Comments Off on Collaboration is Key: Q&A with Professor Steven Fleming, Ph.D.
This is a segment of our multi-part series honoring the active service members and veterans who have taken or who teach USC’s Geographic Information Science and Technology graduate programs by allowing them to share some of their most memorable experiences.
Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
1. How did you get involved with geospatial work in the military?
I worked in the GEOINT field as a professor at the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) for about 10 years prior to joining USC. In addition to my work with USMA, I used GEOINT techniques and technologies on multiple deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
2. How do you envision the future of GEOINT? How do you think the USC program can help position students for that future?
The future of GEOINT is increasingly computational, analytical, and visual. This mandates good dialogue between developers and users, so that all sources of disparate information are properly integrated and that software actively supports users. Our program at the Spatial Sciences Institute addresses these challenges by producing leaders and managers within teams who can form interagency working groups, and GEOINT users who are adept problem solvers.
3. Why did you choose to teach in the USC GIST program?
I chose to join the GIST team here because, parallel to SSI’s work, USC is a leader in addressing wicked problems (e.g., human security). One part of the solution to problems like human security is to create the next generation of GEOINT leaders. The administration, GIST programs and SSI vision are focused on producing quality graduates to answer this calling. Furthermore, the faculty are assembled to leverage multidisciplinary expertise and leadership across the GEOINT field.
4. What has been one of your favorite GEOINT projects to work on, either with students in USC’s graduate programs or in your career?
I’m immensely proud that we currently have students working with the Intelligence Community (IC), the DoD support agencies, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, and with non-profit organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights. Our students are energized to learn the demanding skills necessary for intelligence professionals and by cutting-edge research that they are contributing to organizations that use GEOINT. In the end, our students and faculty – some of whom are veterans – are addressing the “wicked problems” posed by place-based intelligence. We are proud of what they have done and are doing to ensure secure and safe communities.
For more information about our support for U.S. service members and veterans, visit our USC Military and Veterans page.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
Comments Off on First Build Trust, Then Make a Case for GIS: A Q&A With Alumnus Kevin Loberg
Geographic information science influences nearly all of modern life, and, because of that, the career opportunities in the field are uniquely diverse. GIS graduate programs offer benefits that extend beyond basic technical proficiency, such as developing spatial reasoning skills and building lifelong professional networks.
For GIS Specialist Kevin Loberg, joining the virtual classroom at USC Spatial Sciences Institute gave him the opportunity to learn from both expert faculty and peers, who share his passion for geographic information science and for leading teams of GIS professionals.
Loberg began on the leadership path in the Army as an engineer officer and has since continued his career in public service. From digitizing storm sewer assets in San Jose, CA to mapping amusements at a county fair near the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Loberg has been a true pioneer in this growing field. He is now the sole GIS Specialist at the Bureau of Land Management, High Desert District, Rawlins Field Office in Wyoming.
He enrolled in the online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership because of the customizability of the program, its unique coursework and his ability to apply his GI Bill benefits. Although he was initially hesitant about the online learning environment, the format of USC’s graduate GIS certificate made it easier for Loberg to quickly adjust to project-oriented work in this unfamiliar setting.
In fact, he found himself pleasantly surprised by his level of interaction with both faculty and other students. Loberg strengthened his professional relationships by networking with his peers, and he honed strategies to shape the direction of innovative GIS initiatives in his current role.
Read our full interview below for a look into how our online geospatial leadership graduate certificate program cultivates a trail-blazing mindset and challenges students to reach their full potential beyond their time at USC.
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Tell me about your background. I’m especially interested in hearing about your experience with San Jose’s Department of Public Works and your experience providing geospatial support to the Marine Corps.
I started out pursuing a career in federal law enforcement. Consequently, I ended up with a BS in Sociology, a JD in Law, and an LLM in Taxation. I also spent eight years as an Army engineer officer, including one tour of duty in South Korea, and three in Iraq. In that time, I commanded two platoons, served as a company executive officer and filled a number of other staff roles. Through opportunities afforded to me through the GI Bill, I changed tracks and earned a BS in Earth Sciences and a graduate certificate in geospatial leadership. Being an engineer sparked an interest in topography and this is what led me to pursue GIS professionally.
My first GIS job was working for the City of San Jose’s Department of Public Works. I was in charge of digitizing storm sewer assets from record drawings for inclusion in an enterprise database. My time in the military left me with the ability to execute dull, repetitive tasks remarkably well, and, after a year, I was promoted out of GIS to an IT management position overseeing the applications and data relating to the City’s vehicle fleet.
My next job was working as a contractor at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Most of my work was again in the realm of public works, digitizing data for the storm and electrical systems. The Marine Corps previously considered GIS data only in terms of visualization. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma was at the cusp of creating datasets as networks with an eye toward analysis rather than just visualization. The work was varied with projects involving military range operations, realty encroachment, and resource management. I once found myself mapping amusements at a county fair because they were set up in the glide path of one of MCAS Yuma’s working runways.
As much as I enjoyed my time in Yuma, contract work is not terribly stable and I jumped at an opportunity for federal employment. I am currently the sole GIS specialist at the Bureau of Land Management’s Rawlins Field Office in Wyoming. I am currently working to build a GIS program while providing support for a whole host of resource management activities.
Why did you select USC’s online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership program among others that you may have been considering?
First and foremost, USC’s program was the only GIS-specific leadership program I came across. All of USC’s GIS certificate programs allow for completion in two semesters, and the Geospatial Leadership program allowed me to choose from a significant number of electives. I was able to easily customize courses for any deficiencies in my own GIS knowledge.
What was the online learning experience like for you?
The virtual classroom was difficult at first. Being a non-traditional student (i.e. middle-aged), and a person with almost no digital footprint in my personal life, interacting online doesn’t come natural to me. Even so, I adjusted fairly quickly.
The nice thing about GIS in general and the courses I took through USC is that they are project-oriented. Though they can be helpful, discussion and socializing aren’t the keys to learning what you need to know to be an effective GIS professional. Doing GIS is the key, and the focus on that made the transition to a virtual classroom much easier for me.
How were your experiences with faculty, staff and fellow students?
The program faculty were very accessible, and I interacted with them more than I would have in a traditional classroom setting. I have a lot of leadership experience in GIS. The faculty at USC seemed genuinely interested in those experiences instead of dismissive.
Interaction with students was generally positive. In fact, while still working in Yuma, I ended up in a class alongside the GIS Coordinator for the Western region of the Marine Corps. The mix of students in the program not only allows for academic potential but networking and strengthening working relationships as well.
What’s it like being the sole GIS specialist at the BLM’s Rawlins Field Office?
So far, it’s been amazing. I’ve been essentially left to devise the GIS program as I see fit with little to no interference. That freedom is professionally very satisfying. My office has been without GIS support for a number of years, so the staff here is downright hungry for GIS knowledge and support. I’ve never had so much gratitude directed toward me for just doing my job before outside of my time in the military. The people here have been so welcoming and open that I truly feel fortunate to have landed here.
How has USC’s online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership program helped you in this current role?
It reiterated that a GIS program is more than technology. A successful program requires building relationships with people who have the authority to change culture and integrate GIS into daily routine. The class materials provided great methods for quantifying benefit, and I’m currently working to implement some of them to convince folks that GIS can help save time and money. First build trust, then make your case for GIS. I’m venturing into this latter territory now, and I’m happy to have the texts and other materials from class related to this.
What would you say was the biggest takeaway from your participation in the certificate program?
Like most professions, GIS values and culture are continually evolving and changing as new generations come into their own. The way I lead isn’t the same as my grandfather would have led in his day. Heck, the way I lead today isn’t the same as I led 15 years ago. Leaders have to be flexible and capable of learning and adopting new methods as these changes take place. Mental agility is necessary for long term success as a leader.
Were you able to apply what you were learning in the certificate program to your job at the time?
I was still in Yuma when I started the program. One of the courses I took was a mobile applications course in which I created an app that uses current location to obtain weather data and convert that to a heat category in accordance with military standards. It also derived work/rest cycles and suggested water intake. The app, while imperfect, was useful for justifying field data collection times in an extreme environment such as Yuma. In my final semester I’d moved to Rawlins and enrolled in the leadership and project management courses. A lot of the material in these courses can seem esoteric. Being involved at the time in building a GIS program at work, I was able to think of the topics being discussed in terms of what I was experiencing and desiring to build. As I’m still building and shaping the program here in Rawlins, I still refer to the texts and materials from class on occasion.
What advice do you have for those who wish to pursue a career in geospatial leadership?
A lot of people see leadership as simple career progression. “If I do GIS long enough I should end up a manager of some kind.” Leadership, however, requires stepping into a very different role. If you are a person who loves having your hands in the technology, who loves being the one using the technology to solve problems and create products, you might not be happy in a leadership role. As a leader you may not touch GIS for long periods. You will find yourself in budget meetings, planning meetings, frankly all of the meetings rather than doing GIS. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys building teams, developing individuals, and resourcing them properly so they can solve problems using spatial technology, then the leadership track may be for you. Consider carefully what you want and what will satisfy you professionally before pursuing a leadership position, and talk to others in those positions to find out what they do on a daily basis. Make sure it’s something you want before pursuing it.
What would you like others to know about this program?
Given the principles of leadership are not static, the program will always be a work in progress. You won’t receive “the guide to leadership” in this program. Instead, you’ll study the characteristics and experiences of leaders who were successful and unsuccessful. You’ll then look to your own life in comparison. This program is very introspective. Be prepared to examine yourself through writing and discussion, and, in doing so, share your experiences as much as you can. You have the opportunity to not only learn from your professors and other students, but to help them learn and grow as well.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
Comments Off on How GIS Helps to Overcome Urban Food Deserts
Many of us take access to a broad selection of food for granted, but a wholesome, balanced diet makes a big difference in our lives. Your nutritional choices affect productivity and can contribute to preventing illness.
Vegetables of several varieties: dark green, legumes, starchy, and red and orange
Whole grains
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
A range of proteins, such as lean meats, seafood, nuts and soy products
To prioritize healthy eating habits, you must have convenient access to all these items. However, for many people, it may be difficult or impossible to take regular trips to the grocery store and pick up fresh produce. A report from the USDA Economic Research Service estimated that 7.3 million Americans live in low-income census tracts that are distant from a fully stocked grocery store or supermarket—at least one mile away in urban areas or 20 miles in rural areas.
Geographic Information Science (GIS) deepens our understanding of why these food deserts exist and helps us develop strategies for providing more nutritional options. With insights drawn from GIS food deserts research, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses can take steps to improve the dietary choices and overall well-being of populations across the country.
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What We Can Learn from GIS Food Desert Studies
Spatial information allows researchers to identify food deserts and explore the factors that influence the availability of nutrition. Mapping the relevant data demonstrates just how difficult it can be for people in impoverished urban tracts to walk to a supermarket, grocery store or farmers market that offers a full selection of produce.
GIS projects have visualized the problem for various regions, clearly presenting the geographical distance between an area and the nearest food sources. Combining this data with other crucial details is a powerful way to expose the issues involved in creating deserts. For example, food GIS projects may rank the quantities of fresh produce available in nearby stores or present the average income in an area and the percentage of people who own cars.
Spatial analysis can uncover significant patterns or trends that provide a broader context for further investigation. For example, a study published in the journal Health & Place examined shifts in Chicago supermarkets between 2007 and 2014, covering the years of the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery. The researchers noted that lower-income neighborhoods always had worse access to food than richer ones, and availability worsened in some of these areas during the economic downturn. Even though the overall number of grocery stores in the city increased in the years covered by the study, food deserts on the South Side continued to suffer from limited access as of 2014.
Expanding Food Access Through Spatial Problem-Solving
GIS methods show us the locations of urban food deserts and how they change over time, but researchers also have opportunities to take their work further. With the right geospatial data, GIS experts may have chances to address inequalities. Geospatial information can guide urban development and other measures that place a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and sources of protein within the reach of low-income families.
Research into food deserts offers a detailed look into the relationships between variables like long distances from grocery stores, limited transportation options and health problems. A common theory suggests that, instead of going a long bus trip, residents in food deserts are more likely to choose to grab whatever is available at a nearby convenience store. In turn, a diet that is heavy on added sugars, sodium and saturated and trans fats increases the risk of health problems like obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
However, solutions to poor nutrition must be more nuanced than simply opening a new grocery store in an underserved tract. While many people in food deserts may rely on fast food and prepackaged snacks, research suggests that more choices will not automatically improve their diets and health. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that a greater supply of nutritional foods could only have a limited effect on dietary inequality, unless a demand for these items also increased. In other words, access to affordable produce must be combined with other initiatives like health education to create meaningful and longer lasting results.
Meanwhile, an ongoing study on two Pittsburgh neighborhoods suggests that the benefits of addressing food deserts can go beyond the direct effects on nutrition. Rand Health’s Pittsburgh Hill/Homewood Research on Neighborhood Change and Health program examines the changes that have come to the former food desert of Pittsburgh Hill since a supermarket opened in 2013. Residents’ diets and cholesterol levels showed some improvements, but investment in the community also delivered wider benefits for their well-being: People in the area experienced less food insecurity and rising incomes while expressing greater satisfaction with the neighborhood.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, darkness fell across the island. Residents were left without power for months on end, and food and water shortages were widespread. Many people didn’t know where to turn for aid until a small group of volunteers and developers created CrowdRescueHQ Puerto Rico Map. Using this tool, residents could quickly communicate what they needed and emergency responders and volunteers accessing the map could immediately gain new insights on where and how they could help.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston that same year, two developers from Crowdsource Rescue had the idea of geolocating calls for help gathered from social media and placing them on a map, so that those who were able to assist could rescue trapped or stranded individuals. To date, the public safety platform has helped more than 50,000 people, not just in Houston, but also in the Carolinas following Hurricane Florence and in Florida following Hurricane Michael.
These examples of using GIS in emergency management to help people after a disaster are reactionary, but GIS can also be used to help residents understand what is at risk before an emergency event takes place.
Take ReadySanDiego.org, for example. The site, which was designed by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, alerts residents to hazards that might impact the area where they live. Users simply enter their address, and the site leverages spatial data from The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program to assess the likelihood of diasters like wildfire in their area. It then goes a step further, educating them on these hazards and sharing advice about how to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Like San Diego, other municipalities can benefit from using GIS in emergency response to prepare for hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires and flooding. Using GIS in emergency management is a safe and secure way of predicting what populations will be impacted, determining how to most efficiently get resources where they’re most needed, tracking what progress has been made in recovery and more.
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Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
How GIS Emergency Response Tactics Can Help
Leading global software company Esri refers GIS technology as “the intelligent nervous system.” As a kind of modern mapping approach that takes into account ever-changing inputs in a particular area, GIS technology can be used to respond to emergencies by compiling area-specific and population-derived data. Examples of using GIS in emergency management and response include the following:
Hazard mapping for flood plains and fault lines, fire hazards and more.
Identifying, following and analyzing the potential destruction of hurricanes and other storms as they move through the ocean and onto land.
Using remote sensing to gauge initial destruction to infrastructure in the case of an earthquake or terrorist attack.
Tracking the location and supply levels of support and rescue teams following an emergency event.
Creating computer-generated maps of infrastructure including pipes, sewers, power lines, neighborhoods and other aspects of an area so the map can be referenced in preparedness, emergency and recovery efforts.
Designing databases for populations, businesses, structures, schools and more, which can be consulted in the case of an emergency.
Assigning where emergency headquarters (i.e. police, fire, ambulance) should be located to be able to provide the quickest response time to the highest number of people.
Identifying potentially vulnerable residents in case of a disaster, in terms of age, income and other insights.
Tracking terrorist attacks, sabotage and other threats to national security using geospatial information technology.
Using sensors on airplanes or satellites (remote sensing) to record events such as storms and to integrate that information into a geographic information system.
Assisting with ongoing updates on damage assessment and needs following an emergency event or situation, both in the immediate aftermath (tracking emergency supplies, such as food and water) and longer term (tracking rebuilding of schools, bridges and neighborhoods).
Finding current evacuation routes that have been updated as a result of the disaster at hand.
How Can Spatial Analysis Be Used in Emergency Management?
GIS and emergency management revolve around planning, analysis and action. These areas can be improved by spatial analysis, which seeks to analyze patterns of human behavior in a particular location. When used correctly, spatial analysis can help emergency responders act and prevent fatalities, injuries and damage in order to help communities return to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible. Here are some examples of how spatial analysis can be used in emergency management:
Mobilizing rescue teams and sending out real-time alerts to a population at risk of being impacted by a flood, hurricane or fire.
Modeling for emergency situations, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, chemical incidents, oil spills and forest fires, and training emergency management teams to prepare for such incidents.
Combining multiple sources of information such as aerial maps, census tract data, property information, fire station and hospital locations, land use, major thoroughfares, critical infrastructure and reports of downed electrical lines to analyze what’s happening during an emergency in order to devise a cohesive response plan.
Determining vulnerable populations following events such as an explosion or chemical spill. Vulnerability can apply to physical means, social means and economic means.
Could a Career That Combines GIS with Emergency Management Be Right for You?
Those with a passion for geography, data, analysis, problem-solving and helping people are well-suited for a fulfilling career that pairs GIS and emergency management tactics. Understanding both GIS technology and spatial analysis methodologies allows experts to identify, map and analyze vulnerabilities before they happen, respond to them faster when they occur and aid in recovery.
These skills are also widely applicable to a number of industries that use GIS and may intersect with emergency management. They include but are not limited to environmental sciences and security, homeland security, forestry management, medicine and health, government, transportation, social services, water resources and more. Frequently, candidates for these types of positions excel in dynamic roles where chaos may be a part of jobs that revolve around risk mitigation, threat response and disaster planning.
Other key skills for people interested in pursuing an education and career in GIS include analytical and critical thinking, project management, expertise in spatial modeling, data processing programming, communication and leadership.
What Careers Are Available for GIS Professionals in Emergency Management and Disaster Response?
GIS professionals can bring invaluable emergency management skills to any number of organizations including federal agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, a number of non-profit and private organizations work in the area of emergency relief and the community and social services industries. Here’s a sampling of some of the professions—and earnings— that could benefit from a GIS degree or certificate.
GIS Emergency Management Salary Data
Job Title
Median Salary
Atmospheric scientists (including meteorologists)
$99,740
Geoscientist
$93,580
Geographer
$85,430
Emergency management director
$59,054
Urban and regional planners
$75,950
Geographic information systems analyst
$59,967
Law enforcement (police/detective)
$67,290
Cartographer/photogrammist
$68,380
GIS technician
$46,200
Conservation scientists and park rangers
$39,131
Surveyor
$65,590
Geospatial analyst
$59,967*
Remote sensing analyst
$69,087*
Geographic information systems coordinator
$58,022*
*Average salary reported instead of median
Note: Salary information was informed by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Burning Glass, Glassdoor and Payscale (2020-2021)
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
Comments Off on The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
The mystery surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has continued to haunt searchers – an international contingent of experienced rescuers and scientists who have been persistently seeking answers on behalf of victim’s families, the airline itself and a concerned public. The cartography of the search is of particular interest – understanding the obstacles searchers come up against as they have searched for answers is key to understanding why the aircraft has not yet been found.
MH370’s disappearance is perhaps one of the biggest cartographic and scientific jigsaw puzzles of the 21st century. Let’s take a look at the timeline, and how cartography and science have come together since March 2014, when the plane disappeared between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
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The Search for MH370 – a Timeline
March 8, 2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, disappeared with 239 passengers and crew aboard.
March 11, 2014
Chinese officials announce they’ll use military satellites, capable of capturing high-resolution images of the suspected crash area, to aid in search efforts.
March 20, 2014
U.S. military satellites return images of two unidentifiable objects in the Indian Ocean approximately 2,500 kilometers southwest of Perth, Australia. Preliminary analysis suggests the objects could be associated with MH370.
March 21, 2014
The U.S. Navy deploys its “sub-hunting equipment” with sonobuoys capable of listening for signals from an aircraft’s black boxes. It has Magnetic Anomaly Detection materials capable of locating metallic objects on the ocean bed.
March 24, 2014
A report detailing how satellites calculated MH370’s southern flight corridor by measuring the length of “pings” between the aircraft and the ground station sent to the satellites is released.
The calculations accounted for MH370’s velocity in relation to the satellite and the related signal frequency change, known as the Doppler Effect.
Referred to as “handshakes” in the report, a ground station sends pings to an aircraft when the station does not record any activity from the plane within an hour. With MH370, the ground station recorded only six “handshakes” from the time the plane took off until the time the aircraft’s communications system stopped transmitting messages.
April 16, 2014
An unmanned submarine descends more than 4,000 meters in the southern Indian Ocean, scanning for any signs of wreckage from MH370. The sub uses sonar cartographic mapping.
June 17, 2014
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau contracts surveying firm Fugro and a Chinese naval vessel to survey a 59,570 square kilometer search zone of the southern Indian Ocean. The team will map the ocean floor’s depth, geography, and physical make-up to ensure the most appropriate equipment deploys for the search’s next phase.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
Comments Off on 3 Big Opportunities for Growth in GIS
Geographic information science (GIS) presents exciting opportunities for strategic decision-making and professional advancement. A 2018 study from Geospatial Media and Communications estimated that the GIS and spatial analytics market, which includes areas like satellite navigation and 3D scanning, will be valued at $88.3 billion by 2020.
There are many reasons behind the anticipated GIS industry growth. Governments use GIS for city planning and public health initiatives while companies utilize spatial tools to evaluate demographics and markets. Meanwhile, the evolution of geospatial technology is fueling GIS business opportunities and making new careers possible. Fresh approaches to spatial problem-solving have emerged out of innovations such as LiDAR and cloud storage.
Private companies, nonprofits and governments all need professionals who are skilled in gathering geographic information and understand how to analyze and apply their findings. Individuals who can discover the value in spatial data may be successful in a variety of organizations. Here are a few of the most promising areas for GIS career growth:
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1. Urban and Regional Planning
According to a report from P&S Market Research, the government sector was the biggest source of revenue for GIS businesses in 2017. Agencies at the local, state and national levels will continue to push the market forward by employing spatial problem-solving for purposes like creating plans for urban development and land use.
Geospatial tools and methods have already become a cornerstone in these initiatives, equipping urban planners with insights into a community’s needs. Planners can make better decisions when they have access to information and visualizations that show where residents live, their proximity to necessities like grocery stores and how they commute to work. With a plethora of data, government agencies and nonprofit organizations can determine where best to place a recreational area or how to adapt a public transportation system to meet a community’s changing requirements.
As a result, GIS career growth for urban and regional planners is likely to be strong over the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted 13 percent growth in positions for urban and regional planners from 2016 to 2026, outpacing the average of 7 percent for all industries.
2. Collecting Geographic Information with LiDAR
The implementation of LiDAR technology has been another major contributing factor in GIS industry growth and the creation of analyst positions at many companies. LiDAR measures distances using pulsed laser light, collecting the information necessary for creating high-resolution maps and 3D representations of objects. Geospatial professionals can use this technology to gather data quickly, perform surface analysis and gain visibility into even dense terrains like a thick forest.
For these reasons, laser scanning has been widely adopted in fields such as archaeology, earth science and city planning. One of the most promising applications for LiDAR is in guiding self-driving cars with the precise measurements that navigation systems need to operate safely.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists increasingly rely on LiDAR, as well as remote sensors, to collect and analyze data. These professionals can then add valuable context to maps by using GIS to organize and layer information. The BLS estimated growth of 19 percent in jobs for cartographers and photogrammetrists between 2016 and 2026, driven in part by the demand for highly accurate, constantly updated maps in mobile apps and web-based programs.
3. Natural Resource Management and Environmental Initiatives
Smart natural resource management involves careful planning and the forethought to understand how human interaction will impact an area over the long term. With extensive spatial information, professionals in sectors like forestry and conservation can make wise decisions about where to harvest resources, how to support growth and development and which regions need enhanced protections from industrial activities.
As a result, natural resource management has proven a fertile source of GIS opportunities for industry growth. For instance, conservation scientists and foresters strive to maintain compliance with regulations and guidelines for habitat protection, minimizing damage to natural areas and leading sustainable practices. These professionals work with GIS technology to map forests and identify shifts in land use.
Geographic data can be vital for environmental scientists and other specialists tasked with leading cleanup efforts in heavily polluted natural spaces or regions affected by natural or manmade disasters. These professionals use maps and spatial information as they work with policymakers to develop plans for improving health and reducing waste. With detailed visualizations, environmental specialists can provide updates on relevant trends and propose new strategies.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
Comments Off on Q&A with USC M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence Student Elin Henningsson
Our online Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence program offers a unique opportunity to better understand how governments, military and humanitarian organizations mitigate damage from threats ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks. Our inaugural class has brought together individuals with a wide range of expertise and backgrounds.
We recently spoke with one of our inaugural students in the program, Elin Henningsson. Elin started as a GIS intern in 2015 with the City of Walnut Creek, California. She has continued in her GIS career, advancing to the role of Senior GIS Specialist with the Southern California Gas Company, and plans to use the skills she gains in USC’s M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence program to pursue opportunities in her areas of interest, protecting humans from natural disasters and remote sensing.
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Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
What is your professional background?
As an undergrad I studied Urban Studies and Environmental Studies. I have been working for the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) for the past three years, using GIS within the utility sphere. I have worked on three different projects for SoCal Gas as a GIS Researcher, GIS Construction Drafter, and a Sr. GIS Specialist. Each of these positions has contributed to my knowledge of the gas industry and informs my processes in my current position. In my current position I use this knowledge to approve construction drawings into our database, ensuring proper attribution and connectivity.
What have been some of your favorite experiences in your career so far?
As a student in the [M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI)] program, I was accepted into the Esri Student Assistant Program.
This program allows students to attend an Esri conference free of charge by volunteering some of their time during the conference to aid in coordination of the event. This was a great networking opportunity among professional individuals attending the event, other students in the program, and with the Esri hiring manager.
What are your primary professional goals?
I am looking to transition into disaster management oriented environmental projects through my current company or the federal government. I am also considering further education in the next few years through a Ph.D., I would very much like to both teach classes and work in applied geospatial research at the peak of my career.
What most interests you about the human security and geospatial intelligence industries?
I am most interested in the remote sensing focus, and in protecting human populations from natural disasters.
Why did you choose to pursue an M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence degree?
I chose to pursue a master’s degree because I was unfulfilled by the work I was doing at the time and thought that furthering my educational experience would help me in transitioning into a more fulfilling career. I chose a master’s degree in human security and geospatial intelligence because of the ability to use geospatial technology to focus on environmental threats, and to protect human populations from those threats.
Why did you choose USC for your online M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence degree?
I initially chose USC because of the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence. I planned to complete this and then transition into the GIST master’s program.
Luckily, the human security and geospatial intelligence master’s program was created right after I completed the certificate, so I was able to continue on this track, which more specifically fits my interests.
How has your experience in the program been so far?
It has been good. Throughout the course of this program I have also been introduced to a variety of other professional and resume building opportunities that I was not aware of before beginning the program, such as the Esri Student Assistant opportunities at conferences, and other internships, etc.
What has been the most interesting for you to learn or work on in the program? What are you looking forward to?
In the Geospatial Intelligence Tradecraft course we were given a real-world assignment with the directive to create a disaster mitigation plan for Hurricane Maria. This was a very relevant assignment to the moment in time in which it was assigned, as well as aligning with my own interests, and applying academia to the real world.
Is there a particular course you are most looking forward to?
I was very much looking forward to the Remote Sensing course, which I have now taken. Next, I am most looking forward to the SSCI 577 course in Disaster Management since that is my direct area of interest.
How are you applying what you’ve learned so far?
Utility companies face destruction to their facilities during natural disasters, such as fires and landslides, which also pose risks to human health and safety (think no access to utility services, gas leaks, etc.). I see room at my current company to integrate remote sensing for disaster detection strategies in order to prevent damage to our pipes before they are compromised.
Additionally, this program has opened up opportunities for applying classroom knowledge to the real world through student internships and other professional opportunities such as the Esri Student Assistant program already mentioned.
How are you planning to use your M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence degree in your profession?
I am hoping to use this degree to contribute to natural disaster preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation, at my current employer or at a government entity such as NGA, FEMA, USGS, or NOAA. My interest in working with natural disasters stems from a combination of my interest in contributing to the common good and having a fulfilling career, as well as my interest and educational experience with the natural world.
What advice or comments would you like to share with students who are considering this program?
I think it is very important when entering into a master’s program to have a strong grasp of your personal goals and interests. Just as important as having a clear plan however, is being open to unforeseen opportunities, and having the flexibility to adjust your path to attaining your goals.
Additionally, I would like to say, as a civilian without any former military experience, I know a degree called “M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence” can sound intimidating, but there is space in this industry for many different areas of expertise. “Intelligence” does not only include military reconnaissance, or political surveillance: it most simply means to collect information and apply it to a problem.
This includes environmental problems, which are slowly becoming more widely acknowledged, and contribute to a growing industry surrounding environmental responsibility.
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
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A community’s environment can have an enormous impact on public health. Local risk factors — like poor air quality or a contaminated water supply — affect the well-being of residents, and the accessibility of care may determine whether individuals become aware of the dangers early enough. These connections make geospatial data a powerful means for deepening our understanding of health issues.
University of Southern California M.S. in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) alumna Trang VoPham is one researcher who works at the intersection of the spatial sciences and medicine. She is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Public Health Sciences Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) and an affiliate assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Under a grant from the National Institutes of Health, she uses geographic information systems (GIS) to discover new insights into the correlation between environmental pollution and cancer.
In a conversation with Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Thomas Lynch, VoPham discussed why GIS is so valuable for understanding epidemiologies and taking proactive steps to address them. View the full video of their discussion below:
VoPham holds a Master of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh, and she was a postdoctoral fellow in cancer epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. But she brings a unique combination of skills to her research, viewing epidemiology from a geohealth perspective.
While attending USC, VoPham won the 2014 UNIGIS Academic Excellence Prize for her thesis, in which she investigated the health outcomes of pesticide exposure through remote sensing data and other spatial information like census tracts and ZIP codes. Now, she uses geospatial methods to build environmental exposure models and in her epidemiologic studies.
“Geospatial science is a really valuable way to identify and make sense of patterns in exposures and diseases across space,” VoPham explained.
She specified three primary applications for GIS tools:
Mapping to visualize patterns in data, generate hypotheses and identify geographic disparities
Modeling to represent information such as environmental or socioeconomic data
Forming data linkages between the findings from multiple epidemiological studies to answer a research question
Specifically, VoPham has embarked on a five-year project focused on illuminating a possible link between a common air pollutant and liver disease and cancer. With geocoded information from the electronic health records of Veterans Affairs patients, she plans to learn how those dangers might vary depending on geography as well as race, ethnicity and sex.
VoPham’s work demonstrates how the spatial sciences provide vital perspectives on epidemiology, public health and many other fields. GIST techniques and tools enable experts to delve into a variety of complex issues and solve a wide range of problems.
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Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
The leaders of organizations rely on having the resources and intelligence that guide toward making the right decisions at the right times. Accurate information enables the strategic choices that lead to efficient operations and sustainable growth. The development of geographic information science (GIS) has been a boon to many businesses and organizations seeking to advance their missions.
How can GIS be used in business? Companies that use GIS can gain valuable perspective and weigh various courses of action before moving forward. Robust spatial information often reveals insights into how an initiative affects the environment, relationships in a local community and a company’s bottom line.
As a result, many businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that are familiar to consumers across the U.S. have embraced GIS tools and methods. Here are six well-known organizations and companies that use GIS for a variety of applications:
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1. Uber
Uber is a company that relies heavily on geospatial data, as anyone can see when they request a ride. The app matches each user with the closest driver who is prepared to take a new rider. Guided by the app, the driver arrives at riders’ precise locations and transports them to their destination.
However, Uber also employs GIS data in ways that are less obvious from the everyday user experience. For example, the app identifies what areas have the highest need for drivers and advises active drivers to be near those hotspots during times of elevated demand.
Further, Uber’s capabilities go beyond consumer transportation. A project called Movement is designed tomonitor and analyze traffic flow in cities. Movement launched with information on traffic patterns for Manila, Sydney, and the District of Columbia, and has since added more cities like San Francisco, Boston and Seattle. The government agencies and organizations that use GIS data provided by this project can see the impact from events like road closures and make informed decisions about scheduling infrastructure projects or managing traffic.
2. Walgreens
When the cold and flu season comes around each year, Walgreens stores offer influenza vaccines to protect their customers against infection. However, it can be difficult to predict the severity of a season or where the most cases of illness will appear. That’s why Walgreens started using GIS data to provide current information about the spread of the flu and help communities manage the resulting impact.
WalMap shows where the flu is hitting the hardest, tracking geographical patterns and releasing updates every Tuesday – days ahead of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s weekly Friday reports. This data may motivate consumers to take extra precautions if they’re living in an area that’s showing heightened risk of getting sick. The advance warning also gives the company’s thousands of locations time to stock up on flu vaccinations and other helpful supplies in preparation for an influx of under-the-weather customers.
3. Starbucks
Not everyone wants a venti pumpkin spice latte. But the people who do are likely to find a nearby Starbucks where they can satisfy their caffeinated craving. The coffee giant draws heavily on data to guide its strategies for growth, using GIS to determine the best places for new locations.
In some cases, Starbucks finds there’s enough demand to support multiple locations within walking distance from one another. Conventional wisdom may say that this practice will decrease the profitability of each shop, but the chain has triumphed over the years by focusing on data-driven strategy and offering customized menus.
4. World Health Organization
The World Health Organization has a presence in 150 countries. WHO uses GIS to achieve its ambitious agenda of promoting well-being around the globe by tracking relevant patterns in health information. The data they uncover can help to create proactive measures to prevent health issues from escalating and to predict trends over time.
One way that WHO uses GIS data is to monitor and fight the spread of leprosy. WHO assists countries with a high rate of leprosy in implementing GIS databases to identify trends and relationships that can help manage the disease. WHO provides access to a plethora of data from the United Nations, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research and other organizations. In turn, each nation participating in the initiative accounts for the locations of health facilities in the country, the number of registered cases at each facility, the number of new cases detected annually and the types of treatment available.
5. Wendy’s
Wendy’s carefully researches locations when determining where to open a new restaurant, leveraging mapping software and census data. The fast food chain doesn’t just single out areas with enough likely customers to support operations; it also looks for locations where potential employees will be highly interested in the available jobs.
Wendy’s considers factors like:
Household demographics
Average income
Nearby businesses
Analysts continue to examine data after a location is constructed and operational as well. It’s important to note when their predictions were on the money and where they fell short. If a restaurant’s revenue comes in lower than anticipated, Wendy’s must determine whether their calculations were wrong because of a problem unique to that specific location or because the forecasting model needs tweaking.
6. National Park Service
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been devoted to preserving the natural and cultural resources found across the country. Considering the NPS manages 85 million acres across 418 protected areas, advanced mapping tools are indispensable for carrying out that mission.
One important way NPS uses GIS is during search and rescue operations. When tourists get lost, confused or injured while on trails, it’s crucial to help them as soon as possible. However, it’s not always easy to find them.
The Yosemite Search and Rescue team uses GIS to provide rescuers with detailed maps of the terrain, including potential hazards, elevation information and other relevant data. Operators can also track GPS coordinates from field teams, determining the probability that a lost person is in the area and how likely the teams would be to detect someone in a certain segment of the park.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
You’ve likely heard plenty about historical trends in the development and use of Geographic Information Science (GIS), but what about where GIS is headed into the future? While it can be difficult to try to prophesize the future of an industry and technology, there are a wealth of clues that hint at and reveal a glimpse of the future of GIS.
GIS of the Future vs. Here and Now
Before predicting trends in GIS, let’s take an inventory of current trends. “Openness” – of systems, software, and data – has been a growing trend in the technology sector in the past decade, and the “openness” trend has contributed to immeasurable value for GIS technology and practices. In fact, a GIS Professional market and applications survey of more than 200 GIS professionals found that the majority of respondents expect the “openness” trend to continue.
Because this means that more organizations have access to open source GIS software and open data, the number of small businesses making use of GIS continues to grow. Other trends that have been reshaping the GIS market include mobile GIS and visualization, the report found.
Of course, current conditions will have some bearing on the future of GIS. While “openness” was identified as a key market trend, 12% of respondents also said “openness” could be a challenge to market growth – a double-edged sword of sorts. Openness can be challenging to market growth in that it introduces issues around data privacy. While openness is making GIS software more accessible to smaller businesses, there is a fear that this will mean less qualified people will be using GIS without fully understanding how to use spatial data effectively and ethically, leading to more confusion and less advancement of the application and use of GIS.
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Other challenges that were identified by survey respondents include data accuracy (32%), efficient data management (31%), and location privacy (8%).
The most common applications of GIS today by businesses include spatial planning (31%), decision making (30%), and asset management (23%), the survey found. But when asked which technological advancements they expect to become key to their organizations in the future, respondents pointed to cloud technology, real-time data, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D GIS, mobile GIS, and UAVs.
Moving Beyond the Traditional GIS Applications
It’s relatively easy to see how GIS technology is transforming supply chain and asset management, as well as how GIS is essential to cartography and modern maps. But take a step off the beaten path and consider how GIS might be transforming the virtual world – whether we’re talking GIS data visualization or augmented reality and virtual reality. With the rising acceptance and use of AR and VR in the consumer world, the use cases for leveraging 3D GIS will continue to grow.
As Esri President Jack Dangermond wrote, “The geospatial industry is quickly evolving because the capabilities of digital connectedness and collaboration are moving ahead exponentially. In fact, the five biggest trends in the area of geographic information system (GIS) technology are centered on making data more accessible and creating context to visualize this data in an age when fast, easy access to information is taken for granted.”
Esri’s CityEngine software is one example that Lucy Benton gives that could provide a glimpse of the future of GIS. It allows the production of urban scenes based on real-time, 3D GIS data, so users can plan city architecture, design, and community development.
The GIS AR Opportunity
GIS of the future may very well be in augmented reality and virtual reality. AR and VR use continues to grow as users become more comfortable with the technology, and this will lead to more and more developers integrating GIS capabilities into their applications, Benton said. These GIS-enabled AR apps could be used by anyone from architects to oil workers and municipal services to see location and orientation of objects underground. And game developers in the future will likely be using GIS to create virtual worlds to serve as the creative mind’s playground.
This is one of the areas where 3D and mobile GIS are likely to converge. Powered by 3D spatial information, mobile GIS applications will be able to create immersive experiences anywhere out in the field. Early examples of this trend can be seen in popular games like Pokémon Go but the potential for immersive AR visualizations is limitless.
Indoor Mapping, UI, and IoT
In the same way that GIS is used to make maps of cities and roadways, the technology is now being used to develop indoor maps. While it’s still in the early stages of development and adoption, future trends in GIS have indoor mapping likely to skyrocket in popularity in the coming years as people have more of a need to navigate large, complex buildings. For example, more sophisticated and detailed indoor mapping technology may drastically improve safety for emergency responders, who would have improved access to layout, points of entry and other critical information when arriving at the scene of an incident.
One of the biggest changes for developers in the future of GIS will come at the user interface (UI) level, Benton said. “These interfaces will make developing work a lot easier because it will feature an easy-to-understand environment that intuitively helps the user to create, add, edit, and remove elements,” she wrote. She later added, “An introduction of the user interface is a major breakthrough because it will make the maps friendlier to developers as well as everyone who uses them.”
As Dangermond said, “[M]aps are the visual language for understanding the context of data.” Dangermond believes that the next major leap in the future of GIS will be tapping in to the growing network of Internet-connected devices that make up the Internet of Things. By leveraging all the connected devices, GIS practitioners will be able to get even more data in real-time.
What Is the Future of GIS?
All things taken together, the future of GIS is very optimistic. It’s poised for even wider scale adoption than we’ve seen in recent decades, as more organizations learn how much business value can come from geospatial data. As trends like data analytics, mobility, AR, and IoT continue to take off around the world, we can expect geographic information science and technology not only to be transformed but also to help change the way organizations utilize these technologies.
One of the key philosophies behind the graduate GIS degrees and certificates at USC is to prepare students for the future, regardless of the way the relevant technologies evolve. For this reason, our programs focus on teaching students spatial thinking skills that they can apply in any technology environment and to more effectively manage and use spatial data. Read more about our GIS education programs below, or request a free brochure.
About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive selection of online and residential GIS programs. This includes both GIS master’s degrees and GIS graduate certificates. Click on the programs below to learn about our leading geographic information science education.
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