Alien weed species can take advantage of a wide range of habitats. They can cause problems on a small scale, such as on school property, and within a much larger environment. Mapping the location and number of alien weed species is one method scientists use to track the spread of invasive plants.

To determine the effectiveness of weed management practices, scientists must know the location of weeds. Almost every weed management district in the country uses Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to map the location of weeds. Students may often assist in the weed-mapping process if they understand how to use and apply these technologies.

There are many opportunities available in the fields of GIS and GPS technology. There is a tremendous worldwide need to transfer geographical data from databases to computer-mapping software, and there is also a tremendous need to determine the best uses for the visual data after it has been created.

Lessons in this unit expose students to basic concepts in the following areas:

For teachers who wish to delve deeper into mapping and involve students in a statewide or national mapping project, see Resources near the end of each lesson for more information.

This unit includes the following lessons:

Drawing Sequence Maps – Introduces the abstract concept of mapmaking. Students will draw a pictorial map and learn to follow a route using a simple map.

Map Journeys – Expands students’ map skills. Students will learn to draw and use maps to locate objects.

Tracking Aliens in the Schoolyard – Helps students to refine their mapmaking skills and develop a sense of scale and heading by drawing a simple map of the schoolyard. Students will mark the locations of weeds on their maps.

The Marks on this Map are Alien! – Explains how to read topographic maps and examines three methods for determining the location of a site: township, range, and section; latitude and longitude; and UTM coordinates.

Introduction to GIS/GPS – Introduces the rudiments of GIS and GPS technology and explains the relationship between the two. Students will learn how to apply each technology to various situations.

Intermediate GIS – Familiarizes students with basic features and functions of ArcView GIS software. Students will learn about using ArcView to map weed data.

Intermediate GPS – Familiarizes students with basic features and functions of GPS receivers. Students will learn about uses for GPS data and GPS terminology.

Weed Mapping – Allows students to apply their weed identification, GIS, and GPS skills to an actual weed-mapping project. Students will partner with a government agency.