Map Library

What’s it about?

It’s about making maps, and it’s about making mapping opportunities available to everyone—not just those with the technical skills and resources to invest expensive mapping software and data.

What does in entail?

Our technical partner — the Map Maker Trust — hosts an online library of mapping data and a suite of freeware mapping tools. These tools are not substitutes for fancy GIS tools — they are simple tools, to help people get started with making maps, and where appropriate, act as a gateway for those interested in using more advanced mapping techniques like GIS.

The Map Library includes:

1. A library of mapping data
   The Map Library is a web-based library of map data, covering the continent of Africa. The library is easy to navigate, making it accessible to those with little experience. The file format of the data is unique to the library, and tools are available to convert it to other formats commonly used in GIS mapping, for example, ESRI SHP files and MapInfo MIF files.
   


2. A number of software applications to do the following:
   
   • Convert data from the Map Library into formats compatible with popular GIS software
   • Create simple polygon maps in Microsoft Word
   • Download public-domain, satellite data from the NASA website in a user-friendly manner
   • Manipulate satellite data in a 3D setting for the purposes of planning and analysis

How can you get involved?

Bridges.org is field testing the tools and data from the Map Library—by introducing them to organizations from a range of development fields throughout Africa. We invite you to explore and utilize the Map Library and contact Bridges.org with any questions or comments.  

Contact: maps@bridges.org

Thank you for your interest and participation. Let the mapping begin!