About the Tool and Data

Tool

Note: This chapter was retired in July 2011. A similar EET chapter that uses the same data and ArcExplorer Java Edition (AEJEE) GIS software is available. See: Investigating Earthquakes with ArcExplorer GIS

ArcVoyager Special Edition GIS

Be sure to download ArcVoyager Special Edition and not ArcVoyager full install for ArcView. ArcVoyager for ArcView requires that ArcView already be installed on your computer. ArcVioyager Special Edition is a stand-alone GIS. Mac users please note that ArcVoyager SE is a Classic application.

http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/docs/voyager.html#special

ArcVoyager Special Edition (SE) is a geographic information system. It organizes and displays geographic records using a combined map and table interface. Users can link, layer, and query geospatial information. Maps can be both created and analyzed. ArcVoyager SE utilizes standard ArcView shape files. Although it is a vector-based GIS, ArcVoyager SE does support the display of tiff and jpeg images.

With ArcVoyager SE, users can add data, print maps, query themes, and perform many of the standard ArcView activities. The key limitations to ArcVoyager SE are that it cannot save project files, shapefiles, or data files; and it cannot open other ArcView projects. However, the user can still print, capture screen shots, and analyze data.

ArcVoyager SE uses a help system created specifically for K-12 education. It contains a set of ArcView projects bundled with data and presented in a four-level, tiered format.

Tool Builder

ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.)

Tool Cost

Free: ArcVoyager Special Edition, a cross-platform GIS designed for K-12 teachers and students, is available at no cost.

The techniques described in this chapter also apply to ArcView 3.X GIS software designed for and used by Earth scientists and other researchers. K-12 teachers can purchase the software at a significantly reduced cost. The order form below provides details about the $500 K-12 school site license with concurrent home license for teachers.

Tool Help

ArcVoyager Special Edition Training Tasks
This pdf walks users through the process of creating base maps in outline and choropleth format.

Data Source 1

Historical and near real-time earthquake events compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Recent Worldwide Earthquake Activity
Within two hours, most earthquakes of a magnitude 4.5 or greater in the U.S. and those 6.5 or greater outside the U.S. are posted to the list of recent earthquakes. Within twenty-four hours the list includes most earthquakes of a magnitude 3.5 or greater in the U.S. and 5.5 or greater outside the U.S.

Data Provider

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

For more information about this data set see Exploring Seismology in the Classroom Using the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Data

Data Source 2

As earthquakes scroll off the recent list, they are available from the Quick Epicenter Determinations (QED) bulletin.

Data Source 3

These lists provide a range of U.S. and worldwide coverage, including centuries old earthquake events.