REVIEW

Data in a Box

Jump start your GIS experience with reliable and credible data today with our pre-configured ready-to-use GIS Data in a Box. 

Unisa is the largest institution of open and distance learning in Africa. Today, Unisa has approximately 400 000 registered students. Unisa offers an unparalleled range of study choices, ranging from short courses and certificate programmes to postgraduate qualifications. These qualifications are offered through eight colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

The Department of Geography is situated in the School of Ecological and Human Sustainability in the CAES. The Department offers Geography modules from first-year level to PhD level and is actively involved in community projects and research projects. Figure 1 indicates how the research projects of the department are distributed throughout the world – true to the nature of geographers!

The Department of Geography uses Data in a Box to compile practical exercises for modules that deal with geographic information systems (GIS) to explain how a GIS can be used to solve real-world problems (see figure 2 for a simulated outbreak of cholera). It also uses Data in a Box to compile maps for publications (see figure 3) and conference presentations.

Data in a Box is a fast and easy way to extract data sets for various uses. The open data sources are all available in one easy-to-access ‘box’. The data sets available in Data in a Box contribute towards making the department’s teaching and research current and relevant to the South African environment. 

Figure 1: Distribution of research projects

Figure 2: Simulated cholera outbreak

Figure 3: Rietvlei Dam (Source: De Jager, AE. 2020. A geographical interpretation of the interplay between urban development, conservation, and sense of place of urban greenspace in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Tshwane, South Africa. PhD thesis, University of South Africa.)

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