Geographic Information Systems Specialist
The
earth is a fragile planet with finite resources. These resources are shared by
increasing numbers of people. The results of our habitation of the Earth has
meant decreasing wildlife and plant species as humans encroach, modify and
destroy their domains. To manage these changes, we need accurate and up-to-date
information that will guide our actions and policies. Much of this information
is required in geographical form; in other words, we need to answer some basic
questions such as: What is it? Where is it? How big is it? How will it affect
those around it? etc. The surveying profession has provided the tools such as
geographic information systems and satellite positioning, the skills, and
information to answer these questions, and many, many more about the physical
environment of our planet and how our actions affect it now and in the future.
Maps have been traditionally used to explore the Earth and to
exploit its resources. GIS technology, as an expansion of cartographic science,
has enhanced the efficiency and analytic power of traditional mapping. Now, as
the scientific community recognizes the environmental consequences of human
activity, GIS technology is becoming an essential tool in the effort to
understand the process of global change. Various map and satellite information
sources can be combined in modes that simulate the interactions of complex
natural systems.
Through
a function known as visualization, a GIS is used to produce images - not
just maps, but drawings, animations, and other cartographic products. These
images allow researchers to view their subjects in ways that literally never
have been seen before. The images often are equally helpful in conveying the
technical concepts of GIS study subjects to non-scientists.
The condition of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and subsurface can be examined
by feeding satellite data into a GIS. GIS technology gives researchers the
ability to examine the variations in Earth processes over days, months, and
years. As an example, the changes in vegetation vigor through a growing season
can be animated to determine when drought was most extensive in a particular
region. The resulting graphic, known as a normalized vegetation index,
represents a rough measure of plant health.
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