GRCI Geography: Connecting People and the Environment
Interactions in the Physical Environment Summative Assignment:
GIS – Map of Canada’s National Parks – Created Using Arc Map 10
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Learning Goals:
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“I can create a map of Canada using GIS and indicate the location of some of
Canada’s National Parks. I understand the importance of the National Park
System in Canada.”
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“I can describe various characteristics of the natural environment and spatial
distribution of physical features across Canada
What to submit:
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Assignment Details:
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Printed map
Map Rubric
References
You will create an annotated map indicating the location of six
national parks in Canada (one in each natural region). You will then investigate and
annotate one park of your choice by creating a sense of place (What is where? Why
there? Why care?) You will find pictures that represent your park and paste them on
your final map.
Due Date : _______________________________________________
Part 1: Creating a Map of Canada’s National Parks in GIS.
Creating your Map!!!
A. Getting Started
From your desktop class folder, drag and drop the yellow GIS Data folder onto
your desktop. Now open the ArcGIS folder and open ArcMap
1. Choose A new empty map  click OK
2. Maximize the screen
B. Adding Data Files
3. Click on the Add Data button
4. Click on the Connect to Folder icon (yellow folder with the plus sign)
5. Click Desktop. Click on GIS Data Folder. Click OK.
6. Hold down the control button to multi-select data files and select these files:
Select natlpark.sdc; lakes.sdc and province.sdc  click on Add
7. Save your document. The three layers will open and you will see a list on the left
of the screen  drag and drop national parks to the top of the list, followed by
lakes, so they show up on your map
8. Change your legend colours and add a label next to the symbol. To change colour:
Double Click on the layer symbol  select an appropriate colour (i.e. Water is
GRCI Geography: Connecting People and the Environment
always blue)  Click OK. To add a label next to the symbol: Right click on the
layer name  Click Properties  Under Symbology tab, go to Legend and type in
an appropriate label (i.e. natlpark = National Parks)). Repeat steps for all layers.
TASK 2: LABELLING PARKS
9. You must choose to label SIX national parks that represent Canada’s Natural
Regions. Each natural region in Canada has at least one national park.
10. You should remember how to label from the last GIS lab. Use the label tool
(found in the bottom left corner under the A and looks like a price tag).
11. Once you have labelled your park, click on the label and add the natural region
name below it. For example: Bruce Peninsula, Mixed Wood Plains.
**Use Find icon (
binoculars) under Tools toolbar to search for a specific park.
Type in park name  Click
TASK 3: FEATURES AND ANNOTATION
12.
You now must choose one national park (of the ones you selected above)
to annotate. An annotation is a short paragraph that gives the reader
information about the national park. Write your annotation in MS WORD and
then copy it and paste it on your map. Use an arrow to show its exacts location.
Your annotation must include written information, as well as pictures:
1) What is where: name of park, when park was established, activities in the
park
2) Why there? Landforms, climate, vegetation, soil, wildlife, resources
3) Why care? Issues in the park? Human activities, species, what is the park
intended for?
4) Find a picture(s) that represent what your park is like. Copy and paste
these on your Layout View (below). Be sure to add a caption.
5) References. See the reference guide for details.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Once your map is labelled, you will go to the layout view screen to add all
mapping essential features such as a title, legend, north arrow, scale, etc.
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Layout View – go to the View menu (at the top)  choose layout view
Landscape – go to the file menu  choose Page and Print setup  click on
Landscape  click OK
Use the handlebars to resize your map to fit the page  REMEMBER to leave
room for a title, legend, border, north arrow, scale, name and date.
Use the Insert menu to complete your map.
Paste your pictures on this screen. And format them as needed. Add captions.
Do your Final Save!!! (see above)
Print Preview your map before printing.
GRCI Geography: Connecting People and the Environment
Rubric
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application: ability
to locate & label
features
Effectiveness
of
Bibliography
and citations
Accuracy of Annotation of Selected
map
Communication: overall effort and
effect. Legibility and colour.
Knowledge, application,
communication: mapping guidelines
followed
Inquiry,
Success Level 1
Criteria
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Mark
Student has not
correctly labelled many
parks, or locations do
not match natural
region
Student has correctly
labelled most parks, or
most locations match
natural region
Student has correctly
labelled most parks, and
most locations match
natural region
Student has correctly
labelled and accurately
located all parks and
natural regions
/4
Student has not
followed mapping
guidelines in many
instances, including
labelling, border,
legend, scale and title
Student followed some
mapping guidelines for
labelling, border, legend,
scale and title
Student followed most
mapping guidelines for
labelling, border, legend,
scale and title
Student followed all
mapping guidelines for
labelling, border, legend,
scale and title
/8
Although some
guidelines have been
met, more attention to
proper mapping
techniques and
cartographic guidelines is
needed
Only a few small
cartographic errors exist
such as: ___________
Title accurately reflects
the map and answers the
three w’s and is
underlined.
Review of cartographic
guidelines is necessary
for success
Overall appeal of map
is weak.
Map is hard to read,
or is at an
unacceptable level
Suitable pictures are
not included
Annotation is
incomplete or
ineffective. Student
has not put
information in their
own words.
Student has described
little detail related to
creating a sense of
place (what is where,
why there, why care)
with little accuracy
Reference list contains
few credible sources
and format is incorrect
Map is somewhat
appealing, but more
attention to detail is
needed.
Map is hard to read
and/or is ineffective at
times
A suitable picture may be
included
Annotation is somewhat
complete or effective
Student has somewhat
described specific details
related to creating a
sense of place (what is
where, why there, why
care) with some accuracy
Legend has been
constructed with precision
Map is appealing.
Attention to detail is
evident.
Map is easy to read and
labels are appropriate.
A suitable picture is
included with an accurate
caption
Annotation is
considerable complete
and effective
Student has described
specific details related to
creating a sense of place
(what is where, why there,
why care) with accuracy
Map is free from
cartographic error
Great attention to detail is
evident.
/4
All labels are legible, and
appealing. Font chosen is
appropriate and
consistent.
Excellent, suitable
pictures are included with
a descriptive caption.
Overall effect is excellent
Annotation is thoroughly
complete and highly
effective.
.
/8
Student has thoroughly
described specific details
related to creating a sense
of place (what is where,
why there, why care) with
great accuracy
No errors present
Reference list contains
some credible sources
and format is correct
Reference list contains
credible sources and
format is correct (APA)
Reference list contains
many credible sources
and format is highly
effective (APA)
All sources listed are
excellent choices
What
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to submit:
Printed map
Map Rubric
References
/4
GRCI Geography: Connecting People and the Environment