ArcSchool Reader: K–12 Education
Welcome to ArcSchool Reader, a periodic e-newsletter from the ESRI education team. Each issue provides a quick glimpse of software news; user stories; reminders; and hints about tools, data, and support covering the use of geographic information system (GIS) technology in primary and secondary schools (K-12 education).
In This Issue
Software News
ArcGIS Explorer
ArcGIS Explorer is now available to the public. This no-cost, downloadable, lightweight application for Windows lets you connect to a variety of ready-to-use globes hosted by ESRI. It can also connect to "tasks" that allow you to do more than just visualize a simple map. You can use ArcGIS Explorer to connect to 3D and 2D data, services, and applications on the Web and integrate these with local shapefiles on your hard drive or local network. Download now.
ArcExplorer - Java Edition for Education (AEJEE), Version 2.3
AEJEE is a free, lightweight, downloadable, introductory GIS for use on Windows and Macintosh OS X. It has just been upgraded to version 2.3. The new release includes the ability to create and use projects with "relative paths," so users and content providers can easily exchange packages of data and projects. The new version also allows users to sort selected records in a data table, focus identification processes on a specific data layer, and move back and forth between map and layout windows. The help menu includes a direct link to the onboard tutorial, so users can more easily learn to use the full capacity of AEJEE. A new introduction to AEJEE page has been constructed on the EdCommunity portal and is visible at AEJEE 2.3.
Back to Top
Data News
ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online is a new data resource for users of ArcGIS desktop tools: ArcMap, ArcGlobe, ArcReader, and ArcGIS Explorer. It provides a series of 2D map and 3D globe services that you can use to support your GIS work. This includes seamless high-resolution imagery, at approximately 1-meter resolution for the conterminous United States and 500- and 15-meter resolution for the world. These ready-to-use services can also be accessed by Web mapping applications created with ArcGIS Server. Get started.
National Historical GIS
National Historical GIS (NHGIS) provides, at no cost, aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2000. There are two options for mapping NHGIS data: download boundary files for use in GIS software or create maps using Social Explorer, an online mapping application. The geographic boundary files include states and counties from 1790 to present plus tracts and statistical areas for varying periods. The statistical data available varies by geographic unit and time frame. Learn more.
Back to Top
Support News
EdCommunity Portal
At the 2007 ESRI Education User Conference, the ESRI Education Community Portal was unveiled. It is primarily a collaboration zone for educators, currently featuring an events calendar; a resource review zone; a GIS story section; and links to key software, data, and support resources. In the story section, educators are encouraged to submit quick info about "programs that work" to build a community view of best practices. Hot topics.
Mapping Center
GIS makes it easy to make a map, but there are both art and science behind making a great map. The Mapping Center is about the use of ArcGIS in the graphic delivery of geographic information. Its goal is to help users make great-looking maps by understanding and using the same cartographic concepts that professional cartographers use. The Maps zone provides a set of example maps with detailed explanations of why different elements of the maps work well and instructions on how to accomplish similar tasks on your own maps. Featured map.
Back to Top
User News
Service at Sea
Service at Sea is a nonprofit, ship-based GIS education program that launched at the 2007 ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, California. It includes a crew of GIS experts, scientists, and teachers as well as a videographer. They will circumnavigate the globe with an environmentally friendly sailboat and offer free training and mapping services to conservation organizations throughout their four-year expedition. ESRI collaborates with Service at Sea to support many of its technical, education, conservation, and volunteer needs. Welcome aboard!
Utah Receives Special Achievement in GIS Award
Special Achievement in GIS Awards are given out at the ESRI User Conference to organizations that have made a difference in their communities. Over the years, a coalition has been supporting the use of GIS in education within the state: the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah Education Network, the Utah Geographic Alliance, the Utah Geographic Information Council, the Utah Automated Geographic Reference Center, and the Technology Coordinating Council. After becoming the second state to establish a site license for K-12 schools several years ago, Utah expanded its license this year to ensure its teachers had access to the latest versions of ArcView and extensions. Congratulations to Utah and its teachers!
Back to Top
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
GIS Day
Everywhere, any day
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association Conference (K-12 Day)
Washington, D.C.
August 23, 2007
Earth Science Week
Everywhere
October 14-20, 2007
National Council for Geographic Education Meeting
Oklahoma City, OK
October 18-21, 2007
National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference
Atlanta, GA
October 21-25, 2007
ESRI Education User Conference
San Diego, CA
August 2-5, 2008
ESRI International User Conference
San Diego, CA
August 4-8, 2008
Back to Top
|
