Nov 19, 2018 GIS in Digital Storytelling: Antarctica – An Icy Expedition

By Justin Sorensen

GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) are utilized by many fields and industries throughout the world. To highlight some of these fields, our Map Monday releases for the 2018 Fall Semester will provide examples of ways GIS can be employed within the work performed by such professionals.

For this map release, we will look at an example of GIS in Digital Storytelling.

Antarctica – An Icy Expedition

Digital storytelling allows individuals to share stories or ideas using video, still images, audio, or other forms of non-physical media. As opposed to printed materials, digital storytelling takes place entirely within the digital realm, existing through electronic files that can be openly shared with individuals simultaneously around the world. An excellent example of this is the use of digital storytelling within online curriculum by instructors of various disciplines. By developing engaging videos, animations, and audio content, instructors can relay key concepts to their students remotely while engaging within a digital classroom environment.

This geospatial video is a demonstration of the incorporation of digital storytelling within online curriculum. A collaboration between the University of Utah’s Geography Department, the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, and the J. Willard Marriott Library, this example demonstrates how openly available programs (such as Google Earth) along with basic video / audio software can come together to share the story of an icy expedition to Antarctica.

When developing an example such as this, several geospatial processes are employed to depict the features being visualized within the map. These geospatial processes include:

• Google Earth: a program rendering 3D images of the Earth based on satellite imagery and 3D modeling.
• Video Capturing / Editing Software: various programs are available – for this project, Camtasia was used for final production.

About Map Monday from GIS Services:

Throughout the semester, GIS Services will release bi-weekly maps on a variety of topics, demonstrating ideas and uses for incorporating geospatial technology into research and projects you are developing. To view our collection of maps, projects, or to learn more about the geospatial services offered through the J. Willard Marriott Library, please visit the GIS Services website @ www.lib.utah.edu/services/geospatial

Happy Mapping!

Justin Sorensen | GIS Specialist
Creativity & Innovation Services / GIS Services
justin.sorensen@utah.edu