GIS and Spatial Analysis
The primary artifact for the PRT 505 course was absolutely awesome! Our objective was to create a Story Map for the organization that where we are currently employed. This project allowed me to tell the story of 4-H in a unique and creative way that actually makes it come to life right before the audiences eyes. The Story Map project has been a great resource to use with audiences that are interested and curious about an organization and wants to learn and explore. Select the “Primary Artifact” button below to view the project for this course. A summary of the course and a reflection on the artifact is below as well.
Author: Lee Brimmage
Date: May 1, 2020
PRT 505 | Spring 2020
Eastern 4-H Center Summer Camp | Fishing & Crabbing
Summary
The GIS and Spatial Analysis course was one that I was extremely enthusiastic about taking during my tenure in the PRTM program. I have always had a huge interest in everything that involves computers and advanced technologies. This interest was a huge reason why I pursued a degree in Information and Computer Technology during my undergraduate studies. While some students may cringe or fear a class of this nature, I fully embrace it and was thrilled to see it as a core class for this degree program. Little did I know that it would be even more awesome than I could ever anticipate. I learned how to create Story Maps, something I have never even heard of or done before, and I also learned about the power of ArcGIS and how it can be utilized in a multitude of ways for organizations. This course also shed light on just how detailed well-constructed maps are and the essential elements needed on a map to effectively communicate it’s primary purpose. I also thoroughly enjoyed taking the ESRI web courses that further explained Spatial Analysis and how to use GIS to compile data and apply it to real-world situations. Before this course, I didn’t realize just how many resources as an NCSU student and employee that I have available at my fingertips! Dr. Jelena Vukomanovic is a phenomenal professor and was very helpful in thoroughly explaining how to best utilize ArcGIS and different ways to use maps as a resource to explain complex ideas. I enjoyed the pacing of this course, the hands-on assignments, the resources we explored, and seeing the awesome work of my fellow classmates!
Hyde County 4-H | Inshore Fishing Trip
Reflection
The PRT 505 course really opened my eyes up to the endless possibilities of using GIS and Spatial Analysis to solve problems and generate useful information. The Story Maps project was a homerun assignment in my opinion! It was a totally new concept to me and I thought that it was extremely effective in displaying information in the most effective and creative format possible. I really enjoyed learning how to create a Story Map for the organization that I currently work for, Hyde County 4-H, and sharing it with key stakeholders and potential donors. This project helped me to gain an additional resource to market my program and act as an introduction to the world of 4-H to potential customers. Our organization is always tasked with “telling the 4-H story” and this Story Map is literally one of the most clever ways to do just that while also allowing clients to consume it at their own pace.
One of the other resources that was extremely useful during this course was having access to and learning how to use ArcGIS! This is a very powerful tool to have in my proverbial “back pocket”. After completing the ESRI web courses I begin to plan and expand one of my most successful 4-H programs - Hyde -N- Seek Search and Rescue program. During this program, utilize various maps to help locate resources and evidence in regards to the search objectives. ArcGIS helped me to properly and accurately map out boundary lines on the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge property and create various quadrants for teams to navigate. We are even looking into possibly having the option for youth to take ESRI web courses and partnering with career professionals to discuss the power of ArcGIS and how it is utilized in real-world scenarios. Our Search and Rescue was a huge success and we are looking forward to expanding.
