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!