Using Spatial Data for GIS  Tags: geographic_information_systems geography maps gis mapping  

A geographic information system (GIS), also known as a geographical information system or geospatial information system, is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the Earth.

In the strictest sense, it is an information system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, sharing, and displaying geographically-referenced information. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze the spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all these operations. Geographic information science is the science underlying the geographic concepts, applications and systems, taught in degree and GIS Certificate programs at many universities.

Geographic information system technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Urban planning, cartography, criminology, history, sales, marketing, and logistics. For example, GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution, or GIS can be used by a company to site a new business to take advantage of a previously underserved market.

Lane MAPS-GIS website

Lane Community College was awarded a three-year grant in June 2006 from the Advanced Technological Education fund of the National Science Foundation to develop coursework in GIS curricula. The grant project, "Mapping, Analyzing and Problem Solving Using Geographic Information Science: Implementing a GIS Curriculum for Technical Literacy," (NSF# 0603492) brings GIS learning opportunities to students in science, social science and computer information technology.

GIS activities will engage students in real-world scenarios that demonstrate social and scientific relevance. Collaboration and teamwork will foster the interpersonal and organizational skills that are prized in today's workplace. Basic literacy in this rapidly advancing technology will open doors and prepare students with important job skills and future career choices. The project introduces large numbers of community college students to the potential GIS offers in solving significant social and scientific problems.

The document Problem Solving Across the Curriculum Using GIS Technology presents the concepts and methods used to develop these modules.

The program began implementing GIS technologies into existing coursework during the 2006 - 2007 academic year. In the 2007 - 2008 academic year, Lane began offering a four course sequence that focuses solely on geo-spatial technologies.

For more information on the MAPS-GIS project at Lane Community College contact:

Lynn Songer (email: SongerL lanecc.edu)
541-463-5493
or

Eric Sproles (email: SprolesE lanecc.edu)
541-463-5046

Choose a subject area

To sum up: search the LCC online catalog, use the subject heading "geographic information systems." For additional books, try the same search in the Summit catalog, which includes many other libraries in the Northwest. There are nearly a 1000 books on GIS in Summit. We can get a Summit book to you in a few days.

Geographical information systems : an introduction
G70.212 .D45 2007

GIS concepts and ArcGIS methods
G70.212 .T43 2005

Making maps : a visual guide to map design for GIS

Managing geographic information systems
G70.2 .O24 1994

Yahoo! Maps mashups
G70.212 .F74 2007

A to Z GIS : an illustrated dictionary of geographic information systems
G70.212 .A86 2006

Arc marine : GIS for a blue planet

Place matters : geospatial tools for marine science, conservation, and management in the Pacific Northwest
GC38.5 .P53 2005

Making maps : a visual guide to map design for GIS

These journals are included in our library online databases, but be sure to check the full range of our databases for other articles.

Journal of geographical systems 

Transactions in GIS