Using Geographic Information Systems to Present Nongeographical Data: An Example Using 2-Way Thermogradient Plate Data

Abstract

‘‘A picture is worth a thousand words’’ is a familiar truism that is aptly suited to the dilemma of presenting complex research results involving multiple explanatory variables. An example of such a scenario is the use of 2-way thermogradient plates to study optimal germination temperatures and germination over time to answer a variety of biological questions. Two-way thermogradient plates produce a plethora of seed germination data, the value of which quickly becomes obscured in cumbersome tabular data formats. Problems related to comprehensible data presentation can swell when germination over time is incorporated into an experiment. Although somewhat unorthodox, Geographic Information Systems-based techniques are powerful tools that provide a clear and visually evident presentation of seed germination data to the reader.