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
http://ssnds.uwo.ca/sscnetworkupdate/2006winter/images/gis.jpg
GIS Basics• Web-based vs. Desktop GIS
– What’s the difference?
– What are the pros and cons?
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
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
Sample Projects in Ecology•Getting Started with GIS Activity.
Any Questions?
THANK YOU
Don’t be afraid that you’re going to make a mess!