Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe

Chapter 2: Mapping Our World

WebQuest

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Show Patterns

Introduction

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has vastly expanded the way humans study Earth and its interactions. GIS provides layered data so that biologists and other scientists can study the various factors that make up a habitat or ecosystem. Layers can be combined in various ways, using computer software, so that scientists can analyze the interaction of various factors. Scientists have found this modeling technique to be invaluable in learning more about the physical structure of Earth, patterns of water movement and weather, and, ultimately, about how life on Earth interacts with the physical features of Earth.

GIS is software that makes maps from spatial data. Spatial data might be elevation data, locations of animal observations, or boundaries of habitat areas. By mapping these data, scientists can investigate relationships among them. You may have used a GIS system online, such as an online mapping service. Online mapping services use digital data representing roads, cities, landmarks, and addresses to make maps on demand. An ecologist might use GIS to show the number of animal observations in a habitat, to measure the size of habitat fragments, or to monitor the movements of animals among habitat patches. Many other questions about the interaction of features in landscapes, as well as the effects of animals and humans, may be best answered with GIS data.

Task

In this WebQuest, you will gain a general understanding of GIS technology and what it is able to do. Then you will create your own GIS-style layered map.

1. First, you will research how GIS works.
2. You will find out how scientists and geographers use data collection and analysis with GIS to explore issues and solve problems.

a) What kind of issues are explored?
b) What are some examples of factors that might appear on a map layer?
c) What is the most number of layers on any one map that you can find on the research pages?

3. You will examine some specific cases in different industries and fields, including biology. In describing the details of how GIS helped to solve each problem, you will learn about how various mapping techniques have been used and combined in new ways to find better solutions to problems than scientists usually found before they had this technology.
4. Finally, you will produce a map with GIS-like layers of a certain area with a certain purpose. For example, a researcher studying panda bears might be interested in mapping elevations, water patterns, shelters, and occurrence of bamboo in a forest to show where the pandas are most likely to be found. What research topic most interests you?

Process

Use these questions to guide your internet research.

1. What is GIS? What is GIS used for? Who uses it?
2. What information does a topographic map contain?
3. Find and describe, in one or two paragraphs each, at least six real-life problems that have been solved or studied using GIS technology and/or topographic maps. Include at least two biology problems or issues.
4. List issues and problems that occur related to ecosystems, habitats, and animal and plant species that might be studied with GIS technology.
5. How can GIS technology and studies be used by conservation groups?
6. What applications of GIS are useful to scientists who study marine environments?
7. What needs do coastal communities have for GIS studies?
8. What data about coastal and marine species are gathered with GIS technology?
9. Explain uses of GIS to improve agriculture.
10. What challenges are there to making GIS technology work well for users?
11. What is GPS? How is GPS technology used for GIS?
12. What GIS skills are needed for a career in biology?
13. What careers require GIS workers?

Resources

Look at the web sites given here to find the information about GIS and how these technologies are used to study patterns in the biosphere and in the movement and life of different species.

Time

You will have between one and two classes and one week of homework time to find the answers to the research questions and to come up with a plan for your own GIS-like layered map. Then you will have one-two weeks of homework time for an acetate-layered map, or up to four weeks if you plan to do a computer simulation or computer-generated layered map.

Conclusion

In the process of completing this WebQuest, you have learned about an exciting and important new technology that is changing the face of science. You have explored some specific cases where GIS technology has been used to solve problems in your state and worldwide.

You have read information to answer key questions about a topic. You have developed important critical thinking skills and have learned how to analyze and combine parts of a whole. You have learned that there are often many factors involved in solving a problem and how to examine and recombine these different aspects. These skills will serve you well to solve problems in the future. Congratulations on working through a complex process!