Map of the Week – European Atlas of the Seas Ambassadors
This week saw an important update to the European Atlas of the Seas with the release of the interactive help tool in 24 languages. [1] The interactive help tool, which is accessible from the Atlas’ menu, allows everyone to quickly learn how to use the Atlas and discover all possibilities such as searching map layers, printing and sharing maps and measuring distances. It shows step by step how users can proceed to find the information they are looking for and integrate it in their work and activities. Now that the interactive help tool is available in the 24 European Union languages, it can be used by people across Europe in their mother language. Teachers can gain a rapid understanding of the Atlas and its features to support educational activities and students can quickly become independent in their use of the Atlas to search for information. Click on the Atlas’ menu, select ‘Do you need help?’ and find out more about the European Atlas of the Seas!
While the interactive help tool’s multilingualism is new, map layers in the Atlas have been available in the 24 languages for some time already. Did you know there are 24 Atlas Ambassadors, one for each language in the Atlas? Ambassadors include Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Charlina Vitcheva, European Commission Policy Officer Māris Stuļğis, representatives of public authorities in different European Union Member States, directors of institutes and an aquarium, scientists, coordinators of NGOs, a surfer, a skipper, a diver and a Michelin Star Chef! With the Map of the Week, discover who they are and read why the ocean is important according to them in their mother language and in English (click on each ambassador to read their quote). Note that the ambassadors are mapped according to the countries in which the language they represent is spoken.
As the Atlas can be used in 24 languages, it is a great way to learn new languages in addition to learning about the ocean, seas and coasts! At school, it can support activities related to geography, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), nature conservation, environmental issues, economy, sustainable development and languages. Given its multidisciplinarity and multilingualism, it can also serve as a great resource for cross-curricular projects and activities. Make sure to have a look at the Atlas’ Teachers Corner for map-based exercises and games in English, French and Portuguese! Thank you again to the teachers from the Escola Azul programme in Portugal who have developed the exercises in Portuguese!
Do you have ideas on new ways to use the Atlas in the classroom? Do you have suggestions for new map-based activities you would like to share? Let us know in the online feedback form! The interactive help tool will show you how to submit your suggestions!
The data in this map are provided by the EMODnet Secretariat.