Ryan Institute GIS Centre

Head of GIS Centre: Dr. Chaosheng Zhang

Senior Technical Officer: Dr. Ronan Hennessy

“GIS” stands for Geographical Information System and/or Science which covers both technology and a rapidly growing science. It is defined as a computer system designed for capturing, storing, analysing and outputting spatial data. GIS is generally understood as a computer-based mapping system, but its functions are far beyond “mapping”. The analysis, especially spatial analysis, is widely recognised and applied to solve sophisticated spatio-temporal problems in sectors of society, ranging from socio-economy, government, commerce and business, and environmental management. The most popular applications of GIS in society are Google Earth and GPS navigation systems. The main academic applications are mapping and modelling.

GIS is used throughout all five colleges in NUI Galway. Undergraduate teaching started in 2000 with the appointment of Dr. Chaosheng Zhang as lecturer in GIS. A GIS Unit was established within ECI (Environmental Change Institute), under PRTLI3 (2001-2006) funding and then extended under PRTLI4 of HEA, providing services in GIS. With the strong demand for GIS on campus, a new GIS Centre at Ryan Institute was established in 2010, providing leadership in GIS teaching and research on campus.

The GIS Centre of Ryan Institute provides support to the Priority Research Areas (PRAs) of Climate Change, Environment & Health, Marine & Coastal Processes, Biodiversity & Bioresources, Modelling & Informatics, Built Environment and Socioeconomics & Public Policy. These PRAs are supported by cross-thematic activities. The GIS Centre promotes internal and external collaborations in broad disciplines, and supports the growth of any areas that have a demonstrable link with GIS.

GIS Centre Committee members:

Dr. Mary Cawley, College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies

Prof. Martin Cormican, College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
Dr. John Cullinan, College of Business, Public Policy & Law
Prof. Martin Feely, College of Science
Dr. Michael Hartnett, College of Engineering & Informatics
Dr. Ronan Hennessy, GIS Centre, Ryan Institute
Dr. Sarah Knight, Ryan Institute
Dr. Chaosheng Zhang, Head of GIS Centre, Ryan Institute

The GIS Centre is located on the ground floor of the Orbsen Building.

 

 

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