Since 1994, Zamorano has had a modern Geographical Information System (GIS) Laboratory where students learn to use tools for mapping, spatial analysis, multi-criteria evaluation and territory models, among other activities related to the gathering of geographic information for different environmental activities.
By means of GIS, Zamorano students obtain a strategic vision and engage in analytical thinking, which allows them to make informed decisions regarding various environmental issues. For example, if a company decides to install its processing factory in a given area, they are able to evaluate sites that meet established environmental standards for the location of the facilities. In addition, they can analyze the viability of the existing land and natural resources in order to prevent that the activities carried out there affect the ecosystem.
Learning by Doing
Inside the laboratory, students handle Global Positioning System (GPS tools), collect and store information in databases, including the implementation of more complex tools that enable them to study methods that monitor the environmental status of resources.
In the 4th year Specialized Learning by Doing program of the Socioeconomic Development and Environment career, students select specific tools for the development of spatial monitoring of real-world environments and subsequently present a real case study with a map which describes the type of area and recommendations to follow. “The goal is not to train GIS technicians, but to teach students to know which tools they can use to deal with different environmental situations in a given territory,” said Mr. Ramón Hernández, Zamorano GIS Laboratory Manager.
Equipment and Technology
The GIS laboratory is at the forefront of technology and has been recently equipped with ESRI software, such as:
- ArcGis 9.3
- ENVI 4.7 for digital image processing and remote sensing
The laboratory is also equipped with the latest generation of computers and hardware, connected through a server with cutting edge technology.
Innovation and Outreach
During the past two years, Zamorano and its GIS Laboratory have been working in alliance with the Regional Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO, Spanish acronym) and the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD, Spanish acronym), on implementing the Globe-Clue methodology in the Central American region.
Globe-Clue methodology is a scientific support tool for biodiversity monitoring, able to show specific indicators about the status of some species, ecosystems and genetic resources. This methodology allows countries to make adequate political decisions regarding biodiversity protection in a region.
This project is running simultaneously in the seven countries of the Central America region and is the first regional assessment of biodiversity status, constructed from individual evaluations of each country.
Outreach: Zamorano’s neighboring communities have also benefitted from the GIS Laboratory
In 2009, as a graduation project, two Socioeconomic Development and Environment students using GIS conducted a spatial analysis to define the ideal place for the landfill in the municipality of San Antonio de Oriente.
More recently, students from the same career, also using GIS, made a technical diagnosis of the current state of the Quebrada Aguja watershed, which supplies drinking water to the community of San Francisco del Valle, Güinope.Listen
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Zamorano soil unit, an exploratory study of soils was carried out in the municipality of Ojojona, Francisco Morazan, as part of the development of a thesis.
Land Use Planning
GIS is an important tool for applying criteria related to politics and socioeconomic development. The Land Use Planning course taught to students in the DSEA career allows them to work in multidisciplinary teams to plan proper land use.
