Issue 1 (December 8, 2006)

You've probably heard that a map is worth a thousand words.  While true, at least if the map is big enough, two questions stand between you and the perfect thematic map: (1) how do you make your map convey the right thousand words and (2) how do you create a map?

Defining a map's message is the first step in the mapping process.  A thoughtful engagement with this question, even if brief, will result in a more effective and useful product.  The REP makes sure that we can answer the following questions clearly and concisely before beginning any project:

• (1) what message should the map convey,

• (2) who is the target audience,

• (3) what is the appropriate level of geography, and

• (4) what sources of data are most appropriate given the message, audience, and desired geography. 

For a more detailed description of the mapping process take a look at PolicyLink's Community Mapping toolkit.

So you've decided what you want to map, the next question is how to map it. If you use ArcGIS or similar software then you probably don't need our help, but if you don't, we have a few helpful suggestions.

We recommend Neighborhood Knowledge California (NKCA) to California advocates.  This web-based mapping application dynamically generates maps based on user-defined geography and up to four user-defined demographic characteristics.  It takes about five minutes to learn NKCA and it is well worth the effort.  Even the most "computer phobic" advocate can make NKCA work for them.  If you get confused, NKCA has a great Help section that includes online tutorials.

For non-California advocates we recommend DataPlace.  DataPlace is a web-based mapping application that maps one user-defined demographic characteristic for any area within the United States.  Although DataPlace doesn't afford the same flexibility as NKCA, it's very user-friendly and a wonderful resource.  DataPlace has online site usage tutorials for registered users and its free to register .  Within the next few weeks, site users will be able to upload their own data sets into the mapping application.

Lastly, if you live in Philadelphia we recommend Philadelphia Neighborhood Information System.

Do you need to produce professional maps and lack the in-house capacity?  Or would you simply like to see the types of maps you could produce with the appropriate training?  Take a look at the Cedar Grove Institute for Sustainable Communities (http://home.mindspring.com/%7Emcmoss/cedargrove/index.html) and MARC, two professional mapping providers that have extensive experience with mapping and the non-profit community.

Do you want more information and resources on mapping race?  Interested in other online mapping applications?  Need to find data sources for desktop GIS applications?  Visit the REP's Mapping Race section!

Map away friends of the REP! It can add new life to your advocacy efforts. 

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