Earth Exploration Toolbook Chapter: Investigating Earthquakes: GIS Mapping and Analysis
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| Type: | Course Related Materials |
| Grade Level: | Post-secondary, Secondary |
Abstract: This activity describes the technique of preparing latitude-longitude based data so it can be imported into a geographic information system (GIS). The chapter describes the steps to create a map to display data and guides users through some basic geographic analyses. The focus of the chapter's case study is earthquake prediction. Users download and format near real-time and historical earthquake data from the USGS. They import the data into ArcVoyager Special Edition GIS software, and analyze patterns by querying records and overlaying datasets. Users examine earthquake distributions, monitor current earthquake activity, and try to predict where the next big earthquake will occur. Any data set that specifies latitude and longitude coordinates can be prepared for importing into a GIS with the techniques described in this chapter. Examples of data sets that can be investigated include stream flow conditions, global land and sea surface temperatures, and data gathered with a GPS.
