Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology helps people relate to the world in new and exciting ways never before possible. GIS tools like Google EarthTM provide a quick and easy means by which to share with others your individual and mutual connections to important places.

In this application, you will use Google EarthTM to create a photo collage of satellite imagery. You will use this technology to locate a minimum of three significant places in Tahiti.

Task 1: Find French Polynesia

• Click on the Google EarthTM icon to start Google EarthTM.
• Center your map so that you can see the whole island region.

Task 2: Experiment with the Controls

• Move your mouse to the right side of the screen. Click on the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to zoom in and out.
• Move and rotate the globe by clicking on it and dragging with the mouse.

Task 3: Use Layers

GIS programs show information in layers, or groups of related elements. You can use layers to add additional data to the map such as borders, geographic features, traffic, weather, population density, and landmarks.

• Look at the left sidebar at the box that says "Layers."
• Click on the box for "Borders and Labels."
• Did the borders appear around parts of the island? If you zoom closer, names and cities will appear.

Task 4: Find Places in Tahiti

Repeat the steps below to locate each place you would like to include in your collage.

• On the left sidebar, find the box that says "Search" and enter the name of the place you are looking for (if you have an exact address type that into the space provided).
• You should see the area on the map. Now zoom in closer until you can see the specific place you chose.
• Note that Google EarthTM automatically includes the coordinates of the location you selected.
• Don't forget the layers! Try adding one or more interesting layers to your selected location.
• Once you have an image you like, click on "File" on the top menu, then scroll down to 'Save", and then "Save Image." Name your image and save it to your computer.

 

How to Complete this Assignment

Before you begin, access the Google EarthTM Assignment Checklist to make sure you include all items required for full credit. Your collage must include at least three satellite images obtained via Google EarthTM. Be sure to add a label and descriptive caption to each about its significance to Tahiti, and why you chose it to be part of your collage.

Once you have completed the assignment, please submit your work to the dropbox.