As with any field or area of study, Geography has expanded with the application of technology. All areas of Geography benefit from computer technology, however the subfields of Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing and image processing, and cartography are the primary areas where computer technology is utilized. Geography and technology have moved into K-12 schools. Various computer hardware and software companies, as well as organizations such as the National Geographic Society, have assisted schools in their efforts to intergrate geography technology into their programs.
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A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based system of hardware and software that combines digital map data with descriptive data to perform spatial analysis. A GIS combines the power of database management systems with the graphics of CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) to allow the user to perform "what if" scenarios and to create models. For example, GIS "subjects" include:
- provide an explanation of Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Satellite system, remote sensing and cartography,
- describe current projects that involve the intergration of geography technology into the classrrom, and
- explain a few of the geography technology opportunities currently available to K-12 schools.
One tool used in GIS is the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System. The GPS is a constellation of satellites that use triangulation to pinpoint locations on the surface of the Earth through communication with GPS receivers. The receivers may be as small as a portable phone or large enough to require a backpack to carry them. The GPS system allows users to locate themselves, using a geographical coordinate system (i. e. Lat/Longs). GPS systems may be installed in cars, used by hikers and hunters, or used by GIS analyst to input locational information into the computer. For example, using a GPS systems, a GIS analyst may:
- planning a new residential neighborhood in a city,
- monitoring wetlands losses,
- siting a restaurant,
- helping farmers be more precise with the application of fertilizers or herbicides,
- performing emergency management for police or fire departments, and
- determining utilities outages in a city.
Remote sensing is the process of studying an object without being in contact with the object (i. e., from a distance). Geographers perform remote sensing using aerial photography (pictures taken from a camera on board an aircraft) or satellite imagery (images taken from space either from satellites or spacecraft). Geographers use computers and image processing to draw information from imagery. Geographers have used satellite imagery to:
- map trails in a National Forest,
- collect the location of fire hydrants,
- map the streets of a city,
- monitor the migration of caribou, and
- map utility systems.
Cartography is the art and science of making maps. Cartography is a "science" because it requires observation and knowledge of the Earth's surface, combined with mathematical skills. Cartography is an "art" because it requires a knowledge of map layout, design, and color techniques. Historically cartographers drew maps by hand, which is a time-consuming, tedious task. With the advent of computers, cartographers now are free to concentrate on good design, rather than on their ability to draw or draft. Computers have provided cartographers a means to enhance maps and map use, through the application of good design principles and the use of color, to name a few.
- track oil spills in the Persian Gulf,
- monitor floods on the Mississippi River,
- determine damage or stress in agricultural fields or forests, and
- to determine damage extent after hurricanes come ashore.
Over
the past several years, the Small Spacecraft Technology Initiative at NASA's
Stennis Space Center has supported the use of geography technology in the
classroom through its education program.
The SSTI
Education Initiative introduced middle- and high-school students to
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems. The idea behind
this Education Initiative was to begin preparing students for careers in
science and technology. Seven schools across the country have participated
in program.
W. P. Daniel High (New Albany, Mississippi) is a part of the SSTI Education Initiative. Daniel High School was supported by the Department of Geography at the University of North Alabama. Lisa Keys Mathews, supported by students Brian Ward, Elizabeth Sutherland, and Blaine Adams worked with the students on topics such as map interpretation and analysis, image interpretation and analysis, data input (digitizing), GPS data collection, presentation preparation and delivery, and final output creation. This year Mathews and students will support Daniel High School in emergency management using GIS and remote sensing. In addition to GIS and remote sensing, the Daniel students will develop a virtual field trip of New Albany, Mississippi.
These are just a few examples of K-12 students
using geography technology. If you have other examples, please contact
Lisa Keys Mathews.
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) supports technology in the classroom and believes that "Geography Matters" to most everything we do. Visit their K-12 site for more information regarding geography technology.
The National Geographic Society, in partnership with ESRI, has launched GeoChallenge, a geography competition for talented U.S. high school students. Participants must design, conduct, and report on an independent geography research project. The competition promotes an understanding of the real-world applications of geographic research. A total of U.S. $50,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to national championships.
National Geographic Society in conjunction with the Alabama Geographic Alliance provide technology workshops for information on Summer, 1999 workshops contact Bill Strong, Co-coordinator of the Alabama Geographic Alliance.
These
are just a few of the many opportunities for teachers and students in geography
technology. If you know of other opportunites, please contact Lisa
Keys Mathews.
For
more information on geography and technology in general or on the previous
topics specifically, jump over to our Web Resources
page and follow the links.
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