ArcGIS Online for Teaching

Resource for course coordinators and teaching academics working with SAL

Request GEOUOW.Maps for Teaching

Analysis Tools
Description of the tools available in ArcGIS Online for Organisations

Home Page Screen shot

ArcGIS Online is a WebMapping platform, not a “full GIS”. SAL manages a secure instance (GEOUOW.Maps) that can host custom maps and apps for use in coursework practicals’. Web-based geospatial tools offer both advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you are trying to achieve with your coursework students. In broad strokes, these can be summarised as:

Reasons to consider GEOUOW.Maps :

  • provides a flexible teaching tool for practical work in a COVID-19 world
  • no special software to install
  • works on all operating systems
  • easier for new and applied users – smaller range of tools available from the interface
  • helps students focus on learning outcomes rather than troubleshooting technology in a WFH/lockdown environment
  • students can work together in assigned groups and/or share results with the class

Reasons NOT to use GEOUOW.Maps :

  • restricted range of tools available
  • requires data sets to be smaller and in specific formats – restrictive file type and file size (both # of features & size on disk) compared to desktop GIS software
  • only works with an internet connection
  • must be configured in advance – has a development “lead time” that could be days or weeks, depending on your teaching needs

Using GEOUOW.Maps for teaching is creating a custom solution to meet your subjects learning objectives so contact SAL Support if you would like more information on how to get started!

This is not an official UOW social media page and is in no way associated with or endorsed by the University of Wollongong

UOW Acknowledgement of Country flame tree
artist: Samantha Hill