A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based technology that allows users to create, map, manage, analyze, and manipulate any type of information that has a spatial component. The spatial characteristic may be an exact position on the ground, or it may be a reference to an address, zip code area, town, census block, or other geographic entity. Related technologies include GPS and Remote Sensing (RS).
GIS technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, urban development planning, Homeland Security, epidemiology (the branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health), transportation and logistics or emergency planning and response. For example, a GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or a GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution.
White Mountains Community College offers a comprehensive two year program of study. Students benefit from small class size and access to the complete line of ESRI software products. In their final semester, students complete a GIS project. Projects may be developed for local communities (students have completed projects for Littleton, Bethlehem, Dalton, and Milan) and state or federal agencies (such as USGS, USFS, or NH DRED), or may be self designed based on a student's area of interest.
For more information, please contact Peg Heaney:To find out more about GIS, career opportunities, our program of study, or our graduates, follow the links below.
What is GIS?
