Biography
Fiona is a researcher in the iCRAG public perception and understanding spoke. Fiona has an MSc. in Earth and Ocean Science from the National University of Ireland Galway.
Fiona’s work experience also includes 4 years as an Environmental and Geoacoustics Consultant in Ireland and a year in the gold mining industry in Australia. Fiona was GIS specialist and database manager for RPS Galway and chief cartographer on a 30-day research cruise in mapping cold-water corals.
Fiona joined iCRAG in 2020, under the supervision of Dr Tiernan Henry.
Fiona is creating an introductory course to Geographical Information System software (GIS), designed for secondary school students using QGIS freeware. GIS is a digital mapping platform for displaying, storing, checking, analysing and editing spatial data. The objective is to teach students the implementation of a GIS software as a tool to interrogate and manage spatial information, learning how it can be a strong support to decision-making processes for territorial and environmental plans. There is also a focus on exploring social and environmental issues– regarding conservation, sustainability, accessibility and mental health.
Technical description
Fiona is creating an introductory course to Geographical Information System software (GIS), designed for secondary school students using QGIS freeware. The course is aimed at Transition Year students and has been produced to fulfil all the requirements of a Transition Unit under the ‘Local and Global Citizenship’ area of study.
The objective is to teach students the implementation of a GIS software as a tool to interrogate and manage spatial information, developing skills in geographic information analysis and recognition of its utility in environmental management.
The course aims to provide a solid foundation in:
- Cartographic design
- Satellite image reading and interpretation
- Spatial data (geology, rivers, soil type etc.) reading and interpretation
- Location analysis
In addition, using spatial data, the course exercises are designed to work out solutions to local social and environmental issues regarding conservation, sustainability, accessibility and mental health.
The students will gain experience in a range of different data and develop a proficiency in basic map creation, as well as developing a holistic understanding between people and place.
Role
- Specialist Staff
Institution
- NUIG
Research Area
- Earth Science in Society
Expertise
- Responsible Decision Making
