Social Sciences
Recently, I've been learning how to use GIS software, namely ArcGIS, to figure out more ways to include these tools in my methods courses. I agree with the literature that--in terms of pubic school curricula--this powerful tool takes Geography beyond the typical states and capitals ditty most of us experienced in grade school. ArcGIS is amazing (including its K-12 equivalent, My World GIS), and many people are doing great projects in schools with these projects. The GIS Storms Sewers Unit is a good example (see image below).
via Storms Sewers Unit
Yet, I wanted a free online tool that was more accessible to teachers and students. I was thrilled to come across gCensus today. It is powered by Google Earth (which I finally downloaded today, too) and it is exactly what I wanted.
via gCensus
Simply put, gCensus allows you to use 2000 Census data to construct maps. Google Maps allows you to include/overlay various features such as locations of schools, highways, businesses, and the like. To get started, just click (as indicated) on the "please click here" link on the gCensus homepage. Then select a state, county, and the data you want mapped. Below is a simple map that depicts the concentration of African Americans in Cook County, IL.
Map created in Google Earth with gCensus
- New Release - U.s. Census Bureau International Population Data And Maps
From my colleague Joshua Comenetz at the Census Bureau--fascinating data! The Census Bureau has added to and updated the online collection of subnational population data linked to maps (shapefiles) that are available at the Spatial Data Repository. The...
- Teaching Current Events? There's A (gis) Map For That...
I continue to be amazed with the amount of (free) resources available for introducing students to (and engaging them with) GIS. If you want a quick overview of what GIS is and how it relates to geography, consider this video. You can also click on the...
- Google Earth - Record A Tour
I imagine the typical day at Google starts with a simple question: "Wouldn't it be cool if...?" I have endlessly enjoyed the benefits of Google Scholar, Google Book, and, of course, Google Earth. A great option I recently learned about Google Earth...
- More Gis
I've admittedly been away from my posting for too long, and the number of amazing resources out there continues to proliferate. I have a lot of catching up to do, so here's a start... Let's talk about Geography Geography is not memorizing...
- Netflix Queues Via Gis
Who's renting Twilight? via NY Times Here's yet another fascinating use of GIS technology. (I blogged about free GIS applications in a previous post.) This technology is even more powerful when a teacher can reference popular culture for "educational...
Social Sciences
Free GIS with Google Earth
Recently, I've been learning how to use GIS software, namely ArcGIS, to figure out more ways to include these tools in my methods courses. I agree with the literature that--in terms of pubic school curricula--this powerful tool takes Geography beyond the typical states and capitals ditty most of us experienced in grade school. ArcGIS is amazing (including its K-12 equivalent, My World GIS), and many people are doing great projects in schools with these projects. The GIS Storms Sewers Unit is a good example (see image below).
via Storms Sewers UnitYet, I wanted a free online tool that was more accessible to teachers and students. I was thrilled to come across gCensus today. It is powered by Google Earth (which I finally downloaded today, too) and it is exactly what I wanted.
via gCensusSimply put, gCensus allows you to use 2000 Census data to construct maps. Google Maps allows you to include/overlay various features such as locations of schools, highways, businesses, and the like. To get started, just click (as indicated) on the "please click here" link on the gCensus homepage. Then select a state, county, and the data you want mapped. Below is a simple map that depicts the concentration of African Americans in Cook County, IL.
Map created in Google Earth with gCensus
- New Release - U.s. Census Bureau International Population Data And Maps
From my colleague Joshua Comenetz at the Census Bureau--fascinating data! The Census Bureau has added to and updated the online collection of subnational population data linked to maps (shapefiles) that are available at the Spatial Data Repository. The...
- Teaching Current Events? There's A (gis) Map For That...
I continue to be amazed with the amount of (free) resources available for introducing students to (and engaging them with) GIS. If you want a quick overview of what GIS is and how it relates to geography, consider this video. You can also click on the...
- Google Earth - Record A Tour
I imagine the typical day at Google starts with a simple question: "Wouldn't it be cool if...?" I have endlessly enjoyed the benefits of Google Scholar, Google Book, and, of course, Google Earth. A great option I recently learned about Google Earth...
- More Gis
I've admittedly been away from my posting for too long, and the number of amazing resources out there continues to proliferate. I have a lot of catching up to do, so here's a start... Let's talk about Geography Geography is not memorizing...
- Netflix Queues Via Gis
Who's renting Twilight? via NY Times Here's yet another fascinating use of GIS technology. (I blogged about free GIS applications in a previous post.) This technology is even more powerful when a teacher can reference popular culture for "educational...