The need for a learning line for spatial thinking using GIS in education

Spatial thinking in education should be a fixed value in addition to other such as linguistic and mathematical thinking. It is part of the everyday life. As research showed one of the best tools to introduce spatial thinking in education is geography. It offers al the tools for the three components of geography: skills, subject matter and perspectives. But nevertheless the introduction and use of GIS in education is not a success. Researchers have described many reasons, among others the lack of education standards on the use of GIS in the curriculum. Therefore the Digital Earth project creates a benchmark with learning outcomes through the educational curriculum. To make it practical a learning line – including an increasing level of complexity – in using GIS should be developed