Geography and Data PDF

Geography and Data Learning Goals and Expectations I will understand: Ways in which data is important to Geographers Ways in which Geographers may collect, display, and use data I will be able to: Analyze various kinds of data to form interpretations Consider the purposes and uses of var...

Geography and Data Learning Goals and Expectations I will understand: Ways in which data is important to Geographers Ways in which Geographers may collect, display, and use data I will be able to: Analyze various kinds of data to form interpretations Consider the purposes and uses of various methods of displaying data 1. How is data important to Geography? It is used in all kinds of ways by Geographers! Geographers may want to know things like: The frequency or intensity of earthquakes or tropical storms in a region The volume of water in a watershed The rate at which glaciers are melting The ethnic make-up of a population The distribution and volumes of different resources 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: Visual data collected through GIS (Graphic Imaging Systems) such as satellite images 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: Precise geographic positions can also be gathered by satellites through a process called triangulation 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: High-tech instruments can be used to detect seismic activity 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: Water volume can be measured by measuring the water body’s dimensions and the speed of flow 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: Using thermometers, barometers, and anemometers collect climate data 2. How is data collected by Geographers? There are many different kinds of data, and so there are many ways to collect data Examples can include: Populations can be studied through surveys 3. How do Geographers display the data they’ve collected? Depending on the purpose of the data, it can be displayed in ways such as: Graphs Tables Maps 3. How do Geographers display the data they’ve collected? If we need to display numbers, statistics, and trends, we likely want a table or graph If we need to show something spatially, we will need a map 3. How do Geographers display the data they’ve collected? If we need to display numbers, statistics, and trends, we likely want a table or graph If we need to show something spatially, we will need a map At every point, we need to consider the purpose of what we are showing to determine exactly how we should display the data  Let’s practice reading and interpreting different sets of data! For each set of data, let’s consider: What is it showing us? What is it NOT showing us? What might be the reasons the data exists like this? Was it an effective way of communicating the information? What questions could/should we ask to understand the topic better?  Activity Consider something simple about this class, this school, or your home/neighborhood that you could collect data about Consider how you would display that data for people to understand Be prepared to share and explain your ideas with the class