FOREWORD

Geospatial technologies are becoming increasingly important in today's world, as they allow us to better understand and manage the complex spatial relationships that shape our environment and society. From tracking natural disasters and wildlife habitats, to analyzing urban sprawl and demographic trends, to guiding precision agriculture and transportation systems, geospatial tools have a wide range of applications and implications for individuals, communities, and nations.

Yet, despite their growing relevance, many people still perceive geospatial technologies as complex, expensive, or intimidating. This is especially true for high school teachers, who may not have had the opportunity to learn or use such tools during their own education or professional development. As a result, they may struggle to integrate geospatial concepts and skills into their curricula, or miss the opportunity to inspire their students to explore and engage with the geospatial field.

This handbook aims to address this gap by providing a practical guide for high school teachers who want to map our world with open geospatial tools. By "open", we mean tools that are freely available, interoperable, and supported by vibrant communities of users and developers. Such tools include web mapping platforms, desktop GIS software, mobile apps, data portals, and online tutorials, among others. By "practical", we mean tools that are accessible, adaptable, and relevant to diverse contexts and subjects. Such tools can be used in science, math, social studies, art, language, and other disciplines, as well as in extracurricular activities and community projects.

Geospatial technologies offer a unique opportunity for high school teachers to incorporate STEAM methodology into their classrooms. By integrating geospatial tools and concepts, teachers can provide students with a hands-on and interdisciplinary approach to learning, which can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. In addition, geospatial technologies provide an excellent platform for engaging students in real-world issues, encouraging them to become active participants in their communities and to explore potential career paths.

Welcome to the handbook "Mapping Our World With Open Geospatial Tools: A Practical Guide for High School Teachers'', which is based on the results of a comprehensive questionnaire filled out by teachers on their skills, experiences, needs, and challenges related to teaching geospatial concepts and mapping in high school classrooms. This handbook aims to provide educators with practical and accessible guidance on how to incorporate geospatial tools and concepts into their curricula, with the ultimate goal of fostering a STEAM-literate and geospatially-aware generation of learners.

We hope that this handbook will inspire and empower high school teachers and their students to explore and engage with the fascinating world of geospatial tools, and to contribute to the development of a more informed, connected, and sustainable society. We also welcome feedback, suggestions, and contributions to this handbook, which is meant to be a dynamic and evolving resource for the geospatial community. Let's map our world together!

Jana Michalková