Geospatial literacy - improving access to and the understanding of geographic information systems, global position sytems, and spatial data.

2007 Impact statement
  • Smith, Stephen D.

abstract

Improving access to and the understanding of digital spatial data is paramount to the integration of an increasing amount of environmental data into daily decision making by municipal governments, state agencies, and the public. The IRIS GIS Program is addressing these needs through initiatives focused on: providing access to GIS software for every county; offering hands-on training and one-to-one consulting on issues of software use, database development, and system integration; and development of youth centric workshops and curriculum delivered through 4-H camps and after-school programs.

submitted by

issue being addressed

Geographic information systems are being used at all levels of government and the private sector to manage and manipulate digital spatial data. The sources of these data vary from scanned analog maps to real-time global positioning systems. With the creation of National Spatial Data Infrastructure web sites, the availability of spatial data is being greatly increased along with the potential for misuse. Individuals searching for data are accessing the web to locate digital sources, making it essential that all practitioners and decision makers using these data have an understanding of the complexities of geographic information systems, the spatial, taxonomic, and temporal characteristics of data, and the importance of metadata.

response

Initially, working with the Hudson River Estuary Program, we concentrated our efforts on the education of spatial data users and the integration of various digital datasets needed by the Hudson River Valley users. The focus of our efforts has expanded to include 4-H summer camps and after-school programs throughout New York. Spatial data workshops are providing hands-on experience for practitioners, decision makers, and youth using these data to give them an understanding of the complexities of geographic information systems, the characteristics of spatial data, and the importance of metadata. The Institute for Resource Information Sciences has facilitated the implementation of these workshops through the development of a mobile GIS/GPS teaching facility. This facility provides a multi-purposed platform on which GIS principles, metadata development, and web techniques for data access can be taught at any locale without regard to available computer facilities. As part a Geospatial Literacy grant, IRIS has hosted workshops targeted to youth development educators and camp consolers, providing instructional support backed by GPS equipment loans for introduction of GPS technology into the 4-H Summer Camp offering. In addition to the educational program, the IRIS GIS Program, is providing free access to the premier geographic information system software to every CCE office.

impact assessment

The Institute for Resource Information Sciences has used the newly developed GIS teaching facility for the delivery of dozens workshops across the State in the past four years. These workshops have expanded the current knowledge base of local and state government personnel and citizens, while addressing information needs of other private, state and federally funded projects. The delivery of these workshops has initiated collaboration with the 4-H Science and Technology Team and resulted in a successful grant request to fund a three-year statewide project focused on youth development. We are currently in our second year of this grant which has enabled the adoption of GPS technology into 4-H Summer Camp offerings at four camps this past summer. It is estimated that a total of 960 youth were introduced to GPS technology this past summer. In addition, 4-H highlighted the geospatial sciences effort at this year’s New York State Fair. Through our support of this effort, more than 1300 individuals were given direct hands-on exposure to geospatial science activities through demonstrations of web-based geospatial mapping software.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

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funding source description

Smith-Lever 3(b) & (c)

collaborators

  • NYCF&WRU
  • CCE 4-H Youth Development
  • NYS-DEC Hudson River Estuary Program
  • CCE of Genesee County

key personnel

  • Barbara Schirmer
  • Charles Malone
  • Leslie Zucker
  • Susan Hoskins

department, unit, division

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008