Geographic Information Systems Tools
Map of Nigeria made with the Excel to Google Earth tool
E2G Thematic Mapping Tool
The Excel to Google Earth (E2G) thematic mapping tool has been developed to map administrative region data stored in Excel spreadsheets without the need for a geographic information system (GIS).
The current "public beta" version of the tool, which was created for use in the 15 countries which are the focus of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will enable decision makers, program planners and analysts at all levels in those countries to display their Excel-based administrative region data on a thematic map. This can help overcome several of the barriers that have limited the use of mapping for decision support and M&E.
Easy Mapping
All that is required is an Excel spreadsheet that has administrative region data (e.g., percent OVC) and names for those administrative regions (provinces, districts, wards, etc.) included as part of the data. A wizard walks the user through a quick series of steps, which includes selecting the type and number of classes and choosing which colors to display on the map.
Easy Publishing
Once the user has defined the elements of the map, the wizard creates a KML file for display in Google Earth. When opened in Google Earth, the KML file can be printed out, saved as a JPEG file for inclusion in reports or publications, or stored in a Web-accessible space.
Easy Data Schema Strengthening
The mapping tool requires the Excel spreadsheet containing the data to conform to data schema best practices. This means that each record corresponds to a unique geographic unit. Structuring the data in such a standardized way makes them easier to maintain, analyze and update. This leads to more reliable data sets and a stronger data infrastructure.
E2G Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MEASURE Evaluation Global Positioning System Toolkit
This toolkit provides an overview of the use of the global positioning system (GPS) receiver as a vital tool for obtaining information about location. Providing standardized data collection protocols as well as training materials and troubleshooting guides, it is designed to be taken into the field, along with the GPS receiver, and serve as a reference for data collection personnel.
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MEASURE Evaluation is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The information provided on this Web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not necessarily represent the views of USAID or the U.S. Government. |
