Geography Technology Geography of Canada Geography Technology 1

Geography & Technology Geography of Canada

Geography & Technology 1. 2. 3. 4. Geographic Information Systems Global Positioning System Aerial Photographs Satellite Imagery

Geographic Information Systems • Geographic Information Systems *(GIS) is a technology that manages, analyzes, and disseminates geographic knowledge. Essentially, GIS is maps on computers. Each characteristic of the Earth’s surface is mapped on a layer which can be viewed independently, or in combination with other layers. • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Y 1 QCazb. Ing. M

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems • GIS can analyze data in many ways:

GIS – Locations and Attributes Location Information: Where is it? Attribute Information: What is it? Species: Oak Height: 15 m Age: 75 Yrs 51°N, 112°W Source: ESRI Canada, Whats. GIS. ppt

GIS – Asking Questions • GIS software can answer questions about our world: Spatial Questions: Attribute Questions: What provinces have more than 1. 5 million people? What provinces border Saskatchewan? Source: ESRI Canada, What’s GIS. ppt

GIS – Why Use It? Support for decision-making based on spatial data: • Visual representation of data • Maintenance, manipulation of data • Analyze information and the affected area(s) geographically • Produce customized cartographic products

GIS – Real World Uses • • Management Agriculture Public Utilities Health Care Emergency 911 Real Estate Marketing

GIS – Real World Uses • Is it safe to dig here? A proposed excavation, identified by address, is compared to pipelines in the area using Geotechnology. Source: ESRI Canada, What’s GIS. ppt

Global Positioning System • The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. • The location accuracy is anywhere from 100 to 10 metres for most equipment. • Accuracy can be pinpointed to within one metre with special military-approved equipment.

Global Positioning System • GPS equipment is widely used in science and has now become sufficiently low-cost so that almost anyone can own a GPS receiver. • The GPS is owned and operated by the U. S. Department of Defense but is available for general use around the world.

Global Positioning System

Global Positioning System • A hand-held GPS unit

Global Positioning System • An in-dash GPS unit

Global Positioning System • SPOT Satellite Messenger - Allows you to “check in”, send a message, or send emergency help from anywhere in the world - Uses GPS technology

Remote Sensing • *Remote sensing is the practice of studying Earth by using images and photographs taken from above Earth’s surface. * • These photographs are either taken by airplanes or by satellites. • http: //goo. gl/h. Vt. Fh

Aerial Photographs • Using the photographs of the Earth taken by airplanes, you can see the world in 3 D using a stereoscope.

Aerial Photographs • Google Earth is a computer program (that you can download for free!) that shows aerial photographs in a digital format, with a general purpose map on top. www. earth. google. com

Making Connections • Using your textbook, answer the questions on the worksheet about GIS and remote sensing • Start on page 51 Map for Qu #7