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What is GIS?

GIS is a method of using computer systems to collect, organize, manipulate and display geographic data to answer questions about the world. It is a system designed to combine many different types of geographic features and analyze the relationships between them in a single framework.

GIS technology provides a method for students to ask important questions about such diverse things as exotic species, transportation planning, climate change and visitor impact in National Parks. The applications of GIS are nearly limitless, encompassing nearly every scientific discipline and many of the humanities. The best way to learn about what GIS can do is to read GIS case studies and look at maps compiled using GIS techniques. The ESRI map book gallery is a great resource for map examples.

Who's using GIS on campus? Below is a brief list of projects currently underway at SLU.

• Dr. Chris Monz and Peter D'Luhosh are using GPS and GIS technology in several of Alaska's National Parks to document visitor impact. They will be travelling to Alaska again during the summer of 2005.
  
• Dr. Ning Gao and her research students are mapping mercury contamination and transport to Lake Champlain.
  
• Dr. Shinu Abraham traveled to Kerala, India in December 2004 to record locations of archaeological sites using GPS. She is currently producing maps of the sites and relating them to artifacts found there.
  
• Dr. Steve Robinson and recent SLU graduate Chris Stevens are using satellite imagery and GPS to monitor changes in permafrost distribution in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
  
• Independent projects are done by students each semester such as porcupine tracking, GPS mapping of local hiking trails and documenting sand bar development in Lake Champlain.

For more information on any of these projects or to find out how you can use GIS in your research please contact Carol Cady or the GPS/GIS Technicians.

 

For more detailed information on GIS try GIS.com or the GIS Lounge. The USGS also has an excellent site describing GIS.