GIS: What is it? Who uses it?
Shannon White North Carolina State University
What is GIS?
Geographic Information Systems
For simplicity's sake we often call GIS "mapping software."
We most often associate maps with physical geography, but the map to the right demonstrates that GIS is flexible enough to map any kind of terrain, even the human body. GIS can map any data you wish.
What do you need for a GIS to work?
• • • • • Computer Hardware Computer Software Data for a database A Location to Study Thinking Explorer
So…… who uses GIS?
• Businesses • Schools • Government Agencies • Police Departments • Fire Departments • Military
• Farmers • Natural Resources
• Fish and Wildlife Services • Oceanic Studies • Foresters
• Utilities
• Water, Gas, Electricity, Phone
• Tourism Departments
Police Departments
Frequency of Juvenile Offenses (1998)
City of WinstonSalem, North Carolina
Transportation Departments
Deciding where new roads should be placed and what roads need repair
Public Health and Safety
Geography Education Commitment Index Applied to NC School Districts
Legend
NCSchool Districts
Geography Education Index Values
0: Not Included in Study (Federal School Districts) 1: No commitment to Geography Ed 2: Little commitment to Geography Ed 3: Moderate commitment to Geography Ed 4: Strong commitment to Geography Ed
School Districts and Departments Of Instruction
How much does it pay to work in the GIS field in the US?
Average Salary: $42,098
Total Males:
Level of Education:
Total AD Degrees: 6% Total BA Degrees: 16% Total BS Degrees: 40% 23% Total MA Degrees: 8% Total MS Degrees: 15% Total PhD Degrees: 2% Total Other Degrees: 3% Total No Degree: 5%
Source: GIS Jobs.com
Total Females:
77%
Total Responses: 9438 Average Years of Experience: 4.92
Questions?