Development of GIS Lab to Promote Interdisciplinary Student Environmental Research

该项目支持地理信息系统（GIS）实验室的重大改进。地理信息系统已被证明是一种有效和通用的学习和研究工具，可以促进学生在环境科学和人类生态学方面的研究、独立研究和高级（荣誉）项目。该项目解决了更换过时和效率较低的设备的需要，以便加强和修订目前的课程，并发展设计更先进课程的能力。来自每个学术资源领域的教师和学生都有机会从事先进的研究和追求数字环境建模项目，应用最强大的ArcInfo软件版本。六台运行x终端仿真软件的奔腾级个人电脑与SPARCstation 10联网，取代了六台老式个人电脑。新系统为课程提供了访问SPARCstation服务器管理的数据和软件的途径。当前的课程将随着新技术特征的引入而得到加强，包括用于处理地理数据和卫星图像的建模和分析工具，以及用于创建图形用户界面和针对特定应用程序的定制程序的工具。该项目可衡量的成果包括：课程质量大幅提高，自主学习和研究的学生人数增加；承担的新项目和先进项目；并在跨学科的科学导向计划中传播地理信息系统技术的独特应用。

This project supports major improvements in the geographic information systems (GIS) laboratory. GIS has proven to be an effective and versatile learning and research tool enhancing student research, independent study, and senior (honors) projects in environmental science and human ecology. The project addresses the need to replace obsolete and less efficient equipment in order to strengthen and revise current courses and to develop the capacity to design more advanced curricula. Faculty and students from each academic resource area have the opportunity to engage in advanced research and pursue digital environmental modeling projects, applying the most powerful version of ArcInfo software. Six Pentium-class PCs running X-terminal emulation software, networked to a SPARCstation 10, replace six older PC computers. The new system provides courses with access to data and software managed by the SPARCstation server. Current courses are enhanced as new technical features are introduced through the lab, including modeling and analytical tools for working with physiographic data and satellite imagery and tools to create graphic user interfaces and customized programs for specific applications. Measurable outcomes from the project include substantially enhanced courses along with increased numbers of students doing independent study and research; new and advanced projects undertaken; and dissemination of distinctive applications of GIS technology in an interdisciplinary science-oriented program.