The Addition of GIS Applications to Introductory Geology Courses

了解环境以及必然有助于环境管理决策的许多因素，取决于一个人访问存储数据的能力。理解这类数据的最有效方法是使用称为地理信息系统(GIS)的系统。地理信息系统是管理空间分布信息的重要工具。今天的学生是明天的管理者；因此，他们必须熟悉地理信息系统。该项目为学生学习地理信息系统应用所需的软件和仪器提供资金。为了学习如何使用数据管理系统，学生需要将学习与现实生活中的应用程序联系起来。本项目通过三门地质学入门课程向学生介绍地理信息系统。这些课程的入学率一直很高，既有地质学专业的学生，也有其他专业的学生，它们是满足学院通识教育理科要求的热门选择。

Understanding the environment and the many factors that must, of necessity, contribute to decisions regarding the management of the environment, depend on one's ability to access stored data. The most effective way to make sense of this type of data is with the system called Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is an essential tool in the management of spacially distributed information. The students of today are the managers of tomorrow; they must, therefore, be familiar with GIS. This project funds the software and instrumentation necessary for students to learn the GIS applications. In order to learn how to use a data management system, students need to connect the learning with a real-life application. This project introduces students to the GIS system in three introductory geology courses. The courses have a steady high enrollment, they are populated by students within the geology major and well as from other majors, and they are popular choices to fulfill the college's general education science requirements.