Open-source data and tools capabilities for developing our activities

Introduction to Geospatial Technologies

This session introduces teachers to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their role in visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting spatial data. GIS supports a wide range of educational activities, from mapping natural disasters to monitoring climate change impacts.

🔹 Why GIS in Education?

• Helps students understand spatial relationships and environmental changes.
• Provides tools for data-driven decision-making.
• Encourages problem-solving using real-world applications.

Key Concepts of GIS

GIS is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. It helps users:
✅ Manage Data – Organize geographic data from multiple sources.
✅ Visualize Information – Create maps and dashboards.
✅ Analyze Spatial Relationships – Identify trends and patterns.
✅ Communicate Findings – Use maps and storytelling to convey information.

Example Applications in Education:
🌍 Earthquake Monitoring – Using GIS for real-time seismic activity analysis.
💨 Weather Data Interpretation – Platforms like Windy for atmospheric studies.
📍 Urban Planning & Disaster Management – Analyzing spatial data to assess risks.

Types of Geospatial Data

GIS relies on two main data structures:
1️⃣ Vector Data (Points, Lines, Polygons) – Used for precise mapping and networks.
2️⃣ Raster Data (Grids, Pixels) – Best for continuous data, like elevation or temperature.

📌 Example Use Cases:

• Vector Data: Roads, city boundaries, land parcels.
• Raster Data: Satellite imagery, climate models, terrain elevation.

Geospatial Data Repositories & Free Resources

The session provided a comprehensive list of open-source GIS datasets that teachers can integrate into their lessons. These include:

🌐 Global Data Sources:

• NASA’s Earth Observations (NEO) – Climate, land, and ocean data.
• USGS Earth Explorer – Satellite and aerial imagery.
• ArcGIS Hub – Access to 250,000+ datasets.

Austria: INSPIRE Spatial Data Portal
Greece: National Open Geodata Repository
Portugal: EPIC WebGIS Open Data
Sweden: Environmental GIS Portal
Cyprus: Landcover, Cadastre, and Air Quality Data

Example Projects for Teachers:
📊 Mapping Renewable Energy Potential – Using the Global Wind Atlas.
🌊 Coastal Erosion & Sea Level Rise – Accessing bathymetric and shoreline data.
🏙️ Urban Growth Analysis – Comparing historical and current satellite imagery.

Geospatial Software & Tools for Teachers

🔹 Popular GIS Software & Platforms
✅ QGIS – Open-source GIS tool for spatial data analysis.
✅ ArcGIS Online – Educational mapping and geospatial analysis.
✅ Google Earth Pro – 3D visualization of geographic data.
✅ MapMaker by National Geographic – Simplified GIS for classroom use.

📌 Practical Activities for Students:

• Creating thematic maps (e.g., mapping biodiversity loss).
• Using remote sensing data to track deforestation.
• Analyzing human settlement patterns over time.