Background Information
Every day, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) must respond to a wide variety of complex issues involving geographically referenced data - that is, information related to some location. Geographic Information Management Systems (GIMS) are the spatial data tools of choice for addressing such complex geographical problems. The Department of Natural Resources uses its GIMS capability to effectively develop, use and disseminate natural resource information and data for critical environmental, natural resource and economic decision-making.
GIMS is a term used by the Department of Natural Resources to describe a collection of related technologies used to manage geospatial data. These technologies include desktop and web-based geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) systems, automated and desktop mapping (AM) systems, remote sensing and image analysis (RSI) systems, and their related database management systems (DBMS). A GIS is a decision support system designed to collect, edit, manage, analyze and display data referenced by spatial or geographic coordinates. These systems are composed of five elements: computer hardware, software, procedures, data, and people. Geographic information systems have evolved from several related technologies, such as computer-aided design and mapping systems, and relational database management systems. GIS's, however, have several features not available in these systems. Spatial analysis, the ability to evaluate features in the context of their surroundings, is the most important of these.
Information accessed from:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=E2emmftpnOo%3d&tabid=15461
This geospatial technologies webquest is designed to answer the question, “How can geospatial technologies help us manage and preserve our natural resources?” Students will explore a variety of interactive online media to meet the following learning objectives:
1. Understand the basics of GPS and GIS including the differences between the two systems and how they work together
2. Understand the importance of georeferenced data
3. Experience using a GIS
4. Apply the information they have learned to a local situation
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