In the UPOU Research Conversation on 7 October 2016, Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, University Scientist I and University Registrar of the UP Open University, discussed “GIS as a Planning and Decision-making Tool: Applying in ODeL Environment. ” The activity was held at the Sandbox, CCDL Building of UP Open University in Los Baños, Laguna, and is organized by the UPOU Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA).Dr. Bagarinao’s presentation focused on spatial analysis, the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in spatial analysis, and using GIS as a research and decision-making tool. He cited esri.com’s definition of spatial analysis as understanding the world by “mapping where things are, how they relate, what it all means, and what actions to take.” In relation to the role of GIS as a research tool, he explained that “GIS divides the world into objects and attribute tables, both of which can be represented spatially by raster or vector datasets.” Raster datasets come from grids while vector datasets come from mathematical calculations and functions. He added that that decision-making from spatial analysis involves the consideration of an objective understanding of the reality, specific guidelines to base future decisions, the availability of a data set for modeling/quantitative analysis and awareness of the social and environmental constraints. In conclusion, he stated that GIS aids the decision-making process by integrating and displaying data in an understandable form and GIS analyzes relationships among different kinds of data.
Ms. Maripres Sarinas, REPS at the UPOU-Faculty of Management and Development Management (FMDS), co-authored this study with Dr. Bagarinao. She demonstrated how to use the ArcMap – an application for converting excels files to GIS. She used the data from the graduates of the Master of Environment and Natural resources Management (MENRM) from AY 2011-12 to AY 2015-16 in determining the spatial distribution of UPOU graduates. After this, she overlayed the analysis of the enrollment data from 2010 to 2014 of the new MENRM curriculum. Ms. Sarinas said that the resulting data may be used for program review, planning, and promotion. The program can be promoted in critical areas frequented by national disasters. UPOU can use the data to provide student support services and help the students complete the program. (Anna Cañas-Llamas)
