Abstract
This research evaluates the current use of geographic information systems (GIS) by forestry program graduates employed in the United States who graduated from university in the past five years. The purpose was to understand what geospatial processes and databases are typically used by field foresters. A survey was designed and sent to recent forestry graduates from Mississippi State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Georgia, with 30% of those surveyed choosing to participate. The majority of forestry graduates surveyed use GIS at least once a week, and the most frequently employed tasks included editing tabular data, adjusting polygon boundaries, buffering and splitting polygons, and querying for spatial and tabular information. Very few overlay or advance spatial analysis tools were noted as used in regular work efforts. Most respondents use digital aerial photographs as reference, along with satellite images. LiDAR is increasingly being used by these foresters, but to a lesser extent. ArcMap and Google Earth were noted as the most commonly used software packages. Most foresters rely on an organization’s technical support staff for assistance. The study results can be used as a guide for academic programs in their efforts to provide timely and effective knowledge on geospatial topics to forestry undergraduate students.
Highlights
Geographic information systems (GIS) are a standard tool for assisting foresters with mapping and spatial analysis aspects of their jobs
Wing and Sessions found that of the ten forestry programs they surveyed, eight required a course in either GIS or remote sensing for completion of an undergraduate degree
It is generally assumed today that bachelor’s degree graduates of university-level forestry programs have completed a course involving the use of GIS, since many employers expect recent graduates to have experience or knowledge of the technology
Summary
Geographic information systems (GIS) are a standard tool for assisting foresters with mapping and spatial analysis aspects of their jobs. A recent analysis showed that over 70% of entry-level forestry job advertisements indicated that basic knowledge, experience, or proficiency with mapping technology, or the ability to read and follow maps, were basic job requirements [1]. Wing and Sessions found that of the ten forestry programs they surveyed, eight required a course in either GIS or remote sensing for completion of an undergraduate degree. It is generally assumed today that bachelor’s degree graduates of university-level forestry programs have completed a course involving the use of GIS, since many employers expect recent graduates to have experience or knowledge of the technology. As computer hardware and software change, responsibilities and expectations of professionals using GIS may change [3]
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