Definitions
GISci
As the study of geographic information in a digital world moves
beyond the mechanics of computer hardware and software application
tools, a new, transdisciplinary research field has emerged. At
a basic level, geographic information science (GISci) opens the
door for merging traditional GIS with related spatial technologies
(remote sensing / image processing, the Global Positioning System,
etc.). However, as an integrated discipline, GIScience has the
potential to be much more far reaching in its scope. It is a research
field that seeks to redefine geographic concepts
and their use in the context of geographic information and, more
broadly, the digital age. It re-examines some of the most fundamental
themes in traditional spatially-oriented fields such as geography,
cartography, and geodesy, while incorporating more recent developments
in cognitive and information science, and is beginning to embrace
more specialized research themes in such established disciplines
as computer science, statistics, mathematics, and psychology.
GIS
GIS stands for Geographic Information System: an automated
system for creating, editing, analyzing and displaying spatially referenced
data. A GIS has the ability to manipulate different spatial datasets
simultaneously. Some example applications using GIS include: finding out how
many houses exist within 100 yards of a highway that needs to be expanded;
locating a new branch office for a business based on locations of current
customers and competitors; and determining the percentage of vegetation
types within different management categories for resource planning.
GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning Systems: a satellite-based
system for locating near-exact positions on the earth's surface. GPS
applications fall into five broad categories: location identification,
navigation, tracking, mapping and timing. For more background information about GPS and its applications,
see Trimble's web pages about GPS.
Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is the remote collection of data, usually by sensors riding on aircraft
and satellites that collect information about the earth's surface. Remote sensors usually
detect either visible light or invisible electromagnetic radiation, or
both. Remotely-sensed data and associated tools are used in studying
land forms, land use, environmental pollution, and
vegetation patterns, to name a few applications. For more information about
remote-sensing, check out the USGS's
EarthShots
pages.
Scientific Visualization
Scientific visualization is a set of research methods developed in computer
science to enable the controlled manipulation of data presented graphically
to enhance readability, or to reveal or demonstrate unsuspected patterns,
regularities or connections. Visualization tools are specifically designed
to aid in the understanding of large sets of spatially oriented data.
Some examples of student projects involving visualization
at the University are available, or click on the image to the left to actually run VRML
models created for the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming
(requires a VRML plug-in.)
For more a more detailed introduction to GIS, see
GIS.com. ESRI Inc. is the producer of the
popular commercial GIS software tools, ARC/INFO and ArcView. The University
of Wyoming has a site license
agreement with ESRI, providing all University students, staff and faculty
with access to this software for non-commercial purposes.
|
