What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS), also known as a geographical information system or geospatial information system, is any system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to Earth.
In the strictest sense, it is any information system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, sharing, and displaying geographically referenced information. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze the spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all these operations. Geographic information science is the science underlying the geographic concepts, applications and systems, taught in degree and GIS Certificate programs at many universities.
Geographic information system technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, environmental impact assessment, urban planning, cartography, criminology, history, sales, marketing, and logistics. For example, GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution, or GIS can be used by a company to site a new business to take advantage of a previously underserved market.
My GIS Experience
Since that time, I have worked with all of the desktop versions of GIS software from ESRI as well as the server software (ArcSDE, ArcIMS, ArcServer). I have also used MapInfo and other packages along the way.
At the City of Monterey as well as at Williamson County, I custom designed the GIS for the enterprise from the user interfaces (websites, ArcGIS, Crystal Reports, etc) to the backend servers and storage. I have done everything from creating custom ArcView/ArcMap tools to making GIS-enabled interactive maps from scratch.
The most significant GIS project that I have worked on has been with Williamson County, where I lead a team of County staff, and four different cities to implement an ArcGIS Server and ArcSDE based regional geodatabase that enabled replication of critical GIS data securely among 5 different entities.
 | GISPI am a Certified GIS Professional (GISP). The certification comes from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). To be a Certified GIS Professional, one must meet a criteria of experience, contributions to the profession, and education. Currently, there are just over 5,000 GISPs in the United States. More information is available at: www.gisci.org (search for my credentials here)
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