The above map shows some of my completed island mapping projects. Each icon contains the name of the primary
island associated with the project and a link to the post. Once all of my projects are posted, the map will be
covered with icons. To productively use the map, zoom into a region of interest. Then select an
icon.
Each of my maps is constructed of numerous layers of information.
All of the layers are vector files. I will make these files available upon request. You are free to use them with certain
restrictions - 1) Don't sell them. You can use them on research projects, post them to your website or things of that
nature. If you aren't sure about the use of my maps, drop me a line and we can discuss your idea. 2) Give me credit
when you use my vectors or images of my maps. Credit them to Peter Minton @ EVS-Islands
If I have the island vector
file(s) and based upon your need, I will make them available. Images of my maps are yours to download and use, with the above
restrictions applicable. Enjoy!
I'm sorry, but I just have to vent. ESRI is coming into MY town for a visit August 7-11 2006 at MY Convention Center. I am a self-avowed map freak and would be more than willing to pay an entry fee to visit the Trade Show Exhibits. Maybe $20 for a one-day pass, just to visit the Exhibits. Seems reasonable.
According to Jennifer at ESRI, it isn't reasonable. She asked for my ESRI product number. I said, "Jennifer, I don't have an ESRI product number." She said, "Sorry, you can't come. This is a private affair for ESRI customers and friends only."
Honestly, that is ESRI's call. They are paying for the affair. But just as honestly, I think it is a poor way to do business. Why not open this up to the non-ESRI world? There are more non-ESRI people that might become ESRI people than there are actual ESRI people. Just maybe if you were more cordial you might get some business from us.
Why don't I buy some ESRI product? Maybe I can get that special number that will allow me in to their private show? Why? ESRI products are expensive and difficult to use for my purposes. I make fairly non-complex maps of islands. I do not need a Porsche to do the job a solid Chevy will do at a fraction of the cost.
That said . . . I still believe ESRI is number one in the mapping applications business for a number of good reasons. They have solid products that fit the needs of a diverse marketplace. Their products are used worldwide because they solve the needs of GIS professionals. They have managed to place their products into the hands of educators making ESRI products the tools new mappers learn to use. They are smart, profitable, well positioned and expensive. They have earned the right to throw their own private party. But they are a bit uppity coming into MY town and not extending an invitation to me.
There, now I feel better.
10 Comments:
ESRI User Conference
Sort of implies that special something. Perhaps a USER of ESRI Products? Maybe you should make a request to have one of the local sales representatives come to your office for a demonstration. They would be more than happy to give you a 3-month trial license. Then if you become a USER you can attend. Neat how that works, isn't it?
Yes, it is neat how that works. Perhaps they might consider a name change so that others in the mapping community might feel welcomed.
At least you can come to our blogger meetup.
http://www.spatiallyadjusted.com/2006/07/27/esri-uc-blogger-meet-up/
I think that anybody can attend - as long as you have money. I think the customer number is only required for those receiving complementary passes from their licenses.
Still, it is $250 for the exhibits...
http://www.esri.com/events/uc/registration/info.html
Gulp! I just want to walk around the exhibits floor. $250 seems steep. I could buy Manifold System Mapping Software for that. Just kidding. All I want to do is view the exhibits. I would think the exhibitors (having done that before I began teaching) would love to have an eager, curious, polite and money-poor / idea-rich middle school teacher that makes island maps in his spare time (lots of that in the summer) come and visit with them. For $25 for a day pass to view the exhibits only.
You might want to check if your School District has an ESRI license and use that to get in.
"I would think the exhibitors (having done that before I began teaching) would love to have an eager, curious, polite and money-poor / idea-rich middle school teacher that makes island maps in his spare time (lots of that in the summer) come and visit with them."
Not really. Remember, these are companies paying big bucks themselves to exhibit. The last thing they want is a time-sucking curious fellow, no matter how sincere and polite, keeping them from the real business that happens in those 2.5 days of exhibiting. For many in the GIS ecosystem, this is the single biggest event of the year.
But here's the good news, Mr. Minton, since you're a teacher, you qualify for registration to the concurrent Education UC, which gets you into the 1st two days of the Big Show as well as the EdUC on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, even that is $150. But $150 seems like a great investment in your lifelong learning and a way to satisfy your mapping desires all in one fell swoop.
http://www.esri.com/events/educ/registration/info.html
Hope to see you there.
"...a time-sucking curious fellow, no matter how sincere and polite, keeping them from the real business that happens..."
Having done my fair share of trade shows and keening understanding the necessity to develop business, a "time-sucking curious fellow" would be counterproductive to my primary task, securing business. However, I am a keen observer and would spend the overwhelming bulk of my time seeing what's what. I would not bother the busy big people trying to earn a buck. But I would try to learn how I can make my website into the most effective island mapping platform on the Internet. You do that by learning as much as you can from the GIS players in the marketplace. The $150 for 2-days of Education UC is reasonable.
Peter, I wasn't trying to me mean, just pointing out that ESRI actually does try to make allowances for just about every type of user out there. Keep in mind, that $150 gets you not only into the EdUC on Saturday and Sunday, but also the first two days of the Main User Conference. Believe it or not ESRI goes millions into the red to host this single event, even when the registrations and exhibitor fees are factored in. The point is: it's a first class event that costs a ton to put on.
Anyway, keep up the great work. Your work on island mapping is commendable, and you willingness to sacrifice so your students can not be geo-illiterate is beyond cool.
and sorry to be anon, I really shouldn't be reading so many blogs at work!
Anon,
Apology accepted. I thank you for the remarks about my island's work. It truely is my passion. Teaching is my second passion. Enjoy San Diego and if you make it to James Fee's Blogger nite on August 9th, introduce yourself. That one for sure I can afford. Take care and keep reading the blogs.
Post a Comment
ESRI User Conference
Sort of implies that special something. Perhaps a USER of ESRI Products? Maybe you should make a request to have one of the local sales representatives come to your office for a demonstration. They would be more than happy to give you a 3-month trial license. Then if you become a USER you can attend. Neat how that works, isn't it?
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/28/2006 12:08:00 PM
Yes, it is neat how that works. Perhaps they might consider a name change so that others in the mapping community might feel welcomed.
Posted by
Mr Minton |
7/28/2006 12:15:00 PM
At least you can come to our blogger meetup.
http://www.spatiallyadjusted.com/2006/07/27/esri-uc-blogger-meet-up/
Posted by
James Fee |
7/28/2006 12:59:00 PM
I think that anybody can attend - as long as you have money. I think the customer number is only required for those receiving complementary passes from their licenses.
Still, it is $250 for the exhibits...
http://www.esri.com/events/uc/registration/info.html
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/28/2006 01:48:00 PM
Gulp! I just want to walk around the exhibits floor. $250 seems steep. I could buy Manifold System Mapping Software for that. Just kidding. All I want to do is view the exhibits. I would think the exhibitors (having done that before I began teaching) would love to have an eager, curious, polite and money-poor / idea-rich middle school teacher that makes island maps in his spare time (lots of that in the summer) come and visit with them. For $25 for a day pass to view the exhibits only.
Posted by
Mr Minton |
7/28/2006 01:57:00 PM
You might want to check if your School District has an ESRI license and use that to get in.
Posted by
James Fee |
7/28/2006 02:25:00 PM
"I would think the exhibitors (having done that before I began teaching) would love to have an eager, curious, polite and money-poor / idea-rich middle school teacher that makes island maps in his spare time (lots of that in the summer) come and visit with them."
Not really. Remember, these are companies paying big bucks themselves to exhibit. The last thing they want is a time-sucking curious fellow, no matter how sincere and polite, keeping them from the real business that happens in those 2.5 days of exhibiting. For many in the GIS ecosystem, this is the single biggest event of the year.
But here's the good news, Mr. Minton, since you're a teacher, you qualify for registration to the concurrent Education UC, which gets you into the 1st two days of the Big Show as well as the EdUC on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, even that is $150. But $150 seems like a great investment in your lifelong learning and a way to satisfy your mapping desires all in one fell swoop.
http://www.esri.com/events/educ/registration/info.html
Hope to see you there.
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/28/2006 02:35:00 PM
"...a time-sucking curious fellow, no matter how sincere and polite, keeping them from the real business that happens..."
Having done my fair share of trade shows and keening understanding the necessity to develop business, a "time-sucking curious fellow" would be counterproductive to my primary task, securing business. However, I am a keen observer and would spend the overwhelming bulk of my time seeing what's what. I would not bother the busy big people trying to earn a buck. But I would try to learn how I can make my website into the most effective island mapping platform on the Internet. You do that by learning as much as you can from the GIS players in the marketplace. The $150 for 2-days of Education UC is reasonable.
Posted by
Mr Minton |
7/28/2006 03:34:00 PM
Peter, I wasn't trying to me mean, just pointing out that ESRI actually does try to make allowances for just about every type of user out there. Keep in mind, that $150 gets you not only into the EdUC on Saturday and Sunday, but also the first two days of the Main User Conference. Believe it or not ESRI goes millions into the red to host this single event, even when the registrations and exhibitor fees are factored in. The point is: it's a first class event that costs a ton to put on.
Anyway, keep up the great work. Your work on island mapping is commendable, and you willingness to sacrifice so your students can not be geo-illiterate is beyond cool.
and sorry to be anon, I really shouldn't be reading so many blogs at work!
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/28/2006 05:20:00 PM
Anon,
Apology accepted. I thank you for the remarks about my island's work. It truely is my passion. Teaching is my second passion. Enjoy San Diego and if you make it to James Fee's Blogger nite on August 9th, introduce yourself. That one for sure I can afford. Take care and keep reading the blogs.
Posted by
Mr Minton |
7/28/2006 05:24:00 PM