Coordinate Systems Overview
Instructors' Notes
Several techniques can be used to help students gain a working knowledge
of coordinate systems. Indeed, this 50-minute module can readily be expanded
to include another 50-minute coordinate system "workshop" using maps and
mapping reading problems.
Illustrations
It is useful to teach this unit using sets of maps that employ different
coordinate systems. Build a collection of local maps as well as maps from
other states, provinces, or nations. These can be used for illustration
or assigned to individual students for coordinate "readouts."
Practice
Have students practice using both global and local coordinate systems to
find locations. Present them with problems where they must both locate
positions on maps from coordinates and read coordinates from maps.
Projects
Develop projects that present problems with respect to the use of coordinate
systems. These might involve GIS projects that span different UTM or SPC
zones, or projects that involve collating information recorded in several
different coordinate systems.