Wednesday, November 26, 2008

NR Mapping & GPS

Another change in the Hocking GIS/GPS world is the addition of a New 1 credit class: NR Mapping & GPS.

Using free or low cost software and Garmin recreational GPS units, this class is going to explore how to maximize data collection with these low cost tools and methods. By the end of the half-quarter class, you will be able to successfully create basic maps using data you collect in the field.

There are a couple of reasons to take this class. One, you find yourself working at an organization that can't afford a $2000 ArcView license or a $4,000 sub-meter GPS, but you have to get some mapping done for your job or for project funding. Two, you know that there are existing free GIS data resources like Athens County GIS data that you could be using for basic analysis in your job, but you don't know how you can view it or work with it.

We don't have a course number or a time, but it will be offered the second half of winter quarter, 2009. Stay tuned.

New GIS/GPS Certificate at School of Natural Resources

We've got a new GIS/GPS certificate at Natural Resources aimed at non-GIS/GPS majors who want to prove their geospatial capabilities to employers (heard from another employer today who can't seem to find enough people with GIS or GPS skills).

The required classes

GEO 100 Intro to GIS (2cr)
GEO 102 Intro to GPS (2cr)
or
GEO 104 Intro GIS/GPS combo

NRM 125 Map Reading and Interpretation (2cr)
GEO 101 Intermediate GIS (3cr)
GEO 140 Intermediate GPS (2cr)
GEO ??? NR Mapping & GPS (1cr)

For most of you, the only addition to get the certificate will be the Intermediate classes. We've shifted the meeting times to late afternoon, so you'll be able to take them outside your major block schedule. In these classes, you learn a bit more about the geo-tools and do a project on a subject that you are interested in.

Monday, November 24, 2008

GIS Services Support Position ATC

Tia relays this job position in Wisconsin?

GIS Services Support Positions with American Transmission Company

The position description: Work to support GIS services within ATC. Specific duties include creation and maintenance of unique thematic datasets, analysis and cartographic support to our engineering, planning and environmental services departments, and the ability to work as a component of a multi-disciplined solution. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the principles of GIS.

The position is offered for the 2008/09 school year and anticipated to be some hours during school and full time during the summer.

If you look at the pdf linked above, there is a web link that reads www.atcllc.com but links to www.releeinc.com, a consulting company that provides GIS, Engineering and Surveying (they could be the subcontract to ATC for this position)

A note:
this is how it starts to work. As all of you get out in the field and have various positions, you'll hear about other positions, etc. I'm happy to serve as a clearinghouse, if you want to send me what you're seeing and hearing in the job market (for only 10% of your gross- haha).

Monday, November 17, 2008

ESRI mapping blog

the ESRI mapping blog has a couple of posts that tie into topics that we have talked about in Cart the last few classes.

At the top are some tips on how to restrict the colors available in a color ramp (basically customizing a color ramp). A way to acheive control over color!

Just below it is a discussion on text blocks. Some things to think about before you add them and then ways to customize them with multiple columns, etc. Perfect

Design Specialist 2 for Abandoned Mined Lands Program

Scott emailed this new full time position in Athens with the Abandoned Mined Lands Program within ODNR. the closing data is November 20th, so you'll need to move fast!

Design Specialist 2

The link to the Ohio Hiring Management System is here. I believe (but am not certain) that you can apply via the link at this page. However, it never hurts to call the Athens office, politely introduce yourself and ask at the source. Updates, as I receive them.

Job duties
Prepares original designs of the Abandoned Mined Lands (AML) program under the direction of a registered professional engineer; utilizes engineering/technical computer workstation; operates computer applications in CAD, geology, hydrology, statistics, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), spreadsheets and database; conducts special projects on workstation as directed by supervisor (e.g., earthwork, culvert sizing, drainage control, etc.); verifies field information, writes/reviews preliminary/final designs to insure conformity with design criteria; maintains computer programs and designs; reviews change orders on construction projects;

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Geography Scholarship

Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship

The Association of American Geographers is pleased to announce a national scholarship program for community college students. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from community colleges, junior colleges, city colleges, or similar two-year educational institutions who will be transferring as geography majors to four year colleges and universities. These scholarships are funded by Darrel Hess, coauthor of the textbook Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation by McKnight and Hess, published by Prentice Hall.

The award consists of a scholarship to be used for any educational expenses in the amount of $1,000 and a formal certificate of merit.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

How many voters per electoral college delegate

The New York Times had an interesting cartogram illustrating the number of voters represented by each delegate to the electoral college.
In this cartogram, the larger sized states indicate fewer voters per delegate; meaning that each voter has "more" influence over the result. The article discusses how each voter represents a multitude of people- those that don't vote, those under 18, noncitizens and prisoners and felons. Interesting read.