by Andy Arthur

ALBANY: On Saturday, January 21st at 2-4 PM, Save the Pine Bush will be having a class on using the free Quantum GIS program to make maps of the Albany Pine Bush and other public lands at the Delaware Ave Branch of Albany Public Library. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, the computer-based method of creating maps. This class will be taught by SPB volunteer Andy Arthur.

Topics to be covered include the installing free Quantum GIS (QGIS) on your home computer, loading NYSDOT topographic maps, loading trail and other data downloaded from government agency websites. We will discuss how to save and print maps. We will also discuss how to review government documents for map data, and how to request GIS map layers via e-mail, using the Freedom of Information Law.

It is recommend, but not required, that you bring a laptop with Wireless Internet to follow along in the class. Handouts will be provided and the program will be projected on a screen. Quantum GIS is available for Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows computers at www.qgis.org. A tutorial I wrote on QGIS is available at www.andyarthur.org/qgis.

Space is limited, please email Andy Arthur at andy@andyarthur.org or call 281-9873 to reserve your spot.

Persons attending the class are encouraged to ride a bicycle or take public transit. Bike racks exist at library. The Route 18 (Delaware Avenue) bus leaving from Greyhound in Downtown or Price Chopper in Slingerlands at 1:45 PM will get you to library at 2 PM. You can take the bus home at 4:10 PM.

 

Published in Janury/February, 2012 Save the Pine Bush Newsletter