» 2009 » February Mapkist

Where do I start?

Feb 28, 2009 @ 1:52 PM by Kumiko Yamazaki -- manifold review

I’m finally starting to understand Manifold! Fortunately, they have an excellent online manual where I can learn all about ‘Drawings’ and ‘Themes’ and ‘Maps’ and so forth. Trust me, a ‘Drawing’…… barely qualifies as a drawing.

As a test today, I started downloading some data from the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer in order to create a simple DC map showing each of their wards. After a bit of trouble with changing projections, adding multiple layers, and exporting, I produced this map.

Not bad, I think. Manifold definitely has a large number of capabilities, many of which I have not touched and/or yet discovered. It’s not free but it is only $250.. a much cheaper alternative than you know what.

As implied earlier, I’m still learning Manifold but I wanted to show off a nice feature they now support. Exporting to KML! Works like a charm - DC KML

Launching Cartoko

Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:59 PM by Kumiko Yamazaki -- cartoko wiki

A new map wiki has arrived!!

Cartoko is a project I’ve been working furiously on for the past several months. It’s meant to be THE site to go to when looking for a map on any particular subject.

The example below shows the page for U.S. population maps dating back to 1790–

Up until recently, this has been a 2 person effort - myself and Craig Haggit (map librarian, Cartoko founder, and boyfriend). Together we have already created over 1,300 subject pages along with the addition of thousands of copyright-free maps. Still, this is only a small fraction of what Cartoko can potentially become.

Browse around and let us know what your initial thoughts are, and what improvements can be made. It’s still in its very early stages but we hope you find Cartoko to be of some interest to you!