There has previously been mentioned the idea of mapping local resources. Andre suggested contacting GreenMap.org to see if their data and/or icons could be used, which is a great idea. So do we think there is a need for a module that supports recording resources?
One local resource is fruit trees. This raises a question of generic v specific information about resources. I've thought a bit about fruit tree mapping and there could be a number of specific fields for those content types. For context I've listed some initial requirements here (http://www.transitiondrupal.org/node/16).
So what is the best way to handle additional specific fields? Have completely separate content types (and modules)? Or is there a Drupal pattern that supports something a bit like an OO class hierarchy?
Comments
The kinds of information and
The kinds of information and features you're looking at do strike me as applicable to many different items so it would be a shame to make a very specific module that could be more broadly used.
To start, you could simply have a drop down menu through which the user identifies what is being tracked: is it a fruit tree? a nut tree? something else? Then have a second drop down identifies the species of plant/tree: apple, orange, lemon, etc for fruits and walnut, pecans, almond, etc for nuts.
It's very possible that the first menu could eventually include all sorts of different mappable items.
That's why I think getting a demo of the greenmap folks' software might be edifying to see how they handled it. If you do set up a demo, I'd love to be a part of it!
As for class hierarchy, no there isn't that sort of structure available to us but a well-designed data schema will do the trick.
Andre Angelantoni
Founder, PostPeakLiving.com
mapping - user input
Mapping is a popular thing in initiatives. On the whole it's trees/natural resources at the moment, but this is bound to extend to beyond that, quite possibly into energy suppliers, expertise etc. it would be useful to get some actual on the ground users in front of this sort of thing - perhaps I can help by putting out a call for transitioners doing mapping? (but would wait to hear when this would be useful for the dev team)
There is definitely a tension
There is definitely a tension here between general mapping that can cover virtually anything and specific mapping that can record more relevant details for a certain type of mapped item.
Ed, this period seems a great time to gather and ponder on requirements, so if you see any chance to put the request out for transitioner input go for it! If we need to hone the questions more lets do that.
Probably general mapping and a notes section for specifics would be a great start. We would need permission to use GreenMap icons but it could be worth connecting with them.
What are the best practice for recording the 2-level lists we could be looking at here? Where to define a list of what are typical community resources? Define a taxonomy? I might try feeding into Freebase too, bit like with skills....
finding users
will have a think about how and who to reach
Combining types in views
Having asked for requirements input for the harvesting, there is definitely a need to have specific types for that if it is to fulfill all the things it could help with. Other types of resources may also have specific fields. So for mapping resources, would it be possible to have a common mapping feature that plots several content types dynamically, potentially based on some common field? This might require a bit of custom coding for views compared to building a standard view through the web UI, but I suspect it could be done.
So perhaps every content type that represents some kind of community resource could have a taxonomy field that described what kind of resource it is. Then the view could aggregate all content types with that field.
Does this seem feasible at all?
My experience with custom
My experience with custom mapping (using Location and GMaps modules) is that it's quite straight forward to use Taxonomy, a CCK field or content type to show a specific icon on a map - and indeed easy to use custom markers based on this data. Making custom marker sets is also easy - though not particularly intuitive - if you've got a suitable template to make the graphics. This is all possible without any views hooks having to be overridden, though clearly that option allows much more powerful options.
The ability to easily map local resources would be fantastic IMHO!
Transition Sebastopol wants to be your guinea pig!
Hi everyone!
I'm so delighted to be reading all your thoughts and posts!
I have for the last two years been the webmistress for Transition Sebastopol www.transitionsebastopol.org and we need help. Maybe we can be that case study initiative some of you are considering?
With the help of a super savvy friend, I set the site up in drupal, and I had some grand ideas (at the time was also working at Transition US), but ran out of steam and savvy and general bandwidth with two small children and a little permaculture property...
So not only is the site in dire need of updating/upgrading, but the local initiative is definitely ready for more features! Much as I wish I had what it takes, I don't, and I really don't want to do a piece meal fixit, or hand it off to well-intentioned volunteers who don't have drupal experience... Which brings me to you...
Please do let me know if there is a better place for me to post this call for support! :)
I wanted to confirm that resource mapping is huge! At the very budding of our initiative two years ago, we ran some community mapping events and never really found a way to share that information... since then, there has also been a more in-depth effort to map local food resources, and I haven't know how to advise on how to best share this info online...
I have lots of other thoughts regarding functionality we'd love, but will wait to hear if anyone wants to hear it :)
Thank you all for your thoughtful engagement!
Cheers, Deborah
Hi!
Hi Deborah,
It would be great if you could outline what updates you have in mind for the site and what additional features you think would be useful? Perhaps separate the key improvements needed for the existing site and other functionality ideas?
What information elements have you captured for mapping local food resources? One thing I asked earlier was how to best do resource mapping, with general mapping of anything v more specific content types that store specific fields for that content (which I figure is needed for fruit tree mapping).
thanks
paul
Guinea Pig S?
Hi Paul!
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to respond right away but my computer went down...
I started writing a response to you, but I realize it deserves some more time and thought (eg key improvements needed now vs pie in the sky exciting ideas).
Some of the needs of the site are as basic as updating drupal core and modules. I've never done this myself, and though I know it's probably not rocket science, I'm feeling a bit intimidated as I wouldn't have what it takes to fix a glitch...
Another next step would probably be moving from the current "brochure" type site to more interactivity. There is an interest in several of the working groups to start posting blog entries, which would certainly make the site so much more "alive".
Below are some notes we drafted a while back to give you a sense of our overall ideas and inspirations for what the site might do... Any feedback is most welcome.
Web Site Content Vision draft
The aim for the TS website is to:
1-provide working groups with tools they need to succeed (Tool Kit: running events, promotion, meeting facilitation, etc.)
2-Support NGOs & GOs in Sebastopol doing Transition-relevant work
3-connect the unconnected: discussion boards, profiles, chat rooms, event rsvps (making a transition to a lower fossil fuel economy easier, less intimidating, fun)
4-educate general population about Transition and TS
5-resource sharing: searchable database/mapped resources; ideas; teaching learning; physical tools (eg tool library); land;…
6-What's Up? - calendar of events, news feeds, blogs, twitter, …
Thanks again!
Cheers,
Deborah
PS what's exciting is that we have a very high potential for effectiveness in our area and there's already a lot going on! We have several local food CSAs, farmers markets, alternative education opportunities, and not least, Sebastopol was names as one of the first Slow Cities in the US!
http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/page/cittaslow-sebastopol This creates a lot of strategic potential with our local government...and beyond!! :)