GIS Concepts and Applications

This video tutorial explores the use of GIS (Geographic Information System) to understand the relationship between land use and stream health. It begins with setting up a base map and exploring layers, focusing on surface water features. The tutorial guides viewers through identifying watersheds, starting from a local level and expanding to larger regions, using the example of Manassas National Battlefield Park. It emphasizes the importance of watersheds in providing drinking water and the impact of pollution. The video also covers analyzing water quality and land use, highlighting how impervious surfaces can affect stream health. Viewers learn to use GIS tools to filter and view specific streams, such as Young's Branch, and generate watershed reports.

What is the primary purpose of a base map in GIS?

• To provide detailed demographic data

• To show historical land use changes

• To offer background and visual context for the data

• To display real-time weather updates

What is a layer in the context of GIS?

• A tool for editing maps

• A data set containing similar features

• A method for printing maps

• A type of map projection

Why is it important to know your watersheds?

• They are essential for agricultural planning

• They determine local weather patterns

• They are used for navigation purposes

• They provide drinking water supply and pollution can affect downstream water bodies

What is the smallest geographic area in the hierarchy of hydrologic units?

• Basins

• Continents

• Subwatersheds

• Regions

Which river does the Bull Run River eventually drain into?

• Potomac River

• Mississippi River

• Hudson River

• Colorado River

What is the significance of identifying impaired waters in GIS?

• To locate areas suitable for fishing

• To identify polluted waterways marked by red symbols and lines

• To find regions with high biodiversity

• To determine areas with high rainfall

How can pollutants on impervious surfaces affect stream health?

• They can increase the water temperature

• They can improve water clarity

• They can be washed into streams, affecting water quality

• They can enhance fish population

What tool in GIS allows you to view detailed information about streams?

• Data Exporter

• Layer Manager

• Attribute Table

• Map Editor

What is the purpose of filtering streams by GNIS Name in GIS?

• To export stream data to a spreadsheet

• To calculate the length of the streams

• To change the color of the streams

• To isolate and display a specific stream on the map

What information can be found at the bottom of the watershed report page?

• Tourist attractions

• Historical flood data

• Size of the watershed and land use details

• Weather forecasts