TC141: Digital Mapping for Social Good
August 01, 2016 - August 27, 2016 | Facilitated by Greg Maly & Madeline McBride
Apply NowCourse Description
How can you better visualize the geographic impact of your organization, projects, and global development programs? The use of digital mapping tools is beginning to reshape the way that international development activities are carried out. Government agencies, NGOs, companies, and other actors are beginning to turn to digital maps to draw attention to human rights violations, help communities prepare for natural disasters, visualize social media trends in real-time, monitor election violence, distribute food and other resources more effectively and so much more.
In this course, we will think critically about geospatial data and map production ‘behind the scenes.’ We will also look at case studies and real-world applications of maps created to address issues surrounding social and environmental equity. You’ll be introduced to a number of topics, such as how crowdsourced mapping is improving patient health in Ghana and the way visualizations are shifting US policies.
In this four-week online certificate course, participants will learn practical skills related to all aspects of the map creation process:
(1) How to gather data for your map or work with data that already exists
(2) How to organize and classify data effectively
(3) How to design an aesthetically beautiful digital map
(4) How to maintain the map over time. Some of the platforms and tools we will explore include: CartoDB, OpenStreetMap, GoogleMapMaker, MapBox, Ushahidi, ArcGIS, as well as Palantir and CaerusGeo.
Participants will work with leading experts in the field to explore topics like how to choose the right mapping platform, how to create a narrative or story with a map, how to work with data from the crowd and more. Participants can expect a dynamic learning environment with a number of real-world case studies from countries like Syria and Indonesia, custom animations and video tutorials, interactions with leading experts in the field and practical simulations to apply new skills and strategies.
Read about a mapping project that alum Mira Gupta started after taking this course.
Course Topics and Featured Tech
- Map your neighborhood in OpenStreetMap
- Visualize your data with Google Fusion Tables
- Decisions on data: OpenStreetMap and Google
- Make beautiful maps with TileMill and MapBox
- Track a crisis with Ushahidi
Course Methodology
- This course is delivered entirely online over a period of four weeks.
- This course features several live interactive expert presentations each week with leading practitioners, software developers, academics, and donors.
- Every live event is recorded and archived for you to watch later.
- This course also features a unique hands-on learning environment with animated videos, technology demos, practical activities, networking events, office hours, participant presentations, immersive simulations, and more.
- TechChange recommends budgeting a minimum commitment of 5-7 hours per week and scheduling time for the course around your existing obligations.
- Participants will have access to all course content for at least 4 months after course completion so the material can be completed and revisited later.
Course Price
- $295 if application and payment is submitted by June 1st
- $395 if application and payment is submitted by July 15th
- $445 if application and payment is submitted by course start date
- Group discount rates available. For more details, please contact us at social [at] techchange.org.
- If you are not happy with your course experience for any reason, TechChange is happy to discuss refunds.
Still have questions? Learn more about Our Model | Browse other Courses
Facilitators
Greg Maly
Greg works on training and analytics with the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations at the US Department of State. He has spent his career working at the intersection of conflict resolution, technology, and the arts. Trained as a mediator, he also worked with the Northern Virginia Mediation Service and the US Institute of Peace. As a technologist, he has leveraged Geographic Information Systems for health interventions, humanitarian response, and conflict analysis purposes. He holds an MA in International Studies from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.
Madeline McBride
Madeline is a student at James Madison University, where she studies Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs and Geographic Information Systems, with a special interest in Conflict Resolution and International Landmine Prevention. In her free time, she loves to bike, paint, and eat chocolate pie while listening to Dave Brubeck.
Guest Experts
Platform Screenshots
Technical Requirements
Flash: Flash Player 10 or later, and one of the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer 6 and later, Firefox 1.x and later, Safari 3 and later, Google Chrome, Opera 9.5 and later
Mac: Safari 3 and later, Firefox 1.x and later, Google Chrome
Linux: Firefox 1.x and later
HTML5:
Windows: Internet Explorer 6 and later, Firefox 1.x and later, Safari 3 and later, Google Chrome, Opera 9.5 and later
Mac: Safari 3 and later, Firefox 1.x and later, Google Chrome
Linux: Firefox 1.x and later
Apple iOS: Articulate Mobile Player; Apple iOS 5.0 or later on iPad
Testimonials
TC141 is a really unique course that brings development practitioners from a variety of sectors together with those specializing in mapping technology. It provides an overview of a range of mapping tools, as well as guided exercises, and opportunities to engage with experts in the field. I would highly recommend this course to those interested in mapping and data visualization.
- Mira Gupta, Senior Research Area Specialist, University of Michigan
This was a really great course – it covers debates in the field in some depth, but also focuses on mapping tools in the field in enough detail to have a platform to build on afterwards.
- Sairah Yusuf, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer