Description of Dynamic Digital Maps, Links to the Revolution Open Source DDM-Template, DDM-Cookbook and Learning Documents, and to Selected DDMs, and Associated Geologic Exercises Digital Maps Digital Geologic Maps

Dynamic Digital Maps - Download Links to the DDM-Template, Cookbook, Learning Documents, Selected DDMs, and Associated Geologic Exercises
Christopher D. Condit
Department of Geosciences - University of Massachusetts-Amherst
National Science Foundation - Grant # DUE-CCLI-0127331 2002-2006
Space down to DDM download links.

Description of a Dynamic Digital Map
A Dynamic Digital Map is a stand-alone "presentation manager" program that displays and links maps, images, movies, data and text, like map explanations and field trip guides. A user, viewing a map in a DDM, sees a thematic map, containing camera icons and map symbols that link images, movies and text or analytical data related to those locations. DDM content, and access to it, is summarized by a searchable lists or "Indexes" of Images, Maps, and Articles opened from buttons found on the Home Screen. The Home Screen also provides an "Index Map" that graphically illustrates the coverage of maps contained in the DDM, and links to the them.

Automated Tours - The DDM of the Springerville Volcanic Field has an Automated Tour that demonstrates the basics of how to use a DDM containing a large data set; the DDM of New England has a similar tour that concentrates on the educational use of DDMs with basic geologic field guides. The DDM-Wachusettsres (of Wachusetts Reservoir, in the western Boston, Massachusetts area) and the DDM-DRWKnotweed, (of the Knotweed infestation of the Deerfield River drainage system, western new England) and the DDM-SedRxWMa (of Selected Sedimentary Rosks in Western Massachusetts) also have shorter automated tours.

Making a Dynamic Digital Map
Made using the cross-platform Revolution programming environment, DDMs are WEB-enabled and browser independent. The "DDM-Template" is an open source program into which a Revolution user can insert metadata (mostly file names) that enable the program to open existing maps, images, figures and movies from an organization of directories. A DDM maker modifies the Template to make their own DDM by inserting text and data directly into the program, which is then renamed to reflect its new content. A "Cookbook" guides the Revolution user through the steps of building the DDM. A series of short (six minute videos) and a couple of tutorials, which take a total of about eight hours, provide the background needed to use Revolution and the Cookbook to start making a DDM. Once a Template has been completely modified, royalty-free stand-alone applications for a variety of operating systems (for example, Windows, Mac OS X, Linux) can be made directly from this single Revolution document, regardless of the platform used to prepare the original. To download the DDM Template, Cookbook, Tutorials (Learning Documents), and DDM-File Directories (see the DDM-Making page below).
Information about, and a free trial version of Revolution can be obtained from runrev.com .

The DDMs available on the page links below are standalone programs that run without other software. The programs, if run locally (from CD, DVD, HD or flash memory) access their data from directories within their home folder. The DDMs can also be used independently via web links, which require fast internet connections. In this case, they access their data [maps and images (in jpeg format), and movies (in QuickTime format)] from a file server in Chris Condit's lab at UMass-Amherst; any web server using http protocol will also work. To see any included movies, Windows and Mac based computers must have the latest QuickTime Player installed (free from Apple for both platforms, at www.apple.com); Linux users should try the open-source MLPlayer to see videos. Computers with less than 512 MB of free RAM will run these programs very slowly at best.

DDM Download Pages:
(DDM version dates here are more current than those on actual download pages, which I update less often)

DDM-Making - Making a Dynamic Digital Map: (updated 2009-06-19) includes the DDM-Template Source Code, DDM File Directories, Learning Documents (Tutorials), Revolution Videos, and the DDM-Updater-2009-06-19, used to update older DDMs with minimal disruption to content or customized lay out.

DDM-UMass - DDM of UMass-Amherst: (updated 2009-01-16) Includes a 'Place Locator' with Color OrthpPhoto, Topographic and Sketch base maps and over 300 images, numerous QuickTime panoramic movies and two NASA WorldWind Movies, a search list to find buildings, parking lots, etc., and a text file describing the Department of Geosciences at UMass-Amherst.

DDM-SVF - DDM of the Springerville Volcanic Field: (updated 2009-06-18) The Springerville is a late Pliocene to Holocene basaltic volcanic field located in east-central Arizona. The DDM has 9 thematic maps, over 200 images and movies (including NASA WorldWind rotational panos and obliques using the 15m resolution data) and a large downloadable geochemical and geophysical data base, and a eleven-minute automated tour of how to use this DDM. ( Link to the original DDM-SVF published on CD by the Geological Society of America below.)

DDM-NE - DDM of New England: (updated 2009-06-01) This program presents four thematic maps of Massachusetts, in five overlapping segments, including the State Geologic Map, 330 images, movies, six field trips, and a seven-minute automated tour of how to use this DDM.

DDM-TSP - DDM of the Tatara-San Pedro Volcanic Complex: (updated 2009-04-17) The Tatara-San Pedro Volcanic Complex is a less than one million year old Andean arc volcano in east-central Chile. The DDM displays four thematic maps, 263 images and sample locations plotted on those images for most of the paleomagnetic and geochemical sites. A multi-field season effort spearheaded by Mike Dungan resulted in what is arguably the best geologically characterized Andean arc volcano; this DDM displays the initial results of that work.

DDM-SedRxWMa - DDM of Selected Sedimentary Rocks in the Western Massachusetts: (updated 2009-06-19) This program presents two thematic maps of five selected areas in the Deerfield Basin of western Massachusetts with sedimentary rocks that typify or display exceptional features in each area. Linked to the maps and guide articles are about ~160 images and ~20 QuickTime movies and five animations; many of the images are oblique aerial photos taken by Chris Condit, used to illustrate the geology and scenic nature of this fine part of the world. Includes a five-minute automated tour of how to use this DDM.

DDM-Patagonia - DDM of the Patagonia: (updated 2008-03-11) This study by Laurie Brown and colleagues displays the location and data of over 130 paleomagnetic sites in southern Patagonia (Argentina) collected over the last few years. Eight map segments, made from NASA World Wind satellite images program are available as a starting point. Each site is plotted on a map segment, which is linked to a listing of paleomagnetic results, when available, along with any existing geochronologic data. Also connected are almost 300 geologic and site photographs, along with 11 QuickTime movies and 360 degree panos.

DDM-Souhegan - DDM of the Souhegan River: (updated 2008-03-26) This study by Joe Rogers of the Northeastern Instream Habitat Program involved intensive habitat mapping at eleven sites over three flow levels, as well as fish sampling at those locations. Data on temperature, flow, bank and bed characteristics, macro-invertebrates, mussels, along with extensive photo documentation and other data are combined in the interactive DDM.

DDM-DRWKnotweed - DDM of KnotWeed in the Deerfield River Watershed: (updated 2008-03-11) This study by Dianna Barszcz Karas presents the Japanese knotweed infestation of the Deerfield River watershed, in one large map, with many clickable smaller segments and includes a 5 minute automated tour. Sites at 150 locations are plotted on the maps segments; each may be clicked to access data from that site. The maps may be displayed as one of three thematic map types including, topographic, orthophoto and land use. Linked to the maps and five articles are 47 images and figures. Includes a five-minute automated tour of how to use this DDM

DDM-KVNP - Dynamic Digital Map of Kilauea Crater: (updated 2009-06-15) This program presents two thematic maps of the Kilauea Crater and Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. The DDM was compiled by Christine Nygren. It contains a field trip guide for the Crater Rim Drive tour along Crater Rim Road encompassing the crater, with links to more than 50 photos, most by Steve Young, and one movie. Together, these features give the user a unique perspective with which to view this beautiful area of the world.

DDM-CR - The Dynamic Digital Map of Costa Rica by Suzanne Fleury (updated 2008-12-20) resulted from a field trip taken by a course entitled "The Geology of Costa Rica", offered through Castleton State College in Castleton, Vermont in the summer of 2007. This DDM, however is not geology specific. It is aimed at the full experience from the trip. Through this map the user can explore the four most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, see the sights in the tropical Cloud Forest, learn about the geology of certain areas, take in the beauty of Fortuna Falls, and even see the monkeys bounce through the trees in Manuel Antonio National Park on the coast.

DDM-CBOrchs -The Dynamic Digital Map (DDM) of Clark Brothers Orchards (updated 2008-12-19) by Heather Clark is an interactive map of the Clark Brothers Orchards, located in the Apple Valley section of Ashfield, Massachusetts. A fifth-generation family farm, it is located in a setting both pleasing to the eye and spirit and uniquely well suited to growing apples. The DDM includes a topographic and orthophoto map of the farm, with camera icons for more than 100 pictures (many of them aerial obliques), and two QuickTime panoramic movies, one made with from NASA World Wind and one made with 3-D topographic maps from Mass GIS. Several articles tell different aspects of the history of the farm and the Clark family, and there is an article with some general information about apples and links to related websites.

DDM-Knightville -The Dynamic Digital Map of the Littleville and Knightville Dams by Mike Sacchetti (updated 2008-12-17) depicts the recreation areas of these dams, which are located west of the Connecticut River: the Knightville, on the East branch of the Westfield River, and the Littleville on the Middle Branch. This DDM will allow you to explore these functional landscapes and get a up close view of what the dams really look like and how they work.

DDM-RFrostTrail - DDM of the Robert Frost Trail: (updated 2009-06-04) This study by Christine Harrington displays maps and images of a 12 mile segment of the 47 mile-long Robert Frost trail, beginning at "The Notch" and ending in Amherst Woods, to the north and east. The trail is shown in four map segments as either a topographic or an orthophoto map. Camera icons, placed on the map showing the direction they were taken, link to one of 114 images included in the interactive DDM.

DDM- HolyokeHike - DDM of Hiking the Holyoke Range: (updated 2009-04-13) This program, by Ben Clinton, combines a virtual hiking trip with a detailed map of biking trails, including ratings and a brief description of each trail. Hiking the Holyoke Range provides the user with the opportunity to pre- or post-view a trip along this seven mile path in Western Massachusetts. The main trail straddles the spine of the only mountain range that crosses the Connecticut Valley from east to west. Included are numerous photos, videos, and three thematic map bases, one of topography, and another of the another of orthophotos. The final map by Eric Barnes, an OPRA Hampshire College alumni, overlays numerous hiking/biking trails on a topo map, and includes labels with linked trail descriptions and ratings (the trails . Two NASA World wind satellite 3D rotational QuickTime movies round out the project.

DDM- Wachusettres - DDM of Wachusett Reservoir: > (updated 2009-06-12) This DDM by Matthew Rudzinksi shows six different fishing locations scattered across the reservoir on nine different map quadrants as three types of thematic maps, including a DCR gate map. Trail guides provide navigation from parking locations to points on the reservoir. The project includes extensive photo documentation of wildlife and scenery, and a brief historic summary of Wachusett Reservoir and includes a 5 minute automated tour.

DDM-Mars - DDM of Mars: (15 August 2005 version updated on 2007-12-05 for Vista & Mac Universal binaries) Created by Selby Cull, Dynamic Digital Mars includes a wealth of maps, images, and articles and exercises that involve searching for mineral deposits and designing a mission to Mars. A captivating introduction to the geology of Mars.

DDM-Marl - DDM of Marlborough Quadrangle, MA: (updated 2005-10-13) The "DDM-Marl" is a 'proof-of-concept' draft that contains three thematic maps (bedrock, surficial and surficial material, with simplified and detailed unit explanations), a cross section (for the bedrock map), two correlation charts (for the bedrock and surficial maps) and three articles, one describing each map type.

DDM-Davis Mine - DDM of the Davis Mine: This DDM (dated 2004-06-14), a part of a master's thesis by Jessica Bloom, provides a visual tour of an acid mine drainage and its subsequent natural attenuation, and a guide to the location of each streamwater sampling site and to multi-level wells. The DDM contains 69 images and three QuickTime VR panoramic movies, each with a figure caption, and a topographic map of the area, divided into three detailed maps.

DDM-Holtwood - DDM of Holtwood Pa: Dated 2004-05-27, it includes two detailed airphoto map bases showing spectacular outcrops of brittle fractures which are present in southeastern Pennsylvania, just below the Holtwood Dam on the floor of the Susquehanna River, along with 32 linked photos of the outcrops, by Kendra Clark.

DDM-Moon - DDM of Moon: updated 2005-03-25, is a graphical atlas that provides access to over 550 maps in three thematic variations, and images and movies, including the ability to find most named lunar features. The program displays simultaneously up to nine images and one map mosaic at resolutions from 1/64 to 1/2 degree per pixel. A Macintosh classic version, built in SuperCard, also includes an automated tour of the program.

DDM-SVF-SC Downloads of the Original Springerville Volcanic Field in Arizona published on CD by the Geological Society of America in 1995 (last updated on 7 March 2004, Mac Classic only, made with SuperCard).

Petrologic Exercises For DDMs (Boundy and Condit, 2004) Bringing The Field Into The Classroom By Using Dynamic Digital Maps To Engage Undergraduate Students In Petrology Research.

Selected References

Boundy, T.M and Condit, C.D., 2004, Bringing The Field Into The Classroom By Using Dynamic Digital Maps To Engage Undergraduate Students In Petrology Research, v. 52, no. 4, p. 313-319 (open September issue cover)

Condit, C.D., 1995a, Dynamic Digital Map: The Springerville Volcanic Field: Prototype color digital maps with ancillary data. Boulder Colorado, Geol. Soc. Am. Digital Pub. Series DPSM01MC (CD-ROM for the Macintosh); v. 4.10.95 size: 36.7 megabytes.

Condit, C.D., 1995b, DDM.SVF: A prototype Dynamic Digital Map of the Springerville volcanic field, Arizona, GSA Today, v.5, p. 69, 87-88.

Condit, C.D., 1999, Presentation of Volcanological and Planetary Datasets Using Dynamic Digital Maps, Geol. Soc. Am. Abst. with Prog., Vol. 31, No. 7, October 1999.

Condit, C.D., 1999, Components of Dynamic Digital Maps, Computers & Geosciences, v. 25, p. 511-522.

Condit, C.D., 2000, Dynamic Digital Maps - A Macintosh CD-ROM, Univ. Massachusetts Dept. Geosciences Contribution No. 72, 550 MB CD-ROM, pamphlet, 46p.

Condit, C.D., 2001, Using Dynamic Digital Maps Interactively in Large Geology Courses, Geol. Soc. Am. Abst. with Prog., v. 33, no. 6.

Condit, C.D., and Boundy, T.M, 2002, Bringing the field into the classroom: using Dynamic Digital Maps to engage undergraduate students in petrology research, Geol. Soc. Am. Abst. with Prog., v. 34, No. 6, p. 454.

Condit, C.D., Williams, Wendi J.W., 2003, Using Dynamic Digital Mapping with universal design goals to provide enriched learning opportunities to students and faculty, GSA Abstracts with Programs Vol. 35, No. 6.

Condit, C.D., 2005, Dynamic Digital Maps: the DDM-Template and Cookbook, a Powerpoint presentation made at the USGS-Assoc. Am. State Geologist's April 2005 Digital Mapping Techniques Conference, Baton Rouge La, Selected Presentations, 19.5 MB.

Condit, C.D., 2005, Dynamic Digital Maps: A Means to Distribute Maps and Associated Media via Web and CD, in D.R. Soller, ed., Digital Mapping Techniques '05 -- Workshop Proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2005-1428, 16 pages. download pdf file (2.7 MB).

Bug reports and suggestions to ccondit@geo.umass.edu
Updated 29 June 2009

Go to DDM Homepage

Go to Chris Condit's UMass Home Page

Go to UMass Geoscience Faculty Index