RW04 — Coordinate Plotting and Digital Site Mapping Using Google My Maps
Learning Objectives
- Organize point coordinates and descriptions in a structured table.
- Plot coordinate data in Google My Maps and organize meaningful map layers.
- Present a digital site map that preserves point identity and source information.
Activity Scope
Prepare assigned point data in a spreadsheet, verify coordinate format and point IDs, import the dataset into Google My Maps, symbolize and label points, organize control/detail information into appropriate layers, add required lines or polygons, and produce a readable exported or captured digital map.
Submission Requirement
Research Work is due on the next class meeting and is handwritten. Required coordinate tables, map exports, or screenshots may be printed and attached.
Placeholder Status
The final activity will specify coordinate format, required layers, symbology, map elements, and grading criteria.
RW04 — Required Data Tabulation
Use this structure as the minimum field or research data table. Add columns when the activity requires more detail.
The Google Sheet/CSV used for import should preserve unique point IDs and coordinate columns exactly. Include a screenshot or printout of the final layered My Maps output.
RW04 — Grading Rubric
Award points according to the evidence shown for each criterion.
| Criterion | Full-credit evidence | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate dataset | Point IDs, latitude/longitude values, descriptions, and spreadsheet structure are complete and import-ready. | 5 |
| Import and layer organization | Coordinates import correctly and features are grouped into logical, consistently named layers. | 4 |
| Digital map quality | Symbols, labels, lines/polygons, and layer visibility communicate the site clearly without clutter. | 4 |
| Data traceability and checking | Map points can be traced back to the source table and obvious coordinate/location errors are checked and corrected transparently. | 4 |
| Handwritten explanation | Workflow, observations, and conclusions are handwritten, legible, and supported by the required map printout/screenshot. | 3 |
| Total | 20 / 20 | |
Scoring guide: full credit for complete, technically correct, traceable evidence; reduce proportionally for minor errors, incomplete work, or weak documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Digital mapping begins with clean, consistently identified coordinate data.
- Map layers and labels should preserve the relationship between source coordinates and mapped features.