How GIS data is helpful for natural science

The planet we live on encompasses so many marvels of nature. Nations have formed their culture and habits based on the access they had to natural resources. Take for example Asia and Europe. The climate is different, even though there might be slight geographical similarities. So, how much access to land and water a nation had determined its evolution and improvement. 

Image source

However, how humanity uses these resources is important both for our future and the planet. They are essential in many environments. We use the land as a base for our homes, agriculture, and lifestyles. At the same time, water is essential for our survival, nature, and animals. People should thus learn how to use these resources in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. As they are not infinite and we already are putting a strain on the Earth. 

How all these environmental and climate changes affect nature, wildlife, and us is studied by researchers around the world. This is mainly the concern of researchers from the field of biology, oceanography, and other natural sciences. How GIS data is helpful to this field of research you’ll find out in what follows. 

What Is GIS Data? 

GIS stands for Geographic Information System and is a computer system that allows scientists to see how different things on the Earth interact with others. It captures, stores, and checks data about the position of different objects on Earth’s surface. There are many types of maps you can represent GIS data on. 

How is all this data collected? Well, scientists and researchers collect data from sensors that are on the field. Like this, they can get information on a wide range of details that are essential to natural sciences. For example, GIS is used by geologists to analyze the structure of the planet and by meteorologists to predict temperature and climate changes. This is because GIS can be used in a variety of ways, mainly creating maps on different layers. These range from 

• geology maps (which show the distribution of materials across the planet’s surface) and
• soil maps (which show the properties of the soil in a specific area, as well as soil types), to
• land use maps (which show how the land is used where and what activities are done there) and
• vegetation maps (which show different types of vegetation in specific areas). 

The data used to create these maps come from sensors that are on the field. They store information about different factors, such as the speed of the wind, average temperatures, precipitation, organisms in the soil, the movement of animals, and many more.

How is GIS Helpful to Different Fields

GIS is essential to many fields that are part of the broad category of natural science. How is GIS data supporting the development of these fields? 

Environmental Sciences

Many students that want to start their academic pursuits in natural sciences will surely learn about GIS. This technology is so essential to this field because it helps scientists understand how different factors are affecting the vegetation, animals, and quality of life in different parts of the globe. Environmental science is one of the topics that drive the interest of most students, mainly because it is such a present topic nowadays. If you want to study more about the environment and the resources this planet offers us, search for available essay examples on natural resources by WritingBros. They represent a good resource to start your inquiry into the world of environmental science. 

GIS Data is essential to environmental sciences as researchers can monitor how different species evolve in the actual context when temperatures are increasing. With the GIS data they gather, they can design and propose solutions to protect a specific natural area or species or to reduce pollution. Environmental Scientists can support the development of sustainable inhabitable areas and ways of living, basing their proposals on GIS data. 

Meteorology or Climate Sciences 

One of the most pressing problems humanity has is that of climate change. While some people still insist on calling it a hoax, the effects are here. Climate scientists and meteorologists alike are warning us to slow the carbon emissions, as these climate changes are depleting the planet of its resources. GIS data is at the core of these studies and it offers meteorologists and climate scientists information about the sea rise, average temperatures, or the glaciers’ dwindling. 

Oceanography

The underwater world is not entirely known to us. Scientists think that there are many secrets on the ocean’s floor; there are many organisms that are not visible but that have evolved since prehistoric levels. Climate change is causing oceans to warm and how the underwater wildlife is reacting to this is essential to natural sciences. Sensors are used to collect and store GIS data on the temperature or salinity of the sea or ocean water, the height of the waves, movements of plate tectonics, and many more. Besides protecting the world underwater and gathering more information about it, oceanographers use GIS data also to predict hazards that might develop. 

Conclusion

GIS data is helpful and essential to the field of natural science. This computer technology is used for mapping different things related to the Earth, such as land use or vegetation map. GIS data is collected by sensors that are on the field which makes the job of scientists much easier, as they do not have to go in the field in harsh conditions. GIS data is used by oceanographers, climate scientists, and meteorologists, but also by environmental scientists. Like this, they can propose solutions for more sustainable development both for nature and humans. 

Author Bio: Judy Nelson is a blogger and journalist. She loves investigating pressing issues in the field of climate science and its effects on the planet. Judy loves hiking and playing board games with friends.