With the support of the digital curriculum Mellon grant, we are forming a digital mapping learning community for Davidson College faculty, staff, and students. During the spring semester we will explore both practical and theoretical dimensions of digital mapping, including what tools are available, how to use them, and why we use them. The learning community will have a monthly meeting, featuring a guest speaker and/or short readings, as well as regular hands-on workshops.
What is digital mapping?
Space and place – visualized by maps – condition nearly every aspect of our lived experience. It’s almost impossible to imagine everyday experiences – like driving to the store, going for a run, or even locating the best local coffee shop – without access to maps. On the other hand, these activities are made much easier by the dynamic, interactive digital maps that track our positions relative to the sites that matter to us.
This learning community takes a broad view of digital maps – including GIS analysis, interactive mapping exhibits created with tools like Neatline, the manipulation of historical maps, as well as the kinds of maps we use on our smartphones.
What will the learning community do?
During the spring semester we will explore both practical and theoretical dimensions of digital mapping, including what tools are available, how to use them, and why we use them. The learning community will have a monthly meeting, featuring a guest speaker and/or short readings, as well as regular hands-on workshops. Readings will be selected based on the interests of the group.
We will also have more flexible sessions where those who are working on digital mapping projects, or who have questions about them, can come, work, and talk to other practitioners.
Who can participate?
This group is open to students, faculty and staff. We’ll be having an introductions and info session on January 3oth at 4:30, in Studio D.
What is the format going forward?
Two meetings per month during Spring semester 2015.
- The first one is a kind of plenary meeting of everyone in the group. This might alternate between workshops, discussions, guest speakers, etc.
- Food & drinks provided.
- Tentative dates: February 20th, March 20th, April 24th, and May 15th
- For the second meeting we divide the group into “triads”—groups of three people who commit to meeting on their own to discuss readings, work out problems, design assignments, etc. Each triad will organize its own meeting times and locations.
Stipends: If you commit to attending 3 out of 4 of the plenary meetings, and a minimum of 4 triad sessions, you’ll receive a stipend.
