814-332-2719
NEWSLIDAR Scheduled for Release As part of the PAMAP project, the Pennsylvania Geological
Survey is scheduled to release LIDAR data for Crawford and
Erie counties in late-January 2009. LIDAR, which is an acronym
for light detection and ranging, is a relatively new type
of remote sensing technology that is used to generate surface
and canopy elevations and estimate vegetation densities.
The technology uses lasers and GPS receivers mounted on
small planes to record spot elevations of the Earth's surface.
LIDAR data can be used in a variety of mapping projects
including hydrologic modeling and landscape visualization. Computer Problems Resolved Throughout the semester, four of the computers in the GIS
lab have been randomly shutting down causing both student
frustration and loss of unsaved work. A problem has been
identified with the power supplies overheating, which results
in a thermal event and eventual shutdown. Computing Services
has been working to resolve this issue by replacing the
power supplies in all of the computers. Currently, all eleven
of the computers are functioning properly. New Printable Maps and Images New links provide access to downloadable and printable
maps and images. Maps that have been constructed for use
in a variety of projects including academic courses, senior
thesis and internship projects, and faculty research are
now available for viewing. Map themes include aerial photography,
elevation, geology, hydrography, land cover, population,
and property boundaries for various locations throughout
the region. Multiple file formats are available including
GIF, JPG, and PNG for downloading and PDF for printing purposes.
For more information, please visit the Services
web page. New Geospatial Services link A new link provides access to information regarding the
types of geospatial services offered by the Environmental
Science's GIS Lab resources and staff. Those interested
in collecting, managing, analyzing, and presenting geospatial
information are encouraged to view the list of services
offered. In addition, resources such as software tutorials,
Excel templates, and programming scripts are currently being
developed to assist those working in GIS-related projects.
For more information, please visit the Services
web page. New GIS Learning Lab Launched The Environmental Science department is proud to announce
the launch of a newly designed GIS
Learning Lab website. The new site will serve as a
resource for students, faculty, and staff involved in GIS-related
research and projects, as well as those interested in learning
about GIS. Some of the new features include recent postings
of news and updates, current GIS-related course and project
information, and equipment policies and reservation forms. GIS Lab Website Address Change The address for the GIS Learning Lab website has changed.
A new virtual address has been created making the website
easier to navigate. The new address is as follows: http://gislab.allegheny.edu/.
Please update your links accordingly. ArcGIS Desktop Software Upgrade Thanks to the A.W.
Mellon Global Environmental Sustainability grant,
the Environmental Science department recently upgraded
all of their ArcGIS Desktop licenses from ArcView single-use
to ArcInfo
concurrent. This version of ArcGIS contains all of
the functionality of both ArcView and ArcEditor along
with additional map analysis and geoprocessing tools.
Since ArcInfo will be installed on all 10 desktop computers
and both GIS laptops, users are no longer required to
switch between ArcGIS software versions when more sophisticated
spatial analysis tools are needed. NWPA Basemap Mapping Application A new web-based mapping application has been developed
that gives users the ability to display, explore, and query
various layers of geographic information without the need
for expensive and complex GIS software. NWPA
Basemap can be accessed from any computer on campus
using a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer
or Firefox. With this application, users can zoom and pan
around the map, take layers off and put others on, determine
coordinates for locations, make simple line and area measurements,
identify the attributes of features, and locate and mark
street addresses. For those interested in creating custom
applications for specify research projects, additional
services may be requested. GIS Lab Policies and Reservation Forms A series of policies governing use of GIS Learning Lab
resources, including hardware and software, printers, GPS
equipment, laptop computers, and web services can be found
by visiting the Policies link.
These policies, which apply to all Allegheny students,
faculty, and staff, have been drafted to prevent improper
use of the lab’s resources. Those interested in reserving
GIS lab equipment are encouraged to read the policies and
complete and submit the appropriate Form. |
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