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Revisiting the Relevance of Key Skills for GIS Software Developers in the Current Technological Landscape: A Review of Justin Holman’s 2012 Spatial Career Guide

By Shahabuddin Amerudin

The article “Spatial Career Guide – 5 Key Skills for Future GIS Software Developers” by Justin Holman is still relevant for current GIS software developers and technology. Justin provides practical advice to students who aspire to become GIS software developers, highlighting five key skills they should develop. Justin’s five key skills are: writing solid code, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and learning new technologies quickly.

The first key skill, writing solid code, is the foundation for any successful GIS software developer. Justin recommends that students take courses in computer science and engage in self-study to learn how to write robust, industrial-strength code. He emphasizes the importance of quality assurance, stating that it is a critical part of software development, and that everyone is responsible for it.

The second key skill, problem-solving, is essential for a GIS software developer. Justin encourages students to take a wide variety of challenging courses, including statistics, and explore other fields. He advises students to take courses that interest them and provide them with a different perspective, rather than just fulfilling graduation requirements. Justin believes that learning cool stuff is too important to pass up, especially when students have access to brilliant minds and the time to explore.

The third key skill, communication, is crucial for GIS software developers. Justin recommends that students write a lot, including emails to professors and TAs, blog posts, and even letters to grandparents. Writing helps students learn how to describe technical concepts to people who may not be technical. He encourages students to think of each email as an important business memo and to learn how to convince people to listen to their ideas with their writing.

The fourth key skill, teamwork, is essential for GIS software developers who work in a team environment. Justin advises students to learn how to establish and maintain productive working relationships with team members. He emphasizes that a GIS software developer should be a team player, willing to help other team members and not just focus on their own work.

The fifth and final key skill, learning new technologies quickly, is essential in the constantly evolving field of GIS software development. Justin recommends that students keep up with the latest technologies and take courses to learn new programming languages, tools, and platforms. He believes that GIS software developers who can quickly learn new technologies will have a great career.

In conclusion, Justin’s article provides practical advice for students who aspire to become GIS software developers. The five key skills he recommends are still relevant today and essential for success in the GIS software development field. GIS software developers who have strong coding skills, problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, are team players, and can quickly learn new technologies will have a bright future in the field.

Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). Revisiting the Relevance of Key Skills for GIS Software Developers in the Current Technological Landscape: A Review of Justin Holman's 2012 Spatial Career Guide. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6350 (Accessed: 12 April 2023).
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Spatial Career Guide – 5 Key Skills for Future GIS Software Developers – A Short Review

By Shahabuddin Amerudin

The article by Justin Holman titled “Spatial Career Guide – 5 Key Skills for Future GIS Software Developers” discusses the skills that are essential for a GIS software developer. The author encourages students to continue pursuing their degree in geography and take courses from other technical departments such as computer science, physics, and math to develop skills that are crucial for a career in software development. The article emphasizes the importance of being able to write solid code, solving challenging technical and non-technical problems, effective communication skills, teamwork, and quick learning abilities.

In the current situation, GIS software development has seen a significant advancement with the development of new technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Therefore, developers must possess advanced technical skills to adapt to these new changes. However, the five key skills mentioned in the article remain relevant today, and GIS students must continue to develop these skills to succeed in the industry. The ability to write solid code remains critical, and GIS students should learn popular programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, which are commonly used in GIS software development. Additionally, they must possess excellent problem-solving skills, quick learning abilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to work in a team.

Overall, the article by Justin Holman remains relevant today, and GIS students must continue to develop the five key skills mentioned in the article. The author’s emphasis on the importance of pursuing courses in geography, along with other technical departments, is still valid, as GIS remains the foundation of spatial analysis. Therefore, GIS students should continue to build a strong foundation in GIS while developing advanced technical skills to succeed in the ever-evolving GIS software development industry.

Source:
Holman, J. (2012). Spatial Career Guide – 5 Key Skills for Future GIS Software Developers. Retrieved from https://www.justinholman.com/2012/03/29/spatial-career-guide-5-key-skills-for-future-gis-software-developers/

Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). Spatial Career Guide - 5 Key Skills for Future GIS Software Developers - A Short Review. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6339 (Accessed: 12 April 2023).
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Choosing the Best Computer for GIS Students: Minimum, Recommended, and High-End Specifications

By Shahabuddin Amerudin

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become an increasingly important tool in various fields such as environmental science, urban planning, and disaster management. As GIS technology advances, it is essential for GIS students to have a powerful computer that can handle complex spatial analysis tasks and workloads. This article will discuss the minimum, recommended, and high-end computer specifications for GIS students.

Minimum Computer Specifications for GIS Students

GIS software can be demanding on a computer’s resources, so the minimum specifications are essential for GIS students to ensure their computer can run GIS software smoothly. The minimum computer specifications for a GIS student should include:

  1. Operating System: Windows 10 or latest version
  2. Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
  3. RAM: 8 GB or more
  4. Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM
  5. Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 256 GB of storage
  6. Display: 15 inch or larger with at least 1920 x 1080 resolution
  7. Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download and upload speed

While these specifications are the minimum, students should consider investing in higher-end components if they want a smoother and faster GIS experience.

Recommended Computer Specifications for GIS Students

The recommended computer specifications for a GIS student are designed to handle more demanding GIS tasks, such as advanced spatial analysis and 3D modeling. The recommended specifications should include:

  1. Operating System: Windows 10 Pro or latest version
  2. Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent
  3. RAM: 16 GB or more
  4. Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of VRAM
  5. Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 512 GB of storage
  6. Display: 15 inch or larger with at least 1920 x 1080 resolution
  7. Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download and upload speed

The recommended specifications should be considered if students plan on working with larger data sets, performing advanced analysis, or using specialized GIS software.

High-End Computer Specifications for GIS Students

A high-end computer for GIS students is essential for handling the most demanding GIS workloads. The high-end computer specifications should include:

  1. Operating System: Windows 10 Pro or latest version
  2. Processor: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
  3. RAM: 32 GB or more
  4. Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics card with at least 6 GB of VRAM
  5. Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 1 TB of storage
  6. Display: Dual 27 inch or larger monitors with at least 2560 x 1440 resolution
  7. Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download and upload speed

A high-end computer can handle large data sets, complex spatial analysis, and advanced 3D modeling with ease. High-end components can help GIS students work more efficiently and with greater accuracy.

Specifications for Laptop for GIS Students

The specifications for desktop and laptop computers for GIS students are generally similar, but there are some differences to consider. Desktop computers typically have more space for components and cooling, which means they can have more powerful processors and graphics cards. Laptops, on the other hand, have limitations on their size and power consumption, which can make it more challenging to find components that meet the requirements of GIS software.

Additionally, laptops require a balance between performance and portability. A laptop with high-end specifications may provide powerful processing capabilities but may be heavier, bulkier, and have lower battery life, which can be a disadvantage for GIS students who require a laptop for fieldwork. On the other hand, a laptop with lower specifications may be more portable but may struggle with more demanding GIS tasks.

Therefore, when choosing a laptop for GIS work, students should consider the same minimum, recommended, and high-end specifications as for desktop computers. However, they should also take into account factors such as weight, battery life, and portability to ensure that they have a laptop that can handle their GIS coursework and fieldwork while being easy to carry around.

Conclusion

GIS students must consider investing in a computer that can handle the demands of GIS software. The minimum, recommended, and high-end computer specifications outlined in this article are essential guidelines for choosing the best computer for GIS work. Students should consider the specific GIS software they plan on using and ensure that their computer meets or exceeds the recommended specifications.

References

  1. “GIS Hardware and Software Requirements,” Esri, accessed April 9, 2023, https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/system-requirements.
  2. “Best Laptops for GIS and Mapping,” GIS Geography, updated February 24, 2023, https://gisgeography.com/best-laptops-for-gis-mapping/.
  3. “GIS Computer Requirements,” Duke University Libraries, accessed April 9, 2023, https://guides.library.duke.edu/gis-computer-requirements.
  4. “GIS Software & Hardware Recommendations,” University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, accessed April 9, 2023, https://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=347286&p=2340647.
  5. “Geographic Information Systems,” Environmental Science.org, accessed April 9, 2023, https://www.environmentalscience.org/geographic-information-systems.
  6. “GIS in Urban Planning,” Planetizen, updated August 16, 2021, https://www.planetizen.com/gis-in-urban-planning.
  7. “GIS for Disaster Management,” GIS Lounge, accessed April 9, 2023, https://www.gislounge.com/gis-for-disaster-management/.

Note: These resources provide more information about GIS and its applications, as well as additional guidance on selecting a computer for GIS work. Students should also consider consulting with their lecturers or academic advisors for more information about the specific requirements of their GIS program. Ultimately, investing in a computer with sufficient specifications will help GIS students work more efficiently and effectively, resulting in better analysis and insights.

Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). Choosing the Best Computer for GIS Students: Minimum, Recommended, and High-End Specifications. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6307 (Accessed: 9 April 2023).
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Creating a Compelling Story Map: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In recent years, story maps have emerged as a popular tool for telling stories using maps and other multimedia elements. A story map is a digital platform that allows users to create interactive maps with a narrative component that guides the user through the story. Story maps are a powerful way to engage audiences and present complex information in an easily digestible format. This paper will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a story map, including the tools and techniques needed to create a compelling and engaging story.

Step 1: Define the Story

The first step in creating a story map is to define the story you want to tell. This involves identifying the key themes, events, and locations that will be included in the story. It is important to consider the audience for the story map and their interests, as this will help to determine the focus of the story.

Step 2: Gather Data and Create a Map

Once the story has been defined, the next step is to gather the data needed to create the map. This may involve collecting location data, images, videos, and other multimedia elements that will be used to tell the story. There are several tools that can be used to create a map, including Google Maps, ArcGIS Online, and Mapbox.

Google Maps is a free tool that allows users to create custom maps with markers, lines, and polygons. To create a map in Google Maps, users can simply search for a location and add a marker or shape to the map. Google Maps also allows users to add images and videos to the map, which can be used to tell the story.

ArcGIS Online is a more advanced mapping tool that is used by professionals in the field of GIS. It offers a range of features for creating custom maps, including the ability to import data from other sources and create custom visualizations. ArcGIS Online is a paid service, but there is a free trial available.

Mapbox is a powerful mapping tool that offers advanced customization options for maps, including custom styling and data visualization. Mapbox is a paid service, but there is a free trial available.

Step 3: Create the Narrative

Once the map has been created, the next step is to create the narrative component of the story map. This involves writing a script that guides the user through the story, including captions, descriptions, and other multimedia elements. The narrative should be structured in a way that is easy to follow and engages the user throughout the story.

Step 4: Choose a Story Map Platform

There are several platforms that can be used to create a story map, including StoryMapJS, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and Mapbox Storytelling. These platforms offer a range of features for creating interactive maps with a narrative component.

StoryMapJS is a free and open-source tool that allows users to create interactive maps with a narrative component. It is easy to use and offers several customization options for formatting and styling the map.

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a more advanced tool that offers advanced customization options for maps, including custom templates and layouts. It is a paid service, but there is a free trial available.

Mapbox Storytelling is a powerful tool that offers advanced customization options for maps, including custom styling and data visualization. It is a paid service, but there is a free trial available.

Step 5: Publish and Share the Story Map

Once the story map has been created, the final step is to publish and share it with the audience. There are several ways to do this, including embedding the map on a website or sharing it on social media. It is important to promote the story map to the target audience to ensure that it reaches as many people as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a story map involves several steps, including defining the story, gathering data and creating a map, creating the narrative, choosing a story map platform, and publishing and sharing the story map. With the availability of free and paid tools such as Google Maps, ArcGIS Online, Mapbox, StoryMapJS, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and Mapbox Storytelling, creating a story map has never been easier. The key to creating a successful story map is to define a compelling story, gather relevant data and multimedia elements, and present them in a clear and engaging way. By following the steps outlined in this paper, users can create story maps that are informative, engaging, and visually appealing.