| |
|
Program Description
The Physical and Environmental Sciences (PES) Department at
Mesa State currently offers a minor in GIS/GPS. The course
is open to all students interested in broadening their knowledge
and enhancing job-related skills in a rapidly expanding market
of computer-based technology. The multidisciplinary nature
of the GIS allows students from a wide variety of fields to
participate in this exciting new program.
What is GIS/GPS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based
tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist, and events
that happen on earth. GIS technology is a special case of
information systems where the database consists of observations
on spatially distributed features, activities, or events that
are definable in space as points, lines, or areas. It manipulates
data about these, lines, and areas to retrieve data for ad
hoc queries and analysis.
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite system that
broadcasts time signals using an internal atomic clock. GPS
receivers utilize these signals from 3 or more satellites,
and calculate the distance from the receiver to each satellite
by the difference between the time the signal was broadcast
and the time it was received. The receiver's position is calculated
using trilateration.
Setting
The campus is within the city limits of Grand Junction (pop
42,000), and lies at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Located in
western Colorado near the boundary of the Colorado Plateau
and the Southern Rocky Mountain physiographic provinces.
GIS/GPS
"A Bright Future Dawning on the Horizon"
In 1997, GIS/GPS soared above the clouds as geologist Roger
Billims, part of the IMAX expedition team, placed a GPS receiver
at 26,000 feet on the slopes of Mount Everest to record tiny
earthquake movements. The IMAX team used the GPS receiver
to relay crucial communications to base camp. The GPS continues
to relay data that one day may give geologists more insight
into earthquakes.
Businesses query and perform analysis concerning site location,
land use and zoning, customer service, and as an efficient
tool for problem/solution analysis.
Archeologists map artifacts, ruins, and so forth.
Biologists map and monitor wildlife, riparian and wetlands
areas, and so forth.
Geologists map natural resources such as oil, gas, coal,
and metal deposits.
Environmental scientists map contaminants in ground water,
pollutants, toxic substances, and so forth.
Jobs Available
There is a strong demand for people who are trained in GIS/GPS
and this course will enable students to secure jobs in this
rapidly growing field. Within the next five to ten years,
the GIS/GPS system will be used in public and private businesses
across the country. Students in this program will be in a
better position to accept its challenges and exploit its opportunities.
The GIS program at Mesa State is designed to meet the needs
of the future. The federal government recently expanded grants
for GIS to provide technical support for local land use and
crime prevention programs.
|
