Technology Employed
| Taking Stock of Neighborhoods utilizes mobile computing equipment, global positioning systems (GPS), and mapping software to collect data on the physical characteristics of properties. The project supports grassroots community development and a major initiative by local government to dispose of some 40,000 government-owned properties including abandoned homes and vacant lots. Coldfusion was used to create a web-based system that enables the dynamic creation of maps that illustrate the location and characteristics of properties. Database queries generate XML documents in two varieties: Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Keyhole 2 LT (KML). Interactive SVG maps combine XML code and javascript and are embedded in HTML web pages to support mapping and database editing. KML documents may be viewed using using Keyhole 2 LT mapping software, a powerful but inexpensive program that integrates color aerial photos or as data tables using XSL stylesheets. The objectives of the overall project include collecting accurate data on the status and conditions of properties (including digital photos), creating a system to view, edit and annotate the project database, and to link database queries to mapping tools. The latter two objectives also support post-processing of data, quality control, and analysis by the community-based development groups and local government. The combination of technologies utilized and the innovative Coldfusion programming employed represent a unique approach and an affordable methodology that could be easily replicated across many applications and different industries. The dynamic mapping, driven by Coldfusion database queries, is unique and represents a cost-effective approach alternative. Typically, the leading internet map server applications are quite expensive to purchase and implement. This project provides an example of Coldfusion leveraging the power of new open source technologies (SVG, XML) to provide powerful query and analysis tools that also feature dynamic mapping of data. |
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Interactive Adobe Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Maps
1. Dynamic map of grassroots community organizations
2. Emergency Service Providers
Links
Project Status
| September 2004 - KeyholeLT adopted for Community Development |
For more information, please contact David Martin at 313-577-6564 david.e.martin@wayne.edu