The goal of Mapping is to put mapping tools, from sextants to software, in the hands of visitors and let them explore the science and technology of mapping. From compasses to Google Earth, Mapping will show the developments in map making and the diversity of data that can be incorporated. Mapping will showcase a myriad of maps, such as; digital, printed, relief, overlays, topographical and many others. It will also explore the tools and techniques associated with mapping spanning from surveying to satellite. Ultimately, this exhibition will enable visitors to develop a deeper insight of how multifaceted the science of mapping is. Mapping is designed to be hands-on, encouraging engagement from our visitors and enabling them to experience the thrill of making discoveries.

The Discovery Center and their talented exhibits crew have created, in-house, over 20 exhibits for Mapping that follow our successful model as fully interactive and hands-on exhibits. This new Mapping exhibition will appeal to all ages, from pre-schoolers helping to build a 16 foot long puzzle map of Idaho, to teens and adults finding places of interest on Google Earth stations. Google Earth then lets the exhibit user explore a satellite image of the point of interest from almost every angle and perspective imaginable.

As in the photo above, exhibits can provide information and interactions as simple as using flat maps versus globe maps to show the shortest distance between two locations, or as complex as how to use a sextant, in the photo below, that has been a key navigational tool of ancient up to modern mariners.

So, how does a sextant work?

Come on in to the Discovery Center to find out! Our exhibit allows the user to take all of the same steps, like those made by ancient mariners, to determine their position on the globe, and to plot that position on a map. As old an innovation as the sextant is, it has the accuracy to track a position and course within a couple of kilometers of the exact location on the globe. Of course, the accuracy of ancient maps had a lot to do with determining where you might be in the world.

Even with all of the satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) tools available today, the sextant still has a place.

The children will love crawling on their hands and knees to assemble our 16 foot by 11 foot puzzle of the map of Idaho. Created as a giant jigsaw puzzle, the map will show children in great detail all of the topography of our great and diverse state.

These are just a few examples of what Mapping has to offer! Other exhibits include: Google Earth; making a relief (topography) of your face; learning how surveyors practice their craft; finding out more about your local Idaho ecosystems; viewing flat aerial maps in 3D, and many others. The Mapping exhibit will be running until June 8th, so don't miss the opportunity to bring in the entire family and see how mapping has become such a big part of our every day lives.