What the heck is GIS?

The Environmental Protection Agency defines GIS: "A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based system designed to collect, store, integrate, manipulate, analyze & display data in a spatially referenced environment. It allows you to analyze data visually and see patterns, trends, and relationships that might not be visible in tabular or written form."

Beyond environmental studies. many undergrad and grad programs dealing with social statistics and/or public policy use GIS in their research. There is a great resource available on campus that offers support on campus and online to faculty, staff and students. It is a great referral point for both instruction and tech support.

Check out the campus website here.

For more information about GIS, check out this quick resource from GIS.com