The Power and Synergy of Imagery and GIS

Russell G. Congalton

Black-and-white analog aerial photo of University of New Hampshire campus; Courtesy: Eastern Topographics, Wolfboro, NH
This photo is a black and white, analog aerial photograph of the University of New Hampshire campus taken on April 14, 2014. Courtesy Eastern Topographics, Wolfboro, NH

In the beginning there was the aerial photograph. Initially, only in black and white, but soon along came color to really brighten things up. So much information could be gleaned from these photographs without having to travel to sites yourself.  Not only could a viewer tell what the current conditions of the area were, but they could compare the area  to previous photos and see what changed. Then color infrared film was invented, giving us the ability to see in a wavelength of electromagnetic energy beyond what our eyes could see. The possibilities were endless. Applications included urban planning, crop monitoring, forest characterization, water quality analysis, and disaster relief among many others.

While photographs taken with film were very powerful, images acquired digitally using a sensor system or a camera were even more so. Satellites were launched that imaged the earth repeatedly and regularly. Initially, these images did not have the same amount of detail (spatial resolution) as the analog photographs, but that quickly changed, and today film is all but obsolete. In addition, these digital sensors have the ability to record in wavelengths beyond what our eyes can see including near infrared, middle infrared, and thermal.

 

This figure demonstrates one of the powerful abilities of a GIS to overlay various data layers (many generated from remote sensing) to ask questions such as the optimal place to put in a new parking lot on the University of New Hampshire campus. Courtesy Russell G. Congalton
This figure demonstrates one of the powerful abilities of a GIS to overlay various data layers (many generated from remote sensing) to ask questions such as the optimal place to put in a new parking lot on the University of New Hampshire campus. Courtesy Russell G. Congalton

Having a steady source of information generated from remotely sensed imagery about our planet is invaluable. However, could this information be improved? The answer is yes; through geographic information systems (GIS). A GIS allows the user to put together various sources of information by layering the data layers on top of each other to tease out even more information and help in the decision-making process. For example, a university planner may want to determine the best place to build a new campus parking lot. They might download a general land cover/vegetation map (National Land Cover Data from the USGS) that was created from Landsat imagery. Then they might obtain a slope and aspect data layer (also from the USGS generated from remotely sensed imagery). A map of soil types (especially hydric or wetland soils) could be gotten from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (this information was also generated from remote sensing). Finally, the university probably already has a detailed campus map with building footprints and other infrastructure (utilities, pipelines, roads, etc.). An analyst could then use a GIS overlay all these various data sets on top of each other to determine the best candidate locations to build the new parking lot. The decision-makers could specify the criteria they want for the new parking lot. For example, they could say that they want the lot placed on relatively flat land, within 10 minutes walking distance of the central campus, near a central access road, not on a wetland, and where no forest land needed to be disturbed. The GIS could perform this analysis digitally and provide potential locations that meet these criteria. The decision-makers could, if they chose, revise their criteria and quickly get a different set of potential locations.

Clearly, GIS is a powerful tool that has become ubiquitous in our society. Farmers, business developers, politicians, law enforcement, natural resource managers, emergency management agencies, real estate agents, community planners and almost everyone else either uses a GIS or the information generated from one. However, it is important to not lose sight of the source of the vast majority of information input into the GIS. Imagery/remote sensing is the source of many of our GIS data layers. Therefore, a GIS analyst should be aware of the basics of remote sensing so that they not only have an appreciation of how the layers are created, but also so that some evaluation of data quality or accuracy is possible. There is an old adage that is appropriate here; garbage in means garbage out (GIGO). If the GIS user is either unaware of how the data they are using has been created or is using that data in an incorrect/inappropriate manner, then the decisions made with that data could be seriously flawed.

The synergy between imagery/remote sensing and GIS is obvious and undeniable. GIS is highly dependent on having timely and accurate data layers (most generated from remote sensing) to produce effective decisions. The GIS analyst is responsible for choosing the most accurate and appropriate data layers to conduct their analysis and solve their problem. The more informed they are about how remote sensing/imagery were used to create the data layers, the better the decisions made with that data.

 

This graphic at left shows an image acquired by an Unpiloted Aerial System (UAS) that is part of an ongoing research study to evaluate the health of different varieties of corn planted on the University of New Hampshire farms. The BMR (Brown Mid Rim) corn produces more biomass for feeding cows, but is more susceptible to disease. The initial results of the study demonstrated our ability to identify BMR corn vs. other varieties. The image at right Coutesy Russell G. Congalton
This graphic shows an image acquired by an Unpiloted Aerial System (UAS) that is part of an ongoing research study to evaluate the health of different varieties of corn planted on the University of New Hampshire farms. The BMR (Brown Mid Rim) corn produces more biomass for feeding cows, but is more susceptible to disease. The initial results of the study demonstrated our ability to identify BMR corn vs. other varieties. Coutesy Russell G. Congalton

Analog remote sensing (aerial photography) since the 1950s, digital imagery and analysis since the 1970s, and GIS since the mid 1980s have developed and improved over time. Since the turn of the last century, these tools have exploded in their usefulness and capabilities.

The number of countries and private companies collecting and distributing remotely sensed imagery has grown exponentially with increased spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolution such that imagery almost anywhere on our planet is readily available at almost any time. Computers have improved and software has been developed for not only processing the remotely sensed imagery, but also for conducting more effective and efficient geospatial analysis. The future looks very bright with the recent progress in artificial intelligence and deep learning that will enable us to generate better information from the remotely sensed imagery which can then be used in GIS to more efficiently and effectively investigate and understand our modern-day problems and issues. Therefore, it is time for the enlightened geospatial analyst to not only be knowledgeable about geographic information systems and science, but to know at least the basics of imagery and the science of remote sensing.

There are many ways for you to accept this challenge and learn the basics or more about remote sensing. It is fine to start slowly and find some introductory tutorials on such sources as youtube.com, americaview.org, usgs.gov, esri.com, or just type “remote sensing” into your favorite search engine. Once you get going, there are also short courses, workshops, and other lectures that you can sign up to take and books that you can purchase that can teach you more. Finally, there are courses and even certificates and degrees offered at many colleges and universities around the world. The time is now to make use of the synergies between remote sensing and GIS and the geospatial analyst of the future will have skills and knowledge of both!

Russell G. Congalton is associate chair and professor of Remote Sensing and GIS in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire. He has over 40 years of teaching and research experience, first at the University of California, Berkeley and now at UNH. He teaches numerous courses in geospatial analysis and has authored or coauthored more than 120 peer-reviewed papers, more than 120 conference proceedings, and fifteen book chapters. He is the co-editor of Quantifying Spatial Uncertainty in Natural Resources: Theory and Applications for GIS and Remote Sensing, and co-author of five books, including Assessing the Accuracy of Remotely Sensed Data: Principles and Practices (1st, 2nd, and 3rd editions, CRC Press); and Imagery and GIS: Best Practices for Extracting Information from Imagery (Esri 2017). Among his many honors, he was elected a Fellow in 2007 and an Honorary Member/Lifetime Achievement in 2016 of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by AmericaView in 2022 and the Pecora Award by the USGS and NASA in 2023.

Featured Articles is a special section of the AAG Newsletter where AAG sponsors highlight recent programs and activities of significance to geographers and members of the AAG. To sponsor the AAG and submit an article, please contact meeting@aag.org.

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Tips on Future-Proofing Your GIS Career

Illustration of a group of red and white circles containing location arrows; Credit: Al Amin Shamim, Unsplash
Credit: Al Amin Shamim, Unsplash

By Rosemary Boone, Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN)

As GIS evolves toward web-based applications, the skills required for a successful GIS career are also changing. This article provides advice on how to future-proof your GIS career by continuing your skill development and through community engagement, mentoring, networking, and attendance at conferences. You’ll receive crucial resources you can leverage to become more connected to various GIS community groups and build your own online presence and reputation.

What does it mean to be a GIS professional of the future? This is a valid question, as the world of GIS is constantly evolving. As GIS moves more toward being web-based, the skills needed to be a marketable GIS professional are changing too.

As a Senior Industry Marketing Manager at Esri, and an Advisory Board member for the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN), I was recently inspired by an Esri YPN webinar, titled Future-Proofing Your GIS Career: Essential Skills and Training for Success, to compile five important tips for future-proofing your GIS career.

1) Stay Connected after You’ve Graduated

Preparing for your future takes a variety of forms and formats. You can build skills with online courses, apply for a certificate in a specialized area, or present at a conference. An important part of your professional development is connecting with, learning from, and sharing with your peers and community groups

Here are ways to include connections and networking in your career development:

Get Involved in GIS Communities

Connect with community groups or networks such as Esri YPN, Women+ in Geospatial, local user groups, associations like URISAAAGWomen in GIS, and USGIF.

LinkedIn is an excellent platform to stay engaged. You can follow industry experts and learn from the content they create. Start with joining the Esri YPN LinkedIn Group.

If you are a GIS user, Esri Community is one of the largest online GIS communities and is a place to read blogs, ask technical questions, connect with users of GIS technology, submit ideas, and set up RSS feeds. Many Esri products, services, and groups have their own Esri Community space and blog.

Become a Mentor

The best way to grow is to teach someone else. Mentoring, whether formally through a program or informally as a colleague, can help not only the people you mentor to learn, but you as well. Find out if you are eligible to mentor in your department, or get connected with an organization with mentoring programs, such as The URISA Mentor Network, which takes applications throughout the year for both mentors and mentees.

Ethnically Diverse Geospatial Engagement (EDGE) came out with a Beginners Guide to Mentorship with EDGE. Women+ in Geospatial has a  mentor program that also reaches an international group. AAG members also can get access to a list of mentors that you can get connected with. (Email Mark Revell to learn more).

You can also browse through the YPN Mentorship space to read up on material and resources around the overall topic of mentorship.

Attend Conferences

Conference-going is a big way to grow your skills and network through attending presentations and workshops to learn about the latest technology trends. Many times, you will be introduced to a new concept or idea while at a conference to take back to your organization that could potentially result in a successful campaign or initiative. The contacts you make at conferences can be leveraged as a resource for future collaborations, troubleshooting, mentors, and potential colleagues.

Some conferences that may interest you include AAG’s Annual Meeting and check out Esri conferences.

2) Equip Yourself to Overcome Challenges

There will be a time where you lack confidence about learning something new when you begin your career. It happens to all and the best of us! Here are ways to approach that challenge when learning something new.

First, remind yourself, “everyone has been new at something once.”

Next, ask questions. It’s best to ask questions at the beginning to show you’re engaged and you’re thinking about the problem. If you feel nervous or confused about something that you might not have the skills to accomplish, know that asking questions is not considered a weakness.

Remember, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know”. Have the mindset to say, “I don’t know but I will figure it out” because chances are the resources are out there for you. When asking quality questions, you demonstrate a sincere thoughtfulness and a willingness to go deeper.

Last, don’t underestimate the knowledge that you do have. It’s important to sometimes take a step back to acknowledge how far you have come in GIS and learning ArcGIS. Imposter Syndrome is a real thing and can be easy to get caught up in.

3) Leverage Resources to Grow Your GIS Skills

There are many resources, both formal and informal, to help keep your GIS skills sharp:

4) Validate or Demonstrate Your GIS Skills

Showcase and validate your skills through programs such as the Esri Technical Certification Program and GIS Certification Institute. Achieving a certificate in GIS can elevate your professional standing and open doors to various career opportunities.

There are costs associated with each program. Esri Technical Certifications charges a fee for the exam, which is proctored online, allowing you to take it at home or in your office. GISCI charges for the exam and a portfolio submission, as well as small annual fees and recertification every three years.

Esri also offers free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) on various topics such as Spatial Data Science, Cartography, Imagery, Climate, and more. Each MOOC is six-weeks long and offers a certificate upon completion.

5) Build Your Presence and Reputation in the GIS Community

Sometimes, you just have to put yourself out there. There’s just no way around it no matter how uncomfortable it feels. This takes time, intention, motivation, and tenacity. (As I sit here and write this article, I too am putting myself out there!)

Here are some ways you can begin to build a presence and reputation of your own in the GIS community.

Become a YPN Ambassador

If you are just starting out as a GIS professional, the YPN Ambassador program could be a fit for you. YPN is designed to prompt you to network online and in person, developing professional communication skills and becoming an active participant in the GIS community. Complete the steps in becoming one of three ambassador types and earn your badge and certificate.

Participate in Mapping Challenges and Competitions

Virtual challenges, hackathons, and similar events are a fun way to attract attention and demonstrate your skills in geospatial technology. Some recommendations are:

Leverage Social Media to Boost Your GIS Career

Social media is a powerful tool for building an identity that aligns with your goals and values, enabling you to communicate and connect with the outside world, learn from others, cultivate creativity, and promote your work. By leveraging social media effectively, you can boost your reputation and visibility in the GIS community and establish yourself as an active participant.

Download this ebook, published in collaboration with the URISA Vanguard Cabinet and the Esri Young Professionals Network, to discover how to use social media to supercharge your career, leading to growth opportunities, meaningful connections, and collaboration prospects.

Join a Local YPN Chapter

Esri YPN has established seven chapters across the United States, each hosting two in-person meetups a year. Meetups revolve around networking, meeting industry experts, and learning the latest trends in GIS. Some meetups take place at an Esri regional office and vary in format such as geography trivia, demos, networking activities, and more. Join a chapter near you.

Find Guest Speaking Opportunities

Consider submitting a paper session or abstract to present at a conference. I took that advice and submitted a proposal for a lightening talk at the upcoming GIS-Pro conference.  To my amazement, I later received an acceptance email and will be traveling to present! Is this nerve-wracking and a bit uncomfortable for me? Yes! But I know that I will grow professionally as a result and meet people that will make me a stronger and more well-rounded professional.


Rosemary Boone is a Senior Industry Marketing Manager for Esri, concentrating on executing marketing strategies for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. She holds a master’s degree in education technology with an emphasis on multimedia. Prior to her career in marketing, she taught elementary school and taught overseas. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, exercise, and spend time with her two Dachshunds.

Featured Articles is a special section of the AAG Newsletter where AAG sponsors highlight recent programs and activities of significance to geographers and members of the AAG. To sponsor the AAG and submit an article, please contact Oscar Larson olarson [at] aag [dot] org.

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