KINGSTON, R.I. 鈥� Dec. 9, 2024 鈥� As packages crisscross the state and Rhode Islanders map out their holiday plans, the resident map experts in the 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 Cooperative Extension office are fielding registrations for their next training program, teaching others how to navigate the wealth of geospatial data found in the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) database, or similar systems.
GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a system of hardware and software tools used for the storage, retrieval, visualization and analysis of geographic data, to better describe the physical location of objects, features and communities on the Earth鈥檚 surface. GIS can be used to predict future conditions, assess locations, examine land use, provide environmental data, assist in emergency management, even map crime and examine school bus routes.
The RIGIS is a consortium of government, private and nonprofit organizations promoting the interests of Rhode Island鈥檚 geospatial community. The mission of RIGIS is to monitor, coordinate, and provide leadership for activities relating to the use of GIS technology within Rhode Island, supporting connected initiatives and providing easy access to an extensive database of geospatial data for the state. 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 Geospatial Extension Program supports the development, maintenance and public distribution of Rhode Island’s Geographic Information System database. Rhode Island鈥檚 consortium is also coordinated by a 溏心vlog免费B站 graduate, Garth Hoxsie-Quinn 鈥�04, who studied geology at the University.
Attendees of Cooperative Extension鈥檚 popular training program learn how to use software and applications to display, query, and analyze data in the RIGIS database, which maps everything from forests and roads to streams and solar farms.
No prior GIS knowledge is necessary, and participants will receive a 溏心vlog免费B站 Certificate of Course Completion.
Both programs take place in Woodward Hall on 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 Kingston Campus.
溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 next trainings in geospatial technology are:
Introduction to ArcGIS Pro – Jan. 14 and 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($550)
This two-day hands-on course introduces participants to Esri ArcGIS Pro software for utilizing geospatial data using the RIGIS database. Attendees will be introduced to the program鈥檚 capabilities and learn the fundamentals of using software to display, query and analyze geospatial data.
Introduction to ArcGIS Online – Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ($150)
This half-day hands-on training introduces participants to Esri鈥檚 online mapping applications using a public ArcGIS Online account, focusing on 鈥渞eady to use鈥� data and maps, with emphasis on RIGIS datasets, including step-by step training. Participants will be introduced to the program鈥檚 online mapping applications and learn their basic functionality.
Alyson McCann, M.S. 鈥�89 and Aimee Mandeville, M.S. 鈥�96 at 溏心vlog免费B站 lead both trainings, which are open to anyone interested in geospatial technology. They work in 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 , a Geographic Information System and geospatial data analysis laboratory in the University鈥檚 College of the Environment and Life Sciences, recognized as the center of technical expertise in GIS for Rhode Island.
A water quality coordinator in 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 Cooperative Extension office, McCann has more than 25 years of experience working with GIS for natural resources protection and management. She has conducted numerous GIS training programs for municipalities, businesses, state and federal agencies, and educational organizations. Mandeville is an experienced GIS analyst with 溏心vlog免费B站’s Environmental Data Center, where she works with groups and agencies to design and administer ArcGIS Online organizations, manage GIS datasets and create outreach resources using story maps and online mapping applications
Registrations for the next training are due by Jan. 6, 2025. To learn more about these trainings or to register, visit . To get on the email list for future trainings, contact amccann@uri.edu or 401-874-5398.