BTAA-GIN Collection Stories

By Wenjie Wang, GIS Specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign    Height Modernization (ILHMP) LiDAR Data [Illinois])  https://geo.btaa.org/catalog/0f26df9b-15b9-4877-b235-55ed19e20d66     What is the item?  ILHMP has established data sharing agreements to archive and distribute elevation data for select Illinois counties. Data have been acquired using Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology, in compliance with different contract specifications. Data are offered as originally deliver LAS tile or as the derivative product of DEM/DTM or DSM.  What BTAA Library submitted the item?  Illinois Geospatial Data Clearinghouse  Interesting tidbits  Historically, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data for Illinois have been mainly based on 5- to 10-foot contour data. Large-scale, digital topographic maps are most common; many data resources contain elevation information acquired in the 1920s and 19...

 By Cecilia Smith. Chicago Ethnic Group Shapefiles 1868-1940 What are the items? These shapefiles show generalized majority ethnic groups in areas across Chicago from 1868, 1884, 1898, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940. The map and historical information presented here include materials reflecting the attitudes, language, and stereotypes of an earlier time period. These materials are presented as historical resources in support of study and research. Inclusion of such materials does not constitute an endorsement of their content by the BTAA Geoportal or the University of Chicago. What BTAA Library submitted the item? University of Chicago Interesting tidbits: The data was derived from a 1948 doctoral dissertation titled “The effects of subsidy of Presbyterian Churches" by Henry Hughes Presler. Presler’s dissertation explored the relationship of Presbyterian churches to ethnic groups in Chicago and contains 10 maps. Where can I find out more? Presler’s dissertation can be found at Mansue...

By Wenjie Wang This interview is part of our Data Provider Series, which highlights local governments and institutions that offer open GIS data. In each interview, providers tell us about their missions and data resources. We hope this will be a great way for readers to learn more about local GIS developments and new initiatives. Name: Mark Yacucci Title: Head-Geoscience Information Division/Department: Illinois State Geological Survey Website: https://isgs.illinois.edu/ Please briefly describe your role and what is the mission of your agency? The Prairie Research Institute benefits the people, economy, and environment of Illinois, delivering impact to every corner of the state. Our staff apply scientific knowledge and data in geology, ecology and biodiversity, archaeology, water, weather and climate, pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, and sustainable energy. PRI comprises five state scientific surveys: the Illinois Natural History Survey , Illinois State Archaeologi...

By Cecilia Smith This interview is part of our Data Provider Series, which highlights local governments and institutions that offer open GIS data. In each interview, providers tell us about their missions and data resources. We hope this will be a great way for readers to learn more about local GIS developments and new initiatives.            “Cookie County” a cookie cutter made by the      Cook County GIS Department staff for GIS Day 2019. Interviewee Name: Todd Schuble Title: GIS Manager Division/Department: Cook County Bureau of Technology, GIS Department Website: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/geographic-information-systems-gis-0 Can you describe how GIS is deployed organizationally by Cook County Government? Which units are involved and what is your mission? The Cook County Bureau of Technology’s GIS Department (BOT/GIS) falls under the jurisdiction of the Cook County President’s Office. All other bureaus and departments that report...

By Cecilia Smith Featured Item: Aerial Imagery: Cook County, Illinois, 2003 What is the item? This is black and white aerial imagery captured in 2003 for Cook County, Illinois at 6 inch pixel resolution. The imagery was taken with panchromatic film, which is film sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light and capable of high spatial resolution. The Cook County imagery dating from 1998 is discoverable in the geoportal. Cook County Government makes the data available through the Cook Central Open Data Portal as a web service and as a downloadable data set. What BTAA Library submitted the item? University of Chicago Full extent of the 2003 Cook County imagery Interesting tidbits: The 2000s in Chicago saw investments in green and public spaces and changes to zoning and land uses that are apparent when comparing the 2003 imagery to later years. A series of public spaces opened in Chicago beginning in 2004. The 2003 imagery shows the construction of Millennium Park , a highly celebra...