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/

UWF Student Has Map Featured for Thousands by ESRI's President

UWF MS in GIS Administration Student has Work Featured During ESRI's Users Conference

University of West Florida Master's of Science in Geographic Information Sciences online student Amanda Clayton's map was featured during the 2021 ESRI User Conference in San Diego. Jack Dangermond, President of ESRI, showcased Clayton's map on "European Wine Consumption" during the Plenary Session. The ESRI UC is a showcase of all things related to geographic information science and GIS professionals from all over the globe, with more than 50,000 people attending the annual conference. The conference runs from July 12-15.

Clayton created the "European Wine Consumption" map while enrolled in UWF's online Computer Cartography course. "It is crazy how far my GIS skills have come in the last two years," said Clayton. "UWF offers a top-notch program in MS GIS Administration."

Clayton worked at the university as a graduate assistant on several projects, including a Marine Science mapping project for Washington Hight School (funded by Gulf Power's Amplify Grant) and work with UWF's Alumni Relationtions and Development Office. Clayton recently accepted a full-time internship with ESRI in their Professional Services Division. 

Everyone at UWF's Earth and Environmental Sciences Department is extremely proud of Amanda and wants to congratulate her for this big achievement!

Mapping of Historic Pensacola Cemeteries

Mapping of Historic Pensacola Cemeteries

GeoData Center researchers teamed up with the University of West Florida's Archaeology Institute to map gravesites at Pensacola AME Zion and Magnolia cemeteries. These two cemeteries served the Pensacola area's African American community since the 1800s. The mapping effort was completed over Summer 2020. Our researchers used GPS coordinates and photographs to mark gravesites. The goal is to have the information available online for the public. Northwest Florida publication "Inweekly" published this article on the mapping effort. 

https://inweekly.net/windows-to-the-past/

Northwest Florida GIS User Group Digital Media Contest

Attention students: We are sponsoring a digital media contest. This is a good way to have your work seen by professionals in the GIS field. Rules and details are below. You can also email me Brett Haskell at bhaskell@uwf.edu for more details.

Reminder!!!

We have a seminar tomorrow in Building 13/Room 230 at 4:00 p.m.

All current GIS students are encouraged to attend.

We're Back!

Hello UWF GIS Students and Faculty

We apologize for the absence on the blog, but we're back! We will continue to monitor and accept student posts. We'll also be highlighting the "Student Spotlight". If you feel like your map project is innovative or unique, let your professor know. We can help you get it posted, to showcase your work.

Daniela presenting her awards in front of her map 2017 Traffic Crash Statistics - Osceola County, FL

We had some exciting news this fall! Daniela Sabillón, an MS in GIS Administration student, recently took home 2 awards for a map she presented at the 12th Annual Central Florida GIS Workshop. She received the "Keynote Choice Award" and the "Popular Choice Award: Best Poster Presentation".

Samuel Song's Map "Contiguous US and Colorado State Veteran Statistics

We also had a recent graduate of our MS in GIS Administration, Samuel Song, present at the GIS in the Rockies Conference. He created a poster with Veteran statistics. He was working on helping the VA turn older and outdated methods of data collection over to FOSS4G.


To all of our GIS students, keep up the great work and we look forward to seeing more of your projects soon!