Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University will celebrate its second annual Geographical Information System Day on Wednesday, Nov. 14, with presentations and workshops to showcase GIS and remote sensing projects by faculty, staff, students and off-campus individuals.

GIS is a computerized mapping and data management system capable of integrating, storing, editing and analyzing geographically referenced information. It is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries, analyze the spatial information and edit data.

GIS can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, urban planning, route planning and more. “GIS is a kind of problem-solving using spatial information,” said Joni Bugden-Storie, assistant professor of geosciences and natural resources at Western. “In simple terms, it allows us to see patterns of social, economic and environmental issues and how they change from one location to another.”

GIS Day has been a national event since 1987 that is associated with the National Geographic Society, and this marks the second consecutive year that WCU will be participating in the grassroots event.

“We want to bring attention to the GIS resources Western has and how these tools are used to solve real world problems related to water, wildlife or forest resources. Our students get a combination of applied learning experiences and exposure to tools and technology needed by employers in the region and the state,” said Bugden-Storie.

The following workshops and presentations will be held in Hunter Library:•  “Geosciences Applications,” a presentation with Bugden-Storie and Dave Kinner, assistant professor of geosciences and natural resources at Western, 8 to 8:55 a.m., in Room 186. Registration required.

•  “Student Remote Sensing Projects in Process,” a presentation of applications that contribute to faculty research, 9 to 10 a.m., in Room 186. Registration required.

• Morning Poster Presentations of Third-Year GIS Class Exhibitors, 10 to 10:30 a.m., in the Map Area.  Registration not required.

•  “GPS Data Collection,” a workshop with Blair Bishop, an instructor at Haywood County Community College, 10:30 a.m. to noon, in Room 186. Registration required.

• “Learning ArcGIS I,” a workshop with Sue Grider, WCU instructor training specialist, 1 to 2 p.m., in Room 186.  Registration required.

• “Mapping Census Data,” a workshop with Bart Voskuil, environmental and geosciences liaison at Hunter Library, 2 to 3 p.m., in Room 186.  Registration required.

• Afternoon Poster Presentations of Third-Year GIS Class Exhibitors, 3 to 3:30 p.m., in the Map Area. Registration not required.

• “Wildlife” Applications, a presentation with Ron Davis, assistant professor of natural resources,  3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Room 186.  Registration required.

• Tour of Geosciences and Natural Resources GIS Lab, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.  No registration required.

Following the tour, an informal social event will begin at 5 p.m.

To register, click on "Workshop Registration" under "Related Links" at left, or contact Bugden-Storie by phone at (828) 227-3819 or by e-mail at jbugden@email.wcu.edu.

For more information about WCU’s department of geosciences and natural resources, call (828) 227-3818.

Maintained by the WCU Office of Public Relations
Last Modified: Monday, Nov. 12, 2007