New Features!

Hi folks, we’ve added 2 new features to the service.

(NOTE: These enhancements can ONLY be done by the primary contact (i.e. the teacher who originally signed up) at the school who has the ‘PIN’ code.)

Firstly you now have the ability to customise the banner at the top of your screen, so you can personalise your version of the service.

Secondly, you can also turn ‘on’ and ‘off’ the ‘Saved maps’ functionality.  Some teachers may have concerns about pupils being able to see each other maps so we have now put it at the discretion of you as teachers.

 

 

Simply click the drop down menu on the top right of the screen, enter your PIN and then you can change the sub-header to the name of your school and turn ‘on’ or ‘off’ the ‘Saved Maps’ section.

 

2000+ Primary Schools!

Today was a big day here at Digimap for Schools……We just had our 2000th Primary School subscribe!
 
Changes in the OFSTED Inspection Framework for Primary Schools has undoubtedly had an impact on the rise in numbers over the past few months.
 
We do NOT take this support and rise in the number of schools lightly! We’re working incredibly hard to introduce new features to help Primary Schools deliver the National Curriculum!
 
Things we’ve done since November include:
– Added global mapping
– A brand new user friendly interface
– Major lines of longitude and latitude
– Time Zones
– Better Printing for maps
 
We have lots more in the pipeline to help as well!

Using maps to look at the potential impact of Flybe’s demise

This morning we learned that Flybe had gone into administration. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all staff and businesses that are directly and indirectly effected.

Digimap for Schools has been a regular user of their flights for many years and often allowed us to get to some of the more remote parts of the country in a timely and hassle free manner.

I spent some time this morning mapping the flybe hubs and the major International airports of the UK to see what the likely impact and areas most effected will be. Its the more remote areas like Devon and Cornwall and the Highlands and Islands who will likely feel the impact most…

Strange Timezones!

As you may have gathered, we recently added Timezones to our service (you can turn them on and off anytime you wish). Most people are aware of timezones and that parts of Europe are 1 or 2 hours ahead and the USA is generally 5-8 hours behind…
 
BUT did you know that India is 5hr 30 mins hours ahead of us! AND there’s a small part of Australia thats 8hr 45mins hours ahead!
 
This video is really interesting and explains why we have timezones and even why some of them seem a little strange…
 
https://youtu.be/uW6QqcmCfm8

Click here to view the embedded video.

#NationalStorytellingWeek2020

This week is National Story Telling Week and we wanted to take the opportunity to show some examples of how stories can be brought to life using maps.

Our first story is that of Charles Darwin and the voyage of the Beagle.  The Beagle sailed in December 1831 until its return in October 1836.  Charles Darwin was onboard and made notes on species which hinted at the fixity of species.  Upon his return he developed his theories on evolution through common descent and natural selection.  The map below brings to life the voyage that helped shape these theories.

We demonstrated how Digimap for Schools can be used to recount the story of an historic event. The historic event described was the sinking of HMS Iolaire near Stornoway on the 1st January 1919 with the loss of 205 local men returning from WWI, one of the worst maritime disasters in UK waters during the 20th century.

The example below uses Digimap for Schools to map a timeline of the tragic events on the night of the sinking of HMS Iolaire.

 

What is Geo-spatial data

This is a great tweet, highlighting the range of industries that geo-spatial data is used in.

Digimap for Schools was established with this goal in mind… to expose children to geo-spatial data at a young age so they could start developing these skills. These skills are becoming increasingly in demand as well! #nevertooyoungtostart #startmappingsearly

https://twitter.com/cabinetoffic…/status/1217874312260214785