This document summarizes an introductory workshop for a geography course on selecting and using maps for research. The workshop covered introductions and icebreakers, mapping the classroom as an exercise, common features of maps, important elements like scale and orientation, different map projections, evaluating maps, and a quick survey. The goal was to help students better understand maps and how to select appropriate maps for different research needs and areas.

1. Selecting and Using Maps for Research An Exploratory Workshop for Geography 101 Pleasant Valley Community College July 29, 2011 Presented by Alison Hunt, PVCC Library

2. Introductions What is your area of study? If you have used maps before, please give us an example of one time… Is there anything you'd like to understand better about maps?

3. Map this classroom Find a partner Get your materials: paper, pencils and/or playdough Just show the general layout and major features— you decide what is important to include in this map

4. Check out all the maps. What do they have in common? What things are different?

5. Maps show: Area Shape Direction Distance They have: Scale Orientation Location Maps may also show: Special features Elevation (contours) Place names Surrounding areas/details

6. Longitude and map selection In 1884, folks decided to measure locations east or west from the prime meridian, an imaginary line through Greenwich, England—just outside of London. But some mapmakers put the prime meridian in another spot. IF you need to have accurate locations east or west AND your map is from before 1884 or from another country THEN you need to be sure you know where the prime meridian lies.

7. Map projections and map selection No single flat map shows area, direction, distance and shape accurately. Only one or two of these can be correct. For small areas, most projections are fine for general research. For large areas, if you just need general information, modern atlases use clever mash-ups where nothing is really correct but nothing is really distorted. Clues that a projection is good for a large area: Longitude and latitude lines have some kind of curve The flat image looks a little 3D—like Google Earth. If you need accurate area, direction, distance or shape for a large area, then you must use certain projections. Check http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/MapProjections/projections.html

8. Evaluate some maps Get a worksheet—you take one page, your partner takes another. Examine a map and answer the questions. Look for interesting details or patterns. You may not be able to find answers to every question! If you have extra time, check out another map. When time is up, compare notes with your partner. For what kind of information was each map best?

10. Quick Survey Spend 2 minutes answering a few questions. No names, no grades. Return the survey to me when you are done. THANKS! Next half hour: Your assignment…