2008 key note speaker dave mcilhagga geospatial technology ... · gis in illinois 2008 spring...

GIS in Illinois

2008 Spring Conference

Dave McIlhagga is the president of DM Solutions Group Inc.

(DMSG), a company which in addition to leading, he also founded

in 1998. Dave has positioned DMSG as the leading provider of web

mapping solutions based on open source spatial technologies.

Dave is an active member of the open source geospatial

community, and has played a key role in shaping the open source

geospatial community. His involvement has included:

Pioneering corporate involvement in the development •

of MapServer, the world’s most broadly used web

mapping technology.

Chairing the 2nd MapServer User Meeting in Ottawa, •

Ontario, Canada which brought together 17 open

source geospatial projects for the fi rst time.

Bringing together the GRASS and MapServer •

communities for the fi rst global Free and Open Source

Software for GeoSpatial (FOSS4G) conference in

2006.

Charter Member and Board Member of the Open •

Source Geospatial (OSGeo) Foundation

Dave is a frequent presenter on the rapidly changing state of the

geospatial industry, and the key role of open source geospatial

technologies in this transformation. Dave graduated from

Carleton University in 1997 with an Honors degree in Geography,

concentrating in Geographic Information Processing.

The past ten years have witnessed an incredible transformation of

the role of geospatial technologies as the consumers of geospatial

information have shifted from GIS analysts to consumers, decision

makers, and other stakeholders without GIS expertise. This

change that began a decade ago has accelerated in importance as

the power of web and mobile technologies have enabled broader

access to this critical information.

Open Source technologies have played a critical role in this

transformation led by the explosive growth in adoption of the

Open Source Geospatial (OSGeo) Foundation’s MapServer and

MapGuide Open Source projects.

Dave McIlhagga has been a key player in this transformation from

it’s beginnings ten years ago – and through this keynote address

you will have an opportunity to get a glimpse into the changes that

have happened, and more importantly, the ones to come. Whether

you are a GIS analyst or a potential consumer of geospatial

information – this address will help you to understand how to be

prepared for the signifi cant challenges and opportunities of today

and the years ahead.

2008 Key Note SpeakerDave McIlhagga

Geospatial Technology Trends and the role of Open Source Software

Welcome to the Illinois GIS Association’s fourteenth annual spring GIS conference. Some 500 practitioners, educators, students, and interested persons are expected to attend this two-day event, sponsored and hosted by ILGISA, along with Gold Sponsor GIS Solutions, Inc. ILGISA is a non-profi t and non-commercial professional organization whose purpose is to provide GIS professionals with opportunities for sharing experiences and participating in educational programs. We hope that you take the time to participate in the workshops and sessions provided

to you by the Spring Conference Committee. Join us on Tuesday morning to hear Dave McIlhagga, President & CEO of DM Solutions Group Inc., our keynote speaker, discussing Geospatial Technology Trends and the role of Open Source Software. Take time to mingle with your peers, enjoy the numerous exhibits provided by our vendors, bid in the silent auction in the exhibit hall and share with your colleagues on new initiatives and fi ndings!

Enjoy the Conference!

Curt Abert & Shelley Silch, Co-Chairs

Welcome to theILGISA 2008 Spring Conference!

2008 Spring Conference Planning TeamCurt Abert, Co-Chair,

City of EvanstonShelley Silch, Co-Chair, USGS

Kingsley Allan, Illinois State Water SurveyScott Anderson, Illinois State Water Survey

Shawn Artis, Morgan CountyBarb Clauser,

Illinois Department of TransportationCharles Ehlschlaeger, The PERTAN Group

Alicia Henderliter,Illinois Department of Human ServicesVasudha Pinnamaraju, City of Decatur

Quentin Rund, PAQ Interactive, IncMark Toalson, City of Champaign

Ryan Williams, Illinois State Water Survey‘Dupe Edeoga, NIU

Tracy Rogers, Executive Director of ILGISA

MONDAY: WORKSHOP & ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

CONCURRENTWORKSHOPS

Plaza A Plaza B Plaza C Plaza D Plaza E

Lunch Served in the Grand BallroomLUNCH

CONCURRENTWORKSHOPS

Plaza A Plaza B Plaza C Plaza D Plaza E

1:00 -4:00 PM ProjectManagement

GISCI Certifi cation

&ASPRS

Certifi cation

4:00 - 7:00 PM EXHIBIT HALL RECEPTION RUBY/EMERALD BALLROOMS

6:30 - 7:30 PM OPEN ILGISA BOARD MEETING Lincoln Boardroom

7:00 - 9:00 PM USER GROUP MEETINGS/Open Forums 50 State User Group - Plaza A

Mobile GIS: Using GPS for

Field Data Collection & Maintenance

Managinga

GIS Project

9:00 AM -12:00 PM

ArcGIS Server 9.2Web Applications

& Services –Getting Started w/Implementation

EnterpriseData Management

with ArcGIS Server 9.2

Mobile GIS: Using GPS for

Field Data Collection & Maintenance

2

WhatOpen SourceGeospatial

Technologies Can Do for You!

Illinois Room

Illinois Room

BeginningLegal

Descriptions:Reading &

Interpreting

IntermediateLegal Descriptions:

Reading & Interpreting

LiDar

LiDar

open up your world

6:00 - 7:00 PM CAREER NIGHT EVENTS Plaza E

Continental Breakfast

open up your world

TUESDAY: CONFERENCE SESSIONS OVERVIEW

CONCURRENTSESSIONS

12:00 - 1:00 PM

9:00 AM -12:00 PM

2008 StatewideGIS Survey:Results and

Interpretation

8:00 AM

9:00 - 10:00 AM OPENING SESSION: WELCOME AND CONFERENCE OVERVEIWKEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Dave McIlhagga

10:00 -10:30 AM

CONCURRENTSESSIONS

1:15 PM -2:30 PM

CONCURRENTSESSIONS

3:00 PM -4:30 PM

3

LUNCH - Served in the Diamond/Saphire Ballrooms Award Presentations will be conducted during lunch

DATASHARINGPlaza C

SURVEY DATUM’S Part 1

Plaza D

BestBusiness Practicesfor Implementing

Open SourceGeospatial

Technologies

CARTOGRAPHYINGGIS Part 2

Plaza A

WEBDEVELOPMENT

Plaza B

OPEN SOURCE& PROGRAMING

Plaza C

SURVEY DATUM’S Part 2

Plaza D

CARTOGRAPHYINGGIS Part 1

Plaza A

PUBLIC HEALTH& GISPlaza B

LOCAL & FEDERALGIS EXPERIENCES

Plaza A

DIGITAL DATA& the WEB

Plaza B

Web Development & Emerging Technologies

Plaza C

GIS ON THE GOPlaza D

Deer-Vehicle Accident Analysis

inSchuyler County

IllinoisStreamStats

Preservation ofDigital Data:

Insights Gained from Crossing Overto the Realm of

Librarians

Builda

Flash Clientfor

ARCIMS

“Space–TimeAnalysis

of Mite Bite Outbreaks in

DuPage County”

SchoolMinderand Child Welfare:

Then and Now

UnderstandingSurvey Datum’s

for GPSMapping Projects

Web MapMashup

Height Modernizationfor Illinois, theWay Forward

Cartographyin

ArcMap 9.2

Cartographyin

ArcMap 9.2

E-DocsAsset GIS & the Art

of Spatial Information

Northeastern Illinois

County Update

Designingan Advanced GUI

for ArcGISUsing wxWidgets

and Python

UnderstandingSurvey Datum’s

for GPS Mapping Projects

Distributing Your GIS...

”Bridge the Gap” Between

ArcExplorer and ArcView

Visit

the

Exhibitor

Hall

Throughout

the

Day........

Network

with

your

Peers......

Bid

on the

Silent

Auction.......

2:30 - 3:00 PM Afternoon Break

Morning Break

open up your world4

CONCURRENT SESSIONS 10:30—11:45 AM

LOCAL & FEDERAL GIS EXPERIENCESPlaza AModerator: Shelley Silch, USGS

2008 STATEWIDE GIS SURVEY: RESULTS AND INTERPRETTATION Presenter: Don Luman, Illinois State Geological Survey

As part of a U.S. Geological Survey State Assistance Grant to

the Illinois State Geological Survey, a statewide GIS survey was

conducted during December 2007 and January 2008. The primary

goals of the survey were to determine both the current status

of GIS technology and to ascertain perspectives regarding GIS

across all governmental levels in Illinois. To ensure these goals

were met, a small committee of GIS stakeholders worked closely

with the NIU Public Opinion Laboratory to design a questionnaire,

conduct the online survey, and tabulate the results. A signifi cant

percentage of the original sample of 1,500 individuals responded

to the survey, and this presentation will discuss and provide

interpretations of the results.

Skill level of audience: Beginner & Informative

DEER-VEHICLE ACCIDENT ANALYSIS IN SCHUYLER COUNTYPresenter: Keisuke Nozaki, WIU GIS Center

With tools such as Geographic Information Systems and statistical

software, this paper provides a map of deer-vehicle accidents

in the county and a frequency distribution of each variable in

the accident data, such as jurisdiction, injury, time, and date.


ILLINOIS STREAMSTATSPresenter: Jennifer Sharpe, USGS Illinois Water Science

Center

Illinois StreamStats, developed by the USGS Illinois Water

Science Center, is a Web-based tool that allows users to obtain

streamfl ow statistics, drainage-basin characteristics, and other

information for user-selected sites on streams. StreamStats

users can choose locations of interest from an interactive map

and obtain information for these locations.


Open Forum: Status of the “Fifty States Initiative” for GIS Program Coordination in IllinoisMonday Evening User Group Meeting - Plaza AThe State of Illinois was awarded a “Fifty States Initiative” grant from the Federal Geographic Data Committee with the purpose of creating a GIS strategic plan, a business plan for the state, and for redefi ning a state GIS coordinating council. At the annual meeting of ILGISA, in November 2007 a session was dedicated to updating the GIS community on this coordination project ranging from our roll-out meeting in July 2007, to the selection of a GIS Strategic Planning Committee. The purpose of this open forum is to provide attendees with a status report on activities since November 2007, but more importantly, to encourage lively dialogue which will ultimately help in furthering this coordination effort.

DIGITAL DATA & THE WEBPlaza BModerator: Katherine Hadler, Village of Rantoul

PRESERVERATION OF DIGITAL DATE: INSIGHTS GAINED FROM CROSSING OVER TO THE REALM OF LIBRARIANSPresenter: Sheena K. Beaverson, Illinois State Geological

Survey

“Digital information will not survive and remain accessible by

accident: it requires ongoing active management from as early

in the life-cycle as possible” (Beagrie, 2006). In recent years,

the professional library community has begun to focus on how

their profession will contribute to the long-term curation of

digital data collections. This session will provide insights gained

from graduate level courses offered by the University of Illinois

at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Graduate School of Library and

Information Science (GSLIS), and also from the Persistence

of Memory: Stewardship of Digital Assets conference held in

November 2007. The two new GSLIS courses, Foundations of

Data Curation (590 DCL) and Digital Preservation (590PDL), have

been developed as key components of a new program at UIUC

designed to offer a Library and Information Science (LIS) Master

of Science degree with a formal Concentration in Data Curation.

Sheena Beaverson serves as the Administrator for the Illinois

Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, which has

been on-line for over 10 years at www.isgs.uiuc.edu/nsdihome.

On-going distribution projects include: LIDAR data for the Illinois

Height Modernization Program pilot project area of Boone and

Winnebago Counties and also Illinois Historic Aerial Photographs

for Alexander, Jackson, Perry and Randolph Counties.

Skill level of audience: Intermediate & Informative

BUILD A FLASH CLIENT FOR ARCIMSPresenter: Thomas Nicoski, Kane County GIS Department

This presentation will help the user get started building an

animated fl ash client using open source fl ash components and

your own existing ARCIMS services.

Skill level of audience: Intermediate & Technical

open up your world 5

CONCURRENT SESSIONS 10:30—11:45 AM

WEB DEVELOPMENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIESPlaza CModerator: Chuck Ehlschlaeger

GIS ON THE GOPlaza DModerator: Curt Abert, City of Evanston

E-DOCS ASSET GIS & THE ART OF SPATIAL INFORMATIONPresenter: Mike Tully, Aerial Services, Inc.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are great for capturing,

storing, analyzing, and managing data and associated attributes

of spatially referenced points on earth. In the strictest sense,

GIS displays only geographical information. But have you

ever considered other information being included? How about

documents and assets – they have locations on earth. We can

understand a wealth of information by adding spatial components.

Through this brief but informative presentation, we’ll discuss GIS’s

expanding role and how spatial components can be added to far

more than typical geographical information systems. As a frame

work of this discussion, we’ll discuss how Aerial Services’ award

winning GIS application, E-Docs Asset GIS, and solutions like it

are able to:

Tie disjointed paper and data information together to •

make organizations more effective.

Allows everyone within an organization to instantly fi nd •

needed data and eliminates timely paper and digital fi le

searches.

Organizes assets into a central database and ties them •

to spatial component.

Makes all data accessible via a standard internet •

browser.

Since it is estimated 80% or more of information has a spatial

aspect, this use of GIS concepts allow search of data visually via

those spatial components using not only a map, but also a diagram,

drawing, or other visual. Value embodied by data may be hidden

or under-utilized because relationships between different data

sources are not easily exploited. Defi ning and exploiting these

natural relationships and then adding a third dimension of spatial

search allows complex relationships to be readily understood. An

excellent means of explaining the information, spatial visualizations

also help interrogate data. Put simply, spatial search is a means

to present highly complex and abstract information without

overwhelming the user.


DISTRIBUTING YOUR GIS...”BRIDGE THE GAP” BETWEEN ARCEXPLORER AND ARCVIEWPresenter: Douglas Anderson, Seiler Instrument

This presentation will cover the process of publishing GIS and

GPS data to your mobile workers. Author and distribute powerful,

cost effective, and easy-to-use GIS desktop viewing applications.

Use ESRI’s ArcPublisher to create map fi les (.pmf) while offering

additional options to the publishing process and end-user such as

geo-coding, quick searches, custom selection tools, the ability to

link to external data sources, and more. This procedure offers

an easy interface for searching, viewing and printing published

interactive maps. GeoSync® XG from MapSync® provides the

ability for any organization using ArcGIS® Desktop software to

distribute robust, user friendly, GIS applications at a very low

cost per user...perfect for when you need something between the

functionality of ArcExplorer and ArcView. Real-world examples will

be highlighted along with a software demonstration.


GIS CAREER NIGHT...FOR STUDENTS & NEW MEMBERS

OF THE GIS COMMUNITYMonday Evening, Plaza E

CAREER NIGHT: “Keys to Opening Up Your World” 6pm-7pm

Come join our panel of experts for answers to the following

burning questions, “What are the top 10 skills I should learn and

keep handy?”, “What is the 10, 20, and 30 year vision for GIS?”,

“Will Google Earth, MS Virtual Earth and like products make me

obsolete?”, How do I morph into a manager?”, “Should I certify?”,

and “Should I fi nd my niche, or become a jack-of-all-trades?”

These are just examples of the several questions that will be

answered during this one hour session. Formerly called Student

Night, this event has been broadened to include even the seasoned

GIS professional who must continue to nurture their career.

open up your world6

CARTOGRAPHY IN GIS Part 1Plaza AModerator: Self Moderated

PUBLIC HEALTH & GIS Plaza BModerator: Leanne Brehob-Riley, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

CARTOGRAPHY IN ARCMAP 9.2Presenter: Tom Ricker, The Sidwell Company

ArcMap 9.2 includes several new tools for controlling the

cartographic representations of map features. These tools can

be used in conjunction with established cartographic practices

to produce maps from GIS data that are clear, intuitive, and

aesthetically pleasing.

In this session, we’ll build a cartographic map from scratch.

Along the way, we’ll use ArcMap templates, style sets, symbol

substitution, generalization, Maplex labeling, and graphics to

build a map product from an ESRI geodatabase. This is where

the technology of GIS and the artistry of mapping meet.

We’ll show you some examples of cartographic representation

that have been successful, as well as highlight some pitfalls to

avoid. You’ll enjoy this session if you’re an ArcMap user who loves

to spend time in map galleries.

Skill level of audience: Beginner & Technical

SILENT AUCTIONSupport the GIS Corps, who provide volunteers to assist entities around the world facing a crisis with GIS capabilities, by participating in the silent auction taking place in our exhibit hall. Be sure to stop in the exhibit hall to place your bid for items at the individual exhibit booths. The winning bids will be fi nalized during the last break on Tuesday, at 2:30 pm, in the exhibit hall.

“SPACE-TIME ANALYSIS OF MITE BITE OUTBREAKSIN DUPAGE COUNTY”Presenter: William Syversen, DuPage County

Substantial progress has been made over recent years in the

availability of spatial analytic tools to assist GIS analysts in

examining the geographic distributions of various phenomena.

Several readily available tools were utilized to explore last

summer’s outbreak of oak leaf gall mite bites in eastern DuPage

County. These tools were employed to examine the distributional

characteristics of the outbreak over both time and space. The

results reveal spatial clusters at different stages of the outbreak,

and are suggestive of underlying spatial processes inherent in

their diffusion over time. Utilization of these tools has great

potential across a wide range of disciplines of GIS in examining

and tracking spatial trends and patterns. The approaches used

in this analysis can easily be adapted to similar inquiries in the

analysis of crime, demographics and planning.


SCHOOLMINDER AND CHILD WELFARE: THEN AND NOWPresenter: Richard Foltz, Illinois Department of Children

and Family Services

The initial gains upon DCFS fi rst GIS business application

(implementing school-based foster care assignments) were

dramatic. The result is agency interest in other GIS applications

and acceptance of GIS analytical techniques. An overview of

issues facing SchoolMinder and these new applications and

techniques will be provided.


CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1:15 - 2:30 PM

ILGISA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 2008 SPRING CONFERENCE BRONZE SPONSORS

PATRICK ENGINEERING, INC. THE SIDWELL COMPANYPATRICK ENGINEERING, INC. THE SIDWELL COMPANY

YOUR SPONSORSHIP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!



DATA SHARINGPlaza CModerator: Self-Moderated

SURVEY DATUM’S Part 1Plaza DModerator: Self-Moderated

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COUNTY COOPERATIVE GIS PROJECTPresenters: William J. Faedtke, Manager of Geographic

Information Systems, DuPage County; Nicole Gattuso,

GIS Manager, McHenry County; Keith Caldwell, Interim

GIS Manager, Lake County; Richard Hilton, Retired, Lake

County; Alan Hobscheid, GIS Coordinator, Cook County;

Thomas Nicoski, GIS Director, Kane County; Tong Zhou,

GIS Director, Will County

The six counties of northeastern Illinois have been working

together since 2005 to develop common data sharing standards

to cooperate in data development and to support regional public

safety, health, and environmental applications. This geographic

area includes 65% of the state’s population. This session will

provide an update on all of these activities, including the initial

data sharing standards published on the ILGISA website. The

2008 work plan will be discussed. An overview of the expanding

involvement of other counties will be presented.

Skill level of audience: All Levels & Informative

NOT A MEMBER? ... CONSIDER JOINING ILGISA!

If you are not an ILGSIA member, but would like to

become one, you can download the membership form

from the ILGSIA website at www.ilgisa.org and mail

it with a payment of $30.00 ($10.00 for Student with

proof of student status). Membership dues are billed

annually at the start of each year and are due by March

31 of that year in order to obtain discounted conference

registration fees. If membership dues are not

paid by that time, individuals must register as

non-members for any conference event, per the

ILGISA By-Laws. Membership entitles you to copies

of the ILGISA Membership Directory, conference

discounts, and ILGISA’s semi-annual newsletter,

Illinois GIS Notes.

UNDERSTANDING SURVEY DATUM’S FOR GPS MAPPING PROJECTSPresenter: Todd Horton, Parkland College

As our reliance on GPS measurements grows, so also must

grow our understanding of the mapping datum’s we use. This

workshop will address these topics:

Primary datum’s •

Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed Cartesian (ECEF XYZ)•

World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)•

Secondary datum’s •

North American Datum 1983 (NAD83)•

State Plane Coordinate Systems (SPCS)•

Local Coordinate Systems•

Geoid •

Datum interactions and relationships•

Proper datum use•

Metadata and its proper application•

Data interpretation•


open up your world8


CARTOGRAPHY IN GIS Part 2Plaza AModerator: Self Moderated

WEB DEVELOPMENTPlaza B Moderator: Curt Abert, Illinois State Geological Survey

CARTOGRAPHY IN ARCMAP 9.2Presenter: Tom Ricker, The Sidwell Company

ArcMap 9.2 includes several new tools for controlling the

cartographic representations of map features. These tools can

be used in conjunction with established cartographic practices

to produce maps from GIS data that are clear, intuitive, and

aesthetically pleasing.

In this session, we’ll build a cartographic map from scratch.

Along the way, we’ll use ArcMap templates, style sets, symbol

substitution, generalization, Maplex labeling, and graphics to

build a map product from an ESRI geodatabase. This is where

the technology of GIS and the artistry of mapping meet.

We’ll show you some examples of cartographic representation

that have been successful, as well as highlight some pitfalls to

avoid. You’ll enjoy this session if you’re an ArcMap user who loves

to spend time in map galleries.


WEB MAP MASHUPSPresenters: Pat Keegan, City of Evanston & Christopher

McGarry, City of Rockford

A map mashup is a web application that combines data and

functionality from more than one source and presents an

integrated experience. Typically, map mashups utilize third party

public interfaces or APIs. This session will review the features,

functionality and implications of many of the APIs available. We will

cover examples of creating a mashup and integrating a traditional

GIS into a mashup. We will also discuss recent advances in freely

available web mapping services that a leading provider says

“makes map-making so easy even a caveman can do it!”. This is

a repeat of the ILGISA Fall 2007 presentation of the same title.


HEIGHT MODERNIZATION FOR ILLINOIS,THE WAY FORWARDPresenter: Chris Pearson, NGS Geodetic Advisor for Illinois

Height modernization is the establishment of accurate, reliable

heights using GPS technology in conjunction with traditional

leveling, gravity, and modern remote sensing. The National

Geodetic Survey (NGS), part of the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration, provides funding to state for this

effort. The goal of the Illinois Height Modernization Program (which

is now is a reality with the fi rst years appropriation guaranteed)

is to establish:

A datum-consistent vertical and horizontal statewide 1.

network of survey benchmarks and

A statewide high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) 2.

of the earth’s surface based upon the updated network of

survey benchmarks.

The purpose of this talk is to introduce the GIS community to our

program for the fi rst year and our plans looking farther down the

track with an emphasis on how this will affect the GIS users.


Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Exhibitor Reception Monday Evening

Ruby & Emerald Ballrooms



OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMINGPlaza CModerator: Self-Moderated

SURVEY DATUM’S Part 2Plaza DModerator: Self-Moderated

BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR IMPLEMENTING OPEN SOURCE GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIESPresenter: Dave McIlhagga, DM Solutions Group (DMSG)

Open Source technologies provide many obvious benefi ts in

terms of freedom, fl exibility and cost advantages over proprietary

alternatives – however there can be risks and drawbacks if

you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, it is possible to

manage the risks and get around those drawbacks if you properly

assess your needs and the options presented by open source

technologies. In this session, you will learn about some of

the best practices for implementing open source web mapping

technologies, business models around open source that deliver

the products and services that manage the risks and drawbacks,

and various approaches that have worked well for organizations

around the world.


DESIGNING AN ADVANCED GUI FOR ARCGIS USING WXWIDGETS AND PYTHONPresenter: Chuck Ehlschlaeger, The PERTAN Group

Building a complex application that interacts with ArcGIS can be

quite challenging when the application requires use from within

as well as without ArcGIS. The US Army uses a program called

BNOISE to determine acceptable levels of training without an

impact off base due to excessive noise. The next generation

version of this software is expected to easily work from within

ArcGIS, potentially other GIS systems, as well as computers

not running GIS software. Users should be able to easily edit

huge datasets of existing and potential training exercises both

spatially and non-spatially. This presentation discusses the use

of wxWidgets, a graphical user interface environment, and its

implementation within Python, wxPython, to provide a robust

GUI for ArcGIS.

Skill level of audience: Advanced & Technical

UNDERSTANDING SURVEY DATUM’S FOR GPS MAPPING PROJECTSPresenter: Todd Horton, Parkland College

As our reliance on GPS measurements grows, so also must

grow our understanding of the mapping datum’s we use. This

workshop will address these topics:

Primary datum’s •

Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed Cartesian (ECEF XYZ)•

World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)•

Secondary datum’s •

North American Datum 1983 (NAD83)•

State Plane Coordinate Systems (SPCS)•

Local Coordinate Systems•

Geoid •

Datum interactions and relationships•

Proper datum use•

Metadata and its proper application•

Data interpretation•


open up your world10

Outstanding Student AwardsStudent awards are presented each Spring to undergraduate students of any major whom have included GIS in their

course of study, and has demonstrated exemplary profi ciency and understanding of GIS, potential contribution to the

GIS Community, and general success in school.

The 2008 Outstanding Student Award Winners are…

Todd GreenGeography MajorIllinois State University

Todd’s academic accomplishments are truly exceptional as he has taken his education in geospatial technologies very

seriously. Over the past 3 years he has completed all of the quantitative and technical courses, most of which are not

required for a geography undergraduate degree. He completed our statistics course, 2 cartography courses, 2 GIS

courses, and an independent study in Remote Sensing. These skills and courses have earned him the department’s

certifi cate in Spatial Analysis only completed by our best students.

After Todd completed his courses, he was recruited into GEOMAP where he participated on two projects over the past

year. This semester, Todd started our latest project with the University’s student recruitment offi ce. He is gathering,

analyzing, and mapping data in GIS that will help our administration better target high schools around Illinois for

undergraduate student recruitment. Todd’s academic accomplishments, combined with his work ethic, enthusiasm

for geospatial technology and GIS, and professional plans will undoubtedly help move the GIS Community’s agenda

forward.

Rion Kolosieke Lewis & Clark Community College

Rion is a succession of approximately seven or more co-op students who have majored in an AutoCad drafting curriculum.

This drafting program appears to be most closely related to the uses of GIS and these students have demonstrated a

remarkable adaptability to Jersey County’s GIS. This county GIS was originally utilizing and delivered in an AutoCad

format and the conversion to ESRI ArcMap has been not been an obstacle to the acquired computer skills of these

amazing students. Some, as has Rion, made themselves so valuable that the county has kept them on board in a

temporary capacity until they return to school or seek career opportunities.

Donielle McArthurB.S. in Geography and Undergraduate Certifi cate of Advanced Study in GISNorthern Illinois University

Simply put, Donielle McArthur has a passion for maps, GIS and geography. She has worked in our Advanced Geospatial

Laboratory for close to two years, sometimes on paid client projects and at other times as a volunteer working with

Lab staff on prototype projects. Donielle was among several students who contributed to the successful Huskie Tracks

real-time bus locator GIS, logging more staff time on this project than any other student. Besides furthering her GIS

skills and knowledge in our Advanced Geospatial Lab, Donielle has as interned outside the university. In the lab or in the

classroom, she is the consummate professional.


Outstanding Student Awards, Cont.

Chris WalkerGeography Major, specializing in GISIllinois State University

Currently, Chris is a senior undergraduate geography major specializing in GIS at Illinois State University. Chris has

experience in GIS that predates his undergraduate education, and was fi rst exposed to GIS in high school. In addition to

his current degree program, he will also earn the department’s certifi cate in GIS and spatial analysis upon his graduation

this summer.

Academically, Chris has performed at the top of the class, widely surpassing the efforts and achievements of his peers in

the courses. He is a rare example of a student that not only learns to do GIS by studying the steps necessary to operate

the GIS software, but also has a strong curiosity to understand why and how the entire GIS process works. In addition

to his studies, Chris currently is working as a GIS research project assistant for me in the department’s Institute for

Geospatial Mapping and Analysis (GEOMAP), a position that he was selected for based on his exceptional performance

in class.. Chris has project leadership skills, works independently, is very effi cient, and has a strong focus to achieve

his goals. He needs little supervision with his work, yet he has a strong intellectual curiosity and never hesitates to ask

questions to broaden the scope of his knowledge.

Emily ZvolanekEnvironmental ScienceMommouth College

Emily was one of the fi rst students on our campus to really begin to learn GIS, and she was certainly the most dedicated.

Working in this group was completely on her own and just for her own personal enrichment. I often found her working

in our fl edgling GIS lab in the evening because she was so interested in this topic. This continued throughout her senior

year as she grew in knowledge and experience in making maps. I must emphasize that Emily did this on her own, but

was continually sharing with me and others the many things that she was learning.

When Emily graduated, she decided to participate in our Post-Baccalaureate program. Post-Baccalaureate students stay

for an additional year and work on a project of their choice with an advisor. Students must apply and compete for

these positions (which are unpaid, but competitive nevertheless). Emily was awarded a Post-Baccalaureate position and

she stayed to continue learning GIS and during this year, she became our GIS expert. Her ability to learn and work with

minimal supervision was incredibly impressive. She documented her work so well that her documentation is the place

that new students start when they are interested in GIS. She learned, documented, and quite literally moved GIS from

a novelty to a real, viable, entity on our campus.


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USGS Recognizes Richard Hilton

Richard Hilton recently retired as the Manager of the Lake County GIS/Mapping Division. His numerous contributions to the geospatial community stretched past the Lake County boundary. Among the noteworthy accomplishments is the special achievement of being a cofounder of the Illinois Geographic Information Systems Association (ILGISA) serving as board member, Vice President and then President for a number of years. He is the recipient of numerous awards, most prominently the Dahlberg Distinguished Achievement Award.

The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is the technology, policies, criteria, standards and people necessary to promote geospatial data sharing throughout all levels of government, the private and non-profi t sectors, and academia. It provides a base or structure of practices and relationships among data producers and users that facilitates data sharing and use. The USGS would like to recognize Richard for his contributions that have supported the NSDI and the geospatial community.


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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSOR

Illinois Geographic Information Systems Assosiation

ILGISACenter For Governmental StudiesNorthern Illinois University148 North 3rd StreetDeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854Tracy Rogers, Executive Director(815) [email protected]

ILGISA is a professional association of individuals who share a

common interest in GIS. Membership is composed largely of those

who work in government, both as managers and as technical

professionals. As a not-for-profi t association, ILGISA strives to

provide high-quality programs to keep members informed and to

share our experiences in developing, implementing and applying

GIS to better understand and manage our collective world.

Visit us on the web at www.ilgisa.org

We Are Moving this Fall!Save the Date for November 5 - 6, 2008!

Our NEW LOCATION....Westin Hotel & Resort, Lombard, Illinois

FORWARD,TOGETHER FORWARD

ILGISA off ers its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the NIU community and to the victims of this awful tragedy and their families.

2008 key note speaker dave mcilhagga geospatial technology ... · gis in illinois 2008 spring...

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