Progress 08/15/08 to 08/14/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP GIS Center. 1) UWSP Undergraduates. GIS coursework has been delivered to over 600 UWSP college undergraduate students andgraduate students. 2) GIS Professionals. They have attended UWSP GIS Center workshops, presentations, and networked at conferences and tradeshows. GIS Center programs and services also have been publicized through conference booth kiosks.Center education and awareness building efforts have reached hundreds of Wisconsin GIS professionals during the reporting period. The GIS Center maintains membership with the Wisconsin Land Information Association, Wisconsin Geo-spatial Alliance, and the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordinating Council (WiGICC) in order to continue generating awareness and disseminating education among GIS professionals. 3) Community members. A variety of presentations and open house activities have been offered by the GIS Center to reach out to community members. Workshops were offered to regional junior high students that illustrate the utility of GIS for multiple disciplines. Center staff has met with community organizations to discuss mission appropriate GIS applications. This has often led to focused GIS projects that have produced various analyses and maps in the solution of a geographic-based problems. Changes/Problems: During the final eighteen months of the grant a major shift in curriculum structure was implemented since it was realized that most GIS professionals now wanted an enirely on-line certificate program. This paradigm change forced a re-development of both established and new GIS courses for on-line delivery. In turn (within the standard budget guidelines of the USDA-NIFA) some grant funding was re-focused for these curricula changes (e.g. hired professors for short term 1-2 months for additional course development, purchased newer technology (supplies) for course use). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The GIS Center offers seven different GIS certificate tracks that provide both traditional students and current professionals with an opportunity to enhance their GIS knowledge and skills. This certificate program, in conjunction, with the GIS Spatial Analysis minor affords numerous avenues for GIS education. In the past year over 600 students completed a GIS related course, with 74 students enrolled in the GIS & Spatial Analysis minor and nine completed certificates (2012- 2013). The past year the Center initiated a new Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) certificate in conjunction with the College of Letters & Science which will serve students from the UW Colleges (12 institutions). Center GIS workshops were developed and implemented for on-line delivery through UW Continuing Education and Society of American Foresters. For non-traditional students and working professionals a 15-credit post-baccalaureate Geodesign program in collaboration with UW-Madison’s Department of Landscape Architecture and the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s office was developed and will be offered in 2014. Center personnel also started planning the expansion of the UWSP GIS Certificate program as a University of Wisconsin Flex degree and e-campus option (for non-traditional students and professionals). Developed and began implementation of on-line distance learning delivery of GIS core and elective courses including Geography 476/676 (GIS I), Geography 479/679 (GIS II), Geography 483/683 (GIS Applications in Emergency Management), and Geography 484/684 (GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Seventeen different GIS courses delivered both face-to-face and on-line were used to educate traditional and non-traditional students as well as professionals during the last year. Applied research projects and outreach endeavors were disseminated through conference presentations, community presentations, sponsored talks, requested UW-Regents presentations, UW legislative hearing, on-line webinars, and peer reviewed journal articles. General public information was circulated through Facebook (www.facebook.com\uwspgiscenter), UWSP Center web site (www.uwsp.edu\gis), tool-free number (1-855-GISUWSP), conference kiosks, career fairs, and STEM youth programs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The three main objectives of the grant were advanced through the following ‘Year 5’ activities, events, services and products. (1) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate students choose a greater number of focal tracks for their certificate programs, while expanding the number of GIS minors (74). (2) Implemented the initial phases of the GIS Center Strategic Plan that was centered on themes highlighted in the 2010 NIFA Grant Review and Evaluation report. (3) Five-year GIS Center Business Plan was implemented during the 2013 summer months so that the Center became a self-sustaining entity (as USDA-NIFA federal funding ended). (4) Developed a 15-credit post-baccalaureate Geodesign program in collaboration with UW-Madison’s Department of Landscape Architecture and the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s office. (5) Began development of expanding the UWSP GIS Certificate program as a University of Wisconsin Flex degree and e-campus option (for non-traditional students and professionals). (6) Developed and began implementation of on-line distance learning delivery of GIS core and elective courses including Geography 476/676 (GIS I), Geography 479/679 (GIS II), Geography 377 (Remote Sensing I), Geography 483/683 (GIS Applications in Emergency Management), and Geography 484/684 (GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning). (7) Started major modification of GIS Certificate curriculum to provide modularization of course materials to allow greater expansion of on-line materials and to accommodate the structure of the Flex degree certificate option. (8) Two user training workshops were delivered to professionals during the 2012-13 academic year. (9) GIS Center faculty and staff taught seventeen different GIS courses with a total of 56 sections that provided introductory and advanced GIS education to 618 students. (10) Every GIS Center course had special sections offered through UWSP Continuing Education to provide greater class access to GIS professionals and non-traditional students. (11) Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) agreement was negotiated to begin offering GIS courses to students at UW two-year colleges. (12) Delivered and assisted in several educational workshops and events for K-12 and UWSP students, including the STEM program and Women in Science Day (grades 7-8). (13) Completed research grant work on (a) an aquaculture GIS model (SeaGrant), (b) a GIS disease distance model with Marshfield Medical Clinic, and (c) a GIS sustainability model (Wisconsin Institute of Sustainable Technology). (14) Represented the GIS Center through multiple venues, such as at the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), ESRI Geodesign Summit, ESRI Annual User Conference, Small City and Regional Community Conference, and the Annual Meeting of Cooperating Foresters. (15) Mentored and sponsored 12 interns and 2 research assistants through GIS Certificate activities and on-going research projects. Two GIS Center students received academic scholarships from state GIS organizations. (16) Continued nurturing partnerships within the Wisconsin community and UWSP campus, including American Foresters, City of Stevens Point, Marathon County, and community lake associations (bathymetric mapping projects).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo A., Miskowiak, Douglas. "Mammogram Utilization: Patient Characteristics and Breast Cancer at Diagnosis," American Journal of Roentgenology
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas, "Geodesign for Farmland Preservation," ESRI Annual User Conference, San Diego
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas and Douglas Hadley,"Post-baccalaurate Geodesign Capstone Certificate Program," UW-Madison Geospatial Summit, Madison, WI
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo. Miskowiak, Douglas. Rice, Keith. 2013. Patient Characteristics Associated with the Use of Mammography Services. Conference on the Small City. Stevens Point, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas. 2013. GIS and GPS Applications for Forestry. Annual Meeting of Cooperating Foresters. Stevens Point, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo. Miskowiak, Douglas. 2013. Patient Characteristics Associated with the Use of Mammography Services. Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference. Lake Geneva, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas. Niemann, Bernard. 2012. Empowering Citizenship with Geodesign. ESRI Annual User Conference. San Diego, CA.
|
Progress 08/15/12 to 08/14/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP GIS Center. 1) UWSP Undergraduates. GIS coursework has been delivered to over 600 UWSP college undergraduate and graduate students. 2) GIS Professionals. They have attended UWSP GIS Center workshops, presentations, and networked at conferences and tradeshows. GIS Center programs and services also has been publicized through conference booth kiosks. Center education and awareness building efforts have reached hundreds of Wisconsin GIS professionals during the reporting period. The GIS Center maintains membership with the Wisconsin Land Information Association, Wisconsin Geo-spatial Alliance, and the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordinating Council (WiGICC) in order to continue generating awareness and disseminating education among GIS professionals. 3) Community members. A variety of presentations and open house activities have been offered by the GIS Center to reach out to community members. Workshops were offered to regional junior high students that illustrate the utility of GIS for multiple disciplines. Center staff has met with community organizations to discuss mission appropriate GIS applications. This has often led to focused GIS projects that have produced various analyses and maps in the solution of geographic-based problems. Changes/Problems: During the final eighteen months of the grant a major shift in curriculum structure was implemented since it was realized that most GIS professionals now wanted an enirely on-line certificate program. This paradigm change forced a re-development of both established and new GIS courses for on-line delivery. In turn (within the standard budget guidelines of the USDA-NIFA) some grant funding was re-focused for these curricula changes (e.g. hired professors for short term 1-2 months for additional course development, purchased newer technology (supplies) for course use). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The GIS Center offers seven different GIS certificate tracks that provide both traditional students and current professionals with an opportunity to enhance their GIS knowledge and skills. This certificate program, in conjunction, with the GIS Spatial Analysis minor affords numerous avenues for GIS education. In the past year over 600 students completed a GIS related course, with 74 students enrolled in the GIS & Spatial Analysis minor and nine completed certificates (2012- 2013). The past year the Center initiated a new Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) certificate in conjunction with the College of Letters & Science which will serve students from the UW Colleges (12 institutions). Center GIS workshops were developed and implemented for on-line delivery through UW Continuing Education and Society of American Foresters. For non-traditional students and working professionals a 15-credit post-baccalaureate Geodesign program in collaboration with UW-Madison’s Department of Landscape Architecture and the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s office was developed and will be offered in 2014. Center personnel also started planning the expansion of the UWSP GIS Certificate program as a University of Wisconsin Flex degree and e-campus option (for non-traditional students and professionals). Developed and began implementation of on-line distance learning delivery of GIS core and elective courses including Geography 476/676 (GIS I), Geography 479/679 (GIS II), Geography 483/683 (GIS Applications in Emergency Management), and Geography 484/684 (GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Seventeen different GIS courses delivered both face-to-face and on-line were used to educatetraditional and non-traditionals students as well as professionals during the last year. Applied research projects and outreach endeavors were disseminated through conference presentations, community presentations, sponsored talks, requested UW-Regents presentations, UW-legislative hearing, on-line webinars, and peer reviewed journal articles. General public information was circulated through Facebook (www.facebook.com\uwspgiscenter), UWSP Center web site (www.uwsp.edu\gis), tool-free number (1-855-GISUWSP), conference kiosks, career fairs, and STEM youth programs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This is the final annual report, but the original and modified goals of the grant will be continued and supported through both curriculum and research endeavors of the UWSP GIS Center.The USDA-NIFA grant ends this month (August) and the Center’s core mission will continue due to the implementation of a business and marketing plan accepted by UWSP administration. Most of the original grant objectives were reached or exceeded, but we did not obtain our outcome goal of 50 certificate students per year, even though we have outstanding GIS class enrollment and numbers of minors. Informal surveys from potential students have revealed a strong need to provideentirely on-line course programming. Consequently, we will be creating an entirely on-line corecurricula by the end of 2014 to attract more professionals to the certificate program as well as investing in other on-line education endeavors, such as, Collaborative Degree Program, Geodesign inter-UW campus program,and the UW Flex program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Themain objectives of the grant were advanced through the following ‘Year 5’ activities, events, services and products. (1) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate students choose a greater number of focal tracks for their certificate programs, while expanding the number of GIS minors (74). (2) Implemented the initial phases of the GIS Center Strategic Plan that was centered on themes highlighted in the 2010 NIFA Grant Review and Evaluation report. (3) Five-year GIS Center Business Plan was implemented during the 2013 summer months so that the Center became a self-sustaining entity (as USDA-NIFA federal funding ended). (4) Developed a 15-credit post-baccalaureate Geodesign program in collaboration with UW-Madison’s Department of Landscape Architecture and the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s office. (5) Began development of expanding the UWSP GIS Certificate program as a University of Wisconsin Flex degree and e-campus option (for non-traditional students and professionals). (6) Developed and began implementation of on-line distance learning delivery of GIS core and elective courses including Geography 476/676 (GIS I), Geography 479/679 (GIS II), Geography 377 (Remote Sensing I), Geography 483/683 (GIS Applications in Emergency Management), and Geography 484/684 (GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning). (7) Started major modification of GIS Certificate curriculum to provide modularization of course materials to allow greater expansion of on-line materials and to accommodate the structure of the Flex degree certificate option. (8) Two user training workshops were delivered to professionals during the 2012-13 academic year. (9) GIS Center faculty and staff taught seventeen different GIS courses with a total of 56 sections that provided introductory and advanced GIS education to 618 students. (10) Every GIS Center course had special sections offered through UWSP Continuing Education to provide greater class access to GIS professionals and non-traditional students. (11) Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) agreement was negotiated to begin offering GIS courses to students at UW two-year colleges. (12) Delivered and assisted in several educational workshops and events for K-12 and UWSP students, including the STEM program and Women in Science Day (grades 7-8). (13) Completed research grant work on (a) an aquaculture GIS model (SeaGrant), (b) a GIS disease distance model with Marshfield Medical Clinic, and (c) a GIS sustainability model (Wisconsin Institute of Sustainable Technology). (14) Represented the GIS Center through multiple venues, such as at the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), ESRI Geodesign Summit, ESRI Annual User Conference, Small City and Regional Community Conference, and the Annual Meeting of Cooperating Foresters. (15) Mentored and sponsored 12 interns and 2 research assistants through GIS Certificate activities and on-going research projects. Two GIS Center students received academic scholarships from state GIS organizations. (16) Continued nurturing partnerships within the Wisconsin community and UWSP campus, including American Foresters, City of Stevens Point, Marathon County, and community lake associations (bathymetric mapping projects).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo A., Miskowiak, Douglas. "Mammogram Utilization: Patient Characteristics and Breast Cancer at Diagnosis," American Journal of Roentgenology
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas, "Geodesign for Framland Preservation," ESRI Annual User Conference, San Diego
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas and Douglas Hadley,"Post-baccalaurate Geodesign Capstone Certificate Program," UW-Madison Geospatial Summit, Madison, WI
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo. Miskowiak, Douglas. Rice, Keith. 2013. Patient Characteristics Associated with the Use of Mammography Services. Conference on the Small City. Stevens Point, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas. 2013. GIS and GPS Applications for Forestry. Annual Meeting of Cooperating Foresters. Stevens Point, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Onitilo, Adedayo. Miskowiak, Douglas. 2013. Patient Characteristics Associated with the Use of Mammography Services. Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference. Lake Geneva, WI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas. Niemann, Bernard. 2012. Empowering Citizenship with Geodesign. ESRI Annual User Conference. San Diego, CA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Miskowiak, Douglas. 2012. Geodesign for Farmland Preservation. ESRI Annual User Conference. San Diego, CA.
|
Progress 08/15/11 to 08/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The three main objectives of the grant were advanced through the following Year 4 activities, events, services and products. (1) Graduated the first University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate program students (target of 20 students per year), while expanding the number of GIS minors. (2) Developed a Strategic Plan for the GIS Center that is centered on themes highlighted in the 2010 NIFA Grant Review and Evaluation report and UWSP's 2011 Strategic Plan. (3) GIS Center Business Plan was revised and accepted with UWSP administration so that the Center will be become a self-sustaining entity after the end of USDA-NIFA federal funding. (4) One new GIS course (GIS and GPS Applications in Forestry Management) was taught, two courses were updated (Fundamentals of GIS, Geographic Information Systems II), and one new course is scheduled (GIS Applications in Emergency Management) for implementation in 2013. Due to software upgrades and curriculum improvement there was also revision of GIS Center manuals in six different classes. (5) Developed working relationships with Forestry, Emergency Management and Water Resources state experts to begin partnerships in related GIS courses. (6) Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) user training classes were replaced by a set of GIS Center developed workshops due to ESRI modification of their national training program to on-line classes. Three re-designed workshops were taught during 2011-2012. (7) GIS Center faculty and staff taught 12 different GIS courses with a total of 46 sections that provided introductory and advanced GIS education to nearly 600 students. (8) Every GIS Center course had special sections offered through UWSP Continuing Education to provide greater class access to GIS professionals and non-traditional students. (9) Delivered and assisted in educational workshops and events for K-12 and UWSP students, including the STEM program and Women in Science Day. (10) Continued work on three previously awarded grants involving the development of (a) an aquaculture GIS model (SeaGrant), (b) a GIS disease distance model with Marshfield Medical Clinic, and (c) a GIS sustainability model (Wisconsin Institute of Sustainable Technology). (11) Represented the GIS Center through multiple venues, such as at the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council (WiGICC), North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS), Association of American Geographers (AAG) and the Wisconsin Geo-spatial Alliance. At the WLIA Annual Conference, the GIS Center delivered a workshop on GIS Python programming and provided extensive logistical support. (12) Mentored and sponsored several interns and research assistants through GIS Certificate activities and on-going research projects. (13) Continued nurturing partnerships within the Wisconsin community and UWSP campus, including Veterans Affairs (career fair) and the Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (registering certificate program). (14) Initiated discussion with UWSP for creation of a CDP (Collaborative Degree Program) for expansion of the GIS Minor. PARTICIPANTS: (INDIVIDUALS) Dr. Keith Rice (Project PI and Center Director) is a Professor of Geography. He and Mr. Miskowiak developed and implemented the GIS certificate program at UWSP. He is conducting GIS education-based research, long-term project planning, business sustainability planning, GIS curriculum planning, developing GIS training materials and new GIS-related coursework. Mr. Douglas Miskowiak (GIS Education Specialist) continues his responsibilities to: 1) develop, implement, and maintain the GIS Certificate Programs, 2) teach introductory GIS certificate courses and professional workshops, 3) coordinate GIS Center program activities, scheduling, student mentoring, and administration, and 4) provide outreach and research expertise to solving GIS applied research problems. Mr. Eugene Martin (Visiting Assistant GIS Professor) responsibilities include participation in the implementation of the certificate program, conducting applied research for the Center, as well as teaching a sequence of GIS courses to both conventional and non-traditional UWSP students. He is also involved in applied GIS research activities. Mr. Jon Galloy, Mr. Michael Broton, Mr. Allen Brandt, Christine Koeller, and Ms. Gretchen Gottsacker (GIS Student Interns, and Research Assistants) have worked to provide project support for various research activities and general administrative support for the GIS Center. (ORGANIZATIONS and COLLABORATORS and CONTACTS) The following partner organizations worked in collaboration with the GIS Center during the project period: 1) Dr. Chris Hartleb, UWSP Biology Department is partnering to examine the characteristics of successful and failing aquaculture operations in Wisconsin. 2) The Marshfield Clinic is working with GIS Center to examine the location characteristics associated with late stage breast cancer. 3) Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) awarded a grant to the GIS Center to develop a campus model for individual student carbon footprints as well as develop consumer technology for monitoring transportation use. 4) Mr. Kevin Burns, UWSP Treehaven, is helping teach the GIS and GPS Applications in Forestry Management course. The Center is also providing technical support in mapping operations at the Treehaven facility. 5) Registered GIS Certificate program with the Society of American Foresters and the Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. 6) Mr. Chris Diller (Geospatial Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs) is collaborating on the curricula development of the GIS Applications in Emergency Management course. TARGET AUDIENCES: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP GIS Center. 1) UWSP Undergraduates. GIS coursework has been delivered to nearly 600 UWSP college undergraduate and graduate students. 2) GIS Professionals. They have attended UWSP GIS Center workshops, presentations, and networked at conferences and tradeshows. GIS Center programs and services also has been publicized through conference booth kiosks. Center education and awareness building efforts have reached hundreds of Wisconsin GIS professionals during the reporting period. The GIS Center maintains membership with the Wisconsin Land Information Association, Wisconsin Geo-spatial Alliance, and the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordinating Council (WiGICC) in order to continue generating awareness and disseminating education among GIS professionals. 3) Community members. A variety of presentations and open house activities have been offered by the GIS Center to reach out to community members. Workshops were offered to regional junior high students that illustrate the utility of GIS for multiple disciplines. Center staff has met with community organizations to discuss mission appropriate GIS applications. This has often led to focused GIS projects that have produced various analyses and maps in the solution of geographic-based problems. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A no-cost extension to 8/14/2013 was approved by USDA NIFA officials (Duane Alphs, Authorized Department Officer) on 09/12/2012. The main reason for this extension was that the original proposal was structured for a five-year timeline. USDA-NIFA officials accepted the original grant project and associated five-year budget with the caveat that the fifth year needed to be implemented as a no-cost extension period since the maximum grant period is normally four years.
Impacts
The GIS Center offers seven different GIS certificate tracks that provide both traditional students and current professionals with an opportunity to enhance their GIS knowledge and skills. This certificate program, in conjunction, with the GIS Spatial Analysis minor affords numerous avenues for GIS education. In the past year nearly 600 students completed a GIS related course, with 72 students enrolled in the GIS & Spatial Analysis minor and nine students who completed the certificate program (2011- 2012). Although most students enroll in the standard GIS track, there is increasing interest in the specialized tracks (e.g. Forestry GIS). The Center also continues to broaden its offerings through Continuing Education, but an expansion in on-line courses will be necessary in order to attract more professionals into the certificate program. This has been identified as a priority within the next academic year to alter and revise the GIS core curriculum into parallel on-line courses. A critical accomplishment during the 2011-2012 grant year was the acceptance of an initial five-year business plan (2013-2018) by UWSP administration. The USDA-NIFA grant will end in August, 2013 and it was imperative that a self-sustaining operating budget be devised and acknowledged by UWSP in order to continue the mission of the Center. The UWSP Letters and Science (L&S) College also developed a Marketing Plan for the Center that was based on the objectives (e.g. re-develop existing GIS curriculum for online delivery) and core values of the Center's Strategic Plan. All of these tactical goals have either been accomplished or initiated during the past year. Student recruitment was further fulfilled through broader advertisement (e.g. Facebook) and career fairs (e.g. Veterans, Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, conference kiosks). Furthermore it is anticipated that the launch of a Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) with two-year UW-Colleges will greatly increase both traditional and professional students, respectively into the GIS Minor and certificate programs. Center educational outreach programs have continued to make a significant impact on community, government and business groups (e.g. Marshfield Clinic) using GIS through technical and logistical support. The Center has also continued to employ interns that have been an integral component in completing projects as well as providing a communication conduit with grant and community partners.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 08/15/10 to 08/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The main objectives of the grant were advanced through the following Year 3 activities, events, services and products. (1) Implemented the UWSP GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate program. This involved official status and recognition of the certificate program through the Registrar's Office, formulation of student advising, advertisement of the program, and student enrollment. (2) Modification of the certificate program occurred based on student feedback and internal critique. Certificate brochure was produced to improve explanation, student planning, and enhance course scheduling. (3) Four new GIS courses were taught for the first time: Geog. 471/671 (GIS Applications in Sustainability), Geog. 473/673 (GIS Applications for Managing Working Lands & Operations), Geog. 482 (GIS Programming and Customization). Pedagogical research was conducted for Geog. 486/686 (GIS and GPS Applications in Forestry Management) and Geog. 488/688 (Mobile GIS Techniques), and Geog. 487/687 (GIS Web Server Applications & Administration). (4) GIS Center Business Plan was revised and improved through several meetings with UWSP administration. Goal is to achieve financial self-sustainability in the sixth year of operation. (5) GIS Education Specialist was certified as an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Authorized Instructor. He taught two ESRI workshops ArcGIS Desktop 1 and Building Geodatabases. He also taught specialized workshops developed at the GIS Center - Fundamentals of GIS and GIS for Farmland Preservation. (6) GIS Center faculty and staff taught eleven different GIS courses with a total of 40 sections that provided introductory and advanced GIS education to over 500 students. (7) Every GIS Center course had special sections offered through Continuing Education to provide greater class access to professionals. (8) Negotiations were initiated to collaborate with Nicolet College (WI) in the transfer of Associate Degree students to UWSP. (9) Assisted in deliberations with the WI DPI for implementation of an ESRI software grant to K-12 Wisconsin schools. (10) Delivered and assisted in several educational workshops for K-12 and UWSP students. (11) Completed two grants (Grindstone Lake, Targeting Working Lands), and initiated work on three previously awarded grants (Marshfield Clinic, WIST Sustainability, SeaGrant (aquaculture)). (12) Represented the GIS Center through multiple venues, such as at the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council (WiGICC), North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS), Wisconsin Association of Lakes, and Northwest Lakes Forum. (13) Initiated revision and updating of Center web page through re-design of format, structure and interface web site, including improving the marketing of the certificate program. (14) Mentored and sponsored several interns through GIS Center activities and undergraduate research projects. (15) Continued nurturing partnerships within the Wisconsin community and UWSP campus, including United Way and Portage County government. (16) Developed a Mission Statement and Vision for the Center. PARTICIPANTS: (INDIVIDUALS) Dr. Keith Rice (Project PI and Center Director) is a Professor of Geography. He and Mr. Miskowiak developed and implemented the GIS certificate program at UWSP. He is conducting GIS education-based research, long-term project planning, business sustainability planning, GIS curriculum planning, developing GIS training materials and new GIS-related coursework. Mr. Douglas Miskowiak (GIS Education Specialist) continues his responsibilities to: 1) develop, implement, and maintain the GIS Certificate Programs, 2) teach introductory GIS certificate courses and professional workshops, 3) coordinate GIS Center program activities, scheduling, student mentoring, and administration, and 4) provide outreach and research expertise to solving GIS applied research problems. Mr. Eugene Martin (Visiting Assistant GIS Professor) responsibilities include participation in the implementation of the certificate program, administrative functions of the Center, as well as teaching a sequence of GIS courses to both conventional and non-traditional UWSP students. He is also involved in applied GIS research activities. Mr. Jon Galloy and Mr. Michael Broton (GIS Student Interns) have worked to provide project support for various research activities and general administrative support for the GIS Center. (ORGANIZATIONS and COLLABORATORS and CONTACTS) The following partner organizations worked in collaboration with the GIS Center during the project period: 1) The Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust continues to partner with the GIS Center on activities related to the Moose Lake Legacy Initiative. The GIS Center is providing technical support helping the trust validate their conservation choices with GIS modeling. 2) The Grindstone Lake Association is partnering to conduct citizen GIS inventories and assessments of the shoreline. Information gleaned is intended to help inform lake management decisions. 3) Dr. Chris Hartleb, UWSP Biology Department is partnering to examine the characteristics of successful and failing aquaculture operations in Wisconsin. 4) The Marshfield Clinic is working with GIS Center to examine the location characteristics associated with late stage breast cancer. 5) Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) awarded a grant to the GIS Center to develop a campus model for individual student carbon footprints as well as develop consumer technology for monitoring transportation use. TARGET AUDIENCES: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP GIS Center. 1) UWSP Undergraduates. GIS coursework has been delivered to over 400 UWSP college undergraduate students and dozens of graduate students. 2) GIS Professionals. GIS professionals have attended workshops, presentations, and the GIS Center tradeshow booth generated awareness of GIS Center programs and services. GIS classes and educational assistance are intended to increase workflow productivity. GIS Center education and awareness building efforts have reached hundreds of Wisconsin GIS professionals during the reporting period. The GIS Center maintains membership with the Wisconsin Land Information Association and the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordinating Council (WiGICC) in order to continue generating awareness and disseminating education among GIS professionals. 3) Community members. A variety of presentations and open house activities have been offered by the GIS Center to reach out to community members. Workshops were offered to regional high school students that illustrate the utility of GIS for multiple disciplines. Center staff has met with community organizations to discuss mission appropriate GIS applications. This has often led to focused GIS projects that have produced various analyses and maps in the solution of a geographic-based problem (e.g. what geographic patterns exist in donor contributions) PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The GIS Center has implemented seven different GIS certificate tracks that provide both traditional students and current professionals with an opportunity to enhance their GIS knowledge and skills. This certificate program, in conjunction, with the GIS Spatial Analysis minor provides for multiple avenues for GIS education. In the past year besides the 500 students who completed a GIS course, there were 59 students in the GIS & Spatial Analysis minor and seven students in the certificate program (starting in Spring, 2011). Most of the certificate students were enrolled in the standard GIS track with two students enrolled in specialized tracks (Cartography and Forestry). As more specialized GIS courses are taught (e.g. Geog. 486) it is anticipated that more students will be interested in the focal certificate tracks. Dozens of high school students and Wisconsin citizens also participated in the GIS workshops given by the GIS Education Specialist. The Center has also broadened its course offerings through UWSP Continuing Education in order to provide more opportunities for non-traditional students as well delivering more on-line courses (using a new server system). Additionally, GIS certificate program promotional materials have been re-defined through a new brochure and re-structuring of the GIS Center web site. Center educational outreach programs have made a significant impact on community groups using GIS. County governments (e.g. Rock County) and citizen lake groups (e.g. Grindstone Lake) have adopted GIS approaches to studying land management problems. The NIFA-USDA Review Team even stated last year in its report that "in the longer term evolution of the GIS Center, its outreach activities" will likely have the biggest impact and provide the greatest achievement (pg. 10). Educational outreach through the Center continues to develop partnership and collaborative relationships with various community organizations including Marshfield Clinic, the United Way, CAP Services, Inc., Moose Lake Association, Grindstone Lake Association, Portage County Historical Society, Stevens Point Chamber of Commerce, WiGICC, WLIA, Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technologies, UW-Extension and Nicolet College. The Center is also continuing to implement recommendations that the NIFA-USDA Review Team made in 2010. The Mission and Vision statement was completed in conjunction with the L&S College office, as well as defining clearer roles for GIS Center faculty and staff in trying to achieve a recommendation of teaching, research and outreach activities. The Center has also continued to employ interns that have been an integral component in completing projects as well as providing a communication conduit with grant and community partners. In the next year, the Center will make increased use of interns in executing applied research projects.
Publications
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. Ventura, Stephen J. Niemann, Bernard J. (2011). Chapter 19 Through the Gates: Innovation and Adoption in Two Counties. In Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds.), Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
- Niemann, Bernard J. Miskowiak, Douglas A. et al. (2011). Chapter 20 Imagining the Future. In Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds.), Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
- Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds). (2011). Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. Ventura, Stephen J. (2011). Chapter 15 Planning Analyst Module 2: Analyze Putting Spatial Data into Action. In Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds.), Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
- Miskowiak, Douglas. 2011. Citizen Assessment of Critical Habitats and Priority Shorelines 2010: Final Report. GIS Center, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. October, 2011.
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. Niemann, Bernard J. (2011). Chapter 11 Defining Planning Questions and Functionality. In Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds.), Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. Ventura, Stephen J. Niemann, Bernard J. (2011). Chapter 18 Lessons Learned: Did Better Tools Yield Better Results In Niemann, Bernard J. Moyer, D. David. Ventura, Stephen J. Chenoweth, Richard E. Miskowiak, Douglas A. (Eds.), Citizen Planners: Shaping Communities with Spatial Tools. ESRI Press. Redlands, CA.
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Progress 08/15/09 to 08/14/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The three main goals of the grant were advanced through the following "Year 2" activities, services, events, and products. (1) Formally established the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate program. This involved administrative approval through the UWSP Geography/Geology Department, two levels of UWSP Curriculum Committee and final sanction by the Faculty Senate and Provost. (2) Seven GIS Certificate Program tracks were authorized by UWSP faculty and administration: GIS Professional Certificate, and GIS Focal Certificates in Cartography, Urban and Regional Planning, Programming and Web Development, Environmental Management, and Emergency Management. (3) In support of the GIS Certificate program, eight new GIS courses were approved by the UWSP Geography/Geology Department, two levels of UWSP Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Senate: Geog. 471/671 (GIS Applications in Sustainability), Geog. 472/672 (GIS Environmental Modeling and Management Techniques), Geog. 473/673 (GIS Applications for Managing Working Lands and Operations), Geog. 483/683 (GIS Applications in Emergency Management, Geog. 484/684 (GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning), Geog. 486/686 (GIS and GPS Applications in Forestry Management), Geog. 487/687 (GIS Web Server Applications and Administration), and Geog. 488/688 (Mobile GIS Techniques). (4) Developed a business plan, through negotiations with UWSP administrators, so that the Center will achieve financial sustainability after the end of the USDA grant. (5) Negotiated credit and non-credit fee structure for GIS Center courses that will be offered through UWSP Continuing Education. (6) GIS Education Specialist completed required coursework to become an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Authorized Instructor. Training workshops have been authorized by ESRI for delivery of ArcDesktop 1 and Building Geodatabases courses. (7) GIS Center faculty and staff taught eight different GIS courses with a total of 23 sections that provided introductory and advanced GIS education to over 500 students. (8) Successfully completed a USDA sponsored review of the GIS Education and Research Center grant (07/21/2010). (9) Developed and submitted six different GIS related grants. Four out of six were funded for: undergraduate research (UWSP), applied community-based GIS investigations (Department of Natural Resources), medical geography research (Marshfield Clinic), and aquaculture (SeaGrant). (10) Marketed the GIS Certificate program through promotional brochures and web page re-design. (11) Initiated development of Web2.0 technologies for several on-going GIS community applied research endeavors. (12) Represented the GIS Center through multiple venues, such as at the Wisconsin Land Information Association and the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council. (13) Mentored and sponsored several interns through GIS Center activities and undergraduate research projects. (14) Nurtured partnerships within the Wisconsin GIS community and local community and UWSP campus, including UW-Extension and Portage County Business Council. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS Dr. Keith Rice (Project PI) is Director of the GIS Center and Professor of Geography. He and Mr. Miskowiak developed and implemented the initial certificate programs. He is conducting GIS education-based research, long-term project planning, business sustainability planning, developing GIS training materials and new UWSP GIS-related coursework. Mr. Douglas Miskowiak (GIS Education Specialist) continues his responsibilities to: 1) develop, implement, and maintain the GIS Certificate Programs, 2) teach introductory GIS certificate courses and professional workshops, 3) coordinate GIS Center program activities, scheduling, student mentoring, and administration, and 4) provide outreach and research expertise to solving GIS applied research problems. Mr. Gene Martin (Visiting Assistant GIS Professor) responsibilities include helping with the certificate programs and administrative functions of the GIS Center, as well as teaching a sequence of GIS courses to both conventional and non-traditional UWSP students. He is also involved in applied GIS research activities. Mr. Jon Galloy and Ms. Corinna Neeb (GIS Student Interns) have worked to provide project support for various research activities and general administrative support for the GIS Center. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS and COLLABORATORS and CONTACTS The following partner organizations worked in collaboration with the GIS Center during the project period: 1) The Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust continues to partner with the GIS Center on activities related to the Moose Lake Legacy Initiative. The GIS Center is providing technical support helping the trust validate their conservation choices with GIS modeling. 2) The Grindstone Lake Association is partnering to conduct citizen GIS inventories and assessments of the shoreline. Information gleaned is intended to help inform lake management decisions. 3) Dr. Chris Hartleb, UWSP Biology Department is partnering to examine the characteristics of successful and failing aquaculture operations in Wisconsin. 4) The Marshfield Clinic is working with GIS Center to examine the location characteristics associated with late stage breast cancer. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP GIS Center. 1) UWSP Undergraduates. GIS coursework has been delivered to over 260 UWSP college undergraduate students and dozens of graduate students. 2) GIS Professionals. GIS professionals have attended workshops, presentations, and the GIS Center tradeshow booth that generated awareness of GIS Center programs and services. GIS applications education are intended to increase workflow productivity. GIS Center education and awareness building efforts have reached hundreds of Wisconsin GIS professionals during the reporting period. The GIS Center maintains business membership with the Wisconsin Land Information Association to continue generating awareness and disseminating education among GIS professionals. 3) Community members. A variety of presentations and open house activities have been offered by the GIS Center to reach out to community members. Workshops were offered to regional high-school students that illustrate the utility of GIS for multiple disciplines. GIS Center staff have met with community organizations such as the Portage County Historical Society, Portage County Business Council, and CAP Services, Inc. to discuss mission appropriate GIS applications. As a result the Portage County Business Council has integrated GIS services into their website. Portage County Historical Society is integrating GIS services with mapping historical barns located in Portage County. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The objectives and goals of the UWSP GIS Center have not changed, but there were capital equipment purchases made this year that had been originally budgeted in year one. This was noted in the previous report. Some budget supply expenditures for year two were delayed until year three due to changes in curriculum needs.
Impacts
The UWSP GIS Center has now established seven different GIS certificate tracks that provide both traditional students and current professionals with an opportunity to enhance their GIS knowledge and skills. This certificate program, in conjunction, with the GIS Spatial Analysis minor provides for multiple avenues for GIS education. In the past year over 500 students participated in GIS classes that are part of the minor and certificate program, as well as dozens of high school students and Wisconsin citizens involved in GIS workshops. As stated in the NIFA-USDA Review (pg. 7), "instruction in GIS concepts and technologies will continue to add value to teaching of other disciplines across campus [UWSP],and enhance research capabilities of many campus programs and entities." The GIS Certificate program has also been marketed through special promotional brochures describing GIS Center programs, courses, facilities, instructors, and research (over 500 recipients were sent the brochure). Educational outreach through the Center has also been highly successful in nurturing partnerships among GIS professions, local and state community members and UWSP campus. Notable partnerships include: Marshfield Clinic, Portage County Business Council, CAP Services, Inc., Wisconsin Land Information Association, University of Wisconsin-Extension, College of Natural Resources, Biology Department, Portage County Historical Society, Grindstone Lake Association, and the Portage County Land Information Office. Furthermore the Center spearheaded citizen participation in the Moose Lake Legacy Initiative to help with conservation easement assessment, helped La Crosse County with agricultural conservation easement, and aided Calumet County in submitting a Farmland Preservation Plan to the state of Wisconsin. The NIFA-USDA Review Team also pointed out that the Center's "outreach activities may turn out to be its most noteworthy accomplishments [in the future]," and that the "Center should heavily leverage and establish partnerships" (pp. 9-10). Center personnel have also been highly successful with partners in grant acquisition, including a two hundred thousand dollar grant with Biology faculty for a GIS aquaculture study. The Center has also employed several interns that have been essential in communication with the partners as well as conducting undergraduate research projects. One intern was recently hired in Emergency Management due to her GIS skills acquired through the Center.
Publications
- Miskowiak, Douglas. 2010. Moose Lake Legacy Initiative: Final Report. GIS Center, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. April 2010.
- Miskowiak, Douglas. 2009. Targeting Working Lands and Operations Pilot Project. Findings and Recommendations Report for La Crosse County, Wisconsin. GIS Center, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. May 2009.
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Progress 08/15/08 to 08/14/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The three fundamental objectives of the grant were advanced through the following activities, events, services, and products: (1) Established and formally opened the GIS Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP); (2) Hired two critical GIS Center staff: a GIS Educational Specialist and a Visiting Assistant GIS Professor; (3) Hired a half-time GIS student intern; (4) Investigated the design and structure of all major Geographic Information Systems or Science (GIS) certificate programs existing in the United States (comparative Access database was developed for all upper Midwest states) and based upon the results and target audiences customized the UWSP GIS Center Certificate program; (5) Initiated the development and implementation of a six-tiered GIS Certificate program; (6) Educational Specialist began curriculum redesign training for preparing hybrid and on-line GIS certificate courses; (7) The GIS Educational Specialist and the Project P.I. taught four different GIS courses (eight sections) that are part of the GIS Certificate curriculum program; (8) The P.I. taught a new advanced course in GIS programming and customization; (9) The Education Specialist revamped and delivered the foundational GIS Certificate course (i.e. Fundamentals of GIS); (10) Delivered six professional GIS conference papers to both state and national organizations; (11) Initiated production of the GIS Center's website in conjunction with UWSP Web Media Design Services; (12) Provided GIS educational and technological assistance to several local government agencies (e.g. Wisconsin airport administrators, City of Stevens Point Fire Department, Portage County Planning & Zoning Department); (13) Provided GIS technological assistance to state non-profit organizations, that included a study on the cultural arts economy of Madison, WI; (14) Instructed local citizens and prospective college students on the use of GIS and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) technology through various on and off campus activities (e.g. geo-caching exercise); (15) Delivered six customized educational GIS presentations to government and citizen groups across the state of Wisconsin. Several involved instruction for citizen groups and state government officials in the use of GIS for solving land issue problems (e.g. Targeting Working Lands and Operations Pilot Project, Moose Lake (WI) Legacy Initiative); (16) Presented three specialized GIS workshops to traditional students, community members, and state GIS professionals, which included instruction to Native American students at Lac Courte Oreielles Ojibwa Community College. PARTICIPANTS: The following individuals provided service to the GIS Center. Dr. Keith Rice (Project PI) is Director of the GIS Center and Professor of Geography. He is developing and implementing the initial certificate programs, conducting GIS education-based research, developing GIS training materials and new UWSP GIS-related coursework. Mr. Douglas Miskowiak (GIS Education Specialist) started work at the GIS Center in January 2009. His responsibilities include: (1) the development, implementation, and maintenance of the new GIS Professional Certificate program, (2) teaching the introductory GIS Center certificate course and professional workshops, (3) providing GIS Center program coordination, scheduling and administration, and (4) providing research expertise to solving GIS applied research problems. Mr. Gene Martin (Visiting Assistant GIS Professor) was hired in the Spring, 2009 and started work in late August, 2009. His responsibilities include helping with the certificate programs and administrative functions of the GIS Center, as well as teaching a sequence of GIS courses to both conventional and non-traditional UWSP students. He is also involved in applied GIS research activities. Ms. Corinna Neeb (GIS Student Intern) has worked as an intern since Spring term, 2009. Her responsibilities include assisting Mr. Miskowiak as an educational assistant during seminars and workshops, and conducting GIS analytical research for professionals and community citizen groups. The following partner organizations worked in collaboration with the GIS Center during the project period. (1) The Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust received educational and technical GIS services from the GIS Center in regard to the Moose Lake Legacy Initiative. (2) Calumet County (Board, Land and Water Conservation Department, and Planning, Zoning and Land Information Department) partnered with the Center on the Targeting Working Lands Pilot Project using GIS to evaluate agricultural working lands. (3) La Crosse County (Board and Planning, Zoning, and Land Information Department) partnered with the Center on the Targeting Working Lands Pilot Project using GIS evaluate agricultural working lands. (4) The University of Wisconsin Extension partnered with the Center on the Targeting Working Lands Pilot Project to develop educational protocols for using GIS to evaluate agricultural working lands. (5) The Lac Courte Orelles Ojibwe Community College engaged with the Center to provide training facilities for conducting GIS Center workshops. In regard to training and professional development, the following venues were provided or attended. The GIS Center has provided training and professional development through UWSP GIS coursework (i.e. Geography 279, 377/577, 379/579, 476/676, 479/679, 482/682). Additionally, the GIS Center has provided educational workshops and presentations to various audiences statewide and nationally. GIS Center staff have participated in the ESRI Authorized Training Program. After completing ESRI coursework, Douglas Miskowiak will be authorized to teach specified ESRI software courses from the GIS Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: The following target audiences had a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions as a result of interaction with the UWSP, GIS Center. (1) UWSP Undergraduates. During the first project year, GIS coursework at the University has been delivered to over 150 UWSP undergraduate students and dozens of graduate students interested in applying GIS. (2) GIS Professionals. A workshop was delivered to GIS professionals at the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA) that desired continuing education in a particular subject. The WLIA workshop served as litmus test for offering workshops to this target audience. Paper presentations have been used, not only to distribute research findings, but to develop recognition between this target audience and the GIS Center. Participation on the Wisconsin Land Information Association Board of Directors has also helped to develop recognition of the GIS Center and GIS professionals in Wisconsin. (3) Community Members. A variety of paper presentations and open house events have been employed to develop awareness of the GIS Center by this target audience. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Although the objectives and intent of the project have not changed, there were capital equipment (GPS receivers) and supplies (student workstation computers) that were originally budgeted for the first project year but were not purchased until the second budget year. This delay in equipment purchasing was due to logistical and scheduling problems that were eventually resolved.
Impacts
The establishment of the UWSP GIS Center has provided new educational opportunities to traditional students, GIS professionals and interested citizens within the state of Wisconsin. These include the introduction of new intermediate and advanced GIS courses into the normal university curriculum, the opportunity to partake in specialized GIS workshops, and the ability to take GIS courses that will lead to a GIS professional certificate. During the first year of the project, over 150 UWSP students took GIS related courses, at least 50 children and teenagers were involved in a GIS-GPS workshop and two hundred community professionals and citizens developed GIS land management skills through GIS Center sponsored seminars and workshops. For instance, Calumet and LaCrosse (WI) planners have now acquired the knowledge and technical skills to evaluate and target "working lands," while citizens of Moose Lake (WI) were empowered to engage in scientific inventory of shorelines using GIS technology. These advancements have been implemented through the hiring of GIS Center personnel, specialized GIS training of GIS Center staff, curriculum modernization, new course development, certificate development and initiation, and providing educational assistance to multiple private and government organizations. Furthermore, the use of multiple public ventures (i.e. workshops and presentations) has fostered awareness of the GIS Center's Certificate program and its instructional services. As a result, both public and private entities are attentive of the capabilities of the GIS Center. Employers and potential clients, such as Aero-Metric, Applied Data Consultants and St. Michael's Hospital have been in contact to employ GIS Center students and graduates and investigate educational collaborative ventures.
Publications
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. (2009). Targeting Working Lands and Operations Pilot Project: Findings and Recommendations Report for Calumet County, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, GIS Center. (Accepted).
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. (2009). Targeting Working Lands and Operations Pilot Project: Findings and Recommendations Report for La Crosse County, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, GIS Center. (Accepted).
- Miskowiak, Douglas A. (2009). Moose Lake Legacy Initiative: Final Report. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, GIS Center. (Pending).
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