Looking at Maryland’s Recovery Mapping

I love the idea that the federal and state governments are gearing up to map the stimulus money. It’s a bit early as monies are not yet flowing, but it’s not too early to have a look at the Maryland site with its included map app launched last week. (press release)

I’m still getting a handle on Flex implementations, so I was a bit unsure how to maneuver around the site. I always click on the text of each tool along the right (public transit, highway, and education) which does nothing. You need to click on the icon (pickup truck [that’s what it looks like to me!], highway shield or mortarboard) for the app to activate. Once a tool does pop open, you are asked to use the point tool to click on the map to get stats for that county. When you mouse over the “blue dot” (which I guess is the point tool) the tool tip says “identify.” That’s confusing. But, once you do click on county, stats for it appear in a few charts, complete with explanatory chart tips when you mouse over. Strangely, if you click on neighboring Virginia or West Virginia you see what I believe are Maryland statewide stats.

Click for full sized image

I was also disappointed the giant question mark did not provide help for the app, but a document of “facts” about the stimulus. I found the “find my home” tool challenging. It has fields for a street and zone. I’m not from Maryland; does it have zones? Are they the same as counties perhaps?

Again, I applaud the efforts to map and be transparent about the monies involved. I’m hopeful this app will become more user friendly.