Open data refers to data that is freely available to use, modify, and distribute, without the need for a license or other restrictions. This approach to data sharing can help break down barriers to accessing information, and promote the development of new tools and insights based on the data.
In the context of high school education, open data can be a valuable resource for students to develop their data literacy skills, learn about current events and issues, and engage in projects that are relevant to their local communities. Open data can also help students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions.
Open data can come from a variety of sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizen scientists. In the context of mapping and geospatial analysis, open data can be particularly useful for creating maps and visualizing spatial patterns.
One type of open data that is particularly useful in mapping is voluntary geographic information (VGI). VGI is geographic information that is collected and shared by individuals, rather than by professional surveyors or mapping agencies. VGI can include data such as GPS tracks, photos, and text descriptions, and it can be used to create detailed, up-to-date maps of specific locations. More about VGI in Chapter II.
Using open data and VGI in high school education can help to make learning more engaging and relevant to students' lives. They can learn how to create maps that reflect real-world situations and problems, such as climate change, environmental degradation, or urbanization, and also develop important skills in data analysis, data visualization, and communication.
In addition, the use of open data and VGI can help to foster a culture of openness and collaboration among students, encouraging them to contribute to shared databases and to engage with broader communities of practitioners. This can help to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills, and can also help to prepare students for future careers in fields such as data science, environmental management, and urban planning.
There are many sources of open data and VGI that can be used in high school education. Here is a list the most popular of them:
OpenStreetMap is a global community-driven mapping project that provides free and editable maps of the world. The platform allows users to contribute data on streets, buildings, landmarks, and more, making it a valuable resource for learning about geography and mapping.
Natural Earth Data is a public domain map dataset that provides vector and raster maps at various scales and levels of detail.
World Bank Open Data provides access to a wealth of data on development, including data on education, health, poverty, and environment. These data can be used in classroom activities to help students understand global issues and how they can be addressed.
The European Union Open Data Portal provides access to a wide range of data from the European Union and its member states, including economic and social indicators, environmental data, and statistics on agriculture, transport, and energy.
Copernicus Open Access Hub is a European Union initiative that provides free and open access to a range of environmental data, including data on land, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and emergency management. This data can be used in classroom activities to teach students about environmental science, climate change, and natural disasters.
NASA Earth Observations provides access to a range of satellite data on the Earth's atmosphere, land surface, and oceans. These data can be used in classroom activities to help students understand topics such as climate change, natural disasters, and environmental monitoring.
UNICEF Data provides access to a range of data related to children and young people, including data on education, health, nutrition, and child protection. These data can be used in classroom activities to help students understand the challenges facing young people around the world.
Open data provides access to a wealth of information that can be used to create interactive and engaging educational materials. The concept of open data has also facilitated the rise of VGI, which allows for the collection of data by volunteers to create more detailed and accurate maps. By combining open data with open mapping, educators and students have a powerful set of tools at their disposal to explore complex geospatial concepts and engage in meaningful projects that address real-world problems. Let's take a look more in detail on the open mapping.
Open source philosophy is a set of principles and practices that promote the free and open distribution, access, and modification of software, data, and other forms of creative work. This philosophy is based on the belief that by sharing knowledge and resources openly, we can foster collaboration, innovation, and social good.
The term "open source" was originally coined in the context of software development, where it referred to software that is freely available to use, modify, and distribute, with the source code openly available for inspection and modification. However, the open source philosophy has since expanded to include other domains, such as data, education, government, and even art and culture.
In the next part, we will take a closer look at open source software, open data concepts and open mapping initiatives for use in high school education and how they can be used to enhance learning in this context.
Open mapping refers to the concept of using open source tools and open data to create and share maps. This approach is based on the principles of transparency, collaboration, and community participation, and allows for the creation of maps that are accessible, up-to-date, and relevant to the needs of various users. Open mapping initiatives often involve volunteer mapping, where individuals or groups contribute their time and expertise to create or update maps.
There are some differences between open mapping and voluntary mapping. Open mapping is a more general and a broader concept that encompasses a wide range of efforts to create and share geospatial data openly, while volunteer mapping is a specific type of mapping that relies on voluntary contributions from individuals or organizations. This can involve tasks such as digitizing and tagging satellite imagery, identifying features and land use from aerial photos, collecting data through ground surveys, and updating maps based on current events. Volunteer mapping initiatives often rely on open source mapping tools and platforms and can engage communities and individuals from all over the world.
The use of open mapping can have a significant impact in various fields such as disaster management, environmental conservation, urban planning, transportation, and social development, and can empower individuals and communities to take an active role in shaping their environments. One of the most popular open mapping projects that addresses these challenges is OpenStreetMap (OSM).
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project that aims to create a free and editable map of the world. The project was launched in 2004 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most detailed maps available, with over over 10 million registered users. Anyone can contribute to the project by adding or editing map data, and the resulting map can be used for a wide range of applications, from navigation to disaster response. The availability of open data and the collaborative nature of the project make it a valuable tool for education, allowing students to learn about geography, mapping, and collaboration in a real-world context. More about OSM in Chapter II.
Open source software is a type of computer software that is developed collaboratively and made freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. In recent years, open source software has become increasingly popular in high school education, as it provides teachers and students with access to powerful tools for learning and creativity without the high costs typically associated with proprietary software.
Open source software is particularly valuable in STEAM education, as it allows students to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of tools and technologies used in science, engineering, and mathematics. One of the main advantages of open source software is its flexibility and customizability. Teachers and students can modify and adapt open source software to suit their specific needs and interests, making it a valuable tool for project-based learning and exploration. Open source software also provides opportunities for students to collaborate on software development projects, improving their teamwork and communication skills.
Examples of open source software that are commonly used in high school education include:
LibreOffice: a free and open source office suite including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
GIMP: an image editing software similar to Adobe Photoshop
Inkscape: a vector graphics editor
Blender: a 3D modeling software
Audacity: an audio editing software
Open source software has become increasingly popular in the field of geospatial data analysis and mapping due to its flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. This allows for a collaborative and community-driven approach to geospatial concepts, which can be a valuable learning experience for students who want to explore the world of geospatial data.
Many open source geospatial tools are available for analyzing, visualizing, and managing geospatial data, providing opportunities for students to develop valuable skills in these areas. Here is a list some popular open source geospatial tools:
QGIS is a powerful free and open source cross-platform GIS software that provides a wide range of tools for data analysis, visualization, and mapping and it is widely used by professionals and educators alike.
GRASS GIS is another open source GIS software that provides a wide range of tools for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
GeoServer is an open source server software that allows users to share and publish geospatial data on the web, and is an excellent tool for creating interactive maps and web-based applications.
OpenLayers is an open source JavaScript library for displaying and manipulating maps on the web.
Leaflet is the leading open source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps.
PostGIS is a free and open source spatial database extender for PostgreSQL that enables advanced geospatial queries and analysis.
By using open source geospatial tools in high school education, students can learn important skills and knowledge that are relevant to various fields, such as geography, environmental science, urban planning, and more. Additionally, they can gain exposure to the principles of open source software and the benefits of collaborative knowledge sharing. Another reasons why open source geospatial tools are beneficial for high school education include:
Cost-effectiveness: Open source geospatial tools are free, which makes them accessible to schools with limited budgets.
Customizability: Open source geospatial tools can be customized and adapted to meet specific needs and learning objectives, which allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the classroom.
Openness and transparency: Open source geospatial tools are open for everyone to access, study, and modify. This encourages collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Real-world applicability: Many open source geospatial tools are used by professionals in the field, which means that students can gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-world situations.
Community support: Open source geospatial tools have active communities of users and developers who contribute to their development and provide support for new users.
In conclusion, open source software and geotools provide an accessible and cost-effective way to introduce high school students to the world of geospatial data analysis and mapping. This experience can be enhanced by the use of open data sources and voluntary geographic information (VGI), which provide real-world examples and opportunities for students to engage in meaningful mapping projects.