Description:

By its very nature, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a screen-based technology requiring dedicated amounts of time in front of a computer to learn. Traditionally, students learn GIS and its underlying cartography skills in either an in-person or a virtual classroom setting. While training can certainly involve field work and data collection, entry-level students do not often initially experience this.

At an on-campus teaching colloquium in the spring of 2021, the Director of our University’s Outdoor Leadership Program presented ideas about integrating his activities into academics. This led to a discussion on caving, GIS and mapping, and eventually the idea of a cave-mapping expedition. Such an outing would allow students to explore a local cave, and learn basic map-making and cartography skills – all hands-on!

In the fall of 2021, students from the University’s Intro to GIS class received safety and mapping training on our campus Dell. They then traveled to a recently discovered and unmapped cave where they spent several hours underground collecting data. Using tape measures, compasses, clinometers, and lasers, they measured distances, azimuths, and inclinations at waypoints along the main caverns. The size of the caverns at each waypoint was also recorded, and features were described and added to the map. Eventually, this information will be compiled into a cartographically correct map of the cave. And just as importantly, students were able to gain an immediate appreciation for what goes into creating maps – all prior to sitting down in front of a computer.

This experience shows how valuable collaboration between academic classes and programs from across campus can be. Such endeavors can foster enthusiasm, knowledge, and enhanced friendships.

Objective:

Instructors will learn about educational opportunities with our Outdoor Leadership Program, and how to connect their classes with experiential activities. These can be geared towards all students, and help promote inclusivity and camaraderie among peers.