GIS Lab
This academic year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Geographic Information Systems Laboratory! Established in 1988 the GIS Lab is the first of its kind to be established at a small college. It is the technical hub for mapping, analysis and planning and serves the entire academic program. The GIS program is founded on learning by doing, through partnerships, training, research and service. Students engage in a broad range of projects while providing valuable assistance to local communities and research efforts. Students often work cooperatively with federal, state and local officials, as well as nonprofit organizations. This approach prepares students for jobs, internships and graduate work where spatial thinking and technical skills provide COA students with a distinct and marketable advantage.
The lab has a full-time director who teaches and supports classes and research projects. Hired in 1993, Gordon Longsworth, COA 90’ and UPENN 92’, was a lead student in the establishment of the lab. At the University of Pennsylvania, he studied under environmental pioneer Ian McHarg and GIS pioneers, Dr. Jon Radke and Dr. C. Dana Tomlin.
In 2008, the GIS Lab was presented with the prestigious 'Special Achievement in GIS Award'.
