Casper College celebrates GIS Day Nov. 19; public invited to enjoy free events
Casper College is joining the international celebration of GIS Day Wednesday, Nov. 19, with two free events open to the public.
At noon, a speaker panel will feature local geographic information systems professionals from regional fire management, city planning, and natural resource agencies, who will break down how they use mapping technology to respond to disasters, manage land, and build safer, more resilient communities, according to Jared James, program coordinator for the Casper College School of Science. Attendees will be able to explore careers in fire science, emergency services, resource management, and city and regional planning. The event will take place in the Wheeler Auditorium, Room 103, in the Wold Physical Science Center.
From 4-6:30 p.m. in the Chapman Lobby, Casper College’s advanced GIS students will participate in a poster session.
Three groups will participate. The three topics covered are: Using GIS and remote sensing to show the intensity of the areas burned in fires and the amount of vegetation burned — several fires that have occurred around the state will be showcased from last summer and this summer; using GIS and drone data to map infrastructure at The Casper College Ranch; and using LIDAR data and GIS to map archaeological sites at Sunrise, Wyoming.
LIDAR, which stands for light detection and ranging, is a technology used to create high-resolution models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of 4 inches, according to the United States Geological Survey. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration further explains that “Lidar systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and man-made environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.”
“Casper College’s GIS program prepares students for careers in environmental management, emergency response, and data analysis,” said Jeff Sun, GIS instructor. “We really want to increase the awareness of the community and our community partners that Casper College is a regional hub for applied geospatial education and workforce readiness,” said James, .
The Chapman Lobby is located on the second floor of the Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center. Both the Gateway Center and the Wold Physical Science Center are located on the Casper College campus.