GIS
Geographic Information Systems
In geography, maps provide a way to tell stories and arrange data in a visually appealing and easy to understand format. However, with geospatial technology advances, we now have access to increasingly complex data, and it is important for students to know how to make sense of it. Students must understand how to use spatial tools, content, and skills to think critically, and geographically, about the world around them.
Geospatial technologies, including cell phone locational services, Google maps, Esri’s ArcGIS (geographic information systems), and GPS (global positioning systems), are increasingly household tools. GPS functions as a daily navigational tool, allowing drivers to hop in their car and drive anywhere with turnby-turn directions. The ability to map almost any data makes the study of geography and its skills even more important.