Maps and Web-based Data - Participatory Mapping: New Data, New Cartography - page 56

work, we often use tools that anyone can - and create
graphics that anyone else can too.” 9 This highlights the “Do
it yourself” dimension of the data-processing work.
Large data files available online as well as “raw” or open
data are characterized by the amount of work they require to
make up for their absence of structure, and to make them
usable for example in a map. Although the data may be
available online - legally in the case of open data, or leaked
with Wikileaks data - the number of changes prior to the
mapping process is significant and requires statistics and
programming skills. In this context, several tools, such as
Google Fusion Table, make the transition easier as they
enable us to transfer lists directly into maps. These tools can
be used by professionals such as The Guardian's Datablog
journalists, who make their work re-usable for other Web
users by opting for simple tools.
4.1.2. Contributory data
Map designers can also involve Web users in the process
of obtaining data. This is sometimes referred to as
crowdsourcing, and implies unstructured contributions from
Web users. Nevertheless, the mapping archi-text may force
contributors to provide the necessary metadata to re-use the
information.
The Bikeside LA (Table 4.1, map no. 3) application uses
the mapping platform developed by the company Ushahidi,
which facilitates the processing of contributory data by
“formatting” the report. The Kenyan startup Ushahidi was
originally created to provide a map that could easily be
published online during environmental and humanitarian
9 See: www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/mar/28/data-visualisation-
tools-free.