-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: raised relief maps
Date:   Mon, 7 Jan 2008 09:50:23 -0800
From:   Janet Collins <[log in to unmask]>
To:     <[log in to unmask]>



Hi,

We maintain a collection of raised relief maps and have found them
useful for:

1)  tours:
        a)  entry level "Map Reading and Analysis" courses (cover
concepts of vertical and horizontal exaggeration)
        b)  elementary school kids - they love tactile maps (I also pull
out braille maps, stick charts, etc)

2)  faculty lending:
        a)  one of our geology faculty members sometimes uses them in
teaching

3)  curriculum:
        a)  a number of years ago, we had a group of college students
who were interested in learning how to make them.

                One of our staff ended up mentoring about 6 students in
developing raised relief models.
                I've got some on display in the map library
        b)  one of the engineering technology classes working in
plastics developed a braille map of campus. Our
                raised relief maps were helpful in their planning.
        c)  local school teachers borrow them to use in their class as
part of having their students make raised relief maps.

4)  display:
        a)  we have a 4 ft by 5 ft raised relief model of the nearby Mt.
Baker region on permanent loan from the U.S.
                Forest  (they purchased a newer one).  It is a magnet to
patrons walking through the front door.


We store them in a cabinet hanging from rods and they are not listed in
the catalog.

I agree with April, "They are a bit of a luxury, but a really wonderful
one!"


Cheers and Happy New Year,
Janet
Huxley Map Library
Western Washington Univ.