# dots on maps

[Hugh Wilson]

If web-based floristic mapping is based on fully vouchered records,
then the 'dot map' approach produces a significant problem in that -
for herbarium specimens at least - coordinate info is rarely present
on the specimen label.  If the project is dedicated to traditional
dot mapping, this forces various tweaks in the data gathering process
that allow coordinate data to be gleaned from location info on the
specimen label.  Creation and implementation of look-up tables or
other devices to produce coordinate points that are not present on
the label consumes time and and resources and the result often
carries a significant element of potential error.

Given this problem, mapping based on direct label data is the path of
least resistance, in terms of digital label data transfer, and most
'atlas' projects for U.S. states that offer a real product on-line at
this point in time carry county-based mapping.  While mapping by
political boundary is not the best option from a scientific point of
view, it represents a path that allows immediate, fast transfer of
label-based location data from the label to a digital map.

Most users (or potential users) on web-based floristic products are
*not* academic or scientific specalists.  The rationale for mapping
should involve the production of visualizations that will answer
users questions, which are usually framed within a geographic context
defined by political boundaries of some sort.  Thus, in terms of both
data input and output, dot-mapping involves some complex problems
that are easily resolved by boundary mapping.

My perspective is based on the current 'state of the art' and the
need for those involved with floristics to promote their product in
this new medium, i.e., develop data-rich websites as opposed to
attending workshops or producing the web-equivalent of a glossy
brochure.  The recent movement of mainframe-based GIS systems to the
pc and associated software that allows web-based mapping products to
be generated from these systems

http://pages.hotbot.com/rel/imapper/iMapper.html

will probably produce a different future working environment and new
perspectives on web-based distribution mapping but, for now, the
immediate problem involves the transfer of 'value' represented by
specimen collections to a form that can be appreciated (used) by
those supporting (or potentially supporting) the floristic
enterprise (usually the taxpayer).



Hugh D. Wilson
Texas A&M University - Biology
h-wilson at tamu.edu (409-845-3354)
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/Wilson/homepage.html