Green Maps, a Gold Mine
Let's go visit a web site I ran into while searching for something else that I forgot about as soon as I ran into this site. Here's the text from the opening page at Green Map. I like maps, so this sounds like it's worth a visit. This site is a good example of why you shouldn't judge a web site by its cover page. If you did, you'd probably miss a gold mine of information and ideas buried in the pages within the site. Map lovers and teachers who want ideas for hands-on learning projects of all kinds, this site's for you!
"The Green Map System is a globally connected, locally adaptable framework for community sustainability. Green Maps utilize Green Map Icons to chart the sites of environmental significance in urban places around the world. Each is created locally in a unique way, and our Mapmakers are of all ages and backgrounds. See all the Green Maps and read the latest News at this website in English and Spanish. Find out about our organization, and our collaborative effort to cultivate the interconnections between nature and culture through Green Maps."
O.K. I give up. What the heck is this about? What is a "globally connected, locally adaptable framework for sustainability"? Great jargon. Means little. Fodder for my class in which we often display printed material of the "what the heck does this mean?" variety.
The second line tells us this is something about using icons "to chart" (I assume this means identify on a map) "sites of environmental significance in urban places." What could this mean? A park? A river? A quarter-acre swamp? A big old tree?
Read the last line. I italicized the part that confuses me. What means "to cultivate the interconnections between nature and culture"? (Yes, I wrote that sentence the way I wanted to.)
O.K. I'll bite. Let's click on an icon for "Green Maps." I find out there are 28 published maps, 106 green map projects, and mapmakers in 32 countries.
More text. Good. Maybe things will clear up. I like maps.
"Historically, maps are powerful tools -- universally understood and resource efficient, artfully leading us to new discoveries as they reshape our perspective on the space around us." That's why I like good maps. I also like them because they make good historical records. Real old map makers from the days of Chris Columbus embellished their maps with dragons and serpents and scroll work. You can't find maps like those anymore, although you can buy great maps from The National Geographic Society.
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