Geographic Information Systems: That’s some really important and powerful stuff right there
Students shouldn’t write off learning GIS just because they think they’re not interested in computers or data
I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Policy and Management, but I’ve recently found myself deep in the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I never expected to find myself in a summer GIS internship at NEMAC learning about data and geoprocessing—but here I am.
Starting out with only an introductory class under my belt, I truthfully felt underprepared and very much out of my element. I was a bit unsure, and didn’t know if I even wanted to pursue GIS beyond just the basics. I figured it would be a good skill to have in the environmental field, and thought I would likely leave it at that. But now, after experiencing first-hand just how powerful a tool GIS can actually be, I’m reconsidering.
In my internship, I’ve been mapping climate threat indices for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s coastal exposure analysis of the entire United States coastline:
Through this work, I’ve broadened my understanding of how coastal areas will be impacted by climate change and I’ve learned what’s needed to adapt to those threats.
GIS can effectively process and visually communicate important climate data to people who may not have a science background, but who need to understand it to help their communities better prepare for—and adapt to—the impending climate crisis.
That’s some really important and powerful stuff right there. So to all you Environmental Studies students: don’t write off GIS just because you think you’re not interested in computers or data. Consider the tool’s broader implications and power, and think about the future of climate resiliency and adaptation with GIS.
My work at NEMAC has been my first experience in a job or internship setting where I’ve felt that I’m contributing meaningful work, learning valuable skills, and working in an area that I hope to pursue after graduation. Even though I’ve only been here a short time, I’ve learned so much thanks to the patience and support of the amazing NEMAC crew. I’ve still got a lot to learn—but I’ve already come a long way. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to learn about this incredibly powerful and impactful technology.
