IT for the Planet:Computing Climate

Stephanie B. OhshitaDept. of Environmental Science, USF

July 2005

Overview: Using computer science skills for the environment

Data gathering: remote sensing from desert to ocean

Data visualization: seeing solutions with GIS Environmental management with databases Environmental modeling

“who done it?” “what if . . . ?”

Environmental communication and activism on the web

July 2005

How to capture data from remote and harsh places like the desert in

Xinjiang, western China?

July 2005

or the Antarctic?

July 2005

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Remote Sensing:

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non-intrusive data gathering that gives us the really big picture

Images from: Ohio State University, National Science Olympiad.

July 2005

Remote Sensing : Animal Factory - Feedlot Cows from Space [www.sprol.com]

July 2005

Remote Sensing : Slash and Burn Agriculture in the Amazon [www.sprol.com]

July 2005

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Geographical Information System (GIS)

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data stored as layers common database

operations (queries, statistical analysis)

plus the visualization of maps

powerful tool for explaining events and planning strategies

July 2005

GIS: hurricane impact patterns + city map evacuation plan

July 2005

GIS: lava flows and vegetation

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With GIS, USF Prof. Tracy Benning has been examining how landscape variation affects ecosystem functioning on Hawaii.

July 2005

GIS Software Packages

ArcInfo ArcView AMLs Avenue Metadata

MapInfo Vertical Mapper MapBasic Visual Basic Image Analyst (add-on

for remote data sensing)

Job Tip: The US Geological Service (USGS) is now looking for people with GIS skills to work in Hawaii . . .

July 2005

Making the connection: relational databases for environmental management Data is stored in a centralized, efficient and

organized manner. Data can be shared easily. All those involved see a more complete

picture of processes and problems. By querying the data and combining with GIS,

managers can see variations in the data, identify future monitoring needs, and develop pollution control solutions.

July 2005

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Example: Managing Polluted Groundwater at an Oil Refinery

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July 2005

Environmental Modeling

noise profile from a power plant chiller

contour plot of contaminant concentrations

mean summer

rainfall (1986-2002)

Images from: Navcon Engineering Network, GEMSS W2

Model, and Instituto di Biometeorologia.

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July 2005

“Who done it?” Using models to trace heavy metal contamination

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July 2005

“What if…?” Modeling climate change mitigation scenarios

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July 2005

We are marching across America for one year, via the internet, to bring everyone together in one loud clear voice of concern to urge our leaders to address global warming now. Please join the march and make your voice heard too.

July 2005

Leonardo DiCaprio'sPersonal Impact Page  

Leonardo DiCaprio's impact on Stop Global Warming:

636 Friends 104 Friends-of-Friends 7 3rd Degree Friends748 Total

If you would like to join Leonardo DiCaprio, register as a friend>

July 2005

With science skills, you can do a lot – even save the planet.

Good luck in your studies!