CCBC Geospatial Applications Program

The Community College of Baltimore County is one of the few community colleges on the east coast to offer a degree program in Geospatial Applications.  The program was started in the fall of 2006 and is accredited by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.  On March 1st, 2009, CCBC received statewide designation which allows for out of county students to take classes at in-county rate.

Students of all backgrounds are taking advantage of this program which feeds into the rapidly growing geospatial industry.  A variety of ages are taking classes; from high school seniors to older adults in their late 60′s.  Some students are seeking their first degree while others are returning for training and certification.  With the downturn with the economy, more and more are returning to add a boost of GIS to their experience.  Additionally, there is about a 3-2 male to female ratio.

Here is a breakdown of what the Geospatial Applications Program offers:

• Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • 65-66 Credits
  • 2 Year Program
  • Transferable to a four year institute for a bachelor’s degree
• Introduction to Geospatial Applications Certificate
  • 13 credits
  • Provides immediate skills to enter the GIS workplace or as a way for skill enhancement
• Advanced Geospatial Applications Certificate
  • 23 credits
  • Provides additional experience in advanced spatial analysis and project design and management
  • Focused on core courses and immediate employment

Transfer Options

For those who desire to pursue a four degree, an articulation agreement has been negotiated for students to transfer to the two largest transfer institutions in the area.  Students who complete the A.A.S Degree in Geospatial Applications can earn junior and senior level credit through Towson University or the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  CCBC is the first community college GIS program in the country to be able to achieve such an aggressive articulation agreement.

Class Specifics

Class sizes are currently averaging about seven students.  The introductory courses tend to have higher attendance with 10-16 students, and the advanced courses tend to be smaller with 3-6 students.  Since the program is still relatively new, the class cohorts are slowly increasing each year.

Currently there are no classes offered online.  Face-to-face interaction is important in GIS classes, specifically with Remote Sensing and GPS.

Beyond just the basic core classes of GIS, CCBC offers more specialized courses such as Decision Making Using GIS and Remote Sensing and GPS.  Decision Making Using GIS focuses on the ArcGIS extensions (3D Mapper, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, etc.).  Remote Sensing and GPS focuses on the principles of remote sensing and image interpretation as well as GPS software and technology.

In addition to ESRI’s ArcGIS software, students are exposed to other software programs.  In the Remote Sensing and GPS class, students learn how to use Pathfinder Office, Terrasync, and ERDAS Imagine.  The Adobe suite is also incorporated into map production with the use of Photoshop and Illustrator.  As for software availability, enrolled students are provided with a free one year ArcView software license with all extensions.

Scholarships/Internships/Organizations

CCBC is currently establishing a series of scholarships to help with tuition for the program.  As students are usually required to present posters/maps at conferences, the college will often help cost the student’s conference fees.

As internships can be a key boost to jump starting a career, a variety of paid and unpaid internships are made available.  The positions are usually with local, county and state municipalities, non-profit groups, and local and regional businesses.

Although there are currently no GIS student clubs/organizations in place, CCBC students have expressed an intrest in forming a chapter of Gamma Theta Epsilon, an international honor society in geography.

Summary

The CCBC program appears to be very well organized.  Although they may not offer online classes, schedule flexibility is shown with the provision of day and night classes.  The small class sizes make an excellent learning environment for more one-on-one time with the professor.  I believe the huge benefit of this program is the ability to transfer the A.A.S. degree.  Most colleges do not have a transfer program set up and if they do, very few geospatial classes will transfer.  If you are looking to move forward with a four year degree then this would be an excellent one to look into further.  Check it out for yourself!

Thank you to Professor Scott Jeffrey for taking the time to provide this valuable information.

Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college.  Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.

Is GIS Really for Dummies?

A new book has just recently been published called GIS For Dummies by Dr. Michael N. DeMers.  Dr. DeMers is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at the New Mexico State University.  This book helps introduce the Geospatial industry to those who may not be familiar with Geographic Information Systems.  If you are not sure what GIS is, then I would suggest that you check it out!  It seems to cover a little bit of everything.

For those of you have been in the GIS industry for a while, I question the actual need for this book.  I understand that a lot of people think they are GIS professional, but are far from it.  They would definitely benefit.  I find it interesting that the authors describe its readers with this statement:

Whether you’re in charge of creating GIS applications for your business or you simply love maps, you’ll find GIS For Dummies is packed with information.

Do application developers really compare to map lovers?  There is a big gap there.  I do not think that one book can really cover adequately this entire spectrum.  As a GIS professional, I would think that if there is a particular topic we want to learn then we will find a more specific GIS book.

Although I have yet to read this book, I would be very curious to see what this books holds.  As stated on the back of the book, the following can be found within the pages:

• How to get paper maps into your computer
• How to create animated GIS output
• Different ways to measure distance
• How to organize your spatial data
• What raster and vector mean to a cartographer
• How to choose a GIS software vendor
• How GIS can help you determine appropriate land use
• Dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses

All I can say is that you should form your own opinion.  As an individual, you will find your own personal benefits that others will not.  You will only get out of this book what you expect.  Expect nothing, get nothing.

GIS For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Other Books by Dr. Michael DeMeres

Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems

GIS Modeling in Raster

Basics of Geographical Information Systems

ASPRS Certification Program

The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has a certification program in place that could provide ample support to boost your career forward.  As of current, there are just a few certifications available for the GIS industry.  The ASPRS, one of the longest standing programs, was started in 1975 with the Certified Photogrammetrist category and added two additional categories in 1991.  In 1998, the program began requiring an examination to be taken in order receive one of the certifications.  The ASPRS Board of Directors approved a Provisional Certification Program in 2006 to allow students certification eligibility since most do not meet the experience requirements of the program.

Here are the certification categories that ASPRS offers:

1. Certified Photogrammetrist
2. Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS
3. Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing
4. Certified Photogrammetric Technologist
5. Certified GIS/LIS Technologist
6. Certified Remote Sensing Technologist

Note that there are provisional certifications in all the above categories for graduating seniors in geospatial sciences.  This is an advantage that educators should publicize to their student.  Having even a provisional certification can give newly graduating students a boost to their career.

Application Process:

• Complete application
• Provide four references
• Have successful peer review
• Pass an exam in the chosen category

Here is a summary of the process for the professional certification [the first three categories] [it's similar for the Technologists as highlighted below]

The rules for certification are: six years total experience are required of which three are professional in nature. Application forms are filed with four references and are sent to a peer review group for evaluation.Those who pass peer review are eligible to take the four-hour multiple choice examination which is given, as needed, in a location in the US relatively close to where examinee lives. When required, overseas exams are arranged on a case-by-case basis. The Examination consists of questions a professional should be able to answer in areas such as earth sciences, surveying, physics, imaging systems, photogrammetry and GIS. There is no primer as with the Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor examination. Those not passing are allowed to retake the exam within six months of notification at no additional cost.

The application fee is $275 for ASPRS members and $400 for non-members.

Membership information is available at:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/

The Certification and Recertification Guidelines:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_guidelines.html

Application for Certified Photogrammetrist or Mapping Scientist:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_app.pdf

Reference form:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/reference_form.pdf

Exam questions matrices by category:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_examination_matrix.html

In preparing for the certification exam, workshops are usually offered  to help the applicants.  These workshops usually take place during the ASPRS Annual conference.  Check the website for more details.  The workshops are described as follows:

The purpose of this workshop is to prepare individuals who are planning to sit for the ASPRS Certification exams. The workshop will begin by explaining the purpose and form of the exam. It will then identify key topical areas which an applicant should be aware of prior to taking the exam. The instructor will review the basic concepts and sample questions to show how these topics will be tested for on the exam. Finally, the workshop will identify resources which exam takers should be aware of and study from in their preparation for the examination.

Workshop Topics Include:

• Purpose of the exam
• Photogrammetry
• Remote Sensing
• Geographic Information Systems
• Other topical areas of importance in preparation for the exam

Here are some suggested texts for examination review:

• Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation
• Elements of Photogrammetry with Applications in GIS, Wolf and Dewitt 1999
• The Glossary of the Mapping Sciences, 1994
• Manual of Photogrammetry – Fifth Edition, ASPRS 2004

As noted in the list of available categories, there is a certification program for Photogrammetric Technologists, Remote Sensing Technologists, and GIS/LIS Technologists.   These technologists areas only require three years of experience instead of six.  Check the Guidelines for additional details.

If you would like more information, please visit www.asprs.org or request additional information from certification@asprs.org.

Thanks to Jesse Winch, Program Manager with ASPRS, for this valuable information.

Easily Create a Custom Google Map

Google maps are all around us.  These maps can be embeded into websites.  They can also be customized to include various types of information for display.

Instead of looking up temporary maps, you can create custom maps with various elements like pushpins, lines, and polygons that can be saved and accessed on demand.  These maps can be accessed with a direct link or placed on a web page.

To create a custom map:
1. Go to Google Maps

Make sure you are logged into Google so that your map is saved under your account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one here.

2. Click on My Maps

3. Click Create  new map

4. Enter map information

• Map Title
• Description
• Privacy Settings
  • Public
  • Unlisted

5. Add additional elements to map

• Add a Placemark
  • Add text to information balloon
• Draw a Line
  • Will give you distance of line
• Draw a Shape
  • Will give you area of shape

6. Click Done to save map

Note: You can make changes to your map by clicking the Edit button.

With your own custom map, you can now embed it into your own webpage or blog. 

Check out the Embed Basic Google Maps into Websites.

GIS Boot Camp vs. Traditional Teaching

I recently came across a post about the Introduction to GIS class at the University of Richmond.  Kimberly Klinker changed up her Introduction to GIS class from the traditional lecture/lab format to a boot camp/project format.  She did five weeks of teaching basic concepts of GIS and the ArcGIS software then used the remaining part of the semester to assign a project.  Wondering what the result was?  Well according to the article, it was a success.  The class was able to present a project that helps students with disabilities transverse the campus (Read more on this project).

This teaching style may sound very strange and unorthodox, but the evolution of education is providing various techniques to help students learn.  I must first commend Ms. Klinker for thinking outside of the box.  I do not believe that the traditional style of learning through lecture is the best method for this technology.  However, the boot camp method may also not be the best.  You have to remember that each individual student has their own learning style.  Some are able to use a self study workbook approach and learn more than sitting under the lecture of an experienced professor.  Others may prefer the traditional classroom style, while there may be a few who even like to learn by trial and error through experience.  Is there a particular learning style that works best for Geospatial Technology?  I believe that this subject cannot be taught through just lecture.  There must be some type of application.  Having book knowledge is OK, but putting that knowledge to use is even better.

I like that fact that these students were able to take on a project from start to finish.  Application, application, application is important!  Knowing how to perform a task is one thing; being able to apply it is another.  Students can be provided with the tools for Geospatial Technology, but they must also be able to discern when it is best to put them to use.

Does a mixture of learning styles produce the best environment for learning GIS, or is there a particular style that works best?

Show Area Vetices while Editing in ArcMap

Finding a vertex to snap to can be very challenging while editing.  With snapping turn on, you can slowly more your cursor along the desired path and the cursor will snap to the nearest vertex.  Although this can be affective, there is a great risk that a vertex may be missed.  Showing the vertices within the area of you cursor can help you find all vertices while preventing gaps from forming within the data.

Simply press [V] to show the vertices in the area of the cursor.  Remember that you must be editing during this procedure.  This saves time and helps you to be more productive while editing in ArcMap. (See Example)

Screenshot of edit session

Screenshot of edit session while using [V]

Embed Basic Google Maps into Websites

Google Maps are becoming more and more common on websites. They are being used to show business locations, directions, news happenings, etc. Very rarely now can you go to a website without encountering a map. Although Google Maps appear very high-tech, they can be easily placed into any website  or blog with just a few steps.  Make sure you are not missing out on the technology available today.

To Embed a Google Map:
1.  Decide where you would like to have the map located.

I have decided to place a map on my Google Mapz page under the Create Map section.  This example is being done through Weebly (A free, simple to use website host and editor).

2. Go to Google Maps and zoom in on the extent of desired map.

I have zoomed in on the Washington, DC area.

3. Select Link from the top right hand corner of the page.

This will give you the option to copy the actual page link or embed with html.

4. Copy HTML code from embed window.

Highlight code and right click to copy or Ctrl + C.

5. Paste HTML code into web page editor.

Make sure you are placing this where HTML can be read and not directly as plain text.  To paste, right click in area and choose paste or Ctrl +V.

6. Publish web page

The map is now embedded within my web page with a matter a minutes.  Try it out today!

Related Books

Beginning Google Maps Mashups with Mapplets, KML, and GeoRSS: From Novice to Professional

Google Maps Hacks

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota GIS Program

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Department of Resource Analysis provides a Master of Science – Geographic Information Science degree.  This degree consists of 41 semester hours.  In addition to the master’s degree they also have a Professional Certificate in Geospatial Technology which can be earned separately or concurrently with the master’s degree.  These educational options are available between their two campuses; the Winona Campus and the Twin Cities Campus.

Saint Mary’s Department of Resource Analysis prides itself in allowing for “hands on learning”.  This learning style embraces the ESRI technology in their labs and instructional materials.  The class sizes are usually small and enable students to receive direct instructor support.  Beyond the classroom, Saint Mary’s helps to develop networking opportunities for career placement and advancement.

On their website, Saint Mary’s University describes their program:

The program is suited for diverse interests and provides educational options for any learner no matter their background. Student centered learning is maximized through flexibility in offering distance-learning courses as well as multiple degree concentrations in natural resource management, homeland security/emergency management, business, policy administration, criminal justice, and/or project management.

Their students and alumni have received quite a bit a recognition and praise from various sources.  These include:

• GIS Project Presentation at the International ESRI Conference
• Job Interview with the United States Postal Inspection Service
• Received Job as the Deputy GIS officer for all of Europe
• Student said that they went from no technology background to gaining effective GIS skills
• Described as putting top-quality professionals out in the GIS world!

Read more testimonials…

To see what type of graduates this program puts out, check out some of their students’ work:

Graduate Project Video Presentations
Graduate Papers Online

Some of the topics include:

• Using GIS to Examine the Head Start Service Area in Winona County, Minnesota
• The effect of Tourist Attractions on the Crime Trends in the Growing Community of Shakopee, Minnesota
• Using GIS to Create a Gray Wolf Habitat Suitability Model in the Western Upper Penninsula of Michigan and Assessment of Wolf Pack Ranges
• Improving Geocode Match Rates of Valid Addresses by Combining Multiple Reference Data Sets
• Using GIS to Locate Target Markets in the Retail Banking Sector

The Professional Certificate in Geospatial Technology falls under the Continuing Education Program. There are three different certificates available:

• Professional Certificate in Geospatial Technology – Foundations
• Professional Certificate in Geospatial Technology – Advanced Engagements
• Professional Certificate in Geospatial Technology – Excellence

Each certificate requires 120 continuing education units with each continuing education unit equaling 10 hours of course time. The program is setup as an on-learning environment. The courses are described as:

The courses provided through this program are intended to ensure that geospatial and technology enthusiasts have access to, and are provided with, opportunities to remain current with technology in the field of Geographic Information Systems and related geospatial technologies.

Scholarships

Saint Mary’s University offers a variety of scholarships although none directly apply to GIS. One that caught my attention was the SGPP Faculty Staff Scholarship. The faculty and staff provide two scholarships of at least $1,700 which are available to students in any of the certificate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs.

Learn more about Saint Mary’s University: http://www.smumn.edu/
Learn more about the Geospatial Program: http://www.gis.smumn.edu/

Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college.  Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.

North Central Michigan Adds GIS Program

North Central Michigan is expanding their GIS program to include an Associate of Science Degree in Geographic Information Systems. The college just began a GIS certificate program for the spring 2009 semester. The first offered course, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems I, will allow students to learn the concept of GIS which will include basic mapping concepts, coordinate systems, georeferencing spatial data, and vector and raster data models. To fit the time needs of perspective students, this introductory course is currently being provided as a night class. Other classes will be added as the program expands.

Here is some dialog from a Petosky News-Review interview article with Sam McLin, associate dean of liberal arts:

“If you have ever played with programs like Google Earth or Onstar in your car, you have experimented with a basic form of GIS,” McLin said. “GIS is much more powerful and used in many fields. Exposing students to this here at NCMC may prepare them for future study in the earth sciences, civil engineering, biology or geography.”

Additionally, McLin said many government agencies, environmental consultants, surveying companies, municipal planning firms and power companies use GIS everyday.

“Any firm, organization, municipality or individual wishing to build, permit, tax or change the use of any land depends on someone using GIS,” she said.

The addition of the program is important to the college because it gives students more options.

“It’s important to the community because it will hopefully allow graduates to get a job, advance their career or start a new career path,” McLin said.

Another benefit? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that many jobs that use GIS, such as surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists and surveying and mapping technicians are expected to increase 21 percent from 2006 to 2016.

“The GIS field is one of the few career fields expected to grow in the coming years,” McLin said. “The average salary is really good around the country. There are good paying jobs for a field that seems to be expanding.”

Read the full article

From their website, North Central Michigan College is described as:

…an open-door community college based in Petoskey. Through its University Center partnerships, students can take courses leading to certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from participating universities. North Central’s Institute for Business & Industry Training offers non-credit job skills training tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to its main campus in Petoskey, North Central offers classes, academic advising, testing and other services in Cheboygan, Gaylord and East Jordan.

This program looks like one to watch. I am interested to see how it grows with enrollment as well as course content. I encourage those in the North Central Michigan area to support this program and take a new course or two.

http://www.ncmich.edu/

Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap

Geocoding is a process that enables you to match database records to a real world location based upon attribute fields such as addresses, PINs, Cities, etc.  Carrying out this process in ArcMap is very simple and can be completed in just a few steps.

Note: This example uses addresses, but other attributes can be used.

1. Compile Address Table – This can be done in excel, access, or other compatible file format .

Read more on: Excel in ArcGIS Desktop

2. Create Address Locator – The address locator will be based upon the data that needs to be located and the reference data.

• Open ArcCatalog
• Open desired folder for Locator to be saved in
• Right click in contents area
• Click New -> Address Locator…

3. Choose Locator Style – This will depend upon the source data and reference data.  These data types need to correlate.

4. Set Address Locator Options

• Name and Description
• Reference data – The data you will match to such as address points, streets, or city points.
• Match corresponding fields – This will vary by locator style.  US Streets is shown here.
• Set Matching Options – You will find which configuration works best through trial and error.
• Click Ok

Your locator has now been create and is shown in ArcCatalog via the “House” icon.

5. Add Address Table to Map – You can add Excel tables directly into ArcMap (9.2 or later) or create a .dbf table to be added in.

6. Right Click Table -> Geocode Addresses…

7. Add  Locator to Map and Select it to be Used – You will need to browse to the folder (via the “Add..” button) that contains the created locator.

8. Complete Locator/Geocoding  Options

• Select Corresponding Input Fields
• Choose Output Location
• Click Ok

Status is updated during geocoding process and results are shown on map.

10. You can Review or Rematch Any Address

• Right Click on geocoded point file in Table of Contents
• Data -> Review/Rematch ddresses…
• Follow options in Interactive Rematch Dialog

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