Author/s: C. Hodgkinson, L. Wison, A. Filander
Publisher: Oxford University Press SA
Reviewed by: Colleen Macaskill
ISBN 13: 9780195984552

Over many decades, the subject Geography has moved from the old-fashioned list of capes and bays to the study of many aspects of the ever-increasing knowledge of the Earth and of the relationship between man and the environment. As the understanding of academic processes becomes more important, school textbooks become more sophisticated.

If there are reservations about the appropriateness of South Africa’s New Curriculum Statements (NCS), the CD, In Search of Mapwork, will quickly dispel them. The CD covers the main components of a Geographical Information System (GIS). It has been prepared to facilitate the work of teachers and learners as they seek to meet the requirements of the NCS. Used by a thoughtful teacher of the subject, it will extend the skills of pupils and bring to life many of the diverse matters that exercise the minds of the politicians and businesspeople, and that will be seen in media coverage every day. The examples chosen to illustrate the functioning of the GIS are both pertinent and thought-provoking.

The format that is followed has two sections for each of the three grades. First comes a tutorial on the “Functional Elements of a GIS”. This is followed by section on “Putting your knowledge into practice”. The work covered in each grade builds upon the skills and knowledge gained in the previous year. There are good revision exercises and explanations, and learners progress to advanced levels.

By the end of Grade 12, pupils will have an understanding of the specific processes involved in using the GIS, including data acquisition, the use of remote sensing information, pre-processing activities and requirements, as well as experience in actual data processing.

There is an interactive element to the CD that is not available in conventional textbooks. Material is presented in texts that are both visual and audio. The world is moving away from hard copy to electronically distributed and received products. This CD will be a valuable resource for the Geography teachers who have access to interactive whiteboards or other e-learning devices.

Link to online catalogue
In Search of Mapwork Grades 10 to 12