Wednesday, September 30, 2009

GIS: Advantages and Disadvantages

GIS (geographic information system) is used in conservation research. How has it changed collecting and analysizing data for scientist? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using GIS?

There are several advantages and disadvantages of using GIS in conservation research. It leds to better time management as finding locations is almost instant. But that is only if the signal can be found. Collection of data is quicker with GIS and location is more accurate. With more data better predictions and analysis can be made. Also with the less timely amount to collect data certain things can be catologed to create a database to refer to in the future. Because GIS is relatively new, integrating GIS data with traditional maps is difficult. Also funding for GIS is needed because it is more costly. Few are worried that GIS will be too heavily relied on and there will be a loss of knowledge of geography (which I believe is already seen in personal GPS).

ADVANTAGES
  • time management
  • quick collection of data
  • catalog of data
  • accuracy
  • better predictions and analysis

DISADVANTAGES

  • signal needs to be found in remote areas
  • too heavily relied on
  • loss of observations
  • expensive
  • integration with traditional map difficult