Mapping Your Schoolyard

Ecologists map research sites as a first step in documenting the living and non-living aspects of an ecosystem. The map also establishes the boundaries of the research site. You'll use your map for a variety of projects: showing your data collection locations; comparing features of your schoolyard to other schoolyards; and comparing changes to the schoolyard over time.

1. Obtain a preliminary map from your teacher

If an aerial photograph of your school is available, compare it to your map.

2. Ground verification

Make sure your preliminary map contains the major structures (buildings, parking lots, etc.) and vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.) at your school. You'll need to go outside and verify that the structures and vegetation included on the preliminary map still exist and whether new ones have been added.

For a detailed map, carefully measure the distance from known locations to new objects and then plot the new objects on your map.

You may decide to include the following information on your map:

Direction (usually north)
Human-made structures (sidewalks, playing fields)
Water sources
Topography
Traffic patterns of wildlife, people, and vehicles
Path of sun and wind exposure
Plant locations
Scale