Map Resources

While these blogs that we are writing are an excellent way to improve our subject knowledge, they could also be used to help each other when we are teaching. When researching information for the chosen topic it might be an idea to look for resources to go with that part of the topic. These resources could then be used and adapted by each student if and when they need them. Just a thought.

Whilst I am gathering information regarding map work, I am also constantly looking for resources in order to back up the information and also make it fun and interesting to teach.

Using the interactive whiteboard, I feel, can be an invaluable tool in turning a lesson form good to excellent. Powerpoints, games, videos and quizzes could all be Incorporated into lessons where the interactive white board is available.

With that in mind, here is an excellent powerpoint lesson about map symbols.


https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzxvxB-_Uw35WmZ6ZGtVd29tQVU

Great activity!

I've Been googling around and found this fantastic shared activity to do with a class...brilliant!

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzxvxB-_Uw35YVozM3lRVk4wSnM/edit

Scale

Scale


The scale of a map allows the person reading it to calculate the size, height and dimensions of the features shown on the map, as well as distances between different points. Maps are scaled down so that they fit on paper. When scaling down a map, every part of the map is scaled by the same amount. The scale on a map is the ratio between real life sizes and how many times it has been shrunk to fit it on the map. This is done to make sure that every object on the map is the same proportion as everything else on the map. Because the Earth is round, and maps are flat, it is impossible to create a map with a perfect scale. Some parts of the map will be too large, while others will be too small.

type of map in the UK, come in several scales.

• Travel maps have a scale of 1:125,000. This means 1 cm on the map represents 125,000 in the real world or 1 cm = 1.25 km. These are used by drivers going long distances.
• Land ranger maps are 1:50,000 (1 cm = 500 m). These are useful for drivers going shorter distances.
• Explorer maps are 1:25,000 (1 cm = 250 m). These are useful for walking and other outdoor pursuits.
• Land plan maps are 1:10,000 (1 cm = 100 m). These show individual streets clearly and might be used by town planners.

The Graphic Method

A Graphic Scale depicts scale using a line, with separations marked by smaller intersecting lines, similar to a ruler. One side of the scale represents the distance on the map, while the other side represents the true distances of objects in real life. By measuring the distance between two objects on a map and then referring to the graphic scale, it is easy to calculate the actual distance between those same items.

 

 

    There are many benefits to using a graphic scale. First and foremost, it is a straight forward, easy way to determine scale. Secondly, if a map’s size is enlarged or decreased, the scale is also enlarged or reduced, meaning that it is still accurate.                                                  

 

The Verbal Method

The verbal method of depicting scale simply uses words to describe the ratio between the map's scale and the real world. For example, a map might say something like, “one inch equals one hundred and fifty miles.” Calculating scale on a map using the verbal method is easy. Simply measure the distance on the map and then follow the verbal directions to calculate the actual distance.

 

The Fractional Method

The fractional method for portraying the scale of a map uses a representative fraction to describe the ratio between the map and the real world. This can be shown as 1:50,000 or 1/50,000. In this example, 1 unit of distance on the map represents 50,000 of the same units of distance in the real world. This means that 1 inch on the map represents 50,000 inches in the real world, 1 foot on the map represents 50,000 feet on the map, and so forth.

 

An introduction video about map scale with a quiz involved too!

 

Key to the map

Key (Basics)

Maps have keys. Just like a key to a door, the key on a map helps you to unlock the information stored in the colours and symbols on a map. You must understand how the key relates to the map before you can unlock the information it contains. The objects on a map are represented using symbols. A symbol is a picture on the map that represents something in the real world. To understand the symbols on a map you need a key.  The key will help you to identify types of boundaries, roads, buildings, agriculture, industry, places of interest and geographical features. The key usually shows a small picture of each of the symbols used on the map, along with a written description of the meaning of each symbol.

A good example of a map key is shown below:

I have seen a very good year 7/8 Geography lesson where pupils were encouraged to guess the different symbols on a PowerPoint where the answer is then revealed. This would then lead to pupils making up their own symbols for objects that already exist or don't yet exist. They would then place these on their own made up map with their own key. A good plenary would be that the class have to guess each others key symbols whilst being shown at the front.

I found this interesting lesson planned and resourced. It could used for ideas or adapted for your own use.  

http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/map_symbols_keys/eng/Introduction/default.htm

Simple and straight forward but with some helpful resources and ideas.

Mapping cont...

If geography is prose, maps are iconography.
Lennart Meri

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/lennartmer325393.html#o5DqUIaQfK7cJX4M.99

There is some great online help and ideas for early map work that can be googled with lots of useful sites, good old BBC bitesize being one of the best!

There are five fundamental things you need to be familiar with to read a map successfully:

• Compass directions
• Grid references
• Map's key
• Title
• Scale

In this blog I will be focusing on Compass directions and grid references.

Compass directions

Compass directions are vital for finding your way around a map. There are many ways to remember where each direction goes. Everyone has probably learnt their own phrase for remembering North, South, East and West mine was associated with a well known heart healthy cereal...bet you can't guess.

                                                       

Grid references

Grid references define locations on maps using Cartesian coordinates. Grid lines on maps define the coordinate system, and are numbered to provide a unique reference to features.
OS maps are divided into numbered squares. These squares can be used to give a place a four or six-figure grid reference. It is important that you know both four-figure and six-figure grid references.

Eastings

Eastings are lines that run up and down the map. They increase in number the further you move east (or right). You can use them to measure how far to travel east.

Northings

Northings are lines that run across the map horizontally. They increase in number the further you move north (or up the map). You can use them to measure how far to travel north.

Here is a easy to watch straight forward video about reading grid references...enjoy!

Here is short quiz to sharpen up those tired mapped out brains. This could be a good plenary or introduction from a previous lesson.
http://www.games4geog.com/cg/mapwordsmatchup.swf

The Basics of Maps

For the next posts I am focusing on general map work.

Lets start with the basics.

Maps are representations of the world created by people called cartographers to help other people navigate the world. Maps contain information tailored to a specific purpose.There are several types of maps. Each show different information. Most maps include a compass rose, which indicates which way is north, south, east and west. They also include a scale so you can estimate distances

Climate maps

give general information about the climate and precipitation (rain and snow) of a region. Cartographers use colours to show different climate or precipitation zones.

Economic or resource maps

feature the type of natural resources or economic activity that dominates an area. Cartographers use symbols to show the locations of natural resources or economic activities. For example, oranges on a map of Florida tell you that oranges are grown there.

Physical maps

illustrate the physical features of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes. The water is usually shown in blue. Colours are used to show differences in land elevations. Green is typically used at lower elevations, and orange or brown indicate higher elevations.

Political maps

do not show physical features. Instead, they indicate state and national boundaries and capital and major cities. A capital city is usually marked with a star within a circle.

Road maps

show major motorways and roads, airports, railway lines, cities and other points of interest in an area. People use road maps to plan trips and for driving directions.

Topographic maps

include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area. Lines that are close together indicate steep terrain, and lines that are far apart indicate flat terrain.

Ideas for in the classroom probably a year 7 group:

• Have pupils list ways that we use maps. (mind map and make a class list.)  “Could we use a world map for these things?”  (No.)  What kind of maps would we need?
• Pupils could create a booklet. From a sheet given out they could then cut and glue definitions of various types of maps as they are introduced by the teacher. They could then cut out and glue an example map for each type
• Also there could be various maps posted and numbered around the room. In pairs, pupils must identify each type of map.

GIS Basics

The Ordnance Survey website has some great information and ideas for teachers and some fun activities regarding map work for students.The website also has a no nonsense section on getting to grips with GIS. For the basics on what GIS is, how it works and how students can use it is available through the link below.
 
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/gisfiles/section1/page1.html

Showing real, practical examples of how GIS actually works is also important. We can also see how affective GIS mapping can be in this feature below. It's not the most exciting thing you'll ever watch but it's a good example of GIS mapping working for a whole city.

 Students and adults a like can test their knowledge by entering the GIS zone and agreeing to take on a GIS mission. How will you fair?

 http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/giszone/english/gismissions/

Mapping

Moving slightly away from GIS mapping and on to general map work,
I wasn't completely aware of when and why Britain was systematically and accurately mapped. I think it is important for students to also be aware of this information.

Quick history and information.

•  Ordnance Survey is the national mapping agency for Great Britain.
• OS does not produce maps of Northern Ireland.
• It is one of the worlds largest producer of maps..
• Ordnance Survey go back to 1747, when Lieutenant-Colonel David Watson proposed the compilation of a map of the Scottish Highlands to facilitate the subjugation of the clans following the Jacobite rising of 1745 In response, King George II commissioned a military survey of the Highlands, and Watson was placed in charge under the command of the Duke of Cumberland.
• In 1791, whilst planning defences to repel any invasion, that the Government realised the South Coast of England needed to be comprehensively and accurately mapped. So it instructed its Board of Ordnance – the defence ministry of the day – to carry out the necessary survey work.
  That historic decision led to the mapping of the whole country in detail, and is also the source of the intriguing name 'Ordnance Survey'.
•  Large-scale mapping comprises maps at six inches to the mile or more (1:10,560, superseded by 1:10,000 in the 1950s); it was available in sheet-map form until the 1980s, since when it has become digital. Small-scale mapping comprises maps at fewer than six inches to the mile and includes the "leisure maps", such as the popular one inch to the mile and its metric successors, still available in traditional sheet-map form
• In 1995 Britain became the first country in the world to complete a programme of large-scale electronic mapping.
• Today Ordnance Survey is a dynamic, self-financing £120-million-a-year civilian organisation. We’re at the forefront of the digital economy, producing digital mapping products and paper maps for business, leisure, administrative and educational use

It is important to remember that paper maps still have an important role to play especially within the leisure industry. However, we need to ask what are the limits of using them with students?
Looking at map work and getting pupils enthused is a vital start to then topic, especially in year 7.
An idea could be to look at older and more recent maps and share the differences. Pupils could then move on to looking at map keys and the different symbols used. What symbols would they use for certain objects? They could then perhaps create their own map and use their own symbols.

Below is a link which points out the current symbols used on OS maps.

http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/docs/50Kenglishlegend08.pdf

Using cross curricular links, notably to maths, pupils could place treasure or an object somewhere on their map and using compass directions have to guide a partner there.

http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/PagesHomeworkHelp/docs/mapabilitycompassesanddirections.pdf

First Post!

Okay, first time I have ever blogged, here goes!

I have decided to focus initially on map work but more specifically on GIS.

For starters I feel it's important to get an understanding on what on earth GIS is?

With help from Google and the Geographical Association a fantastic explanation of GIS is as follows: GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is one of the fastest growing software applications in the world. GIS is not one program and different types of GIS serve different purposes: a GIS that tracks and schedules freight on a route network is different from an environmental GIS. More than 80% of data collected can be linked to a location on the earth’s surface, so it is not surprising that GIS and mobile services are taking off. GIS really puts geography on the map!

There are three elements to any GIS: a digital map, data located on the map, and a software application (GIS) that links the two together. A simple school GIS provides display and search facilities for mapped data. More sophisticated commercial GIS functions include spatial querying and analysis, buffering and spatial modelling.

For the purpose of the blog I am giving a ‘grown up’ definition but I understand that in a classroom a teacher would choose a definition or explanation that is most suitable for the class.

I sort of already knew that GIS had something to do with maps and obviously maps have always been important and useful throughout human history. They represent and show how features are distributed geographically. Cities, roads, weather, etc but through computer programs GIS enables people to create, analyse, update and visualise different sorts of information through maps such as areas of crime, up to the minute weather locally and globally, and supermarket reward card information that would be used by retail analysts.

GIS mapping can involve many different layers of information in one place.

Whilst researching I came across this activity that could possibly be used in the classroom.

 Peeling the Onion (Reading Paper Maps in GIS Format). This activity looks at how layers of information form a GIS. Students are asked to identify maps and GIS layers on these maps.

http://www.esri.com/mapping-for-everyone/index.html

and

http://www.gis.com/implementing_gis/data/map_data.html

So that’s my first blog. A small introduction to a sizeable topic!