Features
May 7, 2012Introducing the Quantum GIS EcosystemFeatures, SoftwareAnita Graser provides an introduction to the desktop, web, and mobile capabilities of the open source GIS software, QGIS in this guest article. A GIS specialist with the Austrian Institute of Technology, Anita Graser also writes about open source GIS topics on her blog, “Free and Open Source GIS Ramblings”. The Quantum GIS ... read more December 18, 2011Resources on GIS LoungeFeaturesHere is a quick guide to some of the resources available on GIS Lounge: GIS 101 – Launch page for all essential information about GIS. Geospatial Conferences and Events – listings by date of events relating to the geospatial field. Jobs – Looking for a job in the geospatial field? Stop by the jobs section ... read more November 12, 2011What is GPS?Features, GPSA decade ago not many civilians had heard of a GPS, let alone seen or used one. Prior to the year 2000, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and their receivers were expensive and largely limited in use to the military, government agencies, and specialized professions. Now, GPS receivers are commonplace and relatively inexpensive. So, what ... read more September 30, 2011WhatWasThere – Augmented RealityData, FeaturesWhatWasThere is a growing online database of geolocated historical photos. You can search for photos nearby a location or upload and geotag your own historical photos. The database is in its early stages, there are over 10,000 photos covering the United States and a few spots in Canada and Latin America, and over 1,000 photos covering ... read more September 29, 2011Urban Heat Island AnalysisFeatures, Remote SensingRemote sensing methods are being used to monitor thermal radiation in European cities. Hardscape surfaces such as roof tops and concrete pavement absorb solar radiation during the day and retain that heat longer than softscape surfaces such as vegetation. This phenomenon is known as an urban heat island and the contrast can most notably be ... read more September 10, 2011Ten Things to Consider When Making a MapCartography, FeaturesWhat makes a good map? When done well, a map is a vehicle for effective communication. There are many cartographic principles to help guide effective map making. Below are ten common considerations that all cartographers should incorporate as part of their map making process. This list isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list but rather ... read more August 16, 2011Finding a GIS InternshipCareer, FeaturesDeveloping your real world experience using GIS is a necessity for finding a geospatial job after you’ve completed your coursework. Most entry-level GIS (jobs that usually have the title technician and specialist) positions require some previous work experience. The best way to develop your GIS work experience, build on the spatial concepts from your classes, ... read more June 15, 2011Seeing Philadelphia’s Past in Augmented RealityFeatures, Location Based ServicesGuest article by Deborah Boyer and Andrew Thompson. For over 140 years, the City of Philadelphia has been taking pictures of itself. Though local pride is never in short supply in Philly, far more practical reasons like risk management and documentation of public works projects have motivated decades of city-employed photographers to capture images of ... read more June 11, 2011Elements of a MapCartography, FeaturesMaps are the primary tools by which spatial relationships are visualized. Maps therefore become important documents. There are several key elements that should be included each time a map is created in order to aid the viewer in understanding the communications of that map and to document the source of the geographic information used. Numbered ... read more May 24, 2011Networking in GIS: Peer-to-Peer Support in the GIS CommunityCommunity, FeaturesGIS is a diverse field, requiring expertise in a range of areas ranging from cartography, systems administration, relational database management, programming, and of course, spatial analysis. Even the well-versed GIS professional will come across many difficult tasks that require guidance from others in the field. Unfortunately, GIS professionals tend to work solo or in small ... read more |

