Field-based Geographic Education using Mobile Computers

Recent developments in mobile computing and wireless networking technology allow exciting new opportunities for geographic education. These technologies can provide the infrastructure for field-based laboratory exercises designed to teach principles of geographic information science. We believe that the placement of a student in the environment they are studying provides important feedback mechanisms which may increase their understanding of the natural environment and the methods by which we study that environment. This paper will demonstrate a field-based geographic education system currently in development in the Department of Geography at The University of Iowa. This mobile geographic education (MoGEO) system is comprised of a mesh of technologies including mobile computers (PDAs), global positioning devices (GPS), spatial databases, geographical information systems, and wireless network protocols. One of the most important features of the MoGEO system is the ability to determine the spatial, temporal and contextual situation of the students.