Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
names, and calculating time differences are all basic methods of globe reading.
However, it is probably more important to make it a habit to simply gaze with
curiosity at a globe.
8.5
Conclusion: Actions to Heighten the Social Usefulness
of Geography
Maps and globes not only improve people's cognitive space, but they are also cata-
lysts for change in one's image of the world and life. People who are adept at map
reading are also competent in responding to spatial issues and can navigate with
accuracy. For example, map reading heightens people's abilities to evacuate quickly
during emergencies, decide on optimal locations for a business or home, make
smooth and effi cient journeys, quickly discover spatial relationships between mul-
tiple phenomena, and perform numerous other spatial activities.
There are three types of regions in geography: formal, homogeneous, and nodal.
These are captured by by maps in different ways to communicate a theme. Some
examples include: the gradient of rental cost change from city to suburbs; decipher-
ing economics through theories such as Thünen's isolated state or Weber's indus-
trial location; land-use analysis or criminal profi ling using GIS. In the business
world or as a tool for solving issues, geography education offers a means to educate
people about the usefulness of maps.
What is needed in geography education is a textbook that communicates the
importance and relevance of maps to social decision making. Within the Japanese
context, display of themes such as disaster prevention and tourism on maps are
becoming necessary tools. In urban areas where fl ash fl oods from localized heavy
rain are becoming more frequent, if every resident developed a mental map of the
area (the ability to mentally picture a precise location, elevation, and sense of dis-
tance), it would be invaluable to approximate the time to evaluate and reach escape
routes. In such life-and-death situations, a vague spatial awareness is not adequate.
It is only when this level of socially useful knowledge is integrated with an accurate
sense of space and map-like awareness does it accumulate and become living and
working knowledge. In that sense, the more information can be used to form a men-
tal picture that is useful in society, the more valuable maps will be regarded.
Geography education is where the social usefulness of maps can be most enhanced,
which is especially important because of the stereotypes people have about geography.
The value of geography education is found in courses at the elementary, junior high and
senior high school levels, as well as in general education. These subjects come under
subject areas entitled Life Environment Studies, Social Studies, Geography and
History, and Geography (including descriptive regional geography), plus Geography
and History Education Methods. Maps are the principal tool of geography education
and of its knowledge content. Maps are also the learning materials that connect set
goals, methods, and learning content in teaching. Thus, the value of maps is not limited
to learning about Social Studies and Geography (Shimura
2010
).
