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Intergrated Community Based Science Using GIS to study Natural Resoureces. University of Kentucky Tracy Farmer Center for Sustainability and the Environment June 17, 2009. Who we are (TFISE).
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Intergrated Community Based Science Using GIS to study Natural Resoureces University of Kentucky Tracy Farmer Center for Sustainability and the Environment June 17, 2009
Who we are (TFISE) Mission: The Tracy Farmer Center is the University of Kentucky's focal interdisciplinary center for the comprehensive integration of research, education, and public service. Focusing on Research: faculty support, invasive species network, GIS, energy, internships, conferences. Outreach: conferences and communication, BPGC, Lexington and Future of Planning Education: CBS began with 1 project and 4 teachers to about 15 projects and 50 teachers and over 2,500 students. Projects focus on community questions and involve GIS, GPS and 3D imaging.
Our Partners • University of Kentucky Colleges of Agriculture, Education, Arts and Science • Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources • Commonwealth Office of Technology • Kentucky Schools • Kentucky Community and Technical College System Interactive Digital Center
What is Community Based Science? • Real world science in Middle and High school classes in Kentucky. • Students actively involved in data collection, analysis and presentations.
Our Projects • Invasive Species • Lady Beetles • Zebra Mussels/Asian Clams • Pasture Evaluation • Kudzu/Wooly Adelgids • Elk Habitats • Outdoor Classrooms • NPS Pollution • Land use • Parks Inventory • Food Sources • Soils
How the projects work • Field studies • Data collection • Using GPS to record locations • Map reading /aerial photos • Map making using ArcGIS • Ground truthing • Presentations
The benefits of using GIS • Information capture • Data Storage and analysis • Visualization • Geospatial analysis tools • Basic map reading skills • Network analysis • Career opportunities • Environmental
Our Tools • GPS Units • GIS/Arc Explorer • Kentucky Topo maps • 3D Modeling/Visualization • Infrared technology • Commonwealth Map of Kentucky • Various data sources
Kudzu Survey in Leslie County Kudzu LCHS
GPS points plotted. Area of plot measured using Terain Navigator program.
GPS points plotted. Different groups of students did different plots in a park in Hyden, KY.
38o 08’ 00” N 38o 07’ 30” N 84o 30’ 30” W 84o 30’ 00” W 84o 31’ 00” W
Profession Development – Elk Habitat Survey – Danville, Harlan Co., Jackson Ind.
Changing the batteries on the GPS unit Collecting data – blood sample for brain worm parasite
Recording data Elk calf released with new ear tags
GPS use at Middle Creek Civil War Battlefield, Floyd Co. Water testing at Glenn’s Creek, Woodford Co.
Questions? Brian Radcliffe Program Instructor Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment brian.radcliffe@uky.edu