The Global Ministry Mapping System of the 20:21 Library contains the Atlas GIS Mapping software.
The Global Missions Basemap has over 100 finished maps including most GMI transparencies and many world statistical maps. It has detailed geographic date so the user can make maps. It contains template maps for each county plus 90,000 cities and towns with language areas and center points. Some linguistic statistical data is included from the Integrated Strategic Planning Database (ISPD from the Southern Baptists) plus Ethnologue.
Christian organizations have contributed data (several listed).
Loren then presented a demo of the Atlas GIS software, starting with some of the finished maps, e.g. concentration of a particular religious group according to countries. Loren demonstrated the editing of a finished map.
Data is included with the finished maps. The field of data to be shown on a map can be changed keeping the same base map used with looking at other data.
Next Loren showed the Guinea map as an example of the detail available.
The status of language in Kenya map shows the way these maps can show evangelization status. Popup tables define information further.
RON ROWLAND (SIL): Collaborative mapping needs information and technology and the desire to display. I'll talk about parts one and three.
For missions purposes the information to be place on the map relates to the harvest field and the harvest force. Our concentration is on the harvest field. Location, people, and the language spoken are the three determinants of mission strategy. Maps require the collection of data; that has been SIL's task. Don't let just the technicians design the final version of the map. There needs to be technology but there also needs to be art. It has taken seven years to get to the point where language mapping is now.
JOHN GILBERT (FMBSBC): Most non-technical people respond better to pretty pictures than to technical details and numbers. My job then was how to take technology, merge it with missions data, and turn it into tools. One means would be by maps. Wanted something to hold up in front of the audience and make an impact. [handout available of definition of terms] Map screensaver showing mission information is available.
The wall maps: 36" X 64" for $9.95
24" X 36" for $6.95
to order call: 1-800-866-FMB1
Q: One thing useful to know is that if you are doing Web development it is in
the licensing of the GMI maps that the maps can be put onto a Web page.
JGi: The theory is that the maps can come out as WMF and then be translated.
Some of the more complex maps don't work that way. Simple maps work great.
Q: How do we read the "Status of Global Evangelization" map?
JGi: The languages considered as foundational to the map are indigenous
languages. Therefore the small parts of the USA labelled blue or red refer to
Native American groups.
LMu: There are maps that break down the big map into areas with greater
detail [on display].
Q: Why no distinction for Quebec?
RRo: French is a "distributed language" not an indigenous language. Geo-
political boundaries are on a national level only.
Bill ?: Maps represent the single major language of a country. Now with this
version going out we are interested in feedback.
RRo: We want to show core languages in each country.
Q: Then why not listed for Quebec?
Bill: Please write it up as an issue and I'll pass it on.
Q [IRC]: How much is the CD?
LMu: Conference price $299.99 for the CD.
Bill: The CD's are independent but it is possible to integrate the maps into the
CD1 library if you have both.