The Interactive Atlas of Georgia (review)

Southeastern Geographer Vol. XXXIV, No. 2, November 1994, pp. 145-146 SOFTWARE REVIEW The Interactive Atlas of Georgia. Thomas W. Hodler, Neal Lawson, Howard A. Schretter, and Jeffrey Torguson. Athens: Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia, 1994. Reviewed by: Jim Anderson, Florida State University. The Interactive Atlas of Georgia is visually related to The Atlas of Georgia published in 1986; the Landsat mosaic of Georgia on the opening screen is also used on the cover of the book. But notable differences exist between the original atlas and the updated interactive version. The computer version, like the book, is organized by chapter, but the chapters are different from those in the original atlas. The topics are similar with a remarkable omission of maps depicting Georgia's history. The startup menu has the following options: Help, Chapters, Screens, Data, About Atlas, and Exit Atlas. A somewhat experienced or even novice computer-user immediately can begin exploring the atlas with little or no reference to the manuals. A wide range of chapters is included with each containing a set of map screens. There are more than 250 maps and graphics in the atlas. Ofthe maps, 234 contain data for all 159 Georgia counties. A useful feature provided by the electronic version is the ability to access individual county data values by a direct, on-screen point-and-click or by the generation ofmore detailed reports for multiple counties. County data also can be accessed through the data button on the main menu bar. Over 230 data items are listed for each county although the dates for most of the data are omitted. The dates do appear on the corresponding map screens. By undertaking their own programming, the authors were able to add innovative features not readily available, if at all, when using a canned multimedia software package. Among these are a bookmark function which allows the user to mark up to 20 map screens for easy movement between them without employing the traditional menu system; an information feature that provides text material and detailed references; and a print function for printing maps. The printing of maps does require the use of a LaserJet III or later model printer. Two analytical tools are available which make this a truly interactive atlas: (1) a feature providing users with the ability to define and analyze regions, which are composed of two or more counties, and (2) the query function, which provides the user with direct interaction with one or more data sets. Queries are possible by region or for the entire state. The user can specify minimum and maximum data values for a number of selected maps, and a map 146Southeastern Geographer depicting counties that meet the search parameters will be displayed along with a textual report. In addition to the option of creating custom regions, a number of existing Georgia regions such as the Georgia Department of Transportation districts, state health districts, and Metropolitan Statistical Areas are supplied. The majority of the maps in the atlas are choropleth displaying county data in classified format from two to five classes. Three different map scales are used; these allow presentation of one to four maps per screen. Conventional cartographic design is often sacrificed due to the limitations ofpixel size, font styles and sizes, and the shape ofthe computer screen. Normal choropleth color progressions are not employed due to a restriction on the number of available colors, but the classes are easily distinguished with bright colors. The same colors are maintained on all maps; so, the highest data class through the lowest data class are the same. The atlas is supplied on three 3 1/2" diskettes and is accompanied by tutorial and technical manuals. The documentation supplied in the manuals is more than satisfactory for gaining quick access to the volumes of data and functions contained in the interactive atlas. I highly recommend The Interactive Atlas of Georgia as a research tool as well as a colorful and dynamic depiction ofGeorgia facts and information. Hopefully, the authors will provide updates on a regular basis to overcome one of the major limitations of a printed volume. ...