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VIRGINIA TECH EXTENSION, FORESTRY
DEPARTMENT PARTNER WITH VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM IN GEOSPATIAL PROGRAM
BLACKSBURG, September 3, 2003, – Virginia Tech and the Virginia Space
Grant Consortium have established the Space Grant Geospatial Extension Program
in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg
campus. The program will facilitate educational programs and workforce
training to help deal with the serious shortfall of professionals and trained
specialists
who can utilize geospatial technologies at the local, regional,
and state levels.
“The key goal is to expand opportunities for citizens and organizations
across the Commonwealth to apply geospatial tools such as geographic information
systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing data,
analysis and interpretation to help with local needs,” says Steve
Umberger, director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The program
will also work with educational outreach programs for pre-college teachers
and students through 4-H and VSGC educational programs.
The worldwide market for geospatial technologies, which is currently
estimated at $5 billion, is projected to have annual revenues of $30 billion
by 2005, according to a NASA 2001 report.
Geospatial tools such as GIS allow users to precisely define any
location on the face of the earth and then to add layers of information
to describe what is at that location. It is a way to combine data from many
sources about a specific area and to display it in a map format.
Agricultural uses of GIS include property boundaries, crop and
soil analysis, precision farming, and management. City and state planners
use GIS to decide where to put new roads and developments and how they will
affect the environment.
GIS is used for management of coastal resources, homeland security,
and law enforcement. Ultimately, GIS technology provides a basis
for better understanding and improved stewardship of natural resources
and public services.
It also provides important decision making tools to enhance the
economy and quality of life. (more)
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