INCORPORATING GOOGLE EARTH AND FREE IMAGE PROCESSING SOFTWARE INTO GEOMORPHOLOGY LABS

The Internet provides several resources invaluable to any Geomorphology lab where supplies are scarce and space is at a premium. Colleges may require that incoming freshmen have laptop computers, but students are rarely presented with the opportunity to use them in the classroom. Software such as Google Earth, NIH Image, and NeoOffice are free and powerful programs that are easily incorporated into Geomorphology laboratory and classroom exercises. Access to satellite imagery and topographic maps through Google Earth and DDS Mapfinder replaces the need for paper maps and air photos, which can often be limited in variety and quantity, and require much needed space for storage.

Topographic maps for the entire U.S. are freely available from Mapfinder and can be layered over the Google Earth satellite imagery. The ability to change layer transparency and toggle between images facilitates students' ability to visualize topography and make observations. In addition, Google Earth provides length measurement tools that enable the measurement of various landform parameters and data collection for topographic profiles and morphometric analyses. Images and their overlays can be save and imported to NIH ImageJ where other measurements not available in Google Earth can be made. NeoOffice (mac) and OpenOffice(pc) are free open source software packages that provide students with word processing, spreadsheet and charting capabilities for report writing and analytical work. Instructors can easily build KLM or KZM files, containing placemark locations, profile lines, maps, photos, hyperlinks, commentaries and questions that can be used in geotours, laboratory or classroom exercises, and even exams.

Although the initial learning curve may be steep for an introductory course, student soon develop the ability to explore landscapes, make interpretation, and develop skills that are easily transported to upper level courses. In addition they develop an interest and have the ability to explore and measure an unlimited range of landscapes and features.