The annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Research Day brings together researchers using data that can be positioned on the earth’s surface—a broadly useful tool for multiple disciplines—and a wide spectrum of disciplines was represented at the event, sharing research that used GIS and related technologies in novel and surprising ways. Over a half-day of presentations, students, faculty, and industry experts demonstrated various methods of analyzing and visualizing data, which ranged from animating the foraging movements of birds to recreating the Symons Campus in virtual reality. 

The event, coinciding with the global Geography Awareness Week in November, was hosted by the Trent Library Maps, Data & Government Information Centre (MaDGIC), a team of experts who provide mapping and data related services and access to specialized tools for Trent researchers. 

“GIS is not just a niche tool but a versatile resource that can significantly enhance a wide range of research,” said Tracy Sallaway, Trent’s research data services librarian. “We encourage researchers to explore how spatial analysis can inform and enhance their research process and results, and to remember that our team at MaDGIC is here to support them in unlocking the full potential of spatial data.” 

A Tapestry of Visualized Data

The roster of presenters showed off Trent’s strength in environmental studies—such students and faculty are frequent users of MaDGIC services—while also representing the growing use of spatial technologies in other disciplines.  

Highlights in environmental research included a study by Keelan McHugh, a Ph.D. candidate and visiting researcher in the Environmental & Life Sciences graduate program. Keelan used GIS to map the amount of ozone in the lower atmosphere over Ireland. To do this, he developed a model that predicts ozone levels based on two things: actual measurements of ozone and features of the land, like whether it's urban or rural. This research offers insights into environmental impacts around urban areas and shorelines and underscores the need for informed environmental policies.  

Multiple researchers showed the conservation value of mapping the habitat and movements of wildlife like caribou, muskrats, and oystercatchers; and Trent’s own land stewardship team, Ali Giroux and Gillian Johnson, presented on how they are using GIS to track species occurrences and mortality events to inform development plans, improve connectivity, and protect wildlife on Trent lands.  

Perhaps one of the most striking presentations at GIS Research Day was that of Abdirahman Ahmed, a graduate of Trent’s Environmental & Life Sciences program and Trent’s 2023 Esri Canada scholarship recipient, who presented an eye-opening analysis of environmental changes in an inaccessible area in Somalia controlled by the terrorist group Al Shabab.  

Apart from environmental science, GIS was shown to have great value for Trent archaeologists evaluating potential sites for exploration, and using mobile GIS applications in the field to generate models that aim to represent how those sites were used by past civilizations. 

Nathan Lapp, a 4th-year student in Computer Science, gave a remarkable demonstration of GIS’s versatility, sharing a 3D model of Symons Campus that can be experienced in virtual reality. This project expanded the conceptual boundaries of GIS for researchers present and sparked a good deal of conversation.  

Fostering a Community of Collaborative Learning

More than just a showcase of research, GIS Research Day at Trent University Library is a catalyst for community building among researchers. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and inspiring participants to think innovatively about GIS applications in their fields.