Mapping and Visualizing of Research
- Providing expertise and tools for mapping and visualizing of research data for Faculty publications and presentations
- Assisting in the geo-location of study sites and research objects/artifacts in a digital space
- Assisting in the spatial analysis of these objects to determine possible patterns or new relationships with each other or other geospatial data (opening avenues toward new research)
- Assisting with GPS and Mobile mapping devices (For example, downloading of collected data from researcher’s device for transfer to geospatial application for mapping and analysis)
- Assisting in the geo-referencing and geo-tagging of digital photos to geographic coordinates for use in GIS software, Google Earth and other digital tools
Training in the use of Commercial and Open Source GIS tools
- Providing one on one consultations and workshops in the use of both commercial ESRI GIS products, and open source software like QGIS and R
Paper to Digital Migration
- Providing self-serve scanning for both small and wide-format materials
- Providing guidance for large scale digitization projects including reproducing of old field notes, aerial/satellite photos, paper maps and sketches into digital material. Users may wish to take new digital copies of paper materials into a GIS for further analysis or electronic publication/presentation
Assistance with Research Grants
- We are open for consultations and possible partnerships related to geospatial projects.
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Spatial Literacy Consultations
- Providing research and curriculum consultations related to spatial literacy and how it can be applied
What is Spatial Literacy?
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Spatial literacy involves an understanding and applying three main concepts when searching for and/or communicating with geographic or visual information.*
These include:
- Working with Space
- Choosing what and how to Represent geographic information
- Applying Reasoning based on the geographic information
*National Academies Press (2006). Executive Summary In Learning to Think Spatially: GIS as a Support System in the K-12 Curriculum. Retrieved on February 25th, 2010 from http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11019.html
Why is GIS part of Digital Humanities?
GIS refers to Geographical Information Systems - tools used to support the spatial visualization of data. As the GIS/Data Librarian, I am interested in helping researchers work with their data to create maps and other visualizations. These graphics can greatly enhance the communication of the research, opening it to a wider audience. The analysis tools inherent in a GIS may also extend the research into new directions, opening the doors to new collaborations and funding opportunities. We have a plethora of resources and expertise in the U of T Mississauga Library which faculty and students can utilize in support of their research needs.
--Andrew Nicholson, GIS/Data Librarian