OASIS

December 15, 2009 6:02 AM

The New York City Open Accessible Space Information System Cooperative (OASIS) is an online, interactive mapping and data analysis application that gives an incredibly detailed view of New York City's open spaces and how they are used. The map enables overlays of information like: transit; parks, playgrounds and open space; zoning and landmarks; current and historical land use; social services; demographics; and environmental characteristics.(via The Ministry of Type, who like OASIS mainly for its pretty map possibilities.)

From the project's "About" page:

How: A community-based undertaking, local organizations design and test the first city wide, web-based, open space mapping resource for NYC. OASIS facilitates and focuses the delivery of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resources to provide timely and accurate information about the green infrastructure of NYC.

What OASIS Will Do: OASIS will enable NYC community residents, for the first time, to:

• create maps of open space by zip code, borough, tax block and lot, and/or neighborhood;
• identify key open space resources within or near a user- defined area;
• locate these resources by name, type, and other attributes in addition to geographic-based searches;
• identify other natural resources and landmarks near or adjacent to open spaces in the city;
• calculate statistics based on open space patterns by zip code, borough, tax block and lot, and/or neighborhood;
• undertake “what if” scenarios, such as, what would my neighborhood look like if these vacant lots remained community gardens, or how would new bike lanes or bus routes improve my access to a park in the Bronx?; and
• use other mapping and data analysis tools.

Why: OASIS is based on the belief that a common, free, open space inventory – really a web-based GIS mapping resource – is invaluable to NYC’s greening and planning communities. In NYC and across the Nation, GIS and other GeoData Systems are critical planning tools for enhanced spatial visualization and data analysis. They integrate socioeconomic profiles and demographic analysis with data set creation, strategic mapping and comprehensive community and regional planning services. GIS is an invaluable resource for environmental, design, health, safety, economic and planning decision making.

posted by ocherdraco (5 comments total)

As a newly-converted land use and planning geek, I love this. Thanks, ocherdraco.
posted by bakerina at 6:58 AM on December 15, 2009

I've been to OASIS a bunch, but I just discovered the "1609" aerial timeline slider on the page. Very neat.

Also, if buildings are more your thing, there's the GIS map that allows you to click on any building and pull up basic info (year built, use, number of floors).
posted by yeti at 7:42 AM on December 15, 2009

Also, if buildings are more your thing, there's the GIS map that allows you to click on any building and pull up basic info (year built, use, number of floors).

"So how was your day Honey?"

"Well my students are working real hard and I'm still trying to set up that exchange program in Osaka and secure funding for the new chemistry lab, you?"

"I - uh looked up our buildings code violations ...and then the code violations in the buildings of everyone we know."

"Oh, well that could be useful."

"Jen's elevator didn't work for a month!"

"Oh!"

" ...in 1994."

"oh."
posted by The Whelk at 7:52 AM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

As a newly-converted land use and planning geek

Ha! We got another one!

two more and I get a toaster
posted by desjardins at 5:23 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

"I - uh looked up our buildings code violations ...and then the code violations in the buildings of everyone we know."

sadly, this is something I would actually do.
posted by desjardins at 5:23 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]