Using Geographic Information Systems as a Practical Way of Teaching Mathematics

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are programs that connect math, science, and social science concepts with many resources for teachers to provide and integrate activities with math and science. This paper reflects on proposals to merge Mathematics and Geography when teaching undergraduates from inter- and trans-disciplinary spatial models using mathematical modeling to enable spatial analysis and visualization through GIS—Geographic Information Systems. Mathematics Education incorporates facts from real-world reality with models that use new geotechnologies. GIS brings forward an approach to Geography with new technologies integrating it with Statistics and Computer Science. Thus, it describes some practical cases that are examples of geographical problems solved mathematically. As an example, a case study about COVID-19 infection in a city is presented. The results show that GIS can be an educational tool for teaching both Geography and Mathematics based on real problems. Integrating this tool enables active and constant participation of the students, which can make them realize the applicability of mathematics in solving real problems related to geographical space, is required by any school committed to education.