Scott, G. R. (2001). Historic trail map of the Trinidad 1° x 2° quadrangle, Southern Colorado (Geologic Investigations Series I-2745, p. 68) [Pamphlet]. United States Geological Survey. https://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/2745/report.pdf
STEM Connection: Cartography, Scale, and Spatial Reasoning as Early GIS
This collection of historical maps and geologic documents allows educators to introduce students to the foundational principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using analog tools and data sources. Long before satellite mapping, printed maps functioned as layered databases, each line, label, and contour capturing spatial, political, and environmental data critical to understanding the world.
Mathematics & Scale: Historical maps are perfect tools for teaching mathematical concepts like scale, ratio, and measurement. Students can calculate real-world distances using scale bars and compare the accuracy of different maps. You might challenge them to convert historical distances into modern measurements (e.g., miles to kilometers), estimate walking travel time between neighborhoods, or overlay 19th-century layouts on current street maps to observe urban growth.
Earth Science & Topography: The USGS map of Southern Colorado (Scott, 2001) is a gateway to discussing geologic formations, land use, and environmental changes. Students can explore how trail routes followed geographic features like ridges or rivers and evaluate the environmental consequences of historical pathways. Layering modern climate and soil data over these trail maps can support deeper analysis of human-environment interaction.
GIS Foundations & Spatial Thinking: By comparing 1853 New York maps to contemporary maps or GIS databases, students can see how spatial data was visualized, stored, and used before computers. This builds appreciation for today’s GPS and satellite systems while anchoring learning in hands-on activities. Lessons can include scanning and georeferencing historic maps into free GIS tools (like QGIS), or manually recreating neighborhood grids using graph paper and coordinate systems.
Cross-Curricular Applications: Central Park’s planning, featured in the antique print, opens conversations about urban ecology, civil engineering, and public health. Designed with principles of air flow, recreation, and nature preservation in mind, Central Park was an early experiment in engineered green space. Students might analyze its original design goals, model the park’s dimensions, or debate how the design compares to modern ideas of environmental sustainability.
In sum, these materials provide powerful platforms for integrating geography, mathematics, environmental science, history, and technology—all through the lens of maps as both tools and texts.
Note: All maps used in the novel are listed in a separate section on the navigation bar.