Is GIS the real manifestation of Harry Potter's Marauders Map? Introduce your class to the history of geographic information systems (GIS), the technology that allows for easy use of spatial information, with a resource that teaches...

How is the wind up there? The class builds a topography model using materials available in the classroom, then place wind flags in different locations on the landscape. Using a fan as a wind source, pupils collect data about how wind...

Assist your pupils and broaden their horizons with several activities that determine the exact positioning of various communities over the globe. Pupils use data from the Global Positioning System to determine the position and rate of...

A topographic map can be challenging to read. This guide explains how to decipher one and how to use a magnetic compass to orient yourself to the landscape. It also explains how to use GPS coordinates.

Website offers a history of the National Program for Topographic Mapping (1884-2009).

This is an online activity on Topographic maps with stated objectives, an activity, background information, evaluation, and resources. This site has information on where you can adjust the activity for elementary or secondary age levels.

A rich and historically significant collection of maps of various national parks throughout the United States. Features special sections on Yellowstone, Acadia, the Grand Canyon and the Smoky Mountains. Includes historical photographs of...

Get an overview of different types of Earth Science maps.

The National Atlas of the United States provides comprehensive information collected by the Federal Government and delivered through interactive maps. Select from a variety of scientific, societal, and historical information to be...

Kids learn about the Earth science subject of topography including features such as landforms, elevation, latitude, longitude, and topographical maps.

Students use geologic fault maps of the San Francisco Bay Area to find relationships between tectonic plate fault lines and landscape features, topographic features, and epicenters of past earthquakes.

This advanced site discusses some of the research done and research techniques used in studies of the Monterey Canyon. Great graphics showing the position of the canyon relative to other features of the continental margin. Also...