Exploring the world with maps

Geography is the study of the Earth and its features.  Geography includes the location of non-living things, plant and animal life, and human history.  Where something is found affects what it is.  It also affects how it relates to the world around it.  To become a Coastal Explorer, you will need to learn to think geographically.  You will need to observe where things are in relation to the world around them. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

An important way that people learn about a part of the Earth is by looking at maps.  You have probably looked at paper maps many times before.  A Geographic Information System (GIS) is an interactive computer map.  A GIS can help you answer questions about a place.  Information about specific places is called geographic data.  A GIS stores geographic data in a database.  These data are displayed on the screen as a map.  The map can be changed to show different data related to the site or region that you are studying. 

One the left are three maps of the Lower Cape Fear region made using a GIS.  Each of the maps shows different geographic data.  Click on the maps to enlarge them and see what geographic features they include.

You will use more maps made using a GIS to study the geography of the lower Cape Fear River basin.  You will learn what is unique about the ecology of the region.  Through history, you will also learn about how people have impacted the region.  We'll begin by learning a little about the human history of the lower Cape Fear river basin.

When you are ready, click on the bird at left to continue...