GPS, GIS and Community Mapping

Community Mapping is a process involving youth, citizens, community professionals, and community decision-makers working together to learn and use geospatial tools and data to address community and environmental issues.

PowerPoint Overview (4.39 MB)

So what exactly is GPS and GIS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a network of satellites that continuously transmit coded information, which makes it possible to precisely identify locations on earth by measuring distance from the satellites.

GIS (Geographic Information System) is essentially a high-tech map! Unlike paper maps, GIS can allow the user to change the information shown as well as ask questions about the relationships between that information.  GIS combines layers of information about a place to give a better understanding of that place. What layers of information are combined depends on the purpose.  GIS software is becoming more sophisticated with the rapidly developing technology.

Community Mapping Resources

GIS as a 4-H Project
GIS Project Explanation Card (Word)
GIS Score Card (Excel)

Community mapping resources
Maps, training, websites and more...a "living" document

Community mapping resources
A wealth of resources from Tim Haithcoat, Missouri Spatial Data Information Service, Geographic Resources Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia

GPS Train-the-Trainer
Outline for basic train-the-trainer GPS session.

Conference Resources

GPS, GIS and Community Mapping Conference
from March 28-30, 2006

Workshop 1 - GPS 1
Resources from workshop
GPS learning activities

Workshops 11-14 - Developing projects
Resources from workshops
Missouri 4-H Club Mapping Project (draft)