What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and is a tool for viewing, mapping, and analyzing geospatial information (which is geographic information with a spatial component – data that can be visualized on a map).

What can you do with GIS?

GIS is used to answer environmental questions and solve environmental problems. For example, GIS can help us understand the social, political, and economic consequences of rising sea levels or identify potential habitat locations for rare or endangered species. 

Why is GIS important for an environmental major?

GIS helps environmental majors think spatially. GIS is an important tool for examining and understanding cultural and physical patterns and human-environment relationships across global, regional, and local spatial scales. All Siena Environmental Studies and Sciences students acquire GIS skills as part of their major.

An ENVA 460 Student GIS Project