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GIS Software Applications in Agriculture,
Public Safety, and the Hospitality Industry
Mitch
Maddox and Artie Robinson
Environmental Systems
Research Institute
September 25, 2002
Geographic information systems (GIS) technology is fast becoming an
indispensable research tool in academia and one of the fastest growing
high tech careers for students. Environmental Systems Research Institute
(ESRI) is a leader in the GIS software market and the sole domestic
provider for all ESRI software (technical support plus software
updates/up grades). ESRI promotes the use of GIS in education and
research in educational institutions such as Tennessee State
University. ESRI’s academic goal is to create a more spatially literate
society and support the need for an ever-growing technological
workforce. The presentation will focus on GIS applications in
agriculture, public safety, and the hospitality industry.
Ranking of watersheds for nutrient and pesticide pollution are examples
of GIS-based analyses applicable to many of the agricultural and
environmental sciences. Soil classification can enable growers to
precisely evaluate the need for, and the application of, fertilizers,
pesticides, and irrigants. GIS tools can be used by the largest and the
smallest growers to improve efficiency and increase profits. Combining
GIS with precision agriculture and other advanced technologies like
long-range weather forecasting, growers can easily predict and plan farm
operations well in advance.
The
current state of national and world security has resulted in the need
for very rapid access to geographic, population, and health
information. Most emergency response agencies are currently using and
refining GIS as an essential tool in threat and disaster situations.
Finding and evaluating locations is a key factor in the establishment
and success of restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and other
hospitality-related enterprises. GIS provides a highly adaptable
platform well-suited to locating and attracting customers, and in
evaluating success and profitability.
The
migration of GIS to a desktop computer application has opened doors for
many fields. The future of GIS appears to be limited only by the
imaginations of the users.
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