Crisis Cartographers Teacher Guide CRISIS CARTOGRAPHERS
Teacher Facilitation Guide | HS Geography
Time Allotment 50 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Analyze how Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS are used in real-world crisis management (COVID-19 Case Study).
Apply geospatial concepts (Scale, Spatial Thinking, Change) to develop a tactical crisis response plan.
Evaluate which tools are most effective for specific data needs during a disaster.
Required Materials
Per Student
Crisis Toolbox T-Chart
Per Group
Scenario Prompts & Blueprint Template
Key Vocabulary
Remote Sensing
Data from a distance (satellites/drones).
GPS
Global Positioning System (Absolute location).
GIS
Geographic Info Systems (Data layering).
Pacing & Instructional Steps
05'
Warm-up: The Pandemic Pulse
Ask: "What maps did you see on the news during the pandemic?" Prompt for: Red dot maps, color-coded heat maps of countries, travel restriction maps. List these on the whiteboard.
15'
Video Case Study: COVID-19
Watch the COVID-19 section [7:57-10:20] . Students complete the Crisis Toolbox T-Chart. Pause at [9:27] to discuss the difference between GPS (location) and Remote Sensing (environmental change).
20'
Activity: Crisis Mapping Team
Split into groups of 3-4. Assign a Scenario Prompt. Groups must complete the Crisis Response Blueprint (their "Poster"). They must identify data needs for all 3 tools.
10'
Closure: Strategy Pitch & Extension
Closure (5 min):
Rapid-fire presentation. Groups explain: "The most important GIS layer we used was _____ because ____."
Extension (5 min):
Direct students to current disaster maps (e.g., California Fire Maps or USGS Earthquakes) to see these tools in live use.
Case Study Answer Key
Geospatial Tool COVID-19 Application (Information Gained) Spatial Thinking Tracking spread via red dots; analyzing scale (Local masks vs Global trade). Remote Sensing Satellite data showing Nitrogen Dioxide (pollution) drops in Europe during lockdowns. GPS Mapping exact locations of outbreaks and tracking movement of people/carriers. GIS Layering population density, hospital capacity, and age groups to allocate vaccines.
Crisis Cartographers Presentation Slides Geographer's Toolbox
CRISIS
CARTOGRAPHERS
Using Geospatial Technology to Save the World
Warm Up Brainstorm
"Think back to 2020-2021. What types of maps did you see on the news during the pandemic?"
Think about colors, dots, lines, and layers...
Case Study: COVID-19
Watch [7:57 - 10:20]
Embedded media
Your Task
Fill out your T-Chart as we watch. Look for:
CRISIS MAPPING TEAMS
Remote Sensing
What data do you need from above? (Heat, light, visuals)
GPS
What exact points or moving assets do you need to track?
GIS
What layers will you stack to see patterns and find solutions?
THE STRATEGY PITCH
"Your team has 60 seconds to convince the Global Relief Agency that your map-based plan will save the most lives."
1
The Threat
2
The Tech
3
The Layer
Crisis Toolbox T-Chart Worksheet Geographer's Toolbox: T-Chart
Case Study Analysis: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Student Name
Date
Geospatial Tool
Information Gained
Spatial Thinking
Analyzing location, arrangement, & scale.
Remote Sensing
Collecting data from a distance (satellites/drones).
GPS
Pinpointing absolute locations & tracking movement.
GIS
Layering different datasets to find patterns.
CRITICAL THINKING:
In the video, how did geographers use Scale to explain the spread of the virus differently at a local level vs. a global level?
Crisis Scenario Prompts Cards Emergency Task Cards
Top Secret: Crisis Cartographers Only
Scenario Alpha: Undead Protocol
A mysterious contagion has broken out in major metropolitan hubs. People are losing basic cognitive functions and becoming aggressive ("Zombies"). The virus spreads through physical contact.
Scale
Local (City Blocks) to Global (Air Travel).
Priority
Quarantine & Resource Delivery.
Your mission: Identify where to drop supplies and how to track the "horde" movement.
Scenario Beta: Black Tide
An offshore drilling rig has suffered a catastrophic failure in the Gulf. Thousands of barrels of crude oil are leaking into the ocean hourly, threatening wildlife and coastal economies.
Scale
Regional (Coastline) to National (Economy).
Priority
Containment & Wildlife Rescue.
Your mission: Map the slick's movement and identify which delicate habitats to protect first.
Scenario Gamma: Solar Flare
Extreme heat and wind have sparked a "Megafire" in a densely forested mountain region. The fire is moving faster than evacuation teams can keep up with, and smoke is blinding pilots.
Scale
Local (Wildland) to National (Air Quality).
Priority
Evacuation Routes & Heat Tracking.
Your mission: Find a way to "see" through the smoke and guide fire crews to safety.
Crisis Response Blueprint Template CRISIS RESPONSE BLUEPRINT
Tactical Mapping Strategy Document
Team Name / Unit
1. The Threat Assessment
Briefly describe the crisis you are managing and the scale of the threat.
Scale of Operation
LOCAL NATIONAL GLOBAL
Remote Sensing
What do you need to "see" from a distance?
GPS Tracking
What specific locations or movers must be pinned?
GIS Layering
List 3 layers you will stack to find a solution.
1
2
3
Map Sketch / Diagram
DOCUMENT REF: GEO-X-99
STATUS: TOP SECRET
