OpenStreetMap is a free, editable, open-source map of the world. It is being created by enthusiasts who upload their GPS tracks to the system. Contributors are pedestrians, cyclists, sailors and even a few motorists. UCD and Dublin are quite well mapped though some minor roads are missing.
Map of UCD from OpenStreetMap
The Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) are producing web versions of their Trailmaster maps which are available through Geolives to all Trailmaster customers at a cost. Maps in USA are available free of copyright restrictions. Unfortunately OSI and the Ordnance Survey (UK) are not following their example. Meanwhile Google are mapping the world.
January 14th, 2009
Helsinki is setting the trend in real time public transport information. Travellers can see where their tram or bus is right now by clicking on a Google map of the city. Buses update their position by GPS every second. Of course, the map can be viewed on a mobile phone so you can make travel plans at home, in the office or as you go. Every bus is also a wireless hotspot offering free broadband Internet access.
According to the Guardian, “Every bus and tram stop in Helsinki is being fitted with small ‘near field information‘ (presumably mobile RFID) tags that allow anyone with a Nokia cameraphone to take a snap of the tag and launch a Java application bespoke to that stop. This means that you don’t have to have to take off your mittens or tap in tricky Finnish place names such as Herttoniemenranta when it’s -22C and you’re faced with sleet’s bitter sting.”
See the Guardian for more information on the future of public transport in London and Helsinki.
April 2nd, 2008
Two young UCD Geography students, Paul Alexander and Robert Mathews, had a vision of a user-friendly interactive map that would help first year students, international students and occasional visitors, easily find their way around the biggest university campus in Ireland. Their vision led to the collaborative development of the UCD Interactive Map by the Orientation Mapping Centre, UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy and Media Services, UCD IT Services.
Google Maps were used to build the interactive map. Using Google Maps, you can view a satellite map, a street map or a hybrid of both maps of many parts of the world. The maps are scaleable and you can zoom in and out of any location or feature. Google Maps are customisable. You can locate an address on the map; add a placemark and a description. Add a second location and Google Maps will give you a route map and directions with times and distances. Using My Maps Plus you can embed your map in your blog or website.
Features of the UCD interactive map include full and accurate building outlines, as well as the current outline of UCD Belfield Campus. Each outline is a doorway to information containing useful hints, tips, floor plans (for room navigation), pictures, virtual tours, access points and much, much more. Students simply have to click on the name of the building they wish to find and they are shown the way. A range of photographs of important buildings have been built-in to help students and visitors recognise the buildings.
To view the interactive map go to http://www.ucd.ie/itservices/mediaservices/interactivemap/map.html
October 5th, 2007
The UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy ran a pilot, large class teaching project with their first-year students in the second semester. The students used Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), similar to Blackboard, to investigate major themes in Human Geography. Dr Niamh Moore and Dr Mary Gilmartin of UCD Geography took a blended approach, mixing lectures and online activities. Their aim was to foster active learning and the development of generic skills in communication, teamwork and IT among the students. They also hoped to increase participation and reduce isolation among the class of approximately 400 first-year students.
The themes selected were Global Commodities, Heritage and Development, Environment and Development and Landscapes and Migration. 
A topical case was used to explore each theme, namely, the Coffee Trade, Tara and the M3 Motorway, the Corrib Gas Pipeline Development and Emigration and Immigration in Ireland.
The students were divided into groups of eight for online activities. Each group studied all four cases. Groups had their own chat rooms and discussion boards for communication. Tasks included creating a class glossary, worth 20% of the module marks, and producing a range of individual and group assignments. For each case study, two assignments were required. These included creating a class glossary, worth 20% of the module marks, and producing a range of individual and group assignments. For each case study, two assignments were required. These were worth 5% and 10% of the module marks respectively. The lecturers were supported by twelve tutors (postgraduate students) who helped manage communication within the groups and conducted tutorials.
The content was developed by four undergraduate students over a six-week period. The students compiled and created content including web links and audio and video material, such as music and an interview with one of the Rossport Five.
The project was seen as a general success with a marked improvement at both tutorials and lectures. The end of year results suggest that students who engaged fully with the module and submitted their assessments had a greater opportunity to score more highly than in the traditional exam system. However, the corollary was also true. A small number of students who did not engage with the assignments and material scored very low grades, as they did not have the terminal exam as a safety net. Evaluations are currently being analysed but would suggest that students had a generally positive learning experience, developed social networks and bonds and achieved deeper learning.
This project will be continued next year and will be fine-tuned based on the results of the evaluations from students. A second year module in Cultural Geography will adopt a similar approach in 2007/08 and will act as a follow-on for the students who successfully completed Introduction to Human Geography I (People and Places).
The Large Class Teaching Project on Human Geography can be found at http://moodle.ucd.ie/.
My thanks to Dr. Niamh Moore for her assistance with this article.
Editor: Niall Watts, Educational Technology Officer, AVC. IT Services. Ext 7035
The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author and do not represent the opinion of University College Dublin.
July 27th, 2007
