• Architects plans

• Fire escape plans

• Ordinance survey maps (OS)

• Google maps

• Historical maps

• County council maps

• Ask the school principal for architect’s drawings, fire escape plans, site layout.
• Scoilnet Maps provides teachers and students in Irish schools with online access to detailed Ordnance Survey Ireland maps as well as world mapping: maps.scoilnet.ie
• large scale maps/ aerial photography
• Local library, OS maps, historical maps
• Local county council office
• Internet, www.osi.ie, historical maps, google earth/maps

Giant map of  the whole town of Dundalk, by Dundalk Grammar TY students and idir architecture. Schools, commuter routes and favourite hang-outs were all added to the map.

Architects use maps to collect important information gathered during research and analysis. By inputting all of this information gathered onto a map an Architect can begin to evaluate the initial direction of their design based on their findings, keeping this map (at all times) right through to the end of the project as a point of reference. A map is a focal point for tracking information gathered on environmental, functional and social aspects of a design project as it develops.

Guide to drawing your own map:

What you’ll need:

• Flat surface, such as a drawing board or table
• Pencils of various grades, Pencil eraser, sharpener
• Colouring pencils, markers, pastels, paint (water colour, acrylic)
• Paper, various textures, perhaps recycled from the school classroom, office, local printer, newspaper
• Post-its, tape or glue, coloured yarn or string

• Lightly draw an outline of the area you wish to map. Make sure to include the geographic boundaries of  your area chosen.

• Once your happy with your outline, trace over it with pen to make it nice and clear.
  • Fill in all the geographical features of your area which will add life to your map to help you get a better sense of your area such as streams, rivers, fences and boundaries, and recognizable landmarks such as your school, community centre.

• The use of colour and other materials can help these features stand out.
• Add place names which will make your map clear and easy to navigate.
• Post-its, tape, images and photos will all be crucial tools in the analysis of your area and new map.
  • Show routes to and from school using yarn, colouring pencils/markers or stickers.

Guide to using an existing map:

• Determine map scale, this is generally located in the bottom right hand corner of the drawing.
• Locate and highlight geographical feature such as rivers, streams, boundaries and recognizable landmarks such as school buildings and grounds, community centre, local church etc.
• Locate and highlight important areas/places in the community which affect your school postively and negatively using sketches, photographs, post-its or coloured tape.
• Show routes to and from school using yarn, coloured pencils or markers or stickers.
• Ensure to include any information gathered from previous “My Architecture Design Journal” exercises using techniques mentioned above.

maps.scoilnet.ie

www.osi.ie

more links coming soon..