Hi Ben,
I get a javascript error:
doctopicsEl has no properties gishistory.js (line 113)
And the Loading...111.109 message continues far longer than I was
willing to wait. How far does it have to get on the initial load?
-Steve
Ben Loh wrote:
Hi folks,
I just thought I'd share our new web site prototype for exploring
historical census data intended for high school and college students.
Obviously, it's based on mapserver. We're using php-mapscript with AJAX
for the interface. I'd be very interested in any input that any of you
have, as we're not GIS pros.
The main url: <http://www.gisforhistory.org/>
A direct link to a map:
<http://www.gisforhistory.org/projects/greatmigration/?defaultView=map>
A few highlights:
* We're using historically accurate county maps from NHGIS along with
historical US census data from 1790 through 1970, and a few layers that
we constructed ourselves. (One big issue we have right now is that we
aren't using simplified shape files for the counties, so the load time
is rather slow. My guess is that we can cut down the load time by about
half with simpler shapes.).
* To help students keep track of what they're doing, we implemented a
"Query History" that records each click/setting they make ala
Photoshop's history feature.
* You can pan ala google maps by dragging the map. (We're still
troubleshooting a problem with Win IE where if you have the "Temporary
Internet Files" setting set to "Every visit to the page" we run into
caching issues while dragging).
* We're using AJAX to try to minimize bandwidth issues, as many schools
have a narrow pipe. (We're still trying to optimize loading. The legend
is generated dynamically via javascript and css to minimize the number
of files that need to be downloaded from the server with any single call).
* The site is intended for novices, so it is deliberately simple.
We'd love to hear any suggestions or rants!
Thanks,
Ben
