GIS Education Center

Welcome CCSF faculty!

The GIS Education Center is here to provide faculty training on the concepts and use of maps, 3-D globes, GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the classroom. In addition, we look for opportunities to partner departments and/or instructors with community organizations on projects that involve mapping (ie tree's, graffiti, green resources...).

The GIS Education Center can provide:

• Consulting on using, teaching, and implementing GIS in the classroom
• An instructor led GIS Quick Course to learn the GIS basics
• Access to online training
• Comprehensive and powerful GIS software for your office
• Departmental workshops on the benefits and use of GIS
• Access to teaching material

An example of how GIS works is illustrationed below which show election data from the 2004 US Presidentail Election in a spreadsheet and then in a map using GIS. The spreadsheet includes the county name, census and voting data. The spreadsheet is helpful but also makes comprehending the data more challenging. Can you tell who won the election? Or, what were the voting patterns of Californian's? Probably not.

The intreague with GIS is in its ability to visually display vast amount of data. It is much easier to understand the data using the map below. In addition, the map offers suggestions (or reveals spatial patterns) on California voters. This is a powerful concept because this information can now be used to drive decisions by future campaigns.

This example was demonstrated on a state level but maps are even more critical at the community level. Maps are used to discover gaps in services, locate nearby resources, and identify areas problematic to health and safety. We encourage the use of maps and spatial technology so students and teachers can better understand their community but also to educate themselves on issues within the community.

Below are methods we believe the faculty can benefit from the use of GIS on campus.

Display Information Visually

The popularity of online web maps and virtual globes like Google Earth has opened the door to a new and more ingaging way of teaching students concepts, theories, and information. Google Earth, GPS units, and even paper maps are great way to engage students, foster connections, and enhance learning in the classroom. Incorporate critical thinking with GIS by asking questions about demographic, environmental, political and economic issues in San Francisco (or almost anywhere for that matter.)

• What is the spatial distribution of ethnicities?
• How did they vote?
• Where are crimes being committed?
• Where is air or ground pollution? Who lives in those areas?

• Where are resources? Where are there a lack of resources and services?

• Where would be a suitable area to open a business?

Give your students job skills

According to the Department of Labor Geospatial Technologies have become one of the fastest growing occupations in the US. The demand for applicants with technical skills in GIS, GPS, and geospatial understanding is so great the Department of Labor suggested employers look to technical and community colleges for employees. 

You provide real-world work experience for students by using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and or a camera. Take photo's on class field trips and use GPS units to record observations. Then, add the photo's and observations into Google Earth back in the classroom and discuss with students what they observed. 

Research
Conduct your own research for class lectures, presentations or your own personal attainment. Bring to life, through maps, the concepts of economies of scale, globalization, or population dispersion. Dislay or animate the chronology of a hurricane, the effects of an earthquake, or rise in crime. GIS presents a unique and powerful visual tool that will enhance your students classroom experience.