I want to do GIS when I grow up!! (Careers in GIS) J. Buck Ehler GIS Analyst/Cartographer Utah Geological Survey Geologic Mapping Program www.geology.utah.gov Board Member Utah Geographic Information Council GIS in Education www.gis.utah.gov/ugic

Your students can be a GIS’ers when they grow up They are more connected to geography and location than ever before. They are the most spatially aware kids EVER and more able to have a positive impact because of this. We need talented and smart people to make the maps of the future. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor stated that careers in Geospatial Technology are among the fastest growing in the nation. GIS careers is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. GIS jobs are expected to increase by 18-26% by 2016. This will create about 90,000 new jobs (source: www.careervoyages.gov) We are at the forefront of a Geospatial Revolution that is totally changing the way we think about the world and how we are using it.

The Geospatial Revolution Notes: Font: Arial, Size: 8, Text: Wrap

A few careers using GIS GIS analysts, scientists, and technicians Geographers (curtural and physical) Cartographers (The art of making maps) Surveyors and Mappers Photogrammetrist (Photography from planes) Remote Sensing Scientist Geologist Climatologist Urban and Regional Planners CIA agent/Spy State Department Oceanographer Travel Agent Many, many more IDAHO UTAH

What kind of schooling and skills are needed? Usually a bachelors degree in Geography or other related field 2 year technical and associate degree programs are becoming more common SLCC offers various courses and an associate degree in Geographic Information Science Technology Computer skills (most important) Map knowledge and interest Artistic eye Analytical skills Communication skills Specialized skills in a field where GIS is essential, like geology UnitSymbol = Kdcm UnitName = Dakota and Cedar Mountain Formations, undivided Age = Cretaceous

What are some of the benefits of a career in Geospatial Technology The average wage ranges from $25 to $38 per hour ($48,000- $72,960/yr). Because of the growing demand, this field is very secure. I love the creative aspects of my work. Not just the creation of a new map that thousands of eyes will see and use but also coming up with new methods and techniques to improve efficiency and the ascetics of my maps. I have a lot of freedom to do and create what I want.

First steps in becoming a GIS’er Spend lots of time outdoors and consider how things interact in space Get to know maps both paper and web/computer maps Make your own maps Use applications like Google Maps and Earth to make your own maps of things like: favorite places where they went on vacation holes and bumps in the sidewalks where pictures were taken anything you can think of Build computer skills you may be able to take care of some of these through concurrent enrollment Teachers can contact me, or most any other Geospatial Professional, for help or to answer questions 2005 rockfall path 2009 rockfall path

The GIS Community is here to help you spread the love Join us for an Educator Workshop in Moab at the UGIC Conference A beginning workshop to introduce educators to GIS concepts, using GPS, and preliminary ArcMap instruction. The $70 workshop fee is waived by UGIC if your class attended GIS Day last year Substitute teacher reimbursement grants are available from UGIC Thursday, April 22nd Bring your students to GIS Day this fall We’ll introduce your students to GIS and it’s uses Bus grants are available from UGIC, to reimburse the transportation costs to GIS Day Become acquainted with a GIS professional UGIC has a GIS mentoring program for teachers and classrooms http://gis.utah.gov/ugic-mentoring-program Contact Pat Lambrose or Theresa Wilson about the GMap workshop A real-world outdoor workshop using geospatial technology Held over UEA break at the rustic Rio Mesa center near Moab www.riomesa.utah.edu Receive 1 semester SUU or CACTUS credit for attending Pat Lambrose – pat.lambrose@slc.k12.ut.us Theresa Wilson – theresa@seschools.org

Contact information J. Buck Ehler GIS analyst/Cartographer Utah Geological Survey Geologic Mapping Program (801) 537-3343 buckehler@utah.gov