A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful combination of mapping technology and databases, that, when combined, may create an array of spatially arranged data on a map surface for detailed analysis.  Once the domain of a few specialized government agencies and the military, GIS is now utilized by virtually every branch of the government and has become commonplace throughout the private sector.  A GIS may be employed for a stunning variety of applications: environmental, marketing, demographic and urban planning are just a few of the fields in which GIS is currently utilized.  The combination of evolving technologies and applications in GIS, coupled with its tremendous expansion into both the public and private sector, has created a chronic shortage of individuals at both the state and national level who are in possession of solid GIS credentials and training.  Entry-level pay as a qualified GIS technician is modest (and varies from region to region) but with the profound shortage of qualified personnel there is tremendous potential for salary advancement. 

All Bluegrass Community and Technical College faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend and browse the map gallery.  You are encouraged to vote for your favorite map at the kiosk.  Students enrolled in the GIS Certificate Program will also be on hand to demonstrate the use (weather permitting) of Trimble GeoXM^® Global Positioning Equipment (GPS).

The following students will have their maps featured in the gallery.

	Matt Acra is an Environmental Science Technology major at BCTC.  His project examines the impacts of a major earthquake in the New Madrid Fault Zone.
	Jason Akhtarekhavari earned his B.A. in History from the University of Kentucky in 2004.  His project examines minority mortgage lending trends throughout Fayette County.
	Andrew Brice is an Environmental Science Technology major at BCTC.  His project examines the impact of a Category 4 hurricane making a direct hit upon the New Orleans metropolitan area
	Jim Calhoun is an Environmental Science Technology major at BCTC.  His project explores the impacts of population growth into wetlands in New Jersey.
	Kyle Davenport is an Environmental Science Technology major at BCTC.  His project examines trends in deer harvested during the hunting seasons of 2000, 2003 and 2006.
	Paul Halbert is an Environmental Science Technology major at BCTC.  He has constructed a comprehensive examination of the watershed of the state of Kentucky
	Michelle Smith is pursuing her B.A. in Geography at UK.  Her project examines trends in breast cancer rates in Kentucky, Ohio and North Dakota.

Website created November 8, 2007