Use of high-frequency, high-definition topographic 3D data to develop
geographic thinking of students
Abstract
Various teaching methods including classroom lectures, physical
experiments, and field excursions are useful for students to learn and
understand the basic concepts of geography and earth sciences. However,
due to constraints in the current curriculum of geographic education in
Japanese schools, physical experiments and field excursions are rarely
conducted, and classroom lectures tend to focus on memorizing some
technical terms. This environment is not ideal for teaching processes
and mechanisms of geographic phenomena. High-frequency, high-definition
topographic data obtained using a TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanner) and
SfM-MVS photogrammetry with a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) have become
popular in geoscience. Those surveying approaches allow us to directly
monitor rapidly changing landforms, while we can also use the obtained
data to visualize geographic phenomena by various methods and materials
including 3D print models, 3D virtual models, pictures, videos, and
virtual/mixed reality. Here we explore the use of high-frequency,
high-definition topographic data for educating geographic thinking. We
arranged and conducted experimental teaching classes for elementary
school students. First, we showed two 3D print models of the same sea
cliff for years 2015 and 2017 constructed form high-definition
topographic data. When students touched the two models, they were able
to feel topographic changes due to erosion and sedimentation
effectively. Furthermore, after exploring the 3D print models, many
students were able to imagine how the sea cliff would change in the
future. Next, we showed two images of fluvial deposits along a river
segment in the area where the students live for July 2017 and September
2017. Then, they were able to imagine the transportation force of river
flow. They also understood that the river flows typically in quiet but
becomes powerful at high flow to move more sediment, and it might cause
a disaster. Such visualized and touchable learning materials derived
from high-frequency, high-definition topographic data enable students to
enhance their geographic imagination of landforms, which are familiar to
them but unexpectedly changing, at appropriate spatial and time scales.