JPW's GIS Blog

This week's module was very interesting and showed me so much more about how to present information using maps. I especially liked the format of these instructions and the ease of working through the exercises. I hope to be able to use these newly learned tools and methods more in the future.  

I was looking forward to this weeks module as I have some experience using LiDAR as well as I am somewhat familiar with some forestry management practices. To be honest I felt overwhelmed before beginning when I read through the lab instructions. However, once I got started, I realized I was using each tool without much trouble and was overall pleased with my map outputs. I have to say the biggest struggle I found with this week's assignment had nothing to do with the work itself. I found it very difficult at times to get the features to load correctly, especially the .las file. Although it took some time, I think I learned some very useful tools to hopefully help me through the rest of this course and the program.   

Grid Overlay Kernal Density Local Moran's I Well, the kick off of this course did not come without its struggles. Between poor time management and being sick over the weekend I have had a difficult time getting through this assignment. I was a bit impressed with myself that I was able to recall various processing tools to use without the explicit instructions. Overall, I did not have too hard of a time producing my output maps. Some of the discussion questions in the process summary were a bit difficult as I am not a fan of crime related materials and I guess therefore, had a hard time knowing exactly what I was looking for especially when deciding the chose the Kernal Density method as the best to predict future crime rates. My final choice was made based on the higher density of the 2018 crimes that fell within the 2017 areas. That seems to tell me that rates have stayed high in those areas and are more likely to continue. I am looking forward to the wetland analysis and flooding...

My name is Jessica Williamson. I am from Louisiana and graduated with my BS in Wildlife and Fisheries with a concentration in Wetland Science and a minor in Oceanography and Coastal Studies from LSU in 2007. Currently I am a fisheries biologist for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. I work with the commercial fishing industry and seafood dealers who buy and sell Louisiana seafood. While I do enjoy my current job I have realized I would like to pursue a career in the field of GIS. I have a little previous background in GIS and enjoyed the experience I have had so far. My overall goal upon obtaining my GIS certification is to try to find a job in an area of coastal restoration/habitat management. As you can see in my photo, I have two young daughters (with a new baby on the way!) and would love to find a job I can work remotely so I can be there for them more than I am while working in an office setting. I hope GIS can merge my passions for family and coastal protection into...