Extension

Directing youth to a new path
Geospatial program educates 4-H youth about technology
By Rochelle Landwehr, Enid, Okla.

Global positioning systems keep automobiles in line and Oklahoma's youth on track for a successful future.

These systems are integrated into a geospatial program to introduce GPS technology to Oklahoma's 4-H youth and to involve them in their communities.

According to the Oklahoma 4-H program, the main objective for this project area is to "develop in-depth knowledge of career opportunities in precision agriculture and geospatial fields" in youth leaders. 

"Through the geospatial program, youth are given the chance to interact with others," said Jeff Sallee, assistant program specialist of Oklahoma 4-H.

The geospatial program uses GPS to create maps and educational programs for communities. Maps have been created for storm shelter locations, historical markers and illegal dump sites within communities using this system.

The geospatial program is active in 35 of Oklahoma's 77 counties, Sallee said. The program teams have at least five members, including an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service educator, a school teacher, and three or more youth leaders in the county. 

"School teachers in the program work the technology of global positioning systems into their curriculums to enhance the material and expand their subject matter," Sallee said.

Youth have the opportunity to work with their city and county officials and their conservation districts while choosing an issue, such as illegal dumping, for their project. Some projects in progress include water-quality issues in communities where flooding occurred in 2007.

"Teams of adults and youth use the global positioning systems to read the exact coordinates of a certain area, such as centennial buildings," Sallee said. "The youth create maps from the coordinates of these locations and give presentations to the citizens in the community, explaining what can be found there."

The youth use hand-held GPS units to pinpoint the coordinates of locations they wish to map for their community.

"The students' maps from these expeditions are carefully planned after the recording and input of coordinates from the GPS to computer software called Arcview, which is the industry-standard software of geographic information system map-making," said Samantha Ephgrave, McClain County 4-H extension educator.

The maps are then created, printed and distributed in the team's community to make citizens aware of the issue. Sallee said after the citizens are aware of the problem, they can do their part to help resolve the issue.

"I have gained the ability to read and use a GPS, make and read a map, and apply these skills to help my community," said Rylee Ellyson, Purcell 4-H member.

Using this system to map a lake, McClain County 4-H has helped many people in communities throughout the county.

"Our mapping of the lake added recreational value to a city park visited by nearly 8,000 people annually," Ephgrave said.

The McClain County 4-H geospatial team is planning to work with local residents and county officials to get an E-911 system in the county, which will impact its more than 31,000 residents.

"The project will involve collecting data for the E-911 system, such as rural fire hydrants, dry hydrants and bridge approaches, and coordinating rural addresses to driveways," Ephgrave said.

Funding and budgeting of the project is important because of the equipment needed to create a map with GPS.

"ESRI, a GIS mapping software company, offers a grant to programs that are bettering their communities by using this technology," Sallee said.

According to the ESRI, groups can receive software, online training and books to assist them with their mapping experiences.

The software enhances the youth's experiences in the program and teaches them the basics of the technological industry.

The 4-H youth gain skills and experience in service learning, in planning and goal setting, and in cooperation, Sallee said.

"4-H has given me a chance to learn about mapping and other activities in the geospatial program," said Jordan Rolin, Purcell 4-H member. "Many companies are using geo-mapping in their business, and we are a step ahead by learning now."

Youth learn the geography of Oklahoma and how it affects the issues in their communities.

"Besides increasing geographical awareness, geospatial technology projects provide youth with an opportunity to learn skills related to one of the quickest growing career sectors, giving them an edge for college programs and future job markets," Ephgrave said.

GPS and GIS career fields include computer analysts, cartogaphers, photogrammetrists and agricultural precision engineers.

"With the new technology of GPS-driven farm equipment in Precision Ag, engineers, mechanics and researchers have become a great need," Sallee said.

Advancing technology and the geospatial program allow 4-H youth to become active and help solve community problems.

"GPS plays a major role in the future of youth who are interested in science and technology and the future of their communities," Sallee said.
           
For more information, call or visit your county's Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service office.

Youth use various equipment to map locations. (Photo illustrations by Rochelle Landwehr)

Oklahoma youth analyze hand-held GPS units during a summer camp in southwestern Oklahoma. (Photo by Todd Johnson)