Thought this was kind of cool and wanted to pass it along (re: mapping/data)

[The Straight Story]

If you are a little tech savy here is something for you....

During my daily 'round the web' surfing of government websites I came across this:

http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/

USDA's data gateway - mapping data on a plethora of interesting stuff - and free, Just select FTP file when 'purchasing' the product and they mail you a link to it.

Problem was, I didn't have a GIS (geographic information system ) program to view the information in. And I can't afford to buy one.

So then I found this:

http://www.esri.com/software/mapping_for_everyone/explorer/index.html

Free version to download of ArcGIS (which is a pretty cool program).

After a little bit of learning I found out how to load in shapefiles from the FTP file I got earlier (In zip format, multiple shape files in the one I got).

So I wondered what else I could find for free from Uncle Sam in the way of maps/data:

http://www.google.com/unclesam?q=esri+data+download&btnG=Search&hl=en&site=unclesam&restrict=unclesam&output=unclesam&sa=2

And census data:
http://www.google.com/unclesam?hl=en&site=unclesam&restrict=unclesam&output=unclesam&q=esri+data+download+census&btnG=Search


If you like maps and data and want explore, and you don't have the money to shell out, check out the links and have some fun :)

[gateley]

1. I like maps and data! I want to explore! I don't have the money to shell out!

Thanks for the links! :pals:

[The Straight Story]

2. If you hit a bump let me know, still learning the software myself :) (nt)

[The Wielding Truth]

3. I don't have authorization for this. Did you read the bottom warning?

WARNING: This is a United States Department of Agriculture computer system, which may be accessed and used only for official Government business (or as otherwise permitted by regulation) by authorized personnel. Unauthorized access or use of this computer system may subject violators to criminal, civil, and/or administrative action. All information on this computer system may be intercepted, recorded, read, copied, and disclosed by and to authorized personnel for official purposes, including criminal investigations. Access or use of this computer system by any person, whether authorized or unauthorized, constitutes consent to these terms.

[The Straight Story]

4. meh - that is for other stuff, I filled out all the info and worked fine. Wait, there is a knock

at the door....AHHHHHHH ;)

[The Wielding Truth]

5. Hahaha, Well, if you think it's okay to use ....enjoy.

[gateley]

6. Post a screen shot before they haul you away! nt

[The Straight Story]

7. Heck with the screen shot, will post a map with data on my route to jail

:rofl: