The UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library

The maps and graphics library was launched in early 2006, replacing some older web-pages which had not been updated in a long time. The entries in the database represent the most important graphics produced by UNEP/GRID-Arendal, especially from the last five years. The graphics are prepared in projects and publications, funded by partners and donors - such as UNEP or the World Bank.

To learn more about UNEP/GRID-Arendal, please follow this link.


Cartographic process

The UNEP/GRID-Arendal cartographics team are mostly working in graphics design software, such as Adobe Freehand and Illustrator, using outputs from statistics, remote sensing (satellite images) and geographic information systems. The team is working closely with thematic experts, both within the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and with external partners.

Most of the graphics on this site have been prepared by Philippe Rekacewicz, other cartographers are Emmanuelle Bournay, Hugo Ahlenius, Viktor Novikov and many others.

To learn more about cartography, here are some links to start with:

Library service

The goal of this web-site is to act as a clearinghouse with full standards-compliant metadata on all records. This is then implemented using NewAtlanta BlueDragon.Net application server and a Microsoft SQL Server backend.

The service is fully implemented in the Mach-II framework and thus using an object oriented design. Web/map master is Janet Fernandez Skaalvik.

Bits and pieces:
  • File icons are modified from the Humility By WorLord669 icon set. All the modified files can be downloaded from here (in accordance with the supplied license).
  • The record density map on the front page is powered by ESRI ArcIMS.
  • Web statistics are provided by Google Analytics.
  • The popup/mouseover-tip thumbnails are powered by CoolTip.

Sharing/bookmarking/social media

To facilitate sharing and bookmarking on popular social media and websites, we have added links on the bottom of each graphic. You can read more, and sign up, by visiting the websites in question: Facebook, Stumbleupon, Delicious, Digg and reddit.