How to use a GIS

Geographic Information Systems are extremely efficient useful tools; however one must have a clear understanding of what questions to ask as well as what answers they are looking for in order to properly uses a GIS. First, one should start by deciding specifically what information is needed, and framing that as a question. Next one should determine what type of data to use. Based on the initial question that was formed, an analysis method should be formed. Next you let the GIS run the data, and provide output. The final step is to study the analysis, and decide how to take action based on the results.

Implementing GIS

Geographic Information Systems can be incredibly useful tools, however implementing them into an existing business systems can be a troublesome process. The implementation must be well planned and thought out to avoid it from becoming a long and frustrating ordeal. In his book, Thinking About GIS, Dr. Roger Tomlinson outlines 10 steps that should be met to ensure the implementation goes smoothly.
The first step in this process is determining the strategic purpose of both the organization and the new system. Once the goals and objectives of the project are finalized, one can more easily build the system to meet these requirements. Planning is an essential step, and will require much time and effort before the implementation may begin. A large part of planning is defining the system requirements, as well as the technology needed to accommodate them. Defining the scope of the system will help determine these requirements, by clearly stating what is included and what is not included in the project. Creating a data design by designing the conceptual, logical, and physical structures of the database, along with a logical data model are essential in creating a database that meets the requirements of the new system once it is up and running. Once a system is planned, its costs and benefits must also be planned and analyzed. It is important to realize that these can change quickly if the project does not follow the predetermined plan. Finally an implementation plan must be structured to ensure the system is set up successfully, and according to plan.

Education in GIS

There are many way to educate oneself about Geographic Information Systems, from online classes to online training seminars. GIS courses are also becoming much more common in college curriculums. As the demand from well trained workers has grown, many college have begun to offer degrees in both business and forestry fields. There are also more and more software specific training courses as the technology used in Geographic Information systems becomes more specialized and powerful.
The GIS Certification Institute was created in 2004 as another way to meet the growing demand for GIS professionals. A GIS certificate not only shows that someone has education and professional GIS experience, but also requires them to abide by higher guidelines in their behavior. After proving themselves by earring a GIS certificate, the professional has many opportunities presented to them, and are able to show the value wherever they go.
From seeking a degree from a traditional school, or taking online courses or seminars, anyone interested GIS can greatly benefits from learning more about the field. As the technology behind this field becomes more complex, professionals will be required to have these degrees and certifications in order to get and keep their jobs.

The field of Geographic Information Systems is a rapidly expanding field with new possibilities and opportunities constantly being discovered. As organizations of all disciplines from commercial, to government, and even educational, are realizing the potential of GIS, the demand for qualified workers is constantly growing. As this demand grows, specialists with the knowledge and abilities to integrate and operate GIS hardware and programs are becoming very valuable. Currently, the demand for quality people needed to fill these new positions is exceeding the supply, and job opportunities exist in nearly every type of industry.
GIS systems are powerful problem solving tools that can be used for mapping and cartography, forestry, remote sensing, geospatial analysis and many other uses. Although these systems are commonly thought of as mapping tools, they are also being used to analyze and manage human activities. These systems can helpful in the planning and decision making processes of any organization. GIS systems allow users to organize and analyze data efficiently and effectively, and with the right knowledge can be extremely productive.

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems is a powerful computer based system whose field is quickly growing. Using GIS makes it possible to analyze and map geographically referenced information through the use of database and visualization technologies. A GIS system has the ability to take spatial information (data referenced to geographic locations) as well as attribute data (tied to a geographical feature) and transform it into meaningful information that is easier to manage and work with, and share. The analyzed data can be interpreted and visualized in many different ways. Although GIS was initially used for mapping purposes, it is now increasing being used as a model to aid problem solving. A system consists of three parts working together: database view, map view, and a model view.
GIS can be integrated into any enterprise network; however, hardware, software, data, and knowledgeable people are all necessary components of a working geographic information system. A central workstation runs the software necessary for the system. While there are different options for GIS software packages, many are design to meet specific purposes, and therefore have can have many different capabilities. Some geographic information systems are use web software that process and store data online. Geographic data is divided into two groups. Vector data is using points and lines, and raster data such as aerial imagery. Attribute data is also important to add description and meaning to spatial features. As with any technology, workers must have the knowledge and training to essential to get the most out of the system.
New uses for these systems are constantly being discovered. As the field grows, people with a working knowledge of GIS will be in constant demand. This is certainly a field with many possibilities and opportunities that an IT or IS major should be aware of.

Geographic Information Systems

A little about me

My name is Doug DeGroot, and I am a senior at The University of Montana. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in Missoula, and have come to love the outdoors. The recreational possibilities around Missoula are endless if you are willing to go out and try them. From skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking, rafting, tubing the Blackfoot and folfing I am constantly enjoying our beautiful surroundings. I was also on the Powell Ranger Station initial attack fire crew last summer. Although I would not want to make a career out of such a physical job, I really enjoyed traveling around the western U.S. working and camping in the woods. Its also a good way to save some money to be able to travel and ski during the winter, which was my main motivation for working all summer. Skiing is definitely the thing that I am most passionate about right now, because I have yet to find anything that is so much fun. Skiing allows you to be very creative, and even scare yourself if you want to! Unfortunately the last month or so has not been more like spring rather than winter, but I am still hoping for a few more good storms. Currently I am studying Information Systems in the School of Business Administration, and plan on graduating next year. I took a long time before declaring my major, but eventually decided upon I.S. for several reasons. Professor David Firth is partially responsible for this. As a student in one of his classes last year, he would frequently tell us of the importance of I.S., as well as how successful I.S. majors are in the business world. Another reasons for choosing my major was my oldest brother who graduated from U.M. with an I.S. degree, and has found a good job here in Missoula, and is doing very well for himself. Although I am unsure of what I would like to do after graduation, I do know that I would like to find some type of technical job in Montana, or the northwest. I would also enjoy working for a company that I am passionate about such as a ski resort, or and outdoor company etc. Pray for snow!