Geographic Information Systems (GIS) A Tool for Project Based Learning

Summer Institute 2005

Problem Based Learning

Technology and the Study of Wildfire:Middle School Students Study the Impacts of Wildfire

Debra Fox-Gliessman, M.A. and Joseph J. Kerski, Ph.D.

What is a GIS?

• Computer hardware and software used to:

– Analyze information

– Create maps

– Model real-world problems

– Share geographic knowledge

Geographic Information System

How Does a GIS Operate?

Geographic information

(where things are)

Courtesy of ESRI.com

Descriptive information

(what things are)

A “Digital Map” layer

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Each layer in a digital maprepresents a different subject

Why Use a GIS?

• Map feature locations:– Earthquake hazards

• Study quantities– Incidence of childhood

disease

Courtesy of ESRI’s GIS.com

Why Use a GIS? (cont.)

• Map concentrations– Population density by

country

• Determine what is inside– Criminal arrests within

1,000 feet of school

Courtesy of ESRI’s GIS.com

Why Use a GIS? (cont.)

• Study nearby features– Flood risk near

settlements

• Map change over time– Vegetation changes due

to urbanization

Courtesy of ESRI’s GIS.com

GIS: A Powerful Technology

Courtesy of ESRI’s GIS.com