfo. After reading this article please give your thoughts on the benefits and challenges represented by a mass-migration to cloud computing. With your work on Amazon AWS you are able to offer first-hand comments on cloud computing!

Please make sure you post your comments by Sunday next week (2nd April) - posts after Sunday will not receive the 1% mark.

Paul

WEEK TWO BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to click on the link and read the article and watch the associated video. The article deals with Raspberry Pi, a stripped-down computer that will enable children to learn to code.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-34922561

LINK

The device runs an open source operating system and is based on the Python programming language that is growing in popularity, particularly in the GI industry. After reading the article please post your comments. Comments may be based on the following guidelines:

- Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Might the complexity of code put children off?
- Importance and relevance of programming at the level of children
- Reasons for making the Raspberry Pi open source
- Anything else you may want to add.

Please make sure you post your comments by Sunday of this week (26th).

Paul

WEEK ONE BLOG POST

Dear all,

Welcome to the blog for week one! Posting a comment and responding to one another's comments will give you 1% of the module marks per week. To gain the 1% you must post your comments by the Friday of each week. However, as this is week 1, you have until Friday of the following week (24th March) to post your comments for the week 1 and week 2 blogs. I will usually try to post a new topic on the Friday of each week so you can post comments over the weekend.

The campus based students will be discussing the same issue with the distance learners.

This week (for 1%) I simply want you to introduce yourselves. Cover the following issues:

1. Distance learner or campus student
2. Name
3. GIS Experience (particularly programming experience)
4. Current work / study
5. Interests
6. Hopes for after the GIS course.

I will start the ball rolling!

My name is Paul McKenzie and I have been working/studying GIS for 17 years and teaching for 11 years. The last 10 years have seen a great deal of change and the module has gone through a few permutations! I am delighted to partner with Marcus Young who is responsible for the exceptionally interesting work on OpenLayers and Geoserver. I am very excited by Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) along with remote sensing and of course GIS! I also spend quite a bit of time with teachers to deliver GIS in secondary schools. I love running but 5 year old and 9 month old have me busy enough for a while! 

I look forward to reading your comments.

Paul