Exploring the World through Google Earth Geography 1100 – Summer

Final Project Instructions
For this project you will need to find one or more Google Earth datasets online that relate to a topic within the primary themes of the class: geography and human-environment interaction. You must include at least one dataset in your project that was not used in the lab assignments. You can also create your own datasets, such as placemarks, polygons, lines, overlays, and other features that display data and are stored in a KMZ format. You will submit to Canvas a proposal statement on your selected topic and datasets by Thursday, 4 June. Topics are on a “first come, first served” basis; if you select a topic that is the same or too similar to a dataset that someone else is using for their project, you may be required to choose another topic. If you have difficulty selecting a topic or finding a dataset, please consult with the instructor.
The proposal statement needs to briefly describe what topic you have selected, why you have selected the topic (what is your interest in this topic for your project), and list some datasets that you would like to use in your project. If you plan to create your own datasets for the project, please state that in the proposal statement, as well. The statement should be about half of a page in length with the following formatting: Times New Roman font, size 12, single spaced with 1” margins. The proposal statement is due on Canvas by Thursday, 4 June.
Your final project should include your dataset(s) along with additional placemarks that provide important information about the topic and dataset(s) you have selected. The final project will be submitted as two parts, similar to the labs: a short report as a Word document, and one or more KMZ files with your dataset(s) and your report placemarks. The final project is due on Canvas on Tuesday, 23 June before class starts.
The report will contain the following:
1. Introduction
One paragraph describing the topic you have selected for your final project.
2. Data
One or more paragraphs describing the dataset(s) you selected for your project, and where you obtained your data.
3. Discussion
One or more paragraphs describing what you have learned from the data as it relates to your topic.
The placemarks you make in your KMZ file will contain the following:
1. Describe what your placemark represents in your data.
2. Describe why you have selected the location of the placemark.
3. Describe how your placemark relates to your other placemarks.
4. Describe how your placemark relates to your topic.
You will also give a short presentation to the class (no more than 5 minutes). Please create a short PowerPoint presentation and select interesting images to include in your presentation to help you discuss the following:
1. What your topic is.
2. Why you selected your topic.
3. Interesting things you found while working on your project.
4. How your topic relates to the themes of the class.
You will NOT need to submit your PowerPoint presentation as part of your final project; only your report and your KMZ file(s) need to be submitted.
The project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Is the topic relevant to the themes of geography and human-environment interaction?
2. Do the placemarks contain the information necessary to understand the topic and dataset(s)?
3. Do the placemarks describe the important features of the dataset(s)?
4. Does the report clearly describe the topic and how the selected dataset(s) relate to the topic?
5. Does the presentation clearly discuss the project?
Final project files are due on Tuesday, 23 June before class starts. Points will be deducted from the final project if submitted late. You will give your presentation to the class on the day that the project is due.