Geographic information systems (GIS) consist of robust hardware, software, data, and a thinking operator. Together, they provide powerful tools for automated cartography and extensive analysis of information about places. Recent improvements in computer hardware and software allow the powers of GIS to move effectively and affordably into the…

"True" maps of the world, as seen from the perspective of the time in which they were produced, remain an ethnocentric visual language in modern times. Students can gain insight into such "true" maps by studying maps produced in the great traditions of the West and East. Teachers can determine a map's appropriateness by…

It is suggested that historical material concerning the model of the earth be utilised in the science classroom to construct narrative explanations. The article includes the various ancient models of the earth, the discovery of the spherical earth model, and the arguments and experiments coupled with it. Its instructional gain may lie in the…

The design and implementation of a complete, computerized retrieval system for the engineering and architectural drawings and maps of several large land development firms are discussed. Such collections present unique problems to the cataloger. Each collection is limited in geographic scope to the land owned or developed by the firm; types of maps…

A systematic and sequential description of map collection operations for the guidance and training of map librarians is provided by this compilation of 48 selected articles. The articles treat seven specific subjects: introduction to maps, elements of maps, map classification and use, bibliographies and acquisitions guides, map processing and…

Offers nine suggestions for video tape production and instructional use in a student laboratory for a cartography course. Briefly discusses costs and benefits, including more time for instructors to focus on specific techniques and individual questions. (TRS)

These learning activities involve secondary geography students in making a turf map, using map grids, solving problems dealing with map scale, and making a map scale. Complete teacher instructions are provided. (RM)

We report research on meanings of scale generated by pairs of 14 year-old students engaged in joint map-construction. Characteristics of the learning environment, such as the communicational orchestration, the use of experientially familiar objects in space as starting points for creating figural representations and the interrelated…

The current crisis in geography education has spawned several books on mapmaking, many of which advocate either recitation and drill or a conceptual top-down model that ignores children's interests. Maintaining that there is no substitute for hands-on experience, this book presents an alternative model. The initial emphasis is on local projects…

The making of topographic maps is described as a sequence of the following steps: establishment of control, photogrammetry and field operations, annotation of photographs, stereoplatting, editing, preparation of color-separation plates, and printing. Precise standards are emphasized. (Author/SA)

In response to interest from geography teachers in the United Kingdom, isoline drawing and surface drawing programs have been made available to them through an interface program in BASIC. The software has proved to be a successful aid in the teaching of geography. (Author/CMV)

Describes a hands-on activity of contour mapping for grade nine students. Provides an extension activity and four references. Presents a laboratory activity sheet containing materials, responsibilities of group members, introduction, objectives, procedures, and questions. (YP)

Explains a social studies lesson for third graders that uses KidPix, a computer software graphics program to help students make maps and map keys. Advantages to using the computer versus hand drawing maps are discussed, and an example of map requirements for the lesson is included. (LRW)

Map making is described in the context of extraterrestrial areas. An analogy to terrestrial map making is used to provide some background. The status of projects designed to map extraterrestrial areas are discussed including problems unique to this science. (CW)

American Indians and other Native peoples are using maps to chart their resources, fight for their land, and remember their history. Describes the efforts of the Zuni Pueblo in the Southwest; the Gitxsan Nation (Canada); the Kuna, Embera, and Wounaan tribes (Panama); and the Mayas (Belize). A sidebar lists Geographic Information Systems (GIS)…