I evaluated three online mapping resources (Atlas of Canada, National Geographic, and MapQuest) and one printed atlas (National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers). Out of these four resources, I liked the Atlas of Canada the least. I found the graphics to be rather inferior and the search features to be rather limited. The National Geographic site was better. It had much better graphics as well as a better way of searching. It gave a nice visual overview of countries and I think students would much prefer using the National Geographic map over the Atlas of Canada. MapQuest is the one, of course, that I use all the time and I have spent some time looking at landmarks all over the world. It is interesting looking at places where I have never been (such as Rome) using the satellite images to see what the area looks like. I think this tool could be very useful in the classroom. For example, if you wanted to see what a delta land formation looks like, you could check out many different ones and compare them using this point of view. If you wanted to see a setting in a book you could check it out using the satellite view. I don’t know much about “lit trips” but this can be done using Google Earth. You can check out Google Lit Trips at http://www.googlelittrips.org/ . You can see more about my comparisons below.
Atlas of Canada - http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/sitemap/index.html
Authority – excellent – Government of Canada
Currency – the map was made from data obtained in 1995 which should as a general rule mean it is historical, however given that I was looking at land cover types, this information does not change as readily as other information might and so this needs to be kept in mind.
Scale – the scale is clearly given.
Indexing – There are tabs at the top of the map which allow for searching for particular pieces of information.
Format – The size of the map is rather small. There are tabs to increase the size but they don’t actually work. This would make it difficult for younger students to use.
It is handy that each map has an abstract that the user can read so that they know what kind of information is contained in the map and how to use it. It also tells how the information was obtained as well as some factual information related to the map.
National Geographic Mapping - http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/mapcar/index_e.php
Authority – excellent – National Geographic is listed as an authoritative source in the text by Riedling. The source for the data in the map is given.
Currency – good - The exact date of the date was not evident but it is between 1996 – 1012.
Scale – good – No scale is automatically indicated on the map screen. The scale can be given using a tab button which can be changed between kilometres and miles. The user can click on a location and click on another location to determine the distance between the two points.
Indexing – Good – users can click on subject tabs to search for information.
Format – The map is large and appealing. The way new information is added is very visually appealing. When new information is added to a map it looks like it is done by adding a transparent overlay on top. The transparency of the overlay can be adjusted using a slide rule to make the map more or less visible.
Atlas in Print
Our library has a few atlases and I chose to evaluate the National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers.
Authority – This resource comes from a reputable publisher (National Geographic).
Scale – The scale is clearly identified.
Currency – This resource was printed in 1998 and so it is considered historical.
Indexing – There is an index at the back of the book to help students locate information. It is brief but appropriate for its target audience.
Format – The maps are very clear and legible. They are very colourful and appealing, especially to the younger audience. The layout of the atlas gives the students a general overview of the important aspects of a variety of different countries. The information is limited but it seems appropriate for a younger audience. Picture symbols are laid over top of the map so that students can see what kinds of plants, animals, land formations, and resources exist in these locations. Major countries are covered, along with a couple of extra pages of information about the countries using facts and photographs.
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