Maps created by hand have, until fairly recently, been the primary way of communicating geographical information. Maps reflected the known layout of lands and sometimes even assumptions of what the unknown lands looked like.
§ Maps weren't always accurate. While we are aware of distortions inherent in representing a globe in 2-dimensional media, gross inaccuracies used to be quite common before more modern methods were found. The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd. offers an interesting page about a lake that didn't exist in the American Southeast. Map images are included.
§ The Library of Congress offers an extensive collection of maps from the past as well as the present. Browse through the historical collections to learn how things have changed over time.
§ And if all of that isn't enough, this map will help you find where Elvis was last seen. Elvis has left the building...
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. The field moves beyond the creation of maps. Thanks to advances in technology and digital storage, GIS allows for analysis and applications that simply weren't possible with hand cartography. Use the links below to find out more.
§ The GIS Lounge offers a wide variety of information on Geographic Information Systems. A section for fun things to do with GIS is included to prove that it isn't all about work.
§ GIS.com is informative and helpful in learning more about GIS. Additional resources, trends, and even an online store can also be found from this site. Be aware: those with slower connections need to be patient for this site to fully load. Javascript is used extensively.
§ The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Poster is a United States government site published by the United States Geologic Survey. Examples and concise information is presented. Be patient as you will need to scroll far to read everything.
Geographic Informations Systems was created to be useful. The links below get you started in the process of learning GIS, applying for job, and using GIS information in your own life.
§ There are a myriad ways to learn GIS, whether you are in school or not. The GIS Lounge offers a great spot to find out how to learn about this field. Find schools offering GIS courses, tutorials and curriculums, and lesson plans and resources for teaching GIS in K-12 classrooms.
§ Now you know you want to enter the GIS field. The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse is one of many sites for jobsearchers and employers to search.
§ GIS has applications in a variety of industries. Back to the GIS Lounge to start finding out how GIS can be used in agriculture, crime mapping, and golf.
§ There ARE fun things to do with GIS. Games, puzzles, and jokes interact with GIS in the GIS Lounge.
Submitted by Karen Oyler on 14. October, 2003.