This week, we have been living in Rossland, BC. We have visited Trail and Nelson. The families have been enjoying the skiing on Red Mountain.
With the car rental, we have been introduced to the wonders of GoogleMaps, and the use of a cell phone to obtain shortest path and directions to these mountain communities.
Certainly, it feels as if I am operating in a different technological age. Wanting to stop at the gas station, to purchase a paper map.
The new technology offers three dimensional imagery of the mountain landscape (for skiing and mountain biking). It provides feedback on road conditions (e.g. congestion).
The end result is that my grandchildren have access to an online GIS/GPS, as we navigate the landscape.
When exactly did this happen?
How does someone who studied Geography in the 1960’s adapt to the technology of 2024? Slowly.
What is the impact of current technology on teaching GIS?
In our travels, I have checked out a couple of bookstores. At Otter Books, Nelson, I found Roger Lewis’, ‘Identity Matters’. At Gold Rush Bookstore, Rossland, I found Jane Goodall’s, ‘The Book of Hope’.
The new Geography is very ‘person-centric’.
Postscript.
This afternoon, we left Rossland early because of a pending snow storm. We enjoyed the drive through Grand Forks, Osoyoos, Penticton; finally, back to Kelowna. En route, we enjoyed the sight of the hoodoos, as well as, the orchards and vineyards throughout the Okanagan valley.
Acknowledgements
Andrew, my son, has been mentoring my learning on the iPhone, GoogleMaps and messaging. Heather is sharing the experience: ups and downs. Edward has added his original cartoons and links.
References
Roger C. Lewis, 2017, Identity Matters, Noveletta Imprint.
Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams, 2021, The Book of Hope, Caledonian Books.
Ernest Blair Experiment 