GIS Professional
To use Geographic Information Systems technology (GIS) in resource management and land use planning.
Those working in forestry have a new tool to help them gauge the
effects of environmental changes. GIS technology can place a forest
inside a computer where complex data can be sorted and analyzed to
provide different views into the future.
Scientists using GIS technology can create accurate, three-dimensional
visual images or maps of forests and test various scenarios before they
occur.
"GIS can ask and answer a series of 'what if' questions," said Eric
Oldar, coordinator for Urban and Community Forestry with the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "What if we have more or
less trees? What if we have storm water run-off? GIS allows you to
correlate changes over time." "Using the power of GIS allows us to
analyze how trees are affecting a community," Oldar said. "GIS gives
you a bird's eye view."
GIS has been used in forestry and fire prevention to help residents in
forested communities see the effects of wildfire and how tree removal
can help save their property and community.
Opportunities in the field of GIS technology abound and, as the
technology becomes more widespread, those working in GIS will likely
find themselves in high demand. Educational standards for GIS
certification are being developed, but at this time networking and
hands-on experience are key.
GIS technology is being used in many diverse areas including sociology
and demographics, medicine, real estate, aerospace and marketing in
addition to its applications in forestry. "It's a good career for
people who like technology but don't want to sit in the back room
programming," said Colleen Mesel, assistant professor of computer
studies at Bakersfield College. "GIS brings you into contact with
people and the earth."
For those interested in getting started Mesel suggested an internship,
but warned "You won't find GIS jobs advertised in the paper. It's all
word of mouth and by referral. You need to pay your dues and work your
way up the network."
"You've got to know computers, data base management systems, GIS,
programming languages and certain electives like real estate, forestry
and land use," said Colleen Mesel, assistant professor of computer
studies at Bakersfield College. "You have to know your data to make
good decisions."
"The level of technology required of a GIS professional takes years,"
Mesel added. "It's not one specialty. You need to be pretty broad
based."
|
|
