Mobile GIS

Dr Adrian Johnson

Outline

1. Handheld computers2. What do PDAs provide?3. Uses in the field4. An example with 14 year olds5. Examples of other applications6. Learning promoted7. Further reading8. Questions and discussion9. Contact details

1. Handheld computers Involves a GPS-

enabled PDA (personal digital assistant)

Diluted desktop GIS software; for example, ESRI UK’s ArcPad

Data; ideally, MasterMap from Ordnance Survey

2. What do PDAs provide? A voice recorder Word processor Spreadsheet Data logger Graphic calculator Digital camera Mobile phone Personal organiser Wireless communication device Email service

3. Uses in the field

New shapefiles can be created

Photographs can be linked to locations

Field data can be entered

4. An example with 14 year olds

4th form CBD study Survey

points selected

Pedestrians counted over time

Isoline map of pedestrian flow constructed

5. Examples of other applications

Tree surveys Estimation of footpath trip hazards Location of road potholes Updating electronic maps of the

campus or CBD Examination of urban heat islands

6. Learning promoted

Learning takes place at a number of levels: the ability to work within a team the use of technology project management high level cartography and

presentation skills spatial analysis report writing

7. Further reading http://www.geography.org.uk/download/GA_PRSSBedfor

d.doc http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic78.htm#2 http://www.lbs360.net/articles/index.php?article_id=572

8. Questions and discussion

“The teacher acts as a communications hub, managing a classroom where learning is a partnership and information flows in both directions between teacher and students.”

Fillmore, C., Flegg, R., Muller, F., Cakacaka, J. and Hawkins, R. August 2005 PPCs in the classroom: propagating pupil’s

cognition. Professional Educator 4(3): 22 – 25.

9. Contact details

Dr Adrian JohnsonHead of Pastoral CareIbstock Place SchoolRoehampton SW15 5PYEmail:

ajohnson@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk