Student Spotlight: Domani Turner-Ward

GIS4043 Lab 4: Vector Analysis

The current term of Introduction to GIS (GIS4043) recently completed Module 4, a Vector Analysis session that introduced some very useful tools. Students gained experience with the commonly used Buffer and Overlay geoprocessing tools. They also explored how to analyze vector data with spatial queries and distinguish between different types of layers.  These skills were used to find and map the potential campsites in De Soto National Forest  located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Domani Turner-Ward! 

Domani is an engaged student who asks great questions and is committed to genuinely understanding the GIS concepts they are learning.  Please click the image about to see their blogspot for a more detailed description of the assignment and more examples of Domani's quality work. 

Student Spotlight: Ander Anderson

GIS 4043/5050L Final Project - Transmission Line Impacts

The introduction to GIS (GIS 4043/5050) Final Project gave students a chance to showcase the skills they've acquired throughout the course. The scenario presented students with a letter from FPL power company proposing an electric transmission line that would effect a large span of land in South Florida.  Their job was to do a GIS analysis to assess the impact the line could have on conservation lands, national wetlands, schools, and homes within proximity of the transmission line. Data analysis and interpretations were expressed in the form of maps, graphs, tables, and write ups. 

The student we would like to spotlight for the Final Project is Ander Anderson! 

Anderson's story map deliverable for this assigment titled FPL Transmission Line Impacts was both visually appealing and well written, which characterizes Ander's work throughout the course. Please click the above image to view the entire blog for more examples of entertaining and informative write-ups and  map deliverables. 

Student Spotlight: Michael Lucas

Module 3 Lab: Introduction to Projections

Spring semester is flying by and our GIS 4043/5050 Introduction to GIS first term has recently ended. We are impressed with our students' progress and hard work!  This weeks' spotlight focuses on the Lab 3 Module Introduction to Projections.  Students were asked to create a map exploring the differences between projections Albers, UTM 16, and Florida State Plane North.  These projections were contrasted visually and quantitavely using Layer Properties and Geoprocessing tools. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Michael Lucas! 

Michael is a software developer by trade, and his attention to detail shows in his work.  His maps are well designed as seen above in the lab deliverable displaying the differing looks and area calculations for Alachua, Escambia, Miami Dade, and Polk counties in Florida. Click on the image above to view his blogspot for more maps and write ups from the course! 

Student Spotlight: Alex Nitzman

Student Spotlight: Alex Nitzman

Recently in our GIS 4035/L Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing course, students learned techniques for image classification. Their goal was to learn how to convert a group or cluster of spectrally similar pixels into an information class such as Land Use or Land Cover. Tasks included creating classified images in ERDAS, practicing reclassification, evaluating signature histograms, and preparing maximum likelihood classifications. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Alex Nitzman! 

Alex is detail oriented as seen in the above image reflecting a well designed map of the final results of a Land Use/Land Cover created with Supervised Image Classification. He is active in office hours and offers insights that are helpful to the class. Click here to check out his blog The GIS Road to Fruition to see more of his work! 

Student Spotlight: James Bielenda

Student Spotlight: James Bielenda

Special Topics students completed their final lab, Module 3.1: Scale and Spatial Data Aggregation this week.  Students examined the geometric properties of hydrographic vector and polygon data at different scales to understand the importance of projecting data at the appropriate scale (shown above). The class then used Ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis to see how the compactness of a study area may impact the data. The real-world applications in this lab used OLS concepts to identify suspected areas of gerrymandering, or manipulating boundaries of electoral districts for unfair political advantages, in Florida. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of James Bielenda! 

James is currently working as an Environmental Compliance Specialist for Santa Rosa County.  He is enhancing his career with GIS and has his sights set on a Computer Science Master's degree, as well.  We appreciate his curiosity and passion for GIS and problem solving, consistent effort, and engagement with instructors and students online. Congratulations to James on completing the final course of the Graduate GIS Certificate program! 

Student Spotlight: Jason Wenzel

Student Spotlight:Jason Wenzel

Special Topics students are continuing their series of modules on Data Quality Assessments by becoming familiar with Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) , Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and Surface Interpolation.  Module 2.1 practices using ArcPro to drape images over terrain surfaces and exaggerate the images for further exploration of data.  Multiple geoprocessing tools were utilized to symbolize, analyze, and compare and contrast TIN and DEM datasets. These terrain analysis skills were then applied to the creation of a Ski Run Suitability Map (shown above). 

This week we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Jason Wenzel! 

Jason has a PhD in Anthropology with a specialization in Historical Archaeology.  His research and long standing love of maps is highlighted in his personal storymap. We enjoy the inclusion archeology as a topic in many of his labs and projects.  Jason's progress through the Graduate Certificate program has been a great example of how GIS has the potential to enhance careers. 

Please check out his blogspot on Module 2.1. TINs and DEMs here!  

Student Spotlight: Robert Richardson

Student Spotlight: Robert Richardson

This week in Special Topics Module 1, students learned the importance of creating and identifying the quality level of spatial data. The fundamental concepts of accuracy, precision, and bias were defined in lecture Fundamentals of Spatial Data Quality. These error metrics were further examined in the lab, Calculating Metrics for Spatial Data Quality where students were asked to map a set of GPS coordinate waypoints, then calculate and demonstrate the accuracy and precision of the points. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Robert Richardson!

Robert's lab work, graphics, and blogspot for this Module reflect his professionalism and attention to detail. Robert is a GIS Administration Graduate student who creates enjoyable blogspots that often include extra screenshots and analysis. He has extensive career experience in construction, CAD, and GIS that allows him to provide valuable unique perspectives and solutions to the discussion boards and when helping other students in the lab. 

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski

This week, we would like to highlight Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski for her work on the Application for GIS Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Analysis module! 

In this module, students explored coastal flooding models and were asked to prepare their own storm surge analysis. 

Kelsey has created an excellent blogspot about the Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge module which highlights how LiDAR datasets may be compared for analysis to help with both storm damage mitigation and preparation. The design and content of the maps and graphics in her project are both visually appealing and well written, a testament to her background in education as well as her work as a mother and volunteer. In addition, Kelsey has been an engaged and dedicated student throughout her journey in the GIS Administration Graduate program. 

Please check out her blog here: https://yostroski.blogspot.com/2023/07/coastal-flooding-storm-surge-analysis.html

Emily Sandrowicz Alumni Spotlight

Emily Sandrowicz Alumni Spotlight

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding Capstone work of GIS Online MS in GIS Administration Alumni, Emily Sandrowicz!

Pictured below is Sandowicz's capstone  "The EC-SAR iCAMP (Eckerd College Search and Rescue interactive CAse MaP)."  

Sandrowicz says about UWF GIS Online MS Program: "As someone who is already comfortably settled in a GIS career, earning my masters was more about career advancement. While I'm comfortable with most GIS topics, I've never taken classes in management of finance, so broadening my knowledge base was the main goal."

Student Spotlight: Marquis Pickett

Student Spotlight: Marquis Pickett

This week, we would like to highlight Marquis Pickett for his outstanding leadership, work ethic, and positive influence in the online GIS courses he has taken with us this year.  

Marquis regularly offers his time to help his classmates on the discussion forum and during office hours with sound advice, encouragement, and tips. Multiple students have shared with instructors how helpful Marquis has been to them. In a recent post, he reminded his classmates to trust in themselves and their abilities while sharing his experience working through a lab assignment.  Marquis works diligently to understand the course materials and any questions he asks are backed by research on his part. There have been several instances where Marquis will revisit/rework an assignment he has already submitted to ensure he understands the topics and processes before moving on. The blog posts below is key points that are examples of Marquis' determination. Overall, Marquis is a standout student who is both professional and passionate about GIS. We're glad to have you; keep up the great work, Marquis!

Check out his blog here: https://mdpickettgis.blogspot.com/