sample dataset including plug-ins (=> was: Re: [Qgis-user] Announcing "Time Manager" Plugin v 0.1)

[Pierre Chevalier Géologue]

maning sambale claviota:
> This is a great suggestion.  I've used GRASS old spearfish dataset while trying to learn GRASS in the past.
>   
We all have! This was quite a long time ago, though, I must admit I 
haven't used grass for quite a long time now. I should redo some of 
these tutorials, one of these days.

> Additional points for discussion:
> - application domain - QGIS is a general purpose tool.  A biologist, a geologist, a local government or a small community would have very different data requirements.  A generic dataset cannot cater to all.
>   
I disagree. (sorry ;))
There is a whole lot of common things: anyone likes to have a DEM, 
contours for topography, a scanned raster base topo map, etc.
And there are parts of data which are specific to each speciality. For 
instance: a pedologist will be interested in a vector geological map. 
But he doesn't care at all about geological structural symbols. A 
geologist will be interested in a scanned pedological map, or a vector 
pedological map. But he doesn't care about the raw observations points 
from the famous pedologist who did the map.
Etc, etc.
I have worked quite a bit with different scientists, on projects 
involving various people from different horizons, all speaking different 
'languages'. We've always all shared a common language: geography, or, 
more precisely, geolocalised data. For public projects, we used to have 
one common dataset, done (and sold) by IGN (French national map agency): 
the BDTopo, BDOrtho, and MNT.
Everyone of us had his own specialised dataset, but we all spoke the 
same "language". This allowed for fantastic cooperations, it boosted the 
GIS community.
This happened some years ago, in Reunion Island: a small and limited 
volcanic island, where IGN had tried to provide all their digital 
products, for the first time.

> Probably good to create multiple datasets and allow each group to curate each dataset.
>   
Okay: I would say, let's divide the dataset into two parts:
- a common "base" dataset, used by anyone
- specialised part of the dataset: every speciality will have his own part.

> - geographic location - during my beginner gis courses, I find that participants appreciate the concepts if they work on a "local" dataset.  
Yes, true.
One idea would be: if you already have the basic structure of your 
dataset, then it is quite easy to generate some data, just by adding 
data (features, records) at the place you like the most (that is, 
everyone's "Center of the World", isn't it? ;)).

> A good resource is openstreetmap.
>   
Certainly. Including in the dataset the link to openstreetmap, and/or a 
copy of some of its data is, in my humble opinion, mandatory.

> For cartography related plugins and exercises, I suggest you use the Natural Earth dataset.
>   
Ah, didn't know this one. It looks very interesting! 
http://www.naturalearthdata.com/
I'll have a look; thanks!

A+
Pierre

> 2010/10/4 Pierre Chevalier Géologue <pierrechevaliergeol at free.fr>:
> ...
>   
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Pierre Chevalier Géologue EI
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