The subject group Geography and Environmental Studies on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng recently hosted 42 learners from Tiegotawana High School.

The purpose of this event was to educate these Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners on the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) software and the practical use thereof.

The day started off with a talk by a representative from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, describing the work they typically do and the different careers students could follow.

Then Nisa Ayob and Ncobile Nkosi, both lecturers in the subject group, gave a short interactive talk on the applications of GIS.

Mr Wilfred Seitlhamo, guest speaker and board member at North West Parks and Tourism, explained how the GIS is used in nature conservation.

Third-year GIS students thereafter assisted the learners in collecting GPS coordinates around campus and mapping it on the GIS software. This gave the learners the feel of physically collecting data and using the software for creating their own maps.

The day ended with a short question and answer session and prizes were handed out.

Learners from Tiegotawana High School recently visited the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng to learn more about Geographic Information System (GIS) software.