Digital Atlas of MARYLAND AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY Department of Geography and Environmental Systems Advanced Cartographic Design Class, Spring 2003 Thomas D. Rabenhorst, Director of Instructional Cartography MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION Marty Stephens - Executive Director Jeanne Mueller - Elementary Education Director Jamie Picardy - Secondary Education Director � 2003
INTRODUCTION
The Digital Atlas of Maryland Agriculture is a collection of 100 maps that provide a composite picture of Maryland agriculture. Part of the focus of the collection is the top commodities produced in Maryland - chickens, nursery/greenhouse industry, dairy cows and beef cattle, corn, soybeans, fruits and vegetables, eggs and wheat. The food processing industry is depicted with major steps in getting food from the farm to the table. Agriculture depends on climate, soil, transportation and growing seasons. Therefore, maps of these phenomena have also been included.
The atlas utilizes a variety of map types for displaying agricultural data as well as physical and human features. Student activity sheets and teacher guides accompany most maps and graphs. The maps provide material that can be used in elementary through high school classes.
VIEWING THE MAPS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THE ATLAS
Viewing Maps: The CD is designed to automatically load into your web browser for easy access to maps, student worksheets, and password protected answer sheets. All printable files are in an Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format. If you do not have a pdf reader, there are Windows and Mac readers on this CD that you can install. Quit your web browser and see folders Acrobat Reader for Windows or Acrobat Reader for Mac on this CD.
The atlas can be used to: � make geographic interpretations � make economic analyses � discover human and environmental relationships � compute geometric measurements � note historical changes � examine processing systems � promote critical thinking skills while making science, social, and spatial connections.
The atlas serves as a companion resource to the video, Take Me Out to the Cornfield which looks into the world of Maryland agriculture. The teaching guide that accompanies the video, makes cross curricular connections to the maps in the atlas.
Every effort has been made to represent data as accurately as possible. Most data is from the 1997 Census of Agriculture, Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service, US Department of Agriculture and the 2001 MASS Farm Receipts report. Statistical differences can occur, and as with any statistical data there are differences in how the material can be interpreted. Data sources accompany each map allowing data verification and the option for extended study of specific topics. For additional information or help in interpreting data visit www.nass.usda.gov.md. |