Interactive mapping of urban tree benefits using Google Fusion Tables and API technologies |
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| Authors: | Gregory D. Bowie Andrew A. Millward Nikesh N. Bhagat |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Graduate Program in Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada;2. Urban Forest Research & Ecological Disturbance (UFRED) Group, Department of Geography, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada;1. Department of Food and Resource Economics & Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;2. Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;1. School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States;2. Program in the Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States;1. Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;2. College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;1. Tokyo City University, Faculty of Urban Life Science, 8-9-18 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-8586, Japan;2. Chiba University, Graduate School of Horticulture, Bioresource Science Course, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo-city, 271-8510, Japan;1. Department of Science, Technology and Society/Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1313 Eastman, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, United States;2. USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 5 Moon Library, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13215, United States;3. Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, Life Science Plant and Soil, Room 215, United States |
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| Abstract: | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and web-based GIS platforms are typically used by large organizations and government agencies for the purpose of data storage, query, analysis, and spatial data mapping. Google Fusion Tables, however, provides cloud-based computing services for data management and easy user collaboration through the Google Maps interface. Fusion Tables are oriented towards smaller organizations that previously were unable to publish data online due to limitations of database knowledge, high cost of start-up, and restrictions on implementation. In this research project, we assess the functionality and limitations of Fusion Tables and associated API as a spatial data management system by programming an interactive web-based mapping platform, the CityTrees.ca Project, designed to showcase the benefits of trees growing on the campus of Ryerson University, Toronto. Specifically, Fusion Tables functionality, such as data storage and manipulation, is used to build a query interface (both attribute and spatial) that permits users of CityTrees.ca to search for and map trees by species, diameter, height, and location. We found that Fusion Tables performed well as a storage medium for our campus tree data, which could easily be explored through our creation of a JavaScript-enabled query tool. Our project provides a unique roadmap for small to medium-sized urban forestry organizations and environmental non-profits seeking to create interactive mapping applications where data privacy and advanced spatial analysis are not fundamental. |
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| Keywords: | City trees Non-profit organization (NGO) Urban forestry Visualization Web map |
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