GIS are Everywhere!
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are technological tools to collect, store, query, analyze, and visualize spatially-associated data and information.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology, vehicle navigation technology, online maps like Mapquest and Google Maps, and virtual globe software applications like Google Earth and NASA World Wind are specific applications of GIS technology. Many people are familiar with these cutting-edge applications. However, they might not realize that they are using GIS and related geospatial technologies everyday.

GIS can be used to solve both Science Questions and Practical Problems!

Science Questions (Scientific Theories and Methods):
• How do Earthquakes happen?(Related link: BBC Earthquakes )
• How do Wildfires occur? (Related link: NASA Natural Hazards:Fires)
• What are the main reasons for global warming? (Related link: NRDC Global Warming)

Practical Problems:
• How can we response to wildfires disasters more efficiently?(Related link: 2003 San Diego Wildfires )
• How can we minimize damage caused by Earthquakes in California?( Related link: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Northern California)
• Where are the invasive plant species in San Diego? (Related link: ESRI Plants and Animals Need GIS, Too)
• Where can I find out the location of licensed healthcare facilities near by my house? (Related link: CDHS California Nutrition Network - GIS Map Viewer)

Learn more about GIS...

About Us
This website is supported by the National Science Foundation, Advanced Technological Education Program (NSF-ATE) Award ( NSF-ATE DUE #0401990). This award is received by the San Diego Educational GIS Consortium, comprised of San Diego State University, San Diego Mesa College (part of the San Diego Community College District), and San Diego City Schools.

The major task of this project is to develop a scalable GIS skills certification program to prepare students for entry into a range of jobs in GIS-related fields and for career advancement. The Consortium will create GIS skills certifications, designed to meet industry and employer needs, that can be combined to provide an articulated educational program. These certificates will build on each other and feed into an associate’s degree in GIS for more comprehensive technical training, a bachelor’s degree, and advanced degrees in the field. The central goal is to increase the production of qualified GIS technicians to meet workforce demands.

Project objectives include:
(1) develop skills certificates that certify specific work-based competencies; (2) develop a standards-based curriculum, aligned across the three educational levels, designed to meet identified industry needs and linked to job descriptions; (3) create articulation agreements that ensure that students are able to progress efficiently through the skills certificate and more traditional educational programs; (4) prepare high school teachers and post-secondary faculty to provide the GIS skills training; (5) develop a Web-based GIS career awareness program to encourage students to pursue careers in the field and enhance enrollment in technician training and educational programs; and (6) share the model GIS skills certification and technician training program with other educational institutions and communities.
More information about this project...