Techniques for developing resources to understand geographic and projected coordinate systems

Abstract

Coordinate systems, both geographic and projected, are recognised as a key concept as well as among the most difficult concepts to understand in geoscience-based disciplines. Accordingly, this study presents methods to create Portable Document Format (PDF) files, embedded with three-dimensional (3D) models and animations, with which students can actively interact and engage in learning with the freely available Adobe Reader. The described techniques use a combination of GIS, 3D modelling and animation, image processing, and video-editing software packages to eventually create freely accessible sample supporting materials. This provides opportunities to create 3D models and animations for the infinite number of ways the spherical/spheroidal earth can be projected on 3D shapes and their subsequent unfolding to become a two-dimensional map. The study provides access to freely available sample resources on coordinate systems that were created using the described methods.

Keywords::

• coordinate systems
• map projections
• 3D models
• animations

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the support provided by Mr Luke Wenke in designing the 3D models and animations for the study. The author is also thankful to Dr Uwe Terton for his suggestions about 3D models and animations. The support for this study was provided by the University of the Sunshine Coast. The author gratefully acknowledges the comments and suggestions provided by two anonymous reviewers.