[OSGeo-Discuss] Mapping advice

[Rachel Forrest]

Hi everybody,
 
I am starting a new project that will use mapping software and consist
of various components, I have been doing research about the best
programme to use, but some advice from someone who has an overview of
all of these programmes would be great.  I'm new to mapping, so if
explainations could be pretty straightforward that would be great.  
 
The project will basically involve mapping economic data from a variety
of UK sources in the area that I'm concerned with (the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland).  The goal of this project is to have the maps
(with various layers that can be available to all within the
organisation and user friendly) that they automatically update, or are
easy to update.  So I was thinking of a web-based application as the end
product, such as Open Layers or Map Server?  For the making of the maps
QGIS and getting the data through GRASS GIS.  Am I correct in my
thinking that GRASS GIS is the best for getting the data in, and can
access external files?  I want to draw together data from various
external sources and from the agency's own external COGNOS system, any
advice with that?
 
Also, is there any existing data hub that draw together economic,
population data etc for the UK? I know where to go to download the
various bits and pieces I need but if there is any way to automatically
extract the data without manually downloading that would be great.  
 
The organisation has MapInfo on one computer, I would prefer to use open
source software as skills gained will be more transferable, plus the
only computer is based in another office and is a bit of a pain to get
to.
 
For me this all seems quite daunting and it doesn't help that I haven't
had any experience with programming languages or mapping about from
quick dabbles.  I have a training budget with my placement and have
already been approved to do QGIS training but if anyone can offer
training relating to all the problems and things I have to tie together
for my specific project that would be great and I'm sure we could get
something arranged.  
 
Rachel Forrest
Economics Intelligence Officer
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Cowan House 
Inverness Retail and Business Park
Inverness IV2 7GF
 
+44(0) 1463 244 433
Email: rachel.forrest at hient.co.uk
www.hie.co.uk <http://www.hie.co.uk/> 
 
 



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Tha an teachdaireachd seo diomhair agus 's ann dhan neach-ainmichte a-mhain a tha i. Ma 's e is gun d'fhuair sibh le mearachd i, feuchaibh is leigibh fios sa spot dhan neach bhon tainig i. Tha cleachdadh neo-cheadaichte na teachdaireachd seo fior-thoirmisgte. Tha HIE a' cleachdadh bathar-bog gus luchd-obrach na buidhne a dhion is cuiridh i as do phost-dealain sam bith sa bheil cail oilbheumach no truailleach.

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