a space for teaching and learning mapping, GIS, and geospatial methods
Beyond Software & Code
Learning math is not the same as learning to use a calculator.
Learning geospatial and GIS technologies is no different. The resources collected here respond to a growing need for software-agnostic, contextualized, and concept-driven spatial pedagogies. Our goals and perspective are simple:
Maintaining a software-agnostic approach to teaching geospatial and GIS concepts and methods supports relevant and meaningful learning that is independent of changes in the products and apps available, regardless of which tools students have at their disposal.
Conceptually separating “learning applied GIS” from “learning GIS tools” recognizes that conflating the two is often the first (and fundamental) pedagogical barrier to deep and critical engagement with spatial logics, developing geographic insight, and learning how (where and when) to apply different approaches.
Skills Tutorials
“Software-agnostic” does not mean removing GIS software from GIS education.
On the contrary! We provide skills tutorials on multiple platforms and tools with a mind toward “concept-first” geospatial and mapping practice. To us, this means that keeping a set of flexible resources for the “hard skills” in your back pocket will open space for the harder questions of GIS methodology design, GIS/Geography theory, and cartographic communication.
Go to Software Skills Tutorials | See a Categorized List of All Tutorials here
About Mapping 101
The materials presented here are a continuous work-in-progress, compiled to support widespread teaching and learning of geographic information systems, critical geospatial methodology design, and cartographic practice. Much of the content and structure has been developed (from 2012 onward) within Leah Meisterlin’s courses at multiple colleges and universities. Beginning in early 2025, materials from these various courses were (and continue to be) updated and added to this site.
Mapping 101 is produced and maintained by Leah and Meisterlin Projects. For more, reach out at info@meisterlinprojects.com.