Using Google Earth and GIS to Create a Customized Map
Summary
Students are introduced to cartographic concepts and learn how to use GIS to make a proper map with scale information, location (longitude and latitude), orientation and appropriate title.
Collapse
Context
Audience
Introductory environmental science course for majors and non-majors
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Cartographic concepts and how longitude and latitude are used to describe different locations on the surface of the Earth.
How the activity is situated in the course
This activity is part of a sequence of exercises.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
- Students learn to use the latest version of Google Earth to obtain geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude) of any location.
- Students use GIS to create a customized map.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
- Students learn to format data in preparation for GIS analysis
- Students use GIS as an analytical tool to measure the shortest distance between two locations
Other skills goals for this activity
- Usage of GIS software
- Using Google Earth as a GPS
Description of the activity/assignment
To prepare for this laboratory activity, students are introduced to the concepts of cartography such as longitude and latitude, the cardinal points, map orientation, projection and scaling. (See supplemental handout) A mock quiz is administered to ensure understanding of these basic concepts.
The exercise requires access to an internet-ready computer, with Google earth downloaded, the GIS software package (ArcGIS) installed, a word-processing application (MS Word), and a spreadsheet program (MS Excel). Students may need a primer on how to use Excel: http://www.shodor.org/scsi/handouts/excel.html
Through this activity, students can plan their dream vacation. They will use Google earth to obtain the geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude) of places of interest in any part of the world. Using GIS, students create a customized map depicting chosen sites, and approximate the distance between these locations. This activity gives students practice in interpreting maps, and an opportunity to learn about countries outside the United States. The activity can also be used to connect geography with environmental science.
The exercise requires access to an internet-ready computer, with Google earth downloaded, the GIS software package (ArcGIS) installed, a word-processing application (MS Word), and a spreadsheet program (MS Excel). Students may need a primer on how to use Excel: http://www.shodor.org/scsi/handouts/excel.html
Through this activity, students can plan their dream vacation. They will use Google earth to obtain the geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude) of places of interest in any part of the world. Using GIS, students create a customized map depicting chosen sites, and approximate the distance between these locations. This activity gives students practice in interpreting maps, and an opportunity to learn about countries outside the United States. The activity can also be used to connect geography with environmental science.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students will produce a copy of their map and estimate the distance between at least two points on the map. In addition, students' understanding of basic cartographic concept will be assessed through quizzes and tests. Students will perform with a minimum of 80% accuracy.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment (Microsoft Word 2.5MB May15 08)
- Supplemental handout (Microsoft Word 6.6MB May15 08)
- One example (Microsoft Word 55kB May15 08) showing the distance between two locations
Share your modifications and improvements to this activity through the Community Contribution Tool »