STUDENTS TELL THEIR STORY BY WEB MAPS – EDUCATIONAL CASE STUDY

References: 14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014, www.sgem.org, SGEM2014 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7105-12-4 / ISSN 1314-2704, June 19-25, 2014, Book 2, Vol. 3, 901-908 pp

ABSTRACT
The research which took place at Department of Geoinformatics, Palacký University in Olomouc has been focused on student´s map application project. An innovative way how to create interactive web map application called “Storytelling Maps“ has been used. Storytelling Maps is a lightweight platform, developed by Esri Company for creating, customizing and sharing own web maps through the Internet. The main benefit is fact, that there are number of pre-built high quality templates. Users can combines their map content with Storytelling template including interactive map, photos and images, text panel etc. Generally, the output application combines spatial data with attribute data accompanied by photos. This approach offers a better image of described topic than conventional maps only. The Storytelling platform takes advantage of opensource approach. It means that every single map application could be customized according to users´ individual requirements. The case study has been made on six groups of student in bachelor degree. Each group tells another story – each group developed an individual application according to different topics (leisure time, travelling, sport, etc.). The development process was divided into two parts. First of all, data collection process was necessary. Students collected real data in the fields. They captured photos, geographic and appropriate attribute data. Then data was transformed into a Geographical Information System (GIS). The second part handles wit Storytelling Maps platform. Spatial data was visualized and connected with other information and photos. The crucial step was to choose an appropriate template. The last step was customizing and extension of templates according to cartographic purposes. From academic point of view this case study is an innovative approach that combines last GIS technologies with self-managing process. Students are checked by academics during whole process by feedbacks. On the other hand students are fully responsible for each part of application. They increased their knowledge in technical, cartographical as well as managerial capabilities. Finally the project have been evaluated from academics at the Department of Geoinformatics based on some factors: idea, customization, functionality, cartographic correctness. The results shows that “Storytelling Maps“ platform could be right tool for interdisciplinary education.

Keywords: Storytelling Maps, web map, template, education