Geographic interpretation: The role of spatial knowledge in the interpretation of natural resources

Abstract

Geographic Interpretation: The Role of Spatial Knowledge in the Interpretation of Natural Resources Heidi Bailey A surge of interest in geographic information has stemmed from the recent proliferation of Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, and web-based tools such as Google Earth. This growing interest in geographic information has many implications for natural resource interpretation. Visitor centers and interpretive centers have long been sources of geographic information-providing maps and exhibits depicting a site or region. Such displays come in all shapes and sizes and in a variety of media, including maps, models, projections, animations and dioramas. Yet missing from the field of interpretation is research on the effectiveness of these tools in conveying geographic information to visitors.