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Table of Contents >
   Part B. Community Assessment, Agenda Setting, and Choice ... >
      Chapter 3. Assessing Community Needs and Resources >
         Section 16. Geographic Information Systems: Tools for Community Mapping >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Geographic Information Systems: Tools for Community Mapping

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz

Checklist

Here you will find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.

What is GIS?

__ You know that GIS (Geographic Information System) is a method of digital mapping that links data to its physical location.

You know that the components of an effective GIS are:

__ Appropriate hardware.

__ Appropriate software.

__ Good data.

__ Trained people expert at using the system.

__ Methods of analyzing the resulting maps.

Why would you use GIS?

You use GIS because:

__ It can help you determine the how seriously an issue affects an area or the community as a whole.

__ It can clarify the relationships among several factors, populations, or issues.

__ It can demonstrate how differently an issue affects different populations or geographical areas.

__ It can show you exactly where to concentrate your efforts.

__ It can help you better understand the area or community you’re working in.

__ It can allow you to isolate and examine individual aspects of the situation or area.

__ It can provide a picture of the community’s or area’s assets and weaknesses.

__ It can show you change over time.

__ GIS is by far the quickest and most efficient method of creating maps and similar graphics that provide a picture of not only the geographic, but of the social, demographic, environmental, political, and other aspects of an area as well.

__ GIS maps make powerful presentation tools.

__ GIS maps can help influence policy.

When would you use GIS?

You use GIS:

__ When you’re determining what the most important issues are.

__ When you’re taking stock of the community’s assets and challenges.

__ When you want to locate, or determine the existence of, a particular constellation of factors in a population or an issue. 

__ When you want to understand the scope of an issue.

__ When you’re deciding where, and on whom, to concentrate your efforts. 

__ When you’re looking at changes that have taken place over time.

__ When you’re trying to influence policy.

Who should use GIS?

You might use GIS if you are, or are affiliated with:

__ Researchers and participatory research teams.

__ Community coalitions.

__ Health and human service organizations and agencies.

__ Environmental organizations.

__ Educators.

__ Policy makers.

__ Advocates (i.e., those who want to influence policy makers).

__ Community activists.

__ Watchdog organizations.

__ Community developers and community development agencies.

__ Local officials and community planners.

How do you use GIS?

__ You frame the question.

__ You gather data.

__ You integrate the data into the system.

__ You create the maps.

__ You analyze the results.

__ You use your analysis to create positive change.