New Hampshire, a state in the northeastern United States, has unique geographical features that can all be captured using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These features range from mountain ranges to seacoasts, from dense forests to happening cities. Let's take a closer look.
Where is New Hampshire on the map?
New Hampshire is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It’s bordered by Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The exact coordinates are 43.1939° N, 71.5724° W.
The capital of New Hampshire is Concord, positioned near the centre of the state.
New Hampshire is not a big state. It's in fact, the fifth smallest state in the country by land area.
What is the geography like in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a diverse geography made up of mountains, valleys, forests, and a short coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The White Mountains, part of the northern Appalachian Mountains, extend into New Hampshire. The highest peak here, and in fact in the entire northeastern U.S., is Mt. Washington. The White Mountains are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
The Seacoast region stretches around 18 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, a much-loved feature by residents and visitors.
The state's southern area is where most people live. Cities like Manchester and Nashua are situated in the Merrimack Valley.
How is GIS used in New Hampshire?
GIS technology is used extensively in New Hampshire for many purposes that support ecological conservation, urban growth planning, disaster management and infrastructure development.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, for instance, uses GIS to map and manage the state's extensive natural resources, including forests, water bodies and wetlands.
The state government and urban planners use GIS data to make informed decisions about where and how to develop, or not develop, certain areas. They assess everything from traffic patterns and population growth, to risk for natural disasters like floods and fires.
GIS is also integral to emergency management in New Hampshire. It's used to map evacuation routes, identify vulnerable populations and prepare for potential disasters.
