Mapping Fun
Mapping, mainly through Google earth and Google maps, has been increasing in use. I was first introduced to mapping glorious-ness by my fiance. When we went to Rome last year, he created a Google map highlighting all the Gelato hot spots in Rome. What more can I ask for than a man who not only shares my second love of ice cream, but plans it as key stopping point while we tour Italy? Now, In terms of relevant non-profit mapping, I was moved by 1) Wild Apricot’s recent post about Google Earth outreach, and 2) a SB Reader.
As Wild Apricot shares:
Google Earth and Google Maps let anyone create a custom map — and share it by sending a link, or embed on a web page. Personalized and annotated, even enhanced with photographs and videos, online maps can help to engage your supporters in a way that bare text never can. New features now let you collaborate with others and import geographical data to customize a map.
SocialButterfly reader, Dan, at Tutor Mentor Connections recently shared with me how he and his non-profit are utilizing mapping technolgoy. Over the past six months, Tutor Mentor Connections have developed a library of maps that are intended as tools that leaders use to support the growth of volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs in specific geographic areas in Illinois. I conducted an email interview with Dan which I will feature later this week, but here is a sneak preview:
Why mapping?
“Maps are one form of visual communications. Pictures are worth thousands of words in communicating ideas. Generals use maps to distribute troops in time of war. They do this to make sure they have forces everywhere they are needed. A city could have a telephone directory full of youth program listings, and still not have programs in half of the places where they are needed. Maps can help leaders understand where there are programs, and can be used to help build business/non profit collaborations. They can be used as tools in any leadership strategy.”
I look forward to sharing Dan’s work with you as I think Dan is doing a fantastic job of creating a 1, 2 Punch when it comes to tackling giant issues (i.e. poverty and education) through mapping technology. Crafting data, supported by research, and translating that creatively through meaningful, visual representation.
Others Examples of Non-Profits Mapping
Where to Get Mapping
Tools
Apps
Wrap Up
Mapping is a great visual. However, for the map to be both effective and useful, it must be fueled by great content while also being data-driven. Thought this research document is from 2002, skimming through it shows just how data can be re-constructed to be meaningful and cohesive. However, this is where I believe mashups come into play too.
What are your thoughts on mapping technology?
Photo credit: flickr, dannysullivan
]]>If you have been following this issue, and honestly, I have been following it some, but I don’t claim to be an expert on it. So, I’m curious to get others’ thoughts.
Food. Children. Marketing. Advertising. Social Marketing. Ethics. –> Please share your thoughts in the comments. I am providing some questions as prompts, and will post again a summary of the responses and what I discover.
Cases
Last spring and summer, there was much ado about Shrek and his character endorsing various unhealthy food products.
Again, there was a response when McDonald’s advertised by sponsoring report cards and giving achieving students special McDonald offers.
Articles
Fundamental Shift in Making and Marketing Snacks to Kids, MarketingProfs June 11, 200
Sweet Surrender, Washington Post, May 22, 2008
Junk Food Marketing Linked to Child Obesity, Lancaster Farming, May 23, 2008
Shrek: He’s Big, Green and Promoting Junk Food, MSNBC, April 25, 2007
Feel free to leave links to more articles/cases in the comments =) I know there’s a ton of news and literature out there.
Questions
Thanks ya’ll! Look forward to reading your insights!
]]>