Advises educators on judging the quality of maps contained in CD-ROM encyclopedias, atlases, and almanacs. Discussion focuses on spotting inaccuracies and assessing size, color, and fonts. Other considerations include availability of spoken word accompaniment and the ability to manipulate and print geographic images. A table compares strengths and…

Reviewed are four computer software packages: "Minerals Data Base"; "Canvas 2.1," a graphics program for producing technical illustrations; "Glossary of Geology Speller"; and "PCUSA," which produces maps and statistical diagrams of the United States. Hardware requirements, functions, cost and availability…

Online geographic information system (GIS) services are expanding rapidly as private organizations, government agencies, and libraries are developing Web sites that deliver GIS data, graphics, and metadata. Such services are divided into five categories: graphic snapshots, spatial database catalogs and libraries, map generators, map browsers, and…