If you’re studying natural resources or agriculture, there’s a strong possibility you’ve heard about Geographic Information Systems—GIS for short. Whether you realize it or not, we’re using this technology every single day: when you pull up Google Maps to find that new restaurant, when you post a photo to your Instagram story with a location tag, or when you use Strava to track that super long run you went on… you get the point. At its core, GIS is a tool that helps us collect, analyze, and visualize data tied to specific locations, helping us understand where things are happening and why that matters.
Natural Resources
In natural resources, GIS is used to make sense of the environment and how it’s changing. It helps researchers and conservationists monitor forests, track wildlife movement, and map out water systems like rivers and watersheds. It’s also used to study the impact of things like urban development, wildfires, or mining on ecosystems. Whether it’s planning for sustainable land use or protecting endangered species, GIS gives us the ability to make informed decisions based on real-world data.
Agriculture
GIS is also a big deal in agriculture. Farmers use it to figure out exactly where to plant, irrigate, and apply fertilizer—making their operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. It helps monitor crops using satellite imagery, map soil conditions, and even predict their expected harvest. GIS also plays a role in planning farm layouts, managing land parcels, and spotting risks like drought or pests. In short, it’s helping agriculture become smarter, more sustainable, and more data-driven.
If you want to learn more about Geographic Information Systems, check out the following video from the industry leader, ESRI. And if you are interested in what programs CWU offers for Geographic Information Systems contact the Department of Geography at geography@cwu.edu.
