Introduction

This Unit introduces the trainee to the basics of Internet cartography, including ways that online maps can be used (e.g. to promote territories or document patterns of land use) and the benefits that can be realised by communities using existing online maps. The trainee will be familiarised with the background of the underlying technology and the use of Web-based mapping. A review of available online mapping tools (e.g. Google Maps, Google Earth, Google SketchUp, Wikimapia, NASA World Wind, Picasa Web Albums and YouTube) will be presented, including a brief demonstration of how these tools might be used. This will be complemented by examples of how these technologies are being used (e.g. mapping mashups) and why map makers may wish to employ Web-based tools.

Unit objectives / expected outcomes

After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:

• discuss the applications of the GeoWeb;
• describe the Web 2.0 and list some examples;
• specify the uses of the Internet and uses with respect to community participation;
• list and describe the benefits of Internet-based mapping.

Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing

This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:

1. Introduction to Web-based mapping platforms and development-related project initiatives (PPT No. 1 and Exercises No. 1–No. 5) (2 hrs and 10 min)
2. Reflection on benefits and limitations in the use of these technologies (brainstorming) (20 min)

Components of the Unit

Exercises

• Exercise No. 1: Creating a GMail Account; To create a GMail account that will be used to access a variety of online applications (10 min)
• Exercise No. 2: Introduction to Google Earth; To download and install Google Earth and to become familiar with this application and how it can be used to map local knowledge (20–30 min)
• Exercise No. 3: Introduction to Google ‘My Maps’; To become familiar with Google ‘My Maps’ and learn how this application can be used to map local knowledge (20–30 min)
• Exercise No. 4: Introduction to Picasa Web Albums; To become familiar with Picasa Web Album and learn how to upload and share photos through the Internet (20–30 min)
• Exercise No. 5: Introduction to YouTube; To become familiar with YouTube and learn how to upload and share videos (20–30 min)

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):

• Basics of Internet Mapping (Handout4T)
• Unit Glossary (Included in the Module Glossary)

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in digital format)

• Guide: Field Guide to Humanitarian Mapping. First Edition, March 2009

Presentations

• PPT No. 1: Participatory Internet-based Mapping; This presentation provides the trainee with insight about the basics of Internet-based mapping. (20 min)

Duration

2 ½ hrs

Additional trainer resources

• Online tutorials: Create Maps with Google Earth and Maps Tutorials
  tinyurl.com/3dr8j4

Equipment needed

One beamer, one computer for the trainer, one computer, monitor and headset for each trainee, broadband Internet connection

Additional downloads

• Download this page in MS Word format (additional information included)
• Download the complete unit