From the Field: Ontario

Postcards from the Field: Carmen ReMartinez

Shell Conservation Intern Carmen ReMartinez

Greetings from Guelph :

Imagine being able to take the geography of Ontario apart layer by layer and put it back together again. That's exactly what I'm able to do as the Summer Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern with the Shell Conservation Internship Program, and let me tell you, it gives you quite a different perspective.

GIS is a tool used to create maps by combining layers of information. By overlaying these layers it is possible to find patterns and trends in the landscape that may not be noticeable on a traditional road map, allowing people to gain a better understanding of a particular area. GIS technology enables NCC to locate properties spatially, create custom maps, manipulate data to process and calculate statistics, study different habitats for different species and improve communication through visual images. Essentially, GIS is important to NCC because it helps us achieve conservation goals.

Right now, I am working with NCC -Ontario's Stewardship Coordinator of Science Dan Kraus and Conservation GIS Planner Gary White to organize data acquired from various sources. By using GIS technology I am categorizing the data into Ontario 's 14 ecoregions. This will allow NCC to process information more rapidly and efficiently. Instead of processing an entire provincial map, NCC is now able to retrieve more specific information about natural areas. In addition to data maintenance, I am also completing staff map requests this summer. Staff members fill out a standard form describing what type of information they require, and then I display this information in a map or poster format. For example, I recently received a map request for ecoregion 7E (part of the Carolinian zone) where I calculated landuse distribution such as cropland, deciduous forest and coniferous forest in relation to the geological landscape.

During my studies I have moved across Canada . I have an Honours B.Sc. in Geography from Memorial University of Newfoundland and I recently graduated from Niagara College 's Post Grad GIS program. In September, I will be heading off to the University of Calgary for a Masters of GIS . I am excited about moving to Calgary and also exploring the west coast.

Best wishes,

Carmen ReMartinez