Unit Boundary Study

The new mapping features are vast improvements. So, rather than use arbitrary geocodes for mapping, I want to use a KML file exported from the new map tool. To conduct a Unit Boundary Study, the one vital piece of data missing from the export is priesthood office.

Since Melchizedek Priesthood office is a consideration when building ward boundaries, I'm looking for a viable way of displaying onscreen, a unit population map with unique coding for priesthood office within virtual ward boundaries.

I don't relish the idea of telling the Stake President we have to buy a 300 dollar software solution to do something that is almost being done by CDOL maps.

Any slick ideas out there?

Mike

Several years ago, I created a (free) tool which uses the MLS export. As long as the export definitions have not changed in MLS 3.5, you may find it useful: http://wardmap.hpaulsen.com

Unfortunately, I am no longer set up to be able to make changes to the code, so cannot support it if it fails to work.

I was thinking of creating an extension for firefox incorporating the tools into the lds.org maps, but I suppose the priesthood office would still be a problem.

Unless things have changed since I was involved in a boundary realignment, it's not just Mel PH but Mel PH who are full tithe payers that needs to be considered. Since this is not something that is normally tracked with MLS, it would me difficult to get this info into a kml file.

greggo wrote:Unless things have changed since I was involved in a boundary realignment, it's not just Mel PH but Mel PH who are full tithe payers that needs to be considered. Since this is not something that is normally tracked with MLS, it would me difficult to get this info into a kml file.

In this regard, the MLS features for boundary realignment only count MP holders; there is no information about tithing status.

Once you've used the basic technology capabilities to make a draft of a proposal, there will always be additional considerations beyond the raw numbers (specific ward and stake leaders, etc.) that will require additional research and inspiration. Some of those details might be something you could manually put in a KML file, if that is the mechanism you are using.

hpaulsen

I downloaded your ward map tool. So far it looks like it will work for us since maps under LDS.org tools are having problems. I do have a couple of questions.

1- I assume the data loaded stays on our computer and is not put out is cyberspace, correct?
2- In the lower right hand corner there is a box for Item actions. At one point I clicked on hidden. Sure enough it is greyed out but I can't get it back. Whats the secret. I would like to have it back.
3- I successfully moved a couple of families that were in the wrong location. However, there are a couple that are unmapped. Is there a way to place those on the map. I haven't found a way yet.

Thanks

1. Yes, the data is completely local. Only the address (no names or other info) is sent to google for geocoding purposes.
2. When an item is hidden on the map, it still shows in the list but with brackets around it. Click on the address and select "visible"
3. Click on the address, then select "place manually" in the bottom right

Thanks for the info. I think I am stressing your Ward Map tool using it for the whole Stake but it is hanging in there. It works really good to have a seperate file for the region definitions. I do have a couple more questions.

1- I am having problems with addresses that contain an apartment number. The location is not plotted on the map. Most have the apartment number in street 1 address which I understand will be a problem. So as an experiment, I have moved the apartment number to street 2. Still have the same problem. If I eliminate the apartment number altogether, it works fine. I moved the apartment number to the D/P column and then it works but that is probably not a good thing to do. What is the proper way to handle apartment numbers both for Ward Maps and how should they be entered in MLS to avoid problems.
2- I notice the google map is not up to date which causes problems mapping some addresses. Is there an option to get a different map?

.

1. WardMap combines the address1 and address2 lines into a single line, which is probably why it doesn't make a difference for you. It's possible that indicating apartment as "Apt 2" instead of "#2" or other methods will help for geocoding.
2. Unfortunately, there is no option for getting a different map. Hopefully the LDS maps will incorporate most or all of the functionality of WardMap at some point....

hpaulsen wrote:It's possible that indicating apartment as "Apt 2" instead of "#2" or other methods will help for geocoding.

I'd suggest using whatever the usps tools suggests is the standard address format. I'd think the geocoders would be tuned to work with that format.

RussellHltn wrote:I'd suggest using whatever the usps tools suggests is the standard address format. I'd think the geocoders would be tuned to work with that format.

I have not found LDS Maps, Google Maps, or Mapquest to map apartments or any other unit designators. They only map the street address. The USPS Addressing Standards document gives two methods of mapping unit designators. The preferred location is at the end of the delivery address line. Alternatively, if all delivery address line information cannot be continued in the delivery address line above the city, state, and ZIP code, place secondary address information on the line immediately above the delivery address line. I have used both the primary method and the alternate method with the same results - only the street address is mapped. Even using the zip + 4 code makes no difference.

I have a couple more questions about your ward map program. It has really helped. Today I completed entering Stake geocodes for the entire Stake. Ward maps was very helpful in mapping and assigning those geocodes. I just now have some cleanup to do and getting the Wards to find missing addresses.

Relative to my question about apartment numbers. I found that if I just did some post processing to the membership file, I could map the addresses. For example, I could just do a find and replace on the address column and remove all the # or Apt. Even though it left the number, this permitted wardmaps to map the address which is all I ever wanted.

I do have some addresses the Ward Maps will not map or maps incorrectly. In this case I have manually placed those locations. However, I find that if I now use another computer those manual locations are not remembered. There must be a file or something the stores these items. Is it possible to identify that file and move it to another computer?

Also, please explain what Automatically Re-map does. Does it only re-map the selected address or all the manually placed addresses. Or maybe it re-maps every address. Just a brief explanation will do. Thanks