SpatialSTEM – Seminar, Workshop and Teaching Materials for Understanding Grid-based Map Analysis

…developing the underlying theory, practice and application of spatial data analysis and reasoning skills for college-level instruction in science, technology, engineering and math programs. by Joseph K. Berry Adjunct Faculty in Geosciences, Department of Geography, University of Denver Adjunct Faculty in Natural Resources, Colorado State University Principal, Berry and Associates // Spatial Information Systems Email: jberry@innovativegis.com — Website: www.innovativegis.com/basis/

Spatial Analysis and Statistics form a relatively new set of tools for quantitative analysis that cuts across a multitude of disciplines and applications. At its foundation is the perspective that “maps are numbers first and foremost, pictures later” and that there is a comprehensive “map-ematics” extending traditional mathematics and statistics as a means to better understand spatial patterns and relationships. These fundamental analysis tools build upon the STEM foundation in a manner analogous to statistics and matrix algebra as extensions to traditional mathematics at the turn of the last century. Click on the links below for information describing a seminar and workshop on map analysis concepts, considerations and procedures.

Paper, Seminar and Workshop Descriptions:

- 25 minute Paper Presentation – SpatialSTEM: A Mathematical/Statistical Framework for Understanding and Communicating Grid-based Map Analysis and Modeling briefly describes the primary considerations supporting the SpatialSTEM approach. (PowerPoint, Paper)

- 50 minute General Seminar – SpatialSTEM: A Mathematical Structure for Teaching Fundamental Concepts in Spatial Reasoning, Map Analysis and Modeling describes the idea of SpatialSTEM for teaching spatial reasoning, map analysis and modeling fundamentals within a mathematical/statistical framework that resonates with science, technology, engineering and math/stat communities. (PowerPoint, Paper)

- Four contact hour Workshop (4 sessions) – Making a Case for SpatialSTEM – Infusing Spatial Analysis and Statistics into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education at the College Level a workshop developing the underlying theory, practice and application of spatial data analysis and reasoning skills for college-level instructors in science, technology, engineering and math programs. Participants receive a copy of the instructor’s book Map Analysis: Understanding Spatial Relationships and Understanding, extensive set of links to online readings, PowerPoint slide sets, MapCalc Learner software, databases and example application models that they can “tweak” for use in their classes. All materials are royalty free and can be edited and freely disseminated.

- Front matter for workbook (Workbook section)

- Session 1 Overview of Map Analysis/Mapping (Workbook section, PowerPoint)

- Session 2 Data Structure and Analyzing Geographical Context (Math) (Workbook section, PowerPoint)

- Session 3 Analyzing Numerical Context (Stat) and Spatial Modeling (Workbook section, PowerPoint)

- Session 4 Future Directions of Map Analysis/Modeling (Workbook section, PowerPoint)

- Short paper for background reading (Workbook section)

- (Optional additional 4-hours) Hands-on Exercises and Lecture/Lab Materials Development (Workbook sections, PowerPoints)

Online Reading:

- A Math/Stat Framework for Grid-based Map Analysis and Modeling — Topic 30 in the Beyond Mapping III online book in the three-part compilation series of the Beyond Mapping columns published in GeoWorld since 1989.

- Making a Case for SpatialSTEM: Spatial Considerations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education — a 15-page white paper describing a framework for grid-based map analysis and modeling concepts and procedures as direct spatial extensions of traditional mathematics and statistics

- SpatialSTEM: Extending Traditional Mathematics and Statistics to Grid-based Map Analysis and Modeling — white paper describing an innovative approach for teaching map analysis and modeling fundamentals within a mathematical/statistical context

- Further SpatialSTEM Readings — a comprehensive appendix to the SpatialSTEM “extended readings” with URL links to over 125 additional readings on the grid-based map analysis/modeling concepts, terminology, considerations and procedures described in the papers on SpatialSTEM

- Math/Stat Classification of Spatial Analysis and Spatial Statistics Operations (MapCalc by Basis) — white paper listing MapCalc operations by traditional mathematics and statistics categories

- Math/Stat Classification of Spatial Analysis and Spatial Statistics Tools (Spatial Analyst by Esri) — white paper listing Spatial Analyst module operations by traditional mathematics and statistics categories

- Beyond Mapping Compilation Series — a compilation of nearly two hundred “Beyond Mapping” columns appearing in GeoWorld 1989 to 2013 organized into three online books.

- Online Papers — a listing of numerous online papers discussing Geotechnology issues and Map Analysis/Modeling concepts, procedures and practice. Of particular relevance is an 80-page chapter in the ASPRS Manual of Geographic Information Systems entitled GIS Modeling and Analysis.

- Royalty Free Teaching Materials — links to instructional materials to include lecture PowerPoints, readings, exercises and MapCalc software for grid-based map analysis and modeling supporting a variety of teaching environments

- GIS Modeling Course Materials by Joseph K. Berry, all of the supporting materials (PowerPoint, Software, Exercises, Exams, Projects) needed for an Upper Division/Graduate college course (2011)

About the Instructor: Joseph K. Berry is a leading consultant and educator in the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. He is the author of the popular books Beyond Mapping, Spatial Reasoning and Map Analysis, author of the Beyond Mapping column for GeoWorld magazine for over twenty years, and written over two hundred papers on the theory and application of map analysis and modeling techniques. Since 1976, he has presented college courses and professional workshops on geospatial technology to thousands of individuals from a wide ariety of disciplines. He holds a B.S. degree in forestry from the University of California, Berkeley, a M.S. in business management and a PhD emphasizing remote sensing and land use planning from Colorado State University.

For more information about these offerings and scheduling a seminar and/or workshop for your organization,

please contact the instructor at jberry@innovativegis.com.