IT for the Planet: Computing Climate Stephanie B. Ohshita Dept. of Environmental Science, USF

July 2005 Overview: Using computer science skills for the environment Data gathering: remote sensing from desert to ocean Data visualization: seeing solutions with GIS Environmental management with databases Environmental modeling  “who done it?”  “what if... ?” Environmental communication and activism on the web

July 2005 How to capture data from remote and harsh places like the desert in Xinjiang, western China?

July 2005 or the Antarctic?

July 2005 Remote Sensing: non-intrusive data gathering that gives us the really big picture Images from: Ohio State University, National Science Olympiad.

July 2005 Remote Sensing : Animal Factory - Feedlot Cows from Space [

July 2005 Remote Sensing : Slash and Burn Agriculture in the Amazon [

July 2005 Geographical Information System (GIS) data stored as layers common database operations (queries, statistical analysis) plus the visualization of maps powerful tool for explaining events and planning strategies

July 2005 GIS: hurricane impact patterns + city map  evacuation plan

July 2005 GIS: lava flows and vegetation With GIS, USF Prof. Tracy Benning has been examining how landscape variation affects ecosystem functioning on Hawaii.

July 2005 GIS Software Packages ArcInfo ArcView AMLs Avenue Metadata MapInfo Vertical Mapper MapBasic Visual Basic Image Analyst (add-on for remote data sensing)  Job Tip: The US Geological Service (USGS) is now looking for people with GIS skills to work in Hawaii...

July 2005 Making the connection: relational databases for environmental management Data is stored in a centralized, efficient and organized manner. Data can be shared easily. All those involved see a more complete picture of processes and problems. By querying the data and combining with GIS, managers can see variations in the data, identify future monitoring needs, and develop pollution control solutions.

July 2005 Example: Managing Polluted Groundwater at an Oil Refinery

July 2005 Environmental Modeling noise profile from a power plant chiller contour plot of contaminant concentrations mean summer rainfall ( ) Images from: Navcon Engineering Network, GEMSS W2 Model, and Instituto di Biometeorologia.

July 2005 “Who done it?” Using models to trace heavy metal contamination

July 2005 “What if…?” Modeling climate change mitigation scenarios

July 2005 We are marching across America for one year, via the internet, to bring everyone together in one loud clear voice of concern to urge our leaders to address global warming now. Please join the march and make your voice heard too.

July 2005 Leonardo DiCaprio's Personal Impact Page Leonardo DiCaprio's impact on Stop Global Warming: 636Friends 104Friends-of-Friends 73rd Degree Friends 748Total If you would like to join Leonardo DiCaprio, register as a friend>

July 2005 With science skills, you can do a lot – even save the planet. Good luck in your studies!