By SPB Vounteer Andy Arthur

 

After the Save the Pine Bush Hike on Saturday, May 19th, there will be a class from 1:30-4:30 PM on using the free Quantum GIS program to make maps of the Albany Pine Bush at the Delaware Avenue 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.

A follow up to the previous class we hosted in January, we will focus on working with Preserve Commission and NYS DEC data to map ecology and trails. We also will take questions and help new users get started with Quantum GIS.

It is recommended, 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 http://www.qgis.org. A tutorial I wrote on QGIS is available at http://www.andyarthur.org/qgis.

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 1:00 PM will get you to library at 1:30 PM. You can take the bus home at 4:50 PM.

Editor’s note: Andy’s last class was excellent and anyone who would like to know more about maps should attend.

Note added October, 2012 – If you are interested in attending a GIS class, please email Andy Arthur.

 

 

 

 

 

Published in May/June, 2012 Save the Pine Bush Newsletter