Learning outcomes

• Understand the fundamental concept of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), recognizing its significance and applications across various industries.
• Differentiate between vector and raster data types and grasp their characteristics and applications.
• Learn data uploading and basic visualization in Felt.
• Develop initial skills in inspecting GIS data within Felt for analysis.

Resources

<aside> ℹ️ Here you can access all educational resources including slides, map, exercise files, etc., for teaching purposes.

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• Slides:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FvajpgIaxTRo9ukZ-ZnRU3-3FqM-XlXq/view?usp=sharing

• Exercise

What is GIS?

A geographic information system (GIS) is a comprehensive framework designed to handle all aspects of geographical data. It encompasses functions such as capturing, storing, analyzing, managing, and presenting information.

The cornerstone of GIS is its focus on "Geography," indicating that data within the system is intrinsically tied to specific locations on the Earth's surface, often represented by geographic coordinates such as latitude and longitude (X,Y).

GIS enables users to explore and comprehend the world by integrating various forms of spatial data, including geographic location and associated attributes stored in tabular format, into meaningful insights.

Access this map to explore GIS data on flood risk assessments for Mexico City

Applications of GIS

GIS is utilized across a diverse range of industries to facilitate decision-making processes. For instance, in urban planning, GIS aids city authorities in analyzing demographic data and infrastructure requirements to facilitate efficient city development. Similarly, in healthcare, GIS plays a crucial role in mapping disease outbreaks, identifying high-risk areas, and effectively allocating resources. Additionally, in agriculture, GIS assists farmers in precision farming by analyzing soil data and optimizing irrigation systems.

The increasing availability of data from sources such as drones, satellite imagery, and IoT devices has further expanded the use of GIS in modern industries. With technological advancements, GIS tools like Felt integrate collaborative mapping tools, allowing for real-time data visualization and analysis. For example, satellite imagery can be analyzed within GIS platforms to track the growth of new vegetation after events like the Dixie Fire, providing valuable insights into ecosystem recovery.

Access this map to GIS track the growth of new vegetation after the Dixie Fire.