University of Calcutta

Science Communication Internal

assessment (Assignment)

Topic Name: How GIS Helps in Science

Communication.
Registration No. – 133-1212-0032-23
Class Roll No. – C91/GEO/231037
Department – Geography
Semester – 3rd
Session – 2023-2025
 How GIS Helps in Science Communication

Introduction: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a powerful technological tool that is
increasingly transforming the way scientific information is communicated to diverse audiences. By
integrating spatial data with visualization tools, GIS provides a means to map, analyse, and interpret
large amounts of information in a way that is easily understandable. In the context of science
communication, GIS bridges the gap between scientific communities and the public, making complex
scientific issues more accessible. From climate change to disease outbreaks, GIS plays a pivotal role
in presenting data in an intuitive, interactive, and spatial format. This essay explores the importance,
applications, evolution, and role of GIS in enhancing science communication, with examples from
India to illustrate its widespread impact.

History and Evolution of GIS: The roots of GIS can be traced back to the early days of cartography,
where maps were used to represent geographical features and communicate information about land
and resources. However, GIS, as we know it today, emerged in the 1960s as a digital tool to manage,
analyse, and display geographic data. Early pioneers like Roger Tomlinson developed the first GIS
systems to aid in land management and resource planning, particularly in Canada.
The evolution of GIS took a significant leap in the 1970s, when computers and digital mapping
technology became more sophisticated. The introduction of the first GIS software, such as the Canada
Geographic Information System (CGIS), marked a milestone in GIS's potential for scientific and
governmental applications. GIS was primarily used by urban planners and natural resource managers.
By the 1990s and 2000s, GIS technology expanded its applications across diverse sectors, including
environmental monitoring, health, and agriculture. Advancements in remote sensing and satellite
technology, such as the launch of the Landsat satellites by NASA, provided high-resolution imagery
that further enhanced GIS’s capabilities. In the present day, GIS has evolved into a ubiquitous tool for
researchers, decision-makers, and communicators in all branches of science.

Applications of GIS in Science Communication: GIS is a versatile tool that serves a wide array of
scientific fields, transforming complex datasets into visual and interactive formats that facilitate better
understanding and decision-making. Below are some key applications of GIS in science
communication, with specific examples from India:
1. Environmental Science and Conservation: GIS has proven invaluable in environmental science,
particularly for mapping natural resources, tracking environmental changes, and understanding the
effects of human activities on ecosystems. GIS allows environmental scientists to collect data on land
use, vegetation, wildlife, and water resources, and visualize the interactions between these elements.
• Example: Deforestation in the Western Ghats (India)
In India, the Western Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot, and GIS is used extensively to monitor
deforestation and habitat loss. Satellite imagery, processed through GIS tools, allows
conservationists to track the extent of deforestation and plan reforestation or conservation
projects accordingly. These visualizations are shared with local communities and
 policymakers to raise awareness about environmental degradation and to promote sustainable
land use practices.
2. Climate Change Communication: One of the key applications of GIS in science communication
is visualizing and analysing the effects of climate change. GIS helps scientists model climate
scenarios, track environmental changes, and predict future impacts, such as rising sea levels,
temperature shifts, and changing rainfall patterns.
• Example: Coastal Erosion in Mumbai (India)
In India, cities like Mumbai are facing the dual challenges of urbanization and climate
change. GIS is used to model the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal areas and identify
regions most at risk of flooding and erosion. By creating visual maps of vulnerable zones,
GIS enables the public and government to understand the urgency of climate action. The
Mumbai Coastal Road Project and other infrastructure projects take GIS-based flood
modeling into account to plan for future resilience.
3. Public Health and Epidemiology: GIS plays an essential role in public health by tracking the
spread of diseases, mapping disease outbreaks, and analysing health trends. GIS-based maps and
dashboards provide real-time data that help authorities monitor and respond to health emergencies.
• Example: COVID-19 Tracking in India
During the COVID-19 pandemic, GIS became a vital tool for tracking the virus's spread
across India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR), used GIS to create dashboards that mapped the number of cases in
different states, identified hotspots, and displayed the availability of healthcare resources.
Interactive maps helped both the public and health officials visualize the spread and made it
easier to implement containment measures and vaccination drives.
4. Disaster Management and Risk Communication: In disaster management, GIS is crucial for
assessing risk, planning evacuation routes, and delivering real-time information during crises. It helps
both responders and the public make informed decisions, potentially saving lives during events such
as floods, cyclones, or earthquakes.
• Example: Flood Mapping in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (India)
India faces frequent floods, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. GIS tools are
used to predict flood-prone areas, assess flood risks, and plan evacuations. The Indian
National Remote Sensing Centre (INRSC) uses GIS to create flood maps and simulate flood
scenarios to inform government agencies and communities. During the 2017 Bihar floods,
GIS played an important role in mapping the inundated areas and identifying relief centres,
enabling faster response and effective relief operations.

Importance of GIS in Science Communication

1. Clarity and Accessibility: GIS enhances the accessibility and clarity of scientific data. Complex
datasets can be difficult for non-experts to understand, but by converting raw data into maps or
visualizations, GIS presents this information in a straightforward, intuitive format. People from
various backgrounds can easily interpret spatial patterns, trends, and relationships.
2. Real-Time Data for Decision Making: Real-time data is crucial in science communication,
especially during emergencies. GIS platforms allow for the continuous collection and presentation of
real-time data, which is especially important in fields like disaster management, public health, and
environmental monitoring. In India, real-time data provided by GIS platforms helps authorities
respond quickly to changing situations, such as air pollution levels, disease outbreaks, or natural
disasters.
3. Enhanced Public Participation: GIS encourages citizen participation in scientific research and
data collection. By using platforms that allow the public to contribute geographic data or interact with
scientific maps, GIS fosters greater engagement and involvement. This participatory approach leads to
a more informed public, which is essential for addressing complex issues like climate change,
conservation, and disaster preparedness.
• Example: Citizen Science through Bhuvan (India): India’s Bhuvan platform, developed by
ISRO, allows citizens to access satellite data and participate in mapping efforts. Local
communities and environmental groups can contribute data on land use changes,
deforestation, or pollution levels, enhancing public awareness and engagement.
4. Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration: GIS brings together data from various disciplines,
making it a powerful tool for interdisciplinary research. It allows scientists to combine information
from fields such as ecology, geography, urban planning, and public health to create comprehensive,
multi-dimensional datasets that inform better decision-making and communication.

Relation of GIS to Science Communication: GIS is a critical tool in science communication

because it allows scientists to translate complex data into an accessible, engaging, and actionable
format. By utilizing maps, charts, and interactive visuals, GIS helps communicate scientific concepts
to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders. In science communication, GIS supports:
• Visualization of Scientific Data: Maps and other visual formats help communicate spatial
relationships and patterns, making data easier to understand.
• Public Awareness and Engagement: By using interactive maps, the public can explore data
on their own, leading to greater involvement and understanding.
• Evidence-Based Policy Decisions: GIS aids in providing evidence for policy-making,
enabling policymakers to make data-driven decisions on issues like climate change, public
health, and environmental conservation.

Examples of GIS in Science Communication in India

1. Bhuvan Portal by ISRO: The Bhuvan portal, developed by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO), is one of the most significant GIS platforms in India. It provides users with
access to satellite imagery and spatial data, offering a detailed view of India’s land, resources, and
environment. Bhuvan is used for a variety of applications, such as urban planning, disaster
management, and environmental monitoring. The platform helps government agencies, scientists, and
the public understand spatial issues, monitor land use, and track environmental changes.
2. Air Quality Index (AQI) Monitoring: In cities like Delhi, where air pollution levels are critically
high, GIS-based platforms are used to monitor and communicate air quality in real-time. The Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India uses GIS to generate AQI maps, which inform the public
about pollution levels, health risks, and pollution hotspots. These maps help citizens make informed
decisions about outdoor activities, and the data is also used to create policies aimed at reducing
pollution.
Conclusion: GIS has become an essential tool in science communication, allowing complex scientific
data to be presented in a clear, interactive, and understandable manner. Whether it’s tracking the
spread of diseases, managing disaster risks, monitoring environmental degradation, or addressing
public health issues, GIS enables better communication of science across various disciplines. In India,
GIS is making significant strides in improving public awareness, enabling informed decision-making,
and promoting citizen participation in scientific endeavors. As GIS technology continues to evolve, it
will play an even more crucial role in bridging the gap between science and society, enhancing public
engagement, and fostering a more informed and resilient population.

References
1. Goodchild, M. F., & Glennon, J. A. (2010). Crowdsourcing geographic information. Spatial
Data Infrastructures and GIS, 243-259.
2. Rinner, C. (2001). Participatory spatial decision support for community-based planning.
International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 15(7), 677-702.
3. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). (n.d.). Bhuvan – Indian Geo-Platform. Retrieved
from Bhuvan Portal
4. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). (2020). Air Quality Index
in India. Retrieved from Air Quality India