Geographic Information Systems

Section Head: Allory Deiss
Email: allory@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-2286 Ext. 234

About Us

The Wyoming State Geological Survey Geospatial Information Section (GIS) section’s mission is to promote the development and dissemination of digital geospatial data for the beneficial and environmentally sound use of Wyoming's vast geologic, mineral, and energy resources while helping protect the public from geologic hazards. By providing accurate geospatial information and expanding spatial awareness through the application of GIS principles, the Geological Survey contributes to economic growth and improvement in the quality of life for Wyoming's citizens.

The GIS section’s purposes are threefold: (1) to provide GIS capabilities and information to study, examine, and seek an understanding of the geology, mineral resources, and physical features of the State; (2) to prepare, publish, and distribute geospatial data, reports, and maps of the State's geology, mineral resources, and physical features; and (3) to provide geospatial information, advice, and services related to the geology, mineral resources, and physical features of the State.

So What is Geographic Information Systems?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a system utilizing personnel, hardware, software, and procedures capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geospatially distributed phenomenon; that is, information or data identified or referenced to a location on the earth. It combines layers of information about particular places to gain a better understanding of the location and any associated information of the place.

Check out “What is GIS?” from the USGS, http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/gis_poster/.

So who is the WSGS GIS section?

The GIS section of the WSGS consists of three fulltime personnel, a graduate assistant, varying contract positions, and interns. The graduate assistantship is conducted thru the University of Wyoming, Department of Geography as a GIS assistantship to build and develop GIS skills for Masters degree-seeking students. Meanwhile varying other students are contracted as GIS technicians to help both the student thru school but also the WSGS in publishing geologic information for the public. A summer intern program is also used to educate students in the field of GIS and help the WSGS with publications. Finally we are supported by the Information Technology (IT) Section in all of our efforts.

The GIS section conducts data development, compilation and dissemination of Wyoming’s geology, mineral and energy resources. Our information is complied by vectorizing the varying information into a digital/GIS format. We than utilize the data to create media (paper and digital) publications and GIS databases. Our varying projects and products include individual map compilations to full multi-media geologic releases. Additionally the section develops, manages, and coordinates our spatial data library, internet mapping services, and data distribution.

Hardware & Software

GIS is a computer centric industry extremely dependent on computer technology, both hardware and software. GIS software is highly specialized software that is oriented to the GIS industry and use of spatial data.

The WSGS GIS staff is no different in terms of the use of hardware and software. We use ESRI, ArcGIS software on large dual processor Dell workstations. Additionally we access our data via gigapop connections and deliver the data outside the building via fiber connections. This gives the WSGS GIS Section the speed and processing power to allow us to efficiently conduct our jobs. all of our hardware and software needs are a direct reflection of the excellent support of our Information Technology (IT) staff.

Our spatial/GIS data is stored in Microsoft SQL Server and connected by ESRI Spatial Data Engine (SDE). Additionally, ArcIMS is used to deliver our information out on via the interet as an internet mapping service. The use of the SDE connection allows fast access both for our GIS users and the public when using our internet map servers.

Worth Noting:

GIS Award
In 2003 ESRI awarded the WSGS GIS with the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) award. The WSGS received the SAG Award for GIS development, coordination and implementation for the WSGS GIS. The award was received at the ESRI User Conference in San Diego, California.

Links

• Internet Map Servers
• GIS/Spatial Data
• GIS/Spatial Resource Information