How can GIS be used to increase public awareness of environmental issues?

2 GIS and Pollution

Another major environmental issue that affects human health and ecosystems is pollution, which can be measured and monitored by GIS. GIS can help identify the sources, distribution, and trends of various types of pollution, such as air, water, soil, noise, and light. For example, the World Air Quality Index project uses GIS to display real-time data on air quality from thousands of stations around the world. These maps can help the public access reliable information on air pollution levels and health effects, as well as compare different regions and countries.

3 GIS and Biodiversity

Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing ecosystem services. GIS can help assess and conserve biodiversity by mapping and analyzing the distribution, abundance, and diversity of species and habitats. For example, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) uses GIS to provide free and open access to data on millions of species records from around the world. These maps can help the public discover and appreciate the richness and value of biodiversity, as well as identify the threats and challenges facing it.

4 GIS and Sustainability

Sustainability, or the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future, is a key goal for environmental engineering. GIS can help promote and evaluate sustainability by mapping and modeling the interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors. For example, the ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World uses GIS to provide a comprehensive collection of maps and data on various themes related to sustainability, such as energy, water, land use, transportation, and human development. These maps can help the public explore and understand the complex and interrelated issues of sustainability and the potential solutions and opportunities for improvement.

5 GIS and Public Engagement

GIS is not only a tool for information and education, but also for engagement and participation. GIS can help increase public awareness of environmental issues by enabling and encouraging the public to contribute, share, and collaborate on spatial data and analysis. For example, the Crowdsource Reporter app from Esri allows the public to report problems or observations related to environmental issues, such as litter, invasive species, or wildlife sightings. These reports can be viewed and verified by other users or authorities on a map, creating a sense of community and responsibility.

GIS is a versatile and valuable tool for environmental engineering that can help increase public awareness of environmental issues by providing visual, interactive, and accessible ways to communicate spatial data and analysis. By using GIS to inform, educate, and engage the public on topics such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and sustainability, environmental engineers can foster a better understanding and appreciation of the environment and its challenges, as well as inspire action and change for a more sustainable future.