Online KML to Shapefile converter
If you ever have had a client say that they have data that they want you to incorporate into a mapping project but it is in KML format. It is gettign easier to use these consumer formats, and convert them into shapefile for use in professional GIS software. I recently came across the new online version of KML2SHP. WIth this handy online converter you do not even have to download and install software. Simply upload and check the right boxes for the data that you uploaded and you are ready to add the data right into arcGIS software. This tool is part of Zonum Solutions KML Toolbox which has some very useful tools for working with KML file formats. With these new tools it is becoming even easier to use Google Earth as a more complete GIS package. Another benefit could be that you simply tell a client to start a project outline right in Google Earth and they have nice background imagery to look at and start constructing things that they will want in their finished product and you can import them into your professional software and send someone to the field to update the locations and they already have a list of data points so they can easily find the infrastucture that they need to collect data on. I think we are seeing that converting KML to shapefiles can be very useful and will only become easier as many of the professional GIS software companies are adding the ability to read/write or import KML file directly into their GIS packages.
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Montana GIS Data
For a recent project I needed to get some Montana GIS data. During the search I came across the Montana Geographic Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse has GIS data sets that you can download for free, such as topo maps, digital elevation models, cadastral data, aerial photographs, and NRCS soil data. They also have a handy tool called the GIS Data Bundler that allows you to choose multiple layers and have them clipped to a geographic area or buffer. Another great service they have is the NRIS Raster Image Service which allows users to connect directly from their GIS software. Check it out for the imagery available and how to connect to their server.
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Viewing MrSid Imagery With qgis
I recently used the OSGEO4W installer to install qgis on a new laptop. I was really surprised how easy it was to get qgis up and running with all the options that are fun to have. Here is a desrciption of all it features from the qgis website.
This is the MSVC based build of QGIS. All dependencies are supplied via the OSGEO4W installer, including python, gdal (including MrSid and ECW Wavelet compressed raster support) etc. This is most suitable for people who have fast internet connections and who want to be able to update dependencies from the OSGEO repository easily.
I had no problems with the installer and love that i can view mr sid imagery along with other data. I think that this was one of the last features that open source GIS packages needed to be highly viable.
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