Graphic Data Demystified at TAMIU Nov. 17, 18

Through a presentation entitled "Demystifying GIS," the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be demonstrated at Texas A&M International University on Wednesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 126.

Dr. Kimberly Folse, associate professor and co-organizer of "Demystifying GIS," said faculty, students and the public at large are invited to the free presentations to learn how GIS can improve their research.

"GIS is a way of pictorially demonstrating data. It allows one to combine data visually, leading to a deeper understanding of the results. One simple example would be the red and blue states so familiar during the election. One could use GIS to demonstrate not just how each state was voting, but also include data on population density, creating a picture of the popular vote as well," explained Dr. Folse.

She said the two presentations would help TAMIU and community members connect their research interests with the power of GIS, clarify available resources, and demonstrate GIS through a sample project.

"GIS data is valuable for most fields of study. Crime frequency, population density, economic stratification; these are just some of the data that can be mapped. In essence, if your data is connected to a place, you can enhance your research with GIS," said Folse.

Chris Miller, reference and government documents librarian and co-organizer of the event, said he hoped the University community would increase its use of GIS in the future.

"The Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library is better-equipped and more committed to GIS than most institutions three, five or even seven times our size. Our GIS facilities, our Government Documents collections in-house and online, and the rest of our library resources, taken together, offer anybody in this community a great chance to either bolster an existing presentation with illustrative maps and graphics or do compelling original research. GIS is an agile and increasingly fashionable tool, and it's available here to anyone with even a passing interest," said Miller.

For more information about "Demystifying GIS" or GIS resources at TAMIU, please contact Dr. Kimberly Folse at 326.2621, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 427B or e-mail kfolse@tamiu.edu.

Also, contact Chris Miller at 326.2119, visit offices in the Killam Library, room 214A or e-mail cmiller@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.