The document discusses using geographic information systems (GIS) across multiple academic fields. GIS allows geographic data like locations, maps, and images to be integrated, analyzed, and visually displayed. Any item with geographic coordinates can be mapped and analyzed in GIS. The document provides examples of using GIS for fields like geology, history, and institutional research to analyze spatial data and relationships. Free data sources and GIS resources are also listed.

1. Using Geospatial Technology
(GIS) in Multiple Subjects
Vincent A. DiNoto, Jr.
Dean of College and Systemic Initiatives
Vince.dinoto@kctcs.edu

2. Partners
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3. Fields of Study
• Field Work
• Energy
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Political Science
• Economics
• Demographics
• Institutional Research
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4. What is GIS
• Geographical (Geospatial) Information Systems
• It is a graphical data base that represents geographic
features
• Any item that has geography associated with it can be
displayed
– Zip codes
– Addresses
– Counties
– States
– Census information
– Townships
– College districts
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5. Data
• Multiple source of maps and data is available
in general at no cost
• US Census Bureau, State GIS organizations and
ESRI
• Querying of data is an important
consideration i.e. where do people live who
have a median income of $35,000 and a
associate degree
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6. Map Types
• Static Maps
– Image
– pdf
• Dynamic Maps
– Web based
– Software based
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7. Field Work
• Any location on the surface of the earth can be
geographically positioned
• GPS – Receiving device that can be loaded
directly onto a map – ArcMap or Goggle Earth
• Examples
– Water sampling of a stream
– Locating the position of a covered bridge or old mill
• Adding a photograph to the data is an important
conderation
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8. Field Work:
Position of Water Mills in the Eastern
U.S.
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9. Energy
• Solar
• Wind
• Non-renewable
energy sources
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10. Geography
• Any feature of
the earth can
be located
• Aerial Images of
earth surface
• Three
dimensional
images
• Land Use
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11. Geology
• Earth
Structures
• Coal
Deposits
• Soil Types
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12. History
• Battlefield
maps
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13. Political Science
• Political changes
in country
boundaries over
time
• The creation and
changes of
counties
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14. Economics
• Geographically
looking at
business
• Income levels
• Housing types
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15. Demographics
• Looking at racial
distribution
• Educational
levels
• Ethnic
backgrounds
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16. Institutional research
• Applications vs
attendance
• Distribution of
majors
• Targeted
populations
• Dual credit
enrollments
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17. Basic GIS
• Getting Started
– Project files
– Data Storage
• Shapefiles/Images
– Adding Data
– Data Sources
– Compressed Data
• Projections/Coordinates
• GPS
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18. Resources
• http://techcenter.jefferson.kctcs.edu/gis/Pages/d
efault.aspx - Vince’s GIS homepage
• http://techcenter.jefferson.kctcs.edu/GIS/DATA/P
ages/default.aspx - Vince’s Data
• http://techcenter.jefferson.kctcs.edu/Map/Pages/
default.aspx - Vince’s Created Maps
• http://techcenter.jefferson.kctcs.edu/workshops/
Pages/default.aspx - GIS Virtual Workshops
• http://techcenter.jefferson.kctcs.edu/GIS/wiki/Wi
ki%20Pages/Wiki%20Glossary.aspx – GIS Wiki
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19. Resources (cont.)
• www.census.gov
• www.esri.com
• http://kygeonet.ky.gov/
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