Activities: The Sample Projects page demonstates how GIS is a powerful tool with numerous applications in the field of coastal resource management. There are, however, numerous "everyday" uses and applications of GIS which people may be unaware of. This section highlights several interesting activites which are examples of how GIS can be and is currently being used by the average person.
  
  Getting Interactive Driving Directions  
 
Probably the most commonly used application of GIS is interactive driving directions. Websites such as Mapquest not only generate maps of any area you choose, but they can also calculate driving directions, distances, and travel times. You simply enter your "starting" and "ending" addresses, and the website's GIS database calculates the best route for your trip.
  
 

  Goole Earth  
 
 
An exciting way to explore the globe is through Google Earth. Simply point to what part of the earth you would like to see, and it will provide high-resolution aerial or satellite imagery, elevation terrain, street labels and much more!

The example to the right depicts Yankee Stadium as seen from a series of 6 distances in altitude.
 

  GEOsnapper  
 
GEOsnapper is the "birthplace of GPS photography". It allows people to share photographs of places they've visited around the world by linking them to GIS generated maps. All you have to do is type in the name of the place you're interested in viewing and it will show the photographs which users have uploaded into the GIS database!
  
 

  GEOcaching  
 
 
GEOcaching is a fun activity for global positioning system (GPS) users. Essentially, individuals and organizations hide objects and publish the coordinates. Once the object is found the individual gets to keep it as a reward, and should leave something behind for the next explorer.
 


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