GLEAMS Geographic Information System

Geographic information systems (GIS) is a term used to refer to the collection of hardware, software, data, and people involved in the analysis, storage, and sharing of spatial information. Often the end product of a GIS is a map, or similar visual representation, but the true power of a GIS lies in the ability to analyze and model the spatial information that comprises that map.

With advances in computing technology in recent years, GIS has grown significantly in both popularity and functionality. It has developed into a critical tool for a wide range of disciplines, businesses and governments, even becoming pervasive in the everyday lives of societies throughout the world.

The field of hydrology in particular has benefited greatly from the analytical functionality of GIS. Complimenting the deep expertise of hydrologists and watershed managers alike, GIS has added a degree of precision and efficiency not previously attainable.

In conjunction with Western Michigan University (WMU), MTRI is developing this portion of the GLEAMS portal to serve GIS needs of researchers and managers throughout the Great Lakes region, and to provide technology demonstrations of web-based GIS analysis tools. As part of this effort, are continuously seeking and building new geospatial data and tools to offer through this web portal.

MTRI and WMU have developed several web-based Internet map server (IMS) tools that demonstrate contaminant and water quality decision support tools, which are available via the “Internet Mapping – GLEAMS Internet Map Server” link.