Geography Matters for Environmental Professionals

 GIS is used by environmental professionals. Environmental professionals use geographic information system (GIS) software in the areas of environmental compliance, permit tracking, environmental impact assessment, groundwater modeling, natural resource management, policy development, and public review. GIS is used every day to help protect the environment, produce maps, inventory species, trace pollutants, protect habitats, and study vegetation╨the environmental applications for GIS are almost endless. Here are just a few.

Study and Manage Ecosystems
The National Biological Services uses GIS to study and manage the Gap Analysis Program. Using the GIS, they can visualize the ecosystem as a complete unit and display graphics of sensitive areas. The Bureau of Land Management uses GIS to manage the ecosystem for the Columbia River Basin. Using the GIS they can assess environmental impact, develop planning strategies, and create maps that show the entire system.

Identify Site Characterization
GIS can organize and refine data to help with site assessments, site inspections, and feasibility studies. Data, such as survey, hydrological, and aerial photos, can be organized and evaluated using the GIS.

Track the Effects of Pollutants
The damaging effects of pollution, such as oil spills, can be assessed using a GIS. With this information, the GIS can model potential contamination for different locations and help develop risk assessment strategies. GIS technology helped the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Council prioritize areas that need protection and to restore damaged species. In addition, the effects of oil spills on tourism were assessed by using the same data to analyze the scenic appeal of different areas.

Only GIS software can truly keep up with the complex spatial data management requirements for environmental monitoring and reporting. A GIS streamlines data management and makes it easier to share crucial data throughout an organization. GIS reduces the cost of doing environmental business while giving the organization that uses it a competitive advantage in an ever-evolving marketplace.

If you would like to know more, we invite you to explore our many informational and downloadable resources.