GIS6555 - GIS Management - Student Spotlight

GIS 6555 - GIS Management, Instructor, Dr. Derek Morgan

GIS Management (GIS 6555) is one of the first courses to be offered from the M.S.A. with a specialization in Geographic Information Science (GIS) degree plan. This course provides practical information on the development, implementation, and operation of GIS programs and projects intended for seasoned, new and GIS aspiring managers. Studying the concepts of managerial theory within the context GIS should prove useful to their geospatial careers. 

We would like to recognize all of our current graduate students for blazing a trail in the maiden voyage of this course. They are all doing a great job embracing material that isn’t traditionally taught in a GIS program, but is increasingly relevant as the industry matures. Below we highlight one student’s work that is illustrative of the content of this course.  

Module 1 had the students creating flow charts. Why flowcharts? Well, flowcharts can help GIS managers define and analyze processes to identify bottlenecks or troubleshoot a problems within the current GIS program. One technique to operationalize efforts to align business processes with organization mission, business needs and users is to utilize flow charts. Organizations expend enormous time and resources to document and “map” current processes and workflows with the logical justification that a detailed picture of the current state is a necessary starting point for business process improvement (Crosswell 2009). 

During this module students were given a real-word case study from ArcNews, “GIS Speeds Water Service Restoration” (Esri 2015), that illustrates a process improvement. From this case study students were asked to create before and after improvement flowcharts.

And the STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD goes to...Stuart Fricke! 

Stuart did a great job separating the organizational roles (e.g. customer service and customer along the vertical axis of the chart) within a broader depiction of the business processes themselves. Stuart effectively utilized the standard flowchart symbols to create a visualization of business process improvements.  Stuart’s passion for maps (and GIS) shows through his work in this class, and we are thrilled to have him in the program.

Old Process

New Process

Follow Stuart's progress through the program at his student blog.

Welcome to the Spotlight, Stuart!

References

• Croswell, P. L. (2009). The GIS Management Handbook. Frankfort, KY: Kessey Dewitt Publications.
• Esri (2015). GIS Speeds Water Service Restoration. ArcNews Fall 2015 Vol., No. 3.

GIS4043/L - Introduction to GIS - Student Spotlight

Intro to GIS: Our "Top 10"

Instructor: Amber Bloechle, TA: Deidra Krolikowski

Lab 4: Sharing GIS Maps and Data

In this lab students created a Top 10 location-based list. Students acquired their own location data, created a map in ArcMap and shared that map publically in ArcGIS Online. 
Attention is shifted to designing for web maps vs paper maps. Specifically, students learned how to share GIS maps and data with others as a kmz file accessible through Google Earth and as a map package viewable on ArcGIS Online or Desktop. 

In this week's lab students learned to:

• Add ArcGIS Online basemaps and data from ArcMap
• Use the Search tool in ArcMap to locate data and tools
• Create a custom map package
• Troubleshoot map package errors
• Share a map package, ArcGIS Online map, and a Google Earth kmz on the web

The STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD goes to... 

Our "Top 10" of the Top 10 webmaps (in no particular order). Welcome to the spotlight, everyone! We are glad you are here! 

Bradley Husemann - Blue Grass Festivals - We really liked the images Bradley used on his map. Follow Bradley's progress in the Certificate program at his student blog. 

Sofia Nickloy - Redneck Cities in Pennsylvania - Who knew there were Redneck cities in Pennsylvania? Now we do! The image selection was very complementary to this interesting map topic. Follow Sofia's progress in the Certificate program at her student blog.

Sarah Rehrer - Dog Friendly Wineries in Maryland and Virginia - This webmap was "Pawsome!" Getting to enjoy wine and our dogs at the same time... sounds like a great road trip to us! Follow Sarah's progress in the Certificate program at her student blog.

Edwin Rios - Micro Breweries in Florida - Cheers! This is a great topic for a webmap. We really liked the images Edwin chose as well. Follow Edwin's progress in the Certificate program at his student blog.

Margaret Roth - Favorite Places - This webmap made us hungry! Follow Margaret's progress in the Certificate program at her student blog.

Jordan Sienko - Seattle Destinations - Jordan did a great job sourcing her images. They are beautiful, relevant and really added a professional look to the project. Seattle here we come!Follow Jordan's progress in the Certificate program at her student blog.

Samuel Song - Healthiest Cities in America - We really enjoyed this map. Samuel added the use of labels to really set him apart from the rest. Follow Samuel's progress in the Certificate program at his student blog.

Melissa Thrush - Swimming Holes in Florida - It is always swimming hole season in Florida! This map included some new swimming holes we didn't know about but are excited to check out. Follow Melissa's progress in the Certificate program at her student blog.

Zachary Tucker - Gainsville Night life Destinations - Is there a trend here? Unlike other webmaps in this list, Zachary chose to focus on a relatively small geographic region. As such, this webmap could be used on a smartphone for a guided walking tour or even a pub-crawl! Follow Zachary's progress in the Certificate program at his student blog.

Justin Turner Vegetarian Restaurants in the Florida Panhandle - We really liked the topic of this webmap. A couple of Justin's choices are right here in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach! Follow Justin's progress in the Certificate program at his student blog.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Celebrate Valentine's Day the Geographer's way! Here is a list of great "mappy" resources to make your Valentine's day memorable.

• GIS Pick-Up lines - Use at your own risk! :)
• Hearts from Above - GIS Lounge brings together aerial images that feature hear shaped topography
• Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS
• Valentine’s Day Geo Crossword Puzzle Fun
• Say "I Love You" with Mapping - Some people even propose with this app!

Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS - See more at: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2011/02/14/mapping-valentine-s-day-with-gis/#sthash.sR6YDZUe.dpuf

Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS - See more at: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2011/02/14/mapping-valentine-s-day-with-gis/#sthash.sR6YDZUe.dpuf

Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS - See more at: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2011/02/14/mapping-valentine-s-day-with-gis/#sthash.sR6YDZUe.dpuf

Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS - See more at: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2011/02/14/mapping-valentine-s-day-with-gis/#sthash.sR6YDZUe.dpuf

Where Can Love Be Found? Mapping Valentine’s Day with GIS - See more at: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2011/02/14/mapping-valentine-s-day-with-gis/#sthash.sR6YDZUe.dpuf

GIS3015 - Cartographic Skills - Student Spotlight

Instructor: Penelope Bishop Mitchell, TA: Brandon Deusenberry

 Module 4: Cartographic Design

Module 4 leads into the merging of form and function in mapping, with the Gestalt Principles of perceptual organization. The assignment this week was to create a map of all schools in Washington D.C.'s Ward 7 district. Secondary information, such as roads and a basemap, were also included.

The module Learning Outcomes were:

• Conceptualize and create maps according to need of end user
• Establish and implement visual hierarchy to emphasize important map features
• Apply contrast to map features to imply their relative importance
• Employ figure ground to make important map features appear closer to the end user
• Achieve map balance with the harmonious organization of map elements and empty space
• Symbolize layers by category
• Create an inset map and establish an extent indicator
• Summarize and present lab activities and objectives

AND THE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD WINNER IS: Taylor Moore!

Taylor currently works as an Environmental and GIS Technician for a small company in Wilmington, NC. He comes to us with some GIS experience, but wants to expand his expertise. Based on his map, he has a great eye for design and detail! His natural basemap and background colours add nicely to the overall presentation, and the use of graduated symbols for the schools is a nice touch. In Ward 7, he included finer detail with the DC Streets layer, moving out to the greater D.C. area, only primary transportation routes are included so as not to pull the eye away from Ward 7 and overcrowd the map with superfluous information.

Follow Taylor's exploits here at: http://rtmooregis.blogspot.com/

GIS4043/L - Introduction to GIS - Student Spotlight

Intro to GIS: The Start of a Geographic Adventure!

Instructor: Amber Bloechle, TA: Deidra Krolikowski

Lab 2: Own Your Map!

The "Own Your Map" Lab works with students to have them think creatively when designing their maps. Setting all the essential map elements are key, but creating a map that looks nice and is geared toward your specific audience (the public, customers, etc.) can be challenging.

In this week's lab, "Own Your Map" students learned to:

• Summarize the essential elements of map making
• Create a professional looking map using ArcGIS
• Locate commonly used tools in ArcGIS such as Definition Queries and Attribute Queries
• Locate & reference GIS metadata
• Understand difference between relative paths and absolute paths in map files
• Determine the most effective cartographic choices (color, labels, line weights, etc.)

The STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD goes to... 

Samuel Song! Samuel is a Facility Management Specialist for General Services Administration (GSA) in Auburn, Washington. Samuel comes to the program with a CAD, GPS Surveying and GIS background. He served 8 years in the US Air Force! 

Samuel's map is both attractive and informative. Important data is made relevant with smart use of map symbology and scale. Map elements and images are placed with care, making the map easy to read. Aside from his map, he keeps his blog posts real and I like that. Hey, we don't enjoy looking for metadata either :) 

Follow Samuel's progress at his student blog:  http://samuelsong80.blogspot.com/

Samuel, welcome to the spotlight! We are glad you are here and thank you for your service to our country! 

GIS3015 - Cartographic Skills - Student Spotlight

Instructor: Mrs. Penelope Bishop Mitchell

Module 2: Introduction to CartoGraphic Design with Adobe Illustrator

Lab Overview: Module 2’s lab assignment reinforced introductory map design concepts learned in the previous week by allowing students to draft their first map of the class.  The assignment involved creating a basic map of Florida for a children’s encyclopedia.  However, the difficulty of the task  was related to learning and using graphic design software Adobe Illustrator to leverage the map content generated by ArcMap to create a publishable quality end product.

Learning Outcomes:

• Create and export a map from ArcGIS  
• Examine the basic Ai tools  
• Utilize Ai Help Features  
• Add/change basic map elements in Ai  
• Utilize script to improve Ai functionality  
• Demonstrate competency in Ai  
• Summarize and present lab activities and outcomes

And the First 2017 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD goes to...

Melissa Thrush! Melissa nailed this assignment with her effective map design and attention to detail, thus showing proficiency with graphic design software Adobe Illustrator.  

Melissa is a new student in the Certificate program. She is currently in her first two courses. Melissa effectively ran the provided script in Ai to replace all ArcMap generated city symbols.  She also used the drop shadow tool on the state of Florida so the mapped content would pop out of the page.  She correctly displayed Florida’s surface water with intuitive color choices and ensured clear and correct legend presentation. The map frame line and background color do a great job complimenting map content and map space is effectively utilized within the frameline with map element placement and size.  Lastly, Melissa ensured quick and easy data acquisition with her user friendly scale bar.  Well done Melissa!! Keep up the good work! 

Follow Melissa's progress at her student blog: http://melissathrush.blogspot.com/

The 2016 Certificate cohort is where it's at!

This is the second week of the semester and we hope our students are settling in to their course work. Next week starts our "Student Spotlight" series where we will highlight a student from one of our courses for their hard work and awesome GIS ninja skills. 

Until then, we have chosen to celebrate our new students with this cool Infographic that demonstrates some cool facts about the newest additions to our program. 

Welcome to Spring 2016!

The journey for our 2016 cohort begins now!

We encourage peer-to-peer interactions in as many ways as possible. Blogs are just one way GIS Online supports a strongly student-centered learning environment. Blogging promotes learning, professional networking and portfolio building.

Since our courses are 100% online we lack a laboratory setting where students can peek over shoulders and ask each other questions, student blogs allow an informal avenue to view other's work, ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback to their peers.

The Program blog is used to share useful resources, tips, and most importantly, to showcase students' work, innovation, and achievements.

Find the latest student work from our courses this semester including: GIS4043 Geographic Information Systems, GIS3015 Cartographic Skills, and GIS4944/5945 GIS Internship. Instructors from these courses will choose students to showcase or spotlight here on the GIS Program blog based on stellar work throughout the semester.

Online GIS staff also point potential employers (for regular and internship positions) and prospective students to the program blog on a regular basis.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the blog to our students and program as a whole.

Cheers to a new year and the start of a new journey in GIS!

Mappy Holidays from GIS Online

GIS 4035 - Remote Sensing and Photo Interpretation Student Spotlight

GIS4035/L Remote Sensing and Photo Interpretation, Instructor, Mr. Brian Fulfrost

Module 10 - Supervised Classification

Lab Description: For this laboratory exercise students used data that covers the County of Gray’s Harbor, located in Washington State. Assuming that the area is to be used as a camp for military exercises, students learned how to perform a supervised classification by collecting sets of pixels to define spectral signatures. Students also evaluated the accuracy of those signatures, and used them to classify the entire image.

Student Spotlight Award

The BLOG postings for Module 10 on supervised classification were overall very good! The Goal(s) for this BLOG post were:

• Create spectral signatures and AOI features
• Produce classified images from satellite data
• Recognize and eliminate spectral confusion between spectral signatures

Although many students maps and results demonstrated their growing expertise in automated digital image processing, we found Alicia Lindbom's BLOG post, whose BLOG posts have been consistently very good throughout the semester, demonstrated a high level of  understanding of the process and techniques if supervised image classification.

Alicia Lindbom

Congratulations to Alicia Lindbom for being selected as this week's student spotlight!  Alicia is a returning adult learner currently completing the GIS Online Graduate Certificate program. She has been an environmental educator and program coordinator for the past 7 years, as well as a scientific illustrator on a recent Mesa College laboratory manual.   Upon completion of the certificate, Alicia hopes that the new GIS skills paired with her outreach experience will move her into a higher level science education/research paired with field work.  Welcome back to the spotlight Alicia!

Why was Alicia selected? Alicia has approached each Module, including this module on supervised classification, with critical thinking. Her BLOG includes a concise introduction to the goals of the module - which is essential for the reader to best understand the remainder of the post. In addition, her description includes just the right amount of detail about the process of applying the techniques of supervised classification. This includes the development of spectral signatures, the choice of spectral bands and analysis of the spectral distance file, which identifies pixels "spectral distance", from the signatures - the brighter the pixel the more off it is from the training site. and ultimately the type of supervised classification .Alicia did a great job describing both the techniques she applied as well as the limitations she encountered developing spectral signatures. Alicia does a very good job describing the process for choosing spectral signatures that serve as the "best ft" for training sites that most comprehensively identify the desired level of Land Use Land Cover classifications She also does an excellent job at describing the iterative process of band choice and training site refinement that is crucial to producing more accurate supervised classifications. Her results, which did an admirable job distinguishing urban and roads which is very difficult with the chosen imagery, are presented in a visually compelling map. Overall, Alicia's BLOG posting was very good!