Fun with GIS 335: A new year
The new year inspires us to take stock, course correct, and/or recommit. These are useful steps anytime, but the new year draws attention to the opportunity.
Talking with friends old and new, I often remark "This situation has many layers, just like a GIS, which helps me be more realistic. I may want to focus on a single element or layer, but thinking about layers makes me consider the other patterns and relationships in the mix." GIS helps me see, grasp, and communicate the importance of trajectory, balance, and choice.
For good health, we need food, exercise, and rest. Our diet needs a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Our lives integrate decisions based on an array of factors, spanning multiple realms and scales. Whether looking at global or local issues, we may be tempted by the simplicity of a single element, but we are likely to be disappointed that way. We need to consider all the relevant layers, choose their weight, explore alternatives that set a positive trajectory, and step forward.
We all have much on which to work ... climate, biodiversity, population, food, energy, water, safety, community, economy, education, and more. We need to consider all the layers, trajectories, and choices ... and engage.
