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Advanced mapping software to aid re-localization

stevehinton's picture
Posted by stevehinton on November 14th, 2005 at 8:58 am | 1 Replies

Many municipalities and local authorities use advanced mapping tools like the ones we saw in the TV series �The District� where �compstat� would visualize crime statistics on a map of the city.
This is the way it works, I think. It comprises a set of digitalized maps as well as a database that holds information connected to location. An advanced set of commands can get maps to print on screen with the information overlaid.
I believe this sort of technology could be used for re localization.
Firstly, the technology seems to have what is needed – mapping population against food production, energy production, tranport needs, water production etc.
Secondly, a lot of organisations already have this, or the information can be put on maps using the software linked to existing databases.
The advantage of the solution is that it would help communities visualize and therefore prioritize relocalization efforts.
What we need is to make some templates in mapinfo and to do a few prototypes, maybe based on the coming book relocalization.
Interested? Download the software to try it out and view the demos at
www.mapinfo.com

Comments, reflections anyone??

stevehinton's picture
stevehinton
November 15th, 2005

Much software and many participatory techniques available

Suppose your POST CARBON outpost could pull together a visualization session: what would our local area look like after re-localisation. Well, it might be more possible than many think. Apart from a lot of data being available on the local geographic situation, there are many tools and techniques around that help this visualization. One of the major bodies involved in the area of simulation and mapping as a form of community development is the Local Government Commission. LGC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization that provides inspiration, technical assistance, and networking to local elected officials and other dedicated community leaders who are working to create healthy, walkable, and resource-efficient communities. The site is packed with resources, I especially like their advocacy of public participation in community planning. Read more here: http://www.lgc.org/freepub/land_use/participation_tools/community_planning.html For a quick look at what visualization tools can do check out the site of the ENVIRONMENTAL SIMULATION CENTER, LTD. Try their demo pages and fly through Manhattan or experience real time simulation. http://www.simcenter.org/Three_Ds/three_ds.html