1. and an Introduction to GIS
Human Geomorph
and an Introduction to GIS
Laura Triplett
Gustavus Adolphus College, MN

2. LAB ACTIVITY:
Use GIS to calculate the effects of the Hoover Dam
on water and sediment transport in the Colorado River.
GOALS
Quantitatively compare magnitude of human impacts to natural conditions
2. Try out GIS, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the tool

3. Cookbook instructions to make a map with several data layers, make it pretty, and get basic shape attributes like lake surface area.
Example:
Step 2: Make a map
A. Open Arcmap
B. Start a new map
C. The left side of the screen is where your different data layers will be listed (once you have added them). To set the coordinate system for your map right now, right-click on the “Layers” title, select Properties.
- Go to the Coordinate System tab
- Choose Predefine/ Projected/ UTM/ NAD 1983/ Zone 12
(this is the zone where Lake Mead, in Arizona, is located)
D. Click the Add Data button on the upper tool bar (looks like a black + sign)
- Click the “Connect to folder” button (arrow and circle button at top of
dialog box)

12. Then:
They use the data to calculate evapotranspiration rates from the lake and from the pre-dam river
Make their own map of a different part of the U.S.
“Discuss your results” in the context of the American West and the purpose of Lake Mead and other reservoirs. “What’s the problem here??”
“What has GIS done for you? For each item, could you have done it by hand (i.e. with a calculator, ruler and pencil)?”