Sixth form students from schools across London and the South East (Sutton Grammar School, Southborough High School, Lampton School, Bexley Grammar School, Barking Abbey School and Burlington Danes Academy) took part in a day of activities held at the Society and run by Esri UK to mark GIS Day last Monday.
Using their mobile phones, the Collector for ArcGIS app, and ArcGIS Online software, students conducted fieldwork in Hyde Park to compare how much noise pollution was present in different parts of the park. Their findings were uploaded directly onto a map in real time before students then returned to the Society to analyse the data.
The event formed part of GIS Day’s world record mapping event which is taking place throughout Geography Awareness Week (16-22 November) and is a highly relevant example of how technology can complement and enhance geographical fieldwork and analysis.
Rob Sharpe, Training and Education Services Manager for Esri UK said: “It was a pleasure to run a joint event with the Society to celebrate GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week. The enthusiasm of the students was fantastic to see. They quickly learned how to use the ArcGIS apps, even though most hadn’t used a GIS before. Using their own smartphones they were able to capture noise data in Hyde Park and successfully analyse it on their return to RGS-IBG HQ. A fun and enjoyable day for all involved.”
Steve Brace, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society said: “This was an important opportunity for students to enhance their fieldwork skills through the use of cutting edge technology to measure and record real geographical data. The skills they’ve gained today will support their A Level course and also provide an introduction to some of the more advanced work that takes place on geography degree courses.”
Esri UK supports the Society’s Geography Ambassador Scheme which promotes the value of studying geography at GCSE and A Level to further study and careers.