Overview
MADGIC is the Maps, Data, and Government Information Centre, a Department in the Library at Carleton University. They are a valuable student resource on campus, providing resources and assistance to students researching papers. If you haven’t had a look at their area, in the 2nd Floor Extension of the MacOdrum Library, be sure to wander through and look at the map collection on display.
The Madgic Blog
They also keep a really great blog, featuring an eclectic resource of maps and data sources from around the web, whether mapping the steepest streets in San Francisco, visualizing the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, or an interactive map of languages in danger, its an interesting read for map and statistics enthusiasts. You can access their blog here.
The New SpF Madgic Display
You can also now find a special SpF display in the library, where the map from the most recent podcast will be on display. This display is on the main (2nd) floor of the library, in the passage way between the main area and the MADGIC Department.
Features
Department Overview
By: Susan Jackson, Head of Madgic
On September 23, 2010 we launched a new recurring feature on the show from The MADGIC Department here at Carleton University in the MacOdrum Library. This feature provides an overview of what they are all about, and what services they can offer students. Listen [4:09]
Episode One: Earthquakes
By: Beth Ray, Map Specialist in Madgic
This episode looked at a map called ‘The City of Ottawa Seismic Classification Map’ that shows geological faultlines in the Ottawa region, as a way of visualizing potential locations for future earthquakes. Listen [2:51]
Episode Two: Peacekeeping Around The World
By: Joanne Cameron, Government Documents Specialist in Madgic
This episode looked at a map called ‘Keeping The Peace’, from the Understanding Global Issues current events series that is available through the Madgic Department. The map gives an overview of the history and locations of peacekeeping around the world since the end of World War II. It highlights a number of locations including Haiti, Pakistan, Kosovo, and East Timor. Listen [2:47]
Episode Three: GIS Department
By: Joel Rivard, GIS Specialist in Madgic
On November 8, Joel Rivard gave an introduction to the wide array of geospatial resources available in the Madgic GIS department. They have over 2 terrabytes of data available for students, with very high resolution of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Ontario, and all of Canada, and some coverage of the rest of the world. Topographic and thematic data, satellite and 3 dimensional images are all available, covering many years and the Ottawa-Gatineau region. You can visit the GIS department online here. Listen [2:55]
Other Features
Canadian Mandatory Census Changes
By: Henry Hawkins, Regular SpF Contributor
On September 9, 2010 we heard from Ernie Boyko, Adjunct Data Librarian and former Director of Census Operations at Statistics Canada, and Wendy Watkins, head of the Data Centre at the Carleton University Library about the recent changes to the Canadian Census that have caused a considerable amount of public outcry, with the resignation of the head statistician of Statistics Canada, as well as over 300 organizations formally coming out against the voluntary census. They discussed the effects of the change, who relies on the information generated by the census, and what the future might hold for census information collection. Listen [14:40]
GIS Day @ Carleton
By: Henry Hawkins, Regular SpF Contributor
On November 11, 2010 Joel Rivard, from the GIS Department in Madgic talked about what the history of the GIS Day event at Carleton, and what the Madgic Department will be contributing to this year’s event. These include a student mapping contest, a display for visitors to pin their place of birth on a large paper map, and some door prizes that will be available for those who come by and check out the event. Listen [5:00]