GIS Day in Delaware was about as busy as we had expected. What follows is a report from the two events I was able to attend. If anyone has information for the other events, please share those in the comments section.
Fun With Maps at DAFB
A highlight at the field day event at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday was the Geography Game Show presented by visiting artist Neal Nichols, Jr. Neal hand-drew a map of the United States, annotated it with historical and cultural facts and fun tidbits, and quizzed students on history and geography along the way.
Of course, the event included many other favorite geographic and GIS-related events. The Earth Balloon made a return visit after its success at last year’s event. The flight simulator was also quite popular, as were hands-on GIS demonstrations, GPS and compass work, aerial imagery exploration and many more activities.
There were about 260 students from schools around the state. This year’s group also included some home-school kids. They were helped out by volunteers from state agencies, the University of Delaware, DGS, county governments, the private sector and the Air Force. There were probably other groups represented, but the day was busy and there was little time to chat among the volunteers.
My job? Roaming photographer. There’s a full photo set on flickr.
Geospatial Research Day at UD
Yesterday, I joined many other Delaware GIS folks at the University of Delaware’s inaugural Geospatial Research Day, in Newark. I say “inaugural” because from what I could see it was a success and will likely be repeated in the future.
The program included updates on trends and technology changes, uses of geospatial data and tools in scientific applications, and several examples of GIS as a tool in policy planning and management applications. There was a fascinating experiment with a new approach to presentations. A portion of the day was given over to “lightning talks” — five minute, condensed, “get right to the point” presentations on a wide range of topics.
I took notes via the @delawareGIS twitter account, using the hashtag #udgrd to allow others to follow- along. We know that at least two GIS professionals (from Massachusetts and North Dakota) were following along because they posted responses during the day. Sandy Schenck (@rockmanwss) , of DGS, also contributed.
The image above is a wordcloud (via wordle) of the content of those tweets.
Among the interesting tidbits that emerged was word that the University will offer a one-year, post-baccalauretate program in Geographic Information Science (GISc). This will be a graduate certificate program for GIS professionals and those wishing to enter the field.
Keep an eye on the GRD web site. I expect to see many of the presentations from the day posted there before too long.
Finally, kudos to Ben Mearns and John Callahan and the rest of the crew that organized the Geospatial Research Day. I found it valuable and my friends at the University told me that it was a great success in bringing together the many departments and centers within the school that use GIS and work with geospatial data.
Tags: DAFB, geoeducation, geospatial research day, UD
Thanks to all who came, and special words of appreciation to Mike for reporting “real-time” on the days events!
A great deal of work was represented yesterday, and I’m sure I speak for the whole committee in thanking participants and presenters!