Whether you're a novice who wants to learn more about geographic information systems or a power user looking for files, you'll find a number of useful sites on the Internet's World Wide Web. Here are some of the best:
Caliper Corp. This Massachusetts company makes Maptitude, a GIS package that comes with a load of useful data and maps. Cost is $395. www.caliper.com
U.S. Census Bureau. This official Census site has all kinds of economic and demographic data on-line. In addition, you can get information about the Census' data products on CD-ROM and tape. www.census.gov
Consortium for International Earth Sciences Information Network U.S. Demography page. CIESIN has 4 GB of compressed data and TIGER mapping files available for free download. www.ciesin.org/datasets/us-demog/us-demog-home.html
Environmental Systems Research Institute. ESRI's web site has information about its ArcView GIS programs. Also, it has good general information for the beginner, including a glossary and "Getting to Know Desktop GIS." www.esri.com
Geographic Information Systems FAQ. This large (128 KB) file answers frequently asked questions regarding GIS. The subject matter, however, tends to be on the scholarly and arcane side. www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/faq/archive/geography.infosystems-faq.html
GIS World Magazine. This magazine and its sister publication, Business Geographics (www.gisworld.com/mag/bg/index.html), put their indexes and sample articles on-line. www.gisworld.com/mag/gw/index.html
MapInfo. The official home of MapInfo, maker of widely used GIS programs. Its web site includes product information, tech tips, training guides and user group lists. Also, you can download demo programs. www.mapinfo.com
Strategic Mapping Inc. The home of Strategic Mapping, maker of the popular GIS package, AtlasGIS. Get product information and technical support files. You can download program demos. www.stratmap.com
Xerox Map download archive. You can find some TIGER and Census demographic files in this free download site maintained by Xerox Corp. ftp://spectrum.xerox.com
David Herzog can be reached at (610) 820-6584, or send e-mail to herzog@pulitzer.mcall.com