USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) periodically offers workshops to the University and the general public. Past topics have included GPS data collection and post-processing using Trimble GeoXT GPS units, Basic Introduction to ArcGIS with a focus on acquiring and using census data, and an overview of GIS and GPS applications for forestry.

There are no workshops currently scheduled at the GIS Lab.

The USM Geographic Informations Systems (GIS) Staff is also able to customize workshops to fit your needs. Do you want to learn about online data resources? Open source software options? Contact the Lab Staff to discuss your ideas and to learn more.

If you would like to use USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Resources to host a GIS Workshop of your own design, contact the Director of USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make arrangements.

USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) understands that pooling expertise and resources can be mutually beneficial to everyone involved. Because of this, USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) currently partners with a few local organizations.

One of our partners is the Maine Department of Transportation (MEDOT). MEDOT is creating a statewide network of GPS basestations to be used for surveying control. USM hosts one of these basestations on the roof of the new residence hall on the Gorham campus. Once the network is up and running, both local surveyors and USM students, faculty, and staff will benefit from local access to high accuracy GPS-control.

 Another partner is the Town of Gorham. USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Gorham have been working together to map the Eastern Cemetery. This is a pilot project to define the process of translating the detailed paper records into a GIS database. Once defined for the Eastern Cemetery, the process may be repeated for the other cemeteries in Gorham. The project has provided valuable experience to many students and is of clear benefit to Gorham. The project is also listed under potential projects for workstudy students.

If you are interested in partnering with USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS), please contact the Director of USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has developed a series of modules for a variety of courses, designed to facilitate the incorporation of GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing technology and techniques into non-GIS courses. Modules typically last for one or two class lectures or lab sessions. Activities can take place at the GIS Lab, in other computer labs or classrooms, or in other locations on campus.

In the past, we have worked with professors in the following departments and programs: Political Science, Environmental Science, Geosciences, Geography and Anthropology, Honors, and Self-Designed Major.

Students have used GIS to investigate and analyze literacy rates and energy consumption per capita on a global scale, distribution of volcanoes and seismic hazards in the western United States, proposed routes for the Gorham bypass, and the spread of HIV/AIDS and avian influenza.

If you are a faculty or staff member who is interested in incorporating GIS into one of your courses, contact USM Geographic Information Systems (GIS). We will work with you to customize a module that fits your syllabus and course goals.