A NEW GEOGRAPHY FROM SPACE

In cooperation with the European Space Agency, the “Geography from Space”, a Satellite Image Atlas for secondary schools has been developed. The atlas bridges the gap between the classroom and space technology and earth observation, adapted to the use from the 5th to the 12th grade. Based on satellite images, it is an ideal supplement to classical school atlases. A wide variety of examples and analyses give an impression of the state and of the development of our globe. Issues that are currently in the focus of interest such as climate change are treated in a wealth of maps.
A Teachers' Handbook accompanies the ESA School Atlas with texts and material to support teachers in the use of the Atlas in the classroom. Descriptions of the satellite images and the thematic maps help to optimise the information transfer of the maps, providing the basis for numerous suggestions of questions and exercises to creatively develop geographical knowledge. Two DVD-ROMs contain the pages of the ESA School Atlas, satellite data, image processing software and descriptions. The datasets in form of original data and thematic vector data can be processed and evaluated to derive new maps. Working with the exercises on the DVD-ROMs a step-by-step ap-proach to the methods and potential of satellite remote sensing is possible, furthermore an inter-connection with Eduspace, the e-learning platform of ESA is in work.
The paper describes the specific properties of this atlas and provides information on the use and the advantages of this new dimension of education in geography.