GIS Applications in Ecology Jim Hovan Conestoga Valley HS Lancaster, PA [email protected] 717.397-5231 ext. 2233
Dec 21, 2015
GIS Applications in Ecology
Jim HovanConestoga Valley HS
Lancaster, [email protected]
717.397-5231 ext. 2233
GIS Basics• GIS or Geographic Information
Systems are digital cartographic and database systems that allow you to store, organize, and access a limitless array of data in a spatial environment.
• GIS is a ubiquitous technology that is used in everything from cell phone navigation, Internet direction services, to corporate logistics (May we have your zip code / phone number?).
GIS Basics• Shapefiles
– Points– Lines– Polygons– 3-dimentional Objects
• Layers– Base Layer– Turn on/off layers as needed
• See in PA Virtual Atlas
GIS Basics• Many governmental agencies
organize their data spatially using GIS and make it available to the public for free.
• Until recently these data have been available primarily for use with desktop GIS applications.
• More and more data are available for web-based GIS applications, particularly Google Earth.
GIS Basics• Getting Started with Web-based
(ALL FREE)– Web-based Google Earth– PASDA Maps and PA Virtual Atlas– PA SoilMap
• Getting Started with Desktop GIS– ArcGIS Explorer (Free)– ArcGIS Schools and Libraries Site
License (Very Cheap!)– Obtain data from PASDA or County
GIS websites.
Sample Projects in Ecology
• Unnamed watershed delineation using Google Earth
• Mapping tributaries using Google Earth
• Land Use analysis using Google Earth
• Virtual Field Trips using Google Earth
Sample Projects in Ecology
• Bedrock analysis and soil survey using ArcGIS
• Slope confirmation using ArcGIS
• Small Watershed Study using ArcGIS
• Keeping track of field data using ArcGIS
• Development Project using ArcGIC