Introduction
In this chapter students have learned about the earth and
some of the tools geographers use to study it. One recently
developed tool is the geographic information system (GIS).
This computer system combines many kinds of information and
layers them together with maps. These computer models can
be analyzed and used in decision making by government and
business. Most local governments use some form of geographic
information system.
Lesson Description
Students will visit the GIS.com Web site on geographic information
systems. They will review examples of GIS images and some
applications of GIS analyses. Finally they will be asked to
think about their own locality. What kind of problems or situations
could a GIS help analyze? Some suggestions might be traffic
flow, housing development, migration of animals, animal populations,
locations of public buildings, etc.
Instructional Objectives
- The student will be able to describe several ways in which
GIS help businesses or governments make decisions.
- The student will be able to describe the importance of
GIS technology in today's world.
- The student will be able to apply the concept of GIS to
a local situation.
Student Web Activity Answers
- A GIS is mapping software that links information about
where things are with information about what things are
like. It is different from paper maps in that it combines
many layers of information. You can select from a database
only the information you need to see to achieve your goal.
- Mapping change would be useful in anticipating future
conditions, deciding on a course of action, or evaluating
the results of an action.
- GIS can help people make better decisions because it provides
better information. Also, since it can produce data very
quickly, multiple scenarios can be evaluated.
- Governments use GIS to streamline business practices and
to share information among departments.
- Answers will vary.
Go To Student Web Activity
