5 Weird and Wonderful Uses of Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that have revolutionized how we collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data. From mapping natural resources to tracking the spread of diseases, GIS has a wide range of applications in different fields. However, some people have found some strange and unusual uses of GIS that you probably haven't heard of before. In this blog post, we will explore five strange and unusual uses of GIS.

Finding the best location for a cemetery

Believe it or not, GIS has been used to find the best location for a cemetery.

In 2015, a team of researchers from the University of South Carolina used GIS to map out the best location for a cemetery in the city of Columbia. They analyzed various factors such as soil type, land use, and water availability to identify suitable locations. By doing so, they were able to identify potential locations that were less likely to cause environmental problems or disturb existing communities.

Predicting the location of Bigfoot sightings

If you are a believer in Bigfoot, you might find this application of GIS interesting.

A group of researchers from Pennsylvania State University used GIS to predict the locations of Bigfoot sightings. They analyzed various environmental factors such as terrain, vegetation, and water sources to identify areas that are most likely to be home to Bigfoot. The study concluded that Bigfoot sightings were more likely to occur in areas with dense forest cover and steep slopes.

Mapping the scent of a city

GIS has also been used to map the scent of a city.

In 2013, a team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside used GIS to map out the sources of odors in the city of Riverside. They attached GPS-enabled air quality sensors to bicycles and rode around the city to collect data on air quality. By doing so, they were able to identify the sources of different odors in the city such as car exhaust, industrial emissions, and natural gas leaks.

Studying the effect of climate change on wine

GIS has been used to study the effect of climate change on wine.

In 2014, a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis used GIS to map out the locations of vineyards in the Napa Valley. They then analyzed various factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil type to identify the areas most vulnerable to climate change. By doing so, they were able to identify the types of grapes that are most likely to thrive in a changing climate.

Monitoring the movements of sharks

Finally, GIS has been used to monitor the movements of sharks.

In 2016, a team of researchers from the University of Miami used GIS to track the movements of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. They attached GPS-enabled tags to the sharks and tracked their movements over time. By doing so, they were able to identify the areas where sharks are most likely to congregate, and which areas should be avoided by swimmers.

In conclusion, GIS is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, both serious and unusual. From predicting the location of Bigfoot sightings to mapping the scent of a city, these strange and unusual uses of GIS show the creative and innovative ways in which this technology can be applied. Who knows what other strange and unusual uses of GIS we will discover in the future!.