WEEK FOUR BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post in the link below. 

Web map design (MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)

We had considered using MangoMap in this module but others tools like OpenLayers and Geoserver link much better with JavaScript, are more widely known and offer much greater functionality. Also, unfortunately, MangoMap stopped being free! The blog post discusses some elements of good design for web maps rather than standard maps for expert users. Discuss some of the main differences between (A) standard maps for expert users and (B) web based maps for the masses. 

The following link from Esri may offer some help: 

Supporting story (NOT THE MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)

Both articles will offer some help when it comes to completing assignment 2 (the practical project). Please make sure you post your comments by Friday of this week (4th April) - posts after Friday will not receive the 1% mark.

Paul

WEEK THREE BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post entitled `Ultra Lean Government – Open source best practices and the Cloud` found at this source.

http://www.sys-con.com/node/1608498

LINK

The Cloud represents a major change in how we interact with software such as ArcGIS or MapInfo. After reading this article please give your thoughts on the benefits and challenges represented by a mass-migration to cloud computing. The campus students have some experience with the cloud so any insights learned would be helpful.

Please make sure you post your comments by Friday of this week (28th) - posts after Friday will not receive the 1% mark.

Paul

WEEK TWO BLOG POST

This week, for the 1%, I want you to click on the link and read the article and watch the associated video. The article deals with Raspberry Pi, a stripped-down computer that will enable children to learn to code.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17190918

LINK

The device runs an open source operating system and is based on the Python programming language that is growing in popularity, particularly in the GI industry. After watching the video and reading the article please post your comments. Comments may be based on the following guidelines:

- Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Might the complexity of code put children off?
- Importance and relevance of programming at the level of children
- Reasons for making the Raspberry Pi open source
- Anything else you may want to add (e.g. the move of manufacture away from the UK)

Please make sure you post your comments by Friday of this week (21st).

Paul

WEEK ONE BLOG POST

Dear all,

Welcome to the blog for week one! Posting a comment and responding to one another's comments will give you 1% of the module marks per week. To gain the 1% you must post your comments by the Friday of each week. In the case of this week it will be fine to have a few extra days (Tuesday of week 8) as it usually takes a few days to get everyone on to the blog.

The campus based students will be discussing the same issue with the distance learners.

This week (for 1%) I simply want you to introduce yourselves. Cover the following issues:

1. Distance learner or campus student
2. Name
3. GIS Experience (particularly programming experience)
4. Current work / study
5. Interests
6. Hopes for after the GIS course.

I will start the ball rolling!

My name is Paul McKenzie and I have been working/studying GIS for 14 years and teaching for 8 years. After completing my MSc I did a bit of e-tutoring before starting my PhD. I am currently teaching on the undergraduate and postgraduate courses in GIS. I love running and am currently training for Belfast Marathon (although haven't fully committed yet)! I also like films, Johnny Cash and church activities (a weird mix I know)!

I look forward to reading your comments.

Paul

Welcome

Hi,

This blog spot is designed to allow all students (both campus and distance learners) to interact in one place. While BlackBoard is useful it doesn't make it easy for students from different groups to talk together. As such this blog allows campus students to get to know distance learners and vice versa.

The blog will formally run like this. Everyday Monday I will post a topic relevant to GIS and programming. I then want each student to post their own view on the topic. While posting your own view, I also want you to respond to one another's comments where possible. This will mean that most opinions are shared and discussed as possible. If you comment on the weekly topic by the Friday of each week you will gain 1% of the module. After five weeks that means you have gained an easy 5% of module marks. If you do not post a comment each week you will not gain the 1% for that week.

Please feel free to use this blog post for other informal matters relating to the module. While I am flexible on the blog use, there are two rules:

1. Use the blog respectfully - no unpleasant comments about anyone please.
2. If the matter is important or private it must go through the module area on BlackBoard. 

The module area in BlackBoard is the main area for the module, this blog is only designed as a small side line.

If you feel that any additional rules should be put in place just let me know.

Paul