Archbishop Romero is the only school in the TCDSB with Geomatics classes in Grades 11 and 12. Romero’s senior geography students are being introduced to the four pillars of geomatics – surveying, remote sensing, cartography, and geographic information systems (GIS) – and are learning how to apply their knowledge and skills by focussing on our local waterway, Lavender Creek.

Students using GPS units

Romero students have been planting trees on the banks of Lavender Creek for the last two years. Our initial goal was to map these tree-planting areas using Global Positioning System (GPS), and GIS. While mapping, we noticed pollution in and around Lavender Creek, and became concerned. We wondered why the local environment had become so polluted.

The classes decided to become “keepers of the creek.” Students have become involved in a variety of activities including mapping and photographing the Lavender Creek area. Geomatics students have also tried to raise awareness of the creek within the school by setting up a display booth during lunch hour and keeping a video diary of the creek. We have also contacted numerous local politicians and made them aware of our concerns.