This document describes how to construct and compare choropleth maps for selected Iowa communities and the construction and use of scatter diagrams as a supplement to map comparisons. These tools can be used to compare social, economic, and political variations between neighborhoods and to determine if associations exist between selected…

This paper traces the historical development of cartography graduate programs, establishes an evolutionary model, and evaluates the model to determine if it has some utility today for the development of programs capable of producing highly skilled cartographers. Cartography is defined to include traditional cartography, computer cartography,…

Examines the use of computer atlases to see how they might contribute to the attainment of established social studies goals. Reviews advantages and disadvantages of existing software and hardware. Describes the potentials of computerized atlases and the hardware required to support such uses. (JDH)

A step-by-step strategy for teaching secondary geography students about the concept of elevation using topographic maps is described. Students view slides of everyday examples of variations in elevation, produce a simple contour map using a layered model of a mountain, and analyze topographic maps of their own and other areas. (RM)

Home, school, neighborhood, and community studies offer unique opportunities for teachers to initiate youngsters into observing and recording phenomena. Because fuel costs make trips increasingly expensive, an alternative method is suggested for observing and recording data about the local community. (Author/IS)

Instructions for constructing contour models from topographic maps are presented. Includes materials needed, sources of topographic maps, tips for drawing lines, and preparing the model using cardboard. Indicates that the model is a valuable instructional tool for turning topographic maps into "real" contours of land. (Author/JN)

Describes how study of irrigation practices on topographic maps can help students in introductory high school and college geography courses understand man and land relationships to geography. (Author/DB)

Examines how teachers can capitalize on interest in the age of the discoveries as the five-hundredth anniversary of Columbus' first voyage approaches. Indicates that a series of articles on the discoveries is intended to offer teachers a framework of themes that can inform their conceptions of world history as a high school course. (SG)

Focuses on mapping activities designed to provide simulated experiences that help students understand the techniques used to measure and represent underwater terrain without making direct visual observations. (DDR)

Discusses geographic naming with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Highlights include the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) online database; United States Geological Survey (USGS) national mapping information; the USGS-Microsoft connection; and panoramic maps and the small LizardTech company. (AEF)

Reports on a survey of students from 11 countries around the Pacific region who were asked to draw and label a freehand map of the Pacific region, to respond to questions about the emergence of a Pacific community, and to indicate whether they see themselves as a part of that community. (DSK)

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…

A computerized geographic information system makes it easier for a Kansas suburban school district to analyze the effects of proposed school sitings and boundary changes. Johnson County provides the district with digital information on all taxable property in the district, including ownership, values, land use, addresses, subdivision boundaries,…

An exercise to help improve the geographic skills of preservice teachers was developed and tested during a six year period on over 500 students. The exercise required these students to map two arrangements of roads and facilities within a small neighborhood. A set of special-temporal primitives (place, size, shape, distance, direction,…