GIS Education Center

Visualize Data

To demonstrate the power and use of GIS this example will show how a spreadsheet is converted into a map. The spreadsheet of the Election data from the 2004 US Presidential Election includes the county name, census and voting data.

Can you tell who won the election?
What were the voting patterns of Californians?

The spreadsheet certainly contains valuable information but most people can't derive patterns or relationship let alone a picture of what story the data has.

GIS provides the ability to visually display vast amount of data in a meaningful way. It is much easier to understand the map below. In addition, the map offers suggestions (or reveals spatial patterns) on California voters. This type of critical thinking can enlighten topics as well as provide valuable insight for decision making - as would be the case for a future campaign .

GIS is widely 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 and educate themselves on critical issues within the community.

More Examples

We believe faculty can benefit from the use of GIS in their classroom . The popularity of online web maps and virtual globes like Google Earth has opened the door to a new and more engaging method of teaching 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. A teacher can 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 various ethnic groups?
• How did each group vote?
• Where are crimes being committed?
• Where is air or ground pollution? Who lives in those areas and is being most impacted by pollution?
• Where are community resources located? Where is there a lack of resources and services?
• Where is a suitable area to open a small retail business?

The GIS Education Center staff can assist faculty in building curriculum that engages spatial literacy and critical thinking among the students.

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

Enhance 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. Display 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 the classroom experience.