Esri and the National Geographic Society have launched an updated version of National Geographic MapMaker.
Developed in partnership with Esri, MapMaker is National Geographic’s online educational mapping tool. The web-based GIS 2D and 3D app enables users to visually experience and interact with geospatial information about Earth’s interconnected social and physical systems while also learning about mapmaking.
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with the National Geographic Society to bring MapMaker 4.0 to K–12 students around the world,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri president.
“We believe that mapping is a powerful tool for learning, communication, and change, and we hope that MapMaker will inspire the next generation to better understand and care for our world.”
The updated MapMaker enables users to form patterns and relationships by layering maps; adding notes and sketches; and saving images for use in papers, presentations or other applications. The layers can be created to educate users; represent various biomes, populations, and environments; and view different geographic effects of climate change for innovative learning and exploring.
Students can also explore current and historical maps on topics like earth science (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, climate) or human geography (e.g. population characteristics, land cover, public health).
“National Geographic MapMaker is an engaging educational tool with the power to inspire the next generation of geographers, cartographers, and National Geographic Explorers that show how geography influences their lives and work every day, as well as how passion around the geographic approach can address challenges and drive real change around the world,” said Deborah Grayson, chief education officer at the National Geographic Society.
