New Data, Tools Improve Atlas Capabilities
Work resumed on the “Indiana GIS Atlas” in
May 2006.
Since then, about 20 new layers have been added,
including the 2005 color aerial photography
of the
Indiana Orthophotography Project, as well as
several
layers provided by Indiana Department of
Transportation that show roads, ramps, mile
markers,
railroads, rail crossings, and industrial
parks. A layer
showing alternative fuel sites (ethanol and
biodiesel)
has also been added. Among notable layers
that have
been updated are trails and recreational
facilities,
provided by the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources, and a variety of layers provided
by the
Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the
usability
of the interactive map, the toolbar and menu
have
been redesigned to provide a more logical
grouping of
tools and functions. Many layers have been
re-symbolized to create a more standard tool
set. And
several new tools have been created to allow
users to
more easily save and share their customized maps
with others. In particular, the “Print”
function has been
reconfigured to allow users to print their
maps in a
wide variety of sizes and formats.
Efforts to improve outreach include the
creation of a
listserv (named INDIANA_GIS_ATLAS-L).
Subscribers
to the listserv received periodic
newsletters, as well
as notices regarding interruptions of
service. Since
the listserv was initiated in November 2006,
more
than 240 users have subscribed. Also, links
to several
video-based tutorials have been provided to
users,
and additional customized tutorials are
currently being
produced. These narrated video tutorials will
replace
older text-based tutorials.
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