{"id":7229,"date":"2026-08-28T13:32:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:32:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.owu.edu\/geog-291\/?p=7229"},"modified":"2026-08-28T13:32:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:32:37","slug":"hughes-week-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.owu.edu\/geog-291\/2026\/08\/28\/hughes-week-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Hughes Week 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have finished the GEOG 291 Quiz:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pictured above is me standing in front of the London Tower!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hello, my name is Brandon Elliott, but I go by Brandon Hughes. I am a freshman majoring in environmental studies. The reason I took this class is that my brother, who is a senior, expressed how he enjoyed learning about GIS and its uses from this course. I am also interested in the implications of GIS and how it is used to analyze land for various uses. I intend to do fieldwork with my environmental studies degree, so taking this GEOG 291 course will expand my knowledge of analyzing data, understanding the GIS resource, as well as how to utilize this system for my benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Prior to this week\u2019s reading, my understanding of GIS from my brother, who also is majoring in environmental studies, was that it was a system that people used to create maps and record the geography of locations. After the first reading, I now understand the value that GIS has, not only for simple factors like delivery services and maps but also for its utilization by emergency services and zoning. GIS has been utilized countless times dating back to the 1960s when the technology behind the system was being developed and the capabilities had not yet been fully comprehended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Schuurman’s initial chapter highlighted how the nascent GIS system was underestimated because of its technological limitations, an idea that resonated with me. Numerous people preferred manual cartography rather than computerized spatial analysis. This highlights how new technology may not always be a hit initially and can use improvements in order to adopt the system until it takes off. I find this interesting because at this time many individuals still preferred the physical and traditional cartography techniques rather than the newly invented GIS system of using computerized methods. This trend is becoming apparent in present times with how people are beginning to revert back to more traditional methods rather than newer technology such as the use of AI. However we could also be in a similar period where the newer technology is not trusted but with advancements the systems become more utilized and advanced. The spatial analysis confusion from common mapping can be highlighted by my observation with how individuals may not fully understand the differences i the systems and how they have independent uses rather than\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The textbook mentions how transformations within the digital environment have huge impacts on the accuracy of GIS. In order to limit large fluctuations in the data causing inaccuracy, GIScientist must account for the impact of transformations. This insight provides a strong basis for an understanding of how much data and layers are compiled within the geospatial tool that even small alterations can have a domino effect through the various layers of the mapping system.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The GIS system is used in countless aspects of life for numerous fields. I chose to look into GIS\u2019s impact on an interest of mine in identifying invasive plant species and analyzing the factors contributing to their spread. After researching this topic and GIS\u2019s application on this I learned that the system compiles soil types, rainfall patterns, and terrain of a location that plays a large role in the spread of these species. Scientists may analyze the current data of the region and compile a visualization for future vegetation prediction scenarios, such as this image of Yosemite that the National Park Service utilizes:<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGeographic Information System\u201d Yosemite National Park, National Park Service, Aug. 22, 2023 (Projected Future Vegetation).<\/span><\/p>\n

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An additional application of GIS can be inverse to predicting and limiting the spread of invasive species by mapping and protecting \u200cnative species. This application of GIS is also widely utilized by National Park services and conservation groups to analyze the data behind why these species are thriving or struggling and how to adapt their approach to maximize conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sources:<\/span><\/p>\n