This document discusses contemporary mapping tools and how they differ from mental mapping. It begins by asking how geographic technology can impact people. It then explains that GIS, GPS, and map mashups are changing how people view and understand the world. GPS uses satellites to pinpoint locations, while GIS allows users to analyze and display geographic data on maps. Map mashups overlay multiple data layers onto maps, allowing users to search locations based on different criteria. Contemporary tools provide precise geographic data, unlike mental maps which rely on individual perceptions. In the end, both types of maps help humans comprehend the Earth's surface.

1. Contemporary Mapping Tools
Essential Questions:
What does it mean to think geographically and
spatially?
How can geographic technology affect me?
Big understanding:
GIS and other contemporary mapping technology
and tools are changing and continue to change our
world and how we look at it

2. Reminder: Mental Mapping
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Mental mapping: An individualized
representation of different aspects of
Earth's surface
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Ex. the layout of your bedroom (local)
Ex. the distribution of oceans and continents
across Earth (global)
Mix of precise knowledge about the location of
geographic features as well as impressions of
places, rough estimates of size and location,
and a general sense of the connections
between places

3. Contemporary Mapping vs.
Mental Mapping
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Mental mapping uses individualized
perceptions
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Contemporary mapping tools use precise
information about geographic features
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Found in your own head
Found using computerized, advanced
technology
Both types of mapping help us understand the
Earth
There are three types of contemporary mapping
tools we will explore

4. 1. Mashups
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Mashups: Maps with overlaying data layers
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Examples of layers: streets, McDonald's
locations, population density, hotels, sea level,
bike lanes
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Imagine being able to search for McDonald's
locations near bike lanes or hotels near the
street you are standing on...
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Google Maps
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http://goo.gl/maps/sFcFt
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http://www.zefrank.com/sandwich/tool.html

5. 1. Mashups

6. 2. GPS
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GPS (Global Positioning System): system
that accurately pinpoints the precise position of
something on Earth using satellite imagining
and data
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Google Earth
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/6016570/california_school_district_tracks_truant_students_using_gps/

7. 3. GIS
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GIS (Geographic Information System):
computer system that can capture, store, query,
analyze, and display geographic data
Examples: Using GIS to understand crime
patterns in a city, track wildlife as
animals migrate from one area to
another
What is the difference between GPS and GIS?
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GPS provides users with geographic data;
GIS allows users to display and analyze
that data

8. 3. GIS

9. 3. GIS

10. 3. GIS

11. How can geographic technology
affect me?
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Deciding where to live, move, or raise a family
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http://Familywatchdog.us/
http://gruvr.com/
http://drivescore.fizber.com/results.html

12. Now You!
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Project write-up/rubric
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Blog post