Understanding the Impact of Geographic Tools

High School

Tennessee Geographic Alliance One Day Geography Workshop

InstructorKristi Neuroth

Ravenwood High SchoolBrentwood, TN

Overview of Session•Students will use the National Atlas to analyze spatial phenomenon related to transportation and natural resources. They will then use that information to draw conclusions about geographic technology and resource use.

Tennessee Standards•W.90 Evaluate the geographic impact, such as the growing innovations of technical geographical tools including GPS and GIS, these resources are having on retail, transportation, communication, and tech industries. (C, E, G)

•W.92 Analyze the use of geo-technology in the search for new sources of oil and the geographic causes and effects of transitioning to alternative energy sources. (E, G)

Connections to Common Core Standards

•CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.7Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or digital text.

Bell Ringer

Brainstorm as a class all of the ways geographic technology might impact the way resources are found, extracted, or used today.

Using National Atlas to Gather Data

• Go to http://nationalatlas.gov

In this lesson, you will use the US Department of the Interior’s National Atlas to create a multi-layer thematic map of geographic phenomena that relates to technology, energy, and transportation.

A Note on Thematic Mapping

• Thematic mapping involves mapping the geographic distribution of some attribute (not simply labeling and showing the locations of features like cities, roads, and census tracts, like reference maps). The National Atlas is an ever-changing, Internet-based mapping tool.  The interface changes frequently, and you are encouraged to explore beyond the instructions in this assignment.

Exploring National Atlas

• “MAP MAKER” allows you to make maps; “Map Layers” discusses the different layers available in detail; etc. The various categories (e.g., “agriculture, Biology, Boundaries, etc.”) give an overview of the types of data associated with those specific layers.

Exploring National Atlas

• Creating thematic maps with the National Atlas is simple: decide the location you want to map, the layers you want to include in your analysis, and which attributes of each layer you want to include.

Detailed Steps

• 1. Click on “MAP MAKER” and you get a screen like this:

Detailed Steps

2. Click on the yellow “Zoom In” button above “North”; then click-drag a “box” around the location you want to map. Keep zooming in until arriving at your desired resolution: Choose a location of county-level or smaller (city, town, etc.)

Detailed Steps

3. When you reach your desired location, it may be helpful to “turn on” a reference layer (such as “State Capitals” or “Cities and Towns”) to keep track of your location; to do this, simply “click” in the appropriate boxes and click “Redraw Map”, giving you something like this image:

Detailed Steps

4. Choose the attributes you want to assess for each layer. In this example, the map will show “Urban Areas” and “Railroads”:

5. Click “Redraw Map” and the chosen layers are displayed.

Detailed Instructions

• 6. Remember that important components of maps are their legends (or “keys”), so be sure to include the accompanying legend OF YOUR PHENOMENA (Click on “Map Key” for this information).

Assignment

After becoming acquainted with the National Atlas choose two phenomenon to compare that relate to energy, transportation, or technology. Then, answer the following questions:

1.What spatial phenomena really stick-out when you analyze your map?  2.In a few sentences address the following question, “Could Geography exist without maps? Why or why not?3.List at least three ways that Geographers could use the National Atlas (or other GIS technologies) to solve problems.4.List a few ways that GIS is used in our world today.5.List a few ways you think GIS could be used in the future (either for benevolent or malevolent purposes).6.Describe the value of using GIS technology (remember, GIS stores different types of information in different layers of a map).

Additional Resources

• National Geographic “Innovation and Technology”: http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/innovation/

• National Geographic “Geo-Literacy Preparation for far-reaching decisions”: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/news/geo-literacy-preparation-far-reaching-decisions/?ar_a=1

• National Geographic “Making Informed Environmental Decisions”: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/lesson/making-informed-environmental-decisions/?ar_a=1