The University Library has a whole new world of statistical research resources—literally.

The library's new Center for Statistical and Geospatial Data (CSGD) enables faculty, staff and students to combine a variety of records, including social science, political, climate, census, geological and topographical information-as well as that collected by individual researchers-and plot the figures on local, national or even international maps.

All the data can be downloaded and analyzed on a computer desktop, and the resultant color, glossy maps, complete with legends, can be printed as large as 2-by-4 feet right at the CSGD on the second floor of the library.

The center's resources are available by appointment, and a librarian is on hand to assist walk-ins from 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"With the center's resources you can take common data and software and combine it in a way that produces a unique project," said Karen Thornton, government documents librarian and interim manager of CSGD. "This center really does open a world of opportunities for statistical analysis. To see your research on a map adds a whole new level of understanding."

Examples of projects using statistical and geospatial data include mapping areas where mosquitoes tend to gather with incidences of West Nile virus and locations of health organizations; plotting sites of African-American dentists' offices in relation to areas of primarily African-American communities; and charting department of labor and census bureau statistics to determine the best areas in which to open certain kinds of businesses.

"Geospatial data has been used in biological and geological sciences and even health care for many years, but it is of great value to all academic fields," Thornton said. "The applications for it are endless."

To celebrate the center, which was recently established using a Provost Opportunity Fund grant, the library is hosting a geographic information systems (GIS) conference, called "Sustaining the Future and Understanding the Past," October 9 and 10 at the library.

The symposium will explore the use of GIS technology in planning for sustainable futures, or the preservation and restoration of green space; use of the technology to facilitate historical and sociocultural inquiry, like using geographical data to contextualize and interpret historical and demographic data; and the use, archiving and preservation of GIS data.

The conference will feature opening and closing plenary sessions, project seminars and demonstrations. August Froehlich, a GIS analyst from the Ohio Nature Conservancy, and Michael Furlough, director of digital services
at the University of Virginia Library, will both give keynote addresses during the opening plenary session. Froehlich will speak on the role of the nature conservancy's ecoregional planning in sustainable development, while Furlough will discuss how digital spatial data tests libraries.

Members of the Case community are invited to attend the plenary sessions, including a closing panel discussion, though conference attendance is by invitation only. Seating is limited. For details and to check availability, contact Gina Midlik at 368-5292 or gmm2@case.edu.

Return to the online edition of the 10-2-03 Campus News.