Abstract
Introducing GIS: How Livable is your suburb?
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Author
Melbourne has been voted as one of the world’s most livable cities, but what about its’ suburbs?
Explore the characteristics of Melbourne’s urban environment through a study of the livability of its suburbs. Commissioned for ‘The Age’ newspaper, the study of livability focused on the characteristics of place. Suburbs were assessed for their access to the coast, proximity to the CBD, access to public transport, schools, shopping facilities, culture and open space, as well as the presence of congested roads and crime levels. Delivered with a simple ranking system the data was ripe for a GIS exercise.
Developed initially for the classroom, the activity has been used to engage teachers and students in Victoria with the basic principles of GIS. Progress on the introduction of the activity to Geography teachers and its evaluation by them and their students will be outlined.
Patricia Beeson
Teaching GIS
13, Byways Drive
Ringwood East
Melbourne, Vic 3135
Australia
Phone: +61 (0)3 9870 0852
E-mail: pabeeson@bigpond.net.au