Create Your Own Map

Create your own map for the Science on a Sphere: Step-by-Step Directions

1) Download the "World SOS" image to your computer.

(Do not reduce the file size of the image. It is important that it is a high resolution image.)

2. Open your downloaded map in your favorite map program (below are recommended free programs)

Windows Users: Paint program - Open Paint by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Paint.
Mac Users: SeaShore - Download from http://seashore.sourceforge.net/

3. Ideas and data sources for map topics

Thematic Map of World Demographics: The CIA Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ is a great data source
Research and map the migration patterns of certain birds or sea animals
Show the locations of the the wonders of the world

This map can be used to show the most intimate data like the immigration of your family to the most global data like poverty levels in the world. This map can be used for one individual or for a class project. For a class, we can put these images into a slideshow. The possibilities of what this map can represent are up to your imagination.

4) Include a key. Ideally, the key will a separate image file, in order to include it on the Sphere as a "picture in picture".

Below is an example of a map key.

5) Write a short paragraph of explanation.

6) Cite all your sources.

7) There should be no spaces or special characters in the name of the map file.

Good file name: bluewhales.jpg
Bad file name: Jenni's Great Map!.jpg

8) Send the finished map file and key as attachments to info@nationalsurveyingmuseum.org.

9) Arrange a visit for your family, friends, teachers or organization to see your presentation of the finished map on the Science on a Sphere at The National Museum of Surveying!

Map created by elementary students from Payson-Seymour

Using the above directions Payson-Seymour elementary students created original maps for the Science on a Sphere!