Explore the Esri Digital Map Books

[JosephKerski]

Let’s explore some maps made with Spatial Technology!

The Esri Map Book is an annual book featuring the work by Spatial Technology professionals from all over the world.  Think of the map book as an example of applied geography, to a wide variety of disciplines, issues, and themes. 

Access the 2018 edition, on https://www.esri.com/en-us/esri-map-book/2017/maps/#/list 

Go to the Filter tool and select a theme of interest to you, such as Conservation, Education, Natural Resources-Water, or something else.  Choose 1 map that interests you, and think about the following questions.

1. Why does the map interest you?
2. What problem(s) is identified?
3. What fields or disciplines are home or central to the problem?
4. What is the scale of this problem?
5. What organization(s) or individual(s) are involved in solving this problem?
6. How does seeing the data in map form and the geographic perspective help solve the problem?
7. What transferrable skills, thinking skills, and content knowledge are required to use GIS to solve this problem?
8. How can these transferrable skills, thinking skills, and content knowledge be obtained? On the job, via technical training, or at a school or university?
9. What course(s) would need to be taken to gain the skills necessary to solve the problems in the way that is presented in this map?

Extend this activity.  Consider using the above activity with your students as a way for them to see Spatial Technology in action, to see its real-world relevance, and to think about their own career pathway.

Map books from other years also exist, on:  https://www.esri.com/en-us/esri-map-book/map-book-gallery.