Author(s):
Matt S Paskus* - Western Washington University
Abstract:
viaTime was developed in order to teach students not only about distance, time, and geographical locations, but how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be tailored to meet a child's creativity and imagination.
Google Earth (GE) provides a conduit for collaborative, imagination, research, and creativity. The open platform that GE provides, allows developers to reach geography students by offering new and exciting ways of presenting data. Geographic data can be tailored in various formats geared towards any specific industry. The application viaTime offers a unique perspective into the transportation industry by allowing students to create their own airline by opening doors into the world of geography and transportation.
viaTime creates an imaginary world that overlays the real world and transforms time zones, speed, distance, latitudes and longitudes into a world of learning. viaTime offers an easy to use interface that offers anyone within our global community to create an imaginary airline that may reflect not only their ability to learn but how they share their creativity and culture.
viaTime merges various disciplines of GIS by blending network analysis, geoprocessing, spatial analysis, and geo-referencing into an educational tool that is both online and easy to use.
The world of air travel has created visions of discovery, adventure, while promoting advancements in technology and engineering. viaTime allows students to create their own world and essentially share their world with others while gaining an interest in both technology and geography.
