Introduction to Geographic Information Systems June 19, 2007

“... geography is not only about observing and documenting the world. Geography is about saving the world.” ~Allen Carroll National Geographic Society Kerski, Emily. “Through the Eyes of a Seventh Grader Attending the ESRI International User Conference for the first time,” GIS Educator. Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). Redlands, CA: Education Solutions Group of ESRI,

What is GIS? “A new breed of geographic decision- making tool containing mapping, database, query, and analysis capabilities” Introductory Video from ESRI – online at: Video from ESRI “The World In a Box” – videotape from ESRI online

Geographic Information System STORING UPDATING ANALYZING DISPLAYING MANIPULATING SPATIAL-DATA: INFORMATION ABOUT PLACES ON THE PLANET

Can It Be Mapped?

Three Views of a GIS 1.Database View 2.Map View 3.Model View

1. The Database View The Database View: A GIS is a unique kind of database of the world—a geographic database (geodatabase). It is an "Information System for Geography." Fundamentally, a GIS is based on a structured database that describes the world in geographic terms. re/arcgis/concepts/gis- data.html re/arcgis/concepts/gis- data.html

2. The Map View The Map View: A GIS is a set of intelligent maps and other views that show features and feature relationships on the earth's surface. Maps of the underlying geographic information can be constructed and used as "windows into the database" to support queries, analysis, and editing of the information. This is called geovisualization. Schematics Drawing Used to Display Gas Lines

3. The Model View The Model View: A GIS is a set of information transformation tools that derive new geographic datasets from existing datasets. These geoprocessing functions take information from existing datasets, apply analytic functions, and write results into new derived datasets.

Many Layers to the Mix Data + Geography + Computer Hardware & Software Information about the real world (population, highways, rivers, elevation) Layers represented by points (fire hydrants in your town, or state capitals across the country) Lines (Interstate 70 or the Mississippi River) and Areas (many-sided chunks of land such as New Mexico, The Superior National Forest, or Lenawee County Michigan Layers of spatial information that span a range of geographies (Antarctica to 400 block of S. Main Street in Adrian, Michigan Explored with a computer by geographically inquiring minds with interactive software

What Do People Use GIS For?

GIS in the Classroom Fostering the growth of a: Geographically informed, Globally responsible, and Technically literate population

Six Essential Elements in Geography Education Seeing the world in spatial terms Elements: places and regions Fundamental physical systems Fundamental human systems Environment and society Applying geography

Not Just Geography – Broad Span of Sciences Geology Earth science Archaeology Biology Botany Zoology Ecology Chemistry Physics Mathematics History Sociology Economics Anthropology Political science Environmental Education Global studies

Special Guest Presenter Chris Atkin GIS Coordinator, City of Adrian 100 E. Church Street Adrian, MI Phone: Fax:

GIS/Google Earth Resources Password: maples 1.Go to Sidebar - Related Links – box on right side of screen– and click on “Geography” 2.Look for item: d. “Google Earth and Geographic Information Systems” resources in the Table of Contents box. 3.Also see ArcVoyager Quick Start Tutorial link for using free software after you download

Download ArcVoyager Special Edition at 12/education/voyager.html 12/education/voyager.html Free Download of ArcVoyager Special Edition for Windows or Mac (if you do not own ArcView licensed software) Additional lessons & activities to download Download additional 20 kb geographical & topical index to reference files

Lessons & Activities Explore Your World with a Geographic Information System – download workbook at 12/download/docs/explore.pdfhttp:// 12/download/docs/explore.pdf 36 X 24” Explore Your World Poster download /download/docs/explore-your-world- poster.pdf 12/download/docs/explore-your-world- poster.pdf

June 19 Participants