Post on 15-Jan-2016
Intergrated Community Based Science Using GIS to study
Natural Resoureces
University of KentuckyTracy Farmer Center for Sustainability
and the EnvironmentJune 17, 2009
Who we are (TFISE)
Mission: The Tracy Farmer Center is the University of Kentucky's focal interdisciplinary center for the comprehensive integration of research, education, and public service. Focusing on Research: faculty support, invasive species network, GIS, energy, internships, conferences.Outreach: conferences and communication, BPGC, Lexington and Future of PlanningEducation: CBS began with 1 project and 4 teachers to about 15 projects and 50 teachers and over 2,500 students. Projects focus on community questions and involve GIS, GPS and 3D imaging.
Our Partners
• University of Kentucky Colleges of Agriculture, Education, Arts and Science
• Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
• Commonwealth Office of Technology
• Kentucky Schools
• Kentucky Community and Technical College System Interactive Digital Center
What is Community Based Science?
• Real world science in Middle and High school classes in Kentucky.
• Students actively involved in data collection, analysis and presentations.
Our Projects
• Invasive Species– Lady Beetles– Zebra Mussels/Asian Clams– Pasture Evaluation– Kudzu/Wooly Adelgids
• Elk Habitats• Outdoor Classrooms• NPS Pollution• Land use• Parks Inventory• Food Sources• Soils
How the projects work
• Field studies• Data collection• Using GPS to record locations• Map reading /aerial photos• Map making using ArcGIS• Ground truthing• Presentations
The benefits of using GIS
• Information capture
• Data Storage and analysis
• Visualization
• Geospatial analysis tools– Basic map reading skills– Network analysis– Career opportunities– Environmental
Our Tools
• GPS Units
• GIS/Arc Explorer
• Kentucky Topo maps
• 3D Modeling/Visualization
• Infrared technology
• Commonwealth Map of Kentucky
• Various data sources
GPS use at Middle Creek Civil War
Battlefield, Floyd Co.
Water testing at Glenn’s Creek, Woodford Co.