Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
useFuL r mappIng resources
a
Analysis of Spatial Data (
http://cran.r-project.org/web/views/
Spatial.html )—Comprehensive list of packages in R for spatial
analysis
A Practical Guide to Geostatistical Mapping (
a
http://spatial-analyst
.net/book/download )—Free topic download on how to use R and
other tools for spatial data
oNLINE-bASED SoLuTIoNS
A few online mapping solutions make it easy to visualize your geographic
data. For the most part, they've taken the map types that people use the
most and then stripped away the other stuff—kind of like a simplified
ArcGIS. Many eyes and GeoCommons are two free ones. The former, dis-
cussed previously, has only basic functionality for data by country or by
state in the United States. GeoCommons, however,
has more features and richer interaction. It also
handles common geospatial file formats such as
shapefiles and KML.
A number of paid solutions exist, but Indiemapper
and SpatialKey are the most helpful. SpatialKey
is geared more toward business and decision
making whereas Indiemapper is geared toward
cartographers and designers. Figure 3-28 shows
an example I whipped up in just a few minutes in
Indiemapper.
FIGurE 3-28 Choropleth map created in Indiemapper
Tr ade - O f f s
Mapping software comes in all shapes and sizes suited to fit lots of differ-
ent needs. It'd be great if you could learn one program and be able design
every kind of map imaginable. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
For example, ArcGIS has a lot of functions, but it might not be worth the
time to learn or the money to purchase if you only want to create simple
maps. On the other hand, R, which has basic mapping functionality and is
free, could be too simple for what you want. If online and interactive maps
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