Map Madness: Intro to Geospatial Software and Human Geography- Have you ever wondered how your phone knows exactly where you are? How do we represent space and place? How do we collect and represent data in unique and accessible ways? These are all questions that environmental scientists and geographers think about! In this summer course, students will learn to effectively use geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS online. Many environmental scientists and geographers utilize these programs for physical geography and human geography applications. Students will work in groups to gather information about environmental concerns around the UMBC campus, transforming their collected data into their own visual representations or maps. Students will learn the importance of spatial data and how it is used to make inferences and projections about a range of things, from wildlife distribution in local forests and inclement weather to population density trends and where you are right now!
Students will learn about:
- Navigating Basics of Geospatial Software: Manage and isolate important information from large datasets, using Keurig and IDW to make projections and visually represent quantitative data.
- Environment & Human Geography Intersections: Where human life and the environment intersect. How does air pollution in the city impact plant species in the neighboring forest?
- Group Data Collection & Design: How to organize and collect data as a community, how to combine collected data and support others in the map design process.
- Accessible Design Principles: Creating easily understandable, visually appealing maps that can convey important information to the general public.
