Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a tool that relates information to place. With GIS, students can study the Earth and their community in a whole new way. Using GIS students can arrange, display, and analyze information about place (including communities, natural resources, etc.). Using the software students can zoom in and out of maps freely, add layers of new data, and study details and relationships.

The largest benefit of GIS is its ability to help students understand and solve real-world problems. The technology allows users to overlay multiple layers of information and simulate real-world scenarios. By having layers of information attached to real-world coordinates on a map, students are able to visualize patterns, trends and ideas while gaining a better understanding of geographic concepts.

ESRI’s ArcView GIS software has been provided to participating schools by a grant from Tanglewood 4H.