GIS IN THE GEOSCIENCES: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THEIR ROLE IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, AN EXAMPLE

The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and related technologies are rapidly becoming the norm in undergraduate courses and research projects. The use of GIS enhances students analytical skills, enables greater perception of data, and allows for more educated conclusions.

Lafayette College, an undergraduate institution in Eastern, Pennsylvania, is incorporating the use of GIS into its undergraduate curriculum through a dedicated course on GIS topics in the Geosciences, through undergraduate research projects in upper-level courses, and through faculty-led research. Students are gaining a series of tools useful in further courses, graduate level degrees, and industry.

With the increased availability of GIS data, including DRG’s, DEM’s, and satellite imagery, geoscience courses can easily incorporate these materials to enhance basic student skills. Projects involving local geology, and related geoscience data can give students a better appreciation for their local environs. In contrast, projects that involve sites of geologic interest that are out of reach resource wise (travel, money and time) can be studied through “virtual” field trips. For example, students in our GIS for the Geosciences course perform geologic mapping of the Big Horn Basin, Wyoming, and of Shiprock, New Mexico.

Student-Faculty research projects possess the unique ability to incorporate GIS technologies in both the data acquisition phase, as well as the synthesis and display phase. From examining the global distribution of coral reefs, to local geology and related geophysical data, students gain a better appreciation for the spatial distribution of the data.

With GIS becoming more commonplace in industry and academia, the need for student exposure to these materials is important. Through unique learning experiences, students are able to gain a greater understanding of GIS, providing them with a tool for future use.