New Technology Expands GIS
Resources At WKU

April 25, 2003

Bowling Green, Ky. - New technology is expanding the research and educational capabilities of Western Kentucky University's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program.

Western's Department of Geography and Geology recently acquired the Kentucky Digital Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle (DVGQ) series -- computer maps that show detailed geology of an area (rock types, rock structures and landscape forms) in a form that can be used to do sophisticated analyses.

"These extensive datasets represent, literally, a new generation in terms of our ability to do very sophisticated analyses of geological and geographical problems, especially when combined with the rapidly evolving GIS capabilities at Western," said Dr. Chris Groves, director of the Hoffman Environmental Research Institute.

An immediate application involves a program to improve the quality of Kentucky's drinking water supplies. A share of the cost for the geologic data sets came through a grant to the Hoffman Institute and Center for Water Resource Studies, with the assistance of Sen. Mitch McConnell, to develop digital maps for Kentucky that show how easily valuable groundwater supplies can be contaminated in different geologic settings of the state.

On April 16, four scientists from the Kentucky Geological Survey, led by Warren Anderson, traveled to WKU to deliver a two-hour seminar on the development and use of the newly developed Kentucky DVGQ series.

The series was acquired by the Department of Geography and Geology with a combination of funding from the University's Action Agenda Program, the Hoffman Institute and the Kentucky Climate Center. These new tools represent a substantial expansion of Western's GIS technology following significant university investment in GIS infrastructure, including major funding by the Applied Research and Technology Program.

These are important tools not only for geologists and geographers, but "they represent Western's growing investment in cutting-edge tools and technologies to provide our students with the very best educational resources," said Dr. David Keeling, Geography and Geology department head.

Moreover, noted Keeling, "these new quadrangles will help faculty and students contribute in more meaningful ways to the social and economic sustainable development of our communities."

For more information, contact the Department of Geography and Geology at (270) 745-4555. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

-WKU-