Walkability!

In another chance to help out their community, WW-P students have launched a new project to improve Walkability and Bikability in their township, which would encourage an increase in conversions of transportation from gas guzzling automobiles to enviro-friendly bikes and sneakers. The “Walkability Assessment” will map various intersections around the community in need of improvements. Each data point will include final scores and rankings of each crossing and intersections and photographs of missing elements. This project not only brings the community to aid in environment-improving efforts, but also, the data collected from this assessment will greatly improve the township’s decision making when considering road repairs to be made. Initially begun by the West Windsor Bicycle & Pedestrian Alliance (view at: http://maps.gismap.us/wwbpa), South’s Green CmPs is pursuing this project with a data collection date of May 16, 2009 at 9 a.m. They are looking for volunteers to help them so mark your calendars! (Prior to the event, volunteers will be required to participate in a one-hour training session.)

For more information, visit their project web site at http://sites.google.com/site/greencommunitymapping2009/index.

Geocaching

It is quite interesting to use GIS as a way to have fun. GIS4KIDS utilizes Global Mapping Positioning System utility- Mappler to help the community. Around the world, many people actually use GIS in a games like scavenger hunting, also known as, geocaching. A geocacher will hide a container, containing a prize (can be of menial value to something valuable) at a specific location. This player will jot down the cache’s coordinates and the details of its location. The person will then input this information on a website. Other Geocachers will obtain the coordinates from the site and will search for the treasure using GPS utilities. Those who finally find the cache input their experiences online. Although, the caches are often of menial value, the experience is quite valuable. It’s the most exhilarating moment of their lives!
From this interesting discovery, I personally think that maybe, schools can have this geocaching scavenger hunt in activities for the students. Not only do the students have fun but also they can obtain more knowledge by utilizing the GPS utilities to gain an understanding of their surroundings and geography.
-jocelyn