Joora Baek, Why am I taking this course and what I expect to learn from this course.

GEO280

Joora Baek

The reason I am taking the class, Introduction to Maps and Geospatial Technology, is that I think maps are ones of the most beautiful and useful inventions in the world; therefore, I want to know more about them. In addition, I wanted to improve my GIS skill that I learned in my freshman year from Introduction to Geographic Information System. Thanks to Dr. Scrivani and other class assistants who work at the Spatial Analysis Lab, I learned how to make maps and design maps that have useful information using GIS program. From that learning, I could see how the maps are related to our daily lives and how useful they are because I could figure out the special information in certain locations.

One day one my friends why am I majoring in Geography although there is no more need to develop maps. His question made me think about why do I want to major in Geography and why it is important to create more maps. Now I can answer him that there are needs to make and develop maps because people have not made a perfect map and there are always errors and distortion interpreting real world on a paper. And as the society requires more and more information, the role of maps is getting important in a variety of places and occasions. We need more specialized maps that include different information for different occasions.

In Introduction to GIS class, I learned how to interpret the environmental impacts on clear cuts in Virginia. I found it is interesting and it is used for many purposes to establish some policies and make decisions to use the lands. I want to know more about GIS and applying the skills in real life. From class GEOG 280, I am expecting that I can interpret maps and use the geographic data. I will get some useful information related to my major and future jobs while I am working on Geography major students, professors, and tutors. I wish I can continue studying Geography and find more interest in it. By working and cooperating with classmates, I will get to know the people who are interested in maps, visualization of information and geospatial technology. It will be a great opportunity to broaden my perspective and get to know each other through the course.

I also wish I can do a further research during the summer or winter break about the geospatial technology or an internship about National Parks in United States of America. If there is a chance, I would like to cooperate with some faculty member and students and study more about the topics. I believe it is always better to learn with people who have same interest so that I can develop myself more than when I study alone. I am aiming to extend my viewpoint towards the world and share experiences related to Geography and Environmental Studies with people who I may meet in this class.

Gahyun Lee says:

January 14, 2016 at 10:52 am

I don’t know much about maps and I never really thought about their usefulness until recently that I started driving. It is wonderful to see your passion for the subject and I look forward to sharing a class with you this semester!

Maggie says:

January 14, 2016 at 10:56 am

Hi Joora, this is a great explanation of why you’re taking Maps and Geovis. I like that you showed us how you struggled to answer your friend’s question about geography, and how you gave some real thought to the often-ignored role of maps in society. I hope you can learn more about GIS in this class and go on to achieve your future goals. It’s great to have you here in class!

Justin Madron says:

January 18, 2016 at 10:25 am

Hi, Joora–

Welcome to class! Glad to hear you have taken the Intro to GIS course with Professor Browne. It sounds like you have used GIS for a variety of research projects, which is great. I look forward to having your perspective in class and hope to expand your knowledge of mapping and web cartography.

Olivia says:

January 18, 2016 at 3:24 pm

Hi Joora!

I am excited to have another geography class with you! I totally agree with you that maps are becoming almost MORE relevant today since they are so easily shared and there is so much data that can be included (and of course NOT included). Hopefully we will be able to study and create some awesome projects!