Welcome to our geographic information science (GIS) and technology blog. We feature a mixture of GIS academic articles, news, USC student stories and interesting GIS application articles. We recommend visiting frequently if you want to find out more about what excites us as GIS practitioners and academics — we aim to provide a mixture of interesting GIS news articles, career information and highlights from the GIS programs at the University of Southern California. Some of the key topics you can expect to find within our blog include:
- Profiles of cutting-edge GIS research from USC faculty and students
- Innovative use of GIS technologies and forward-thinking analysis
- Careers in GIS and key skills to advance in the field
- GIS applications in specific industries and sectors, like urban planning, environmental science and more
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 …
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. Guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture recommend an eating pattern that features: …
How GIS Can Help with Emergency Management
In the wake of a disaster, data-driven maps that harness technology can be a true lifesaver. Using geographic information science (GIS) in emergency management can make an enormous impact in mitigating, responding to and recovering from a major event. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, darkness fell across …
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 …
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 …
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 …
USC GIST Alumna Applies Spatial Science to Cancer Research
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 …
How Household Companies Use GIS
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 …
The Future of GIS
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 …
Amazon’s Drone Project and GIS
We have previously identified drone technology as one of the top applications of GIS in 2019 and beyond. Amazon’s Prime Air drone project, which is expected to officially launch sometime in the next few months, is a perfect example of how several GIS technologies, artificial intelligence and drones have come …
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Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...