GIS & Career

Development

Laura Cerquozzi
GIS Coordinator
Pelmorex/The Weather
Network
Background
Education
BA Geography, BSc Minor GIS/Environmental
Analysis
Applied GIS Certificate
Masters of Spatial Analysis (MSA)
Project Management Certificate
Employment
GIS Assistant – Pelmorex
GIS Coordinator - Pelmorex
ArcSDE Database
Designed and implemented an enterprise-wide
database as a spatial repository for the
company’s spatial database

 Requirements
 Design
 Testing
 Modifications
 Testing
 Operations

Success was achieved because of

knowledge of the data and a willingness to
learn!
Spatial Analysis &
Modeling
 Analysis to determine best fit weather
information across various mediums

 Analysis of Statistics Canada data/survey data

to determine demographics of users

 Complex spatial modeling to determine

goodness of fit for forecast models

 Ad hoc client requests

 FME Workspace
+ Text1.

+ Text2.

+ Text3.

+ Text4.
Location and Data
Availability
Heading Finding the Closest
Observation Point
Product Output
Data Acquisition
 Determine Requirements
 Research & Determine Potential Vendors
 Exclude Vendors based on failure to meet
Budget/Requirements
 Vendor Presentations
 Data Evaluation and Testing
 Questions and Answers
 Negotiations
 Decision on Vendor
Web Mapping
+ Text1.

+ Text2.

+ Text3.

+ Text4.
Web Mapping
+ Text1.

+ Text2.

+ Text3.

+ Text4.
Typical Knowledge
Required
 Map creation and production

 Data aggregation and quality control

 Geocoding and data manipulation

 Database relationships and structures

 Spatial Analysis and reporting

 Scripting and advanced database queries

Challenges
 Steep learning curve

 Bad DATA!

 Clients who do not understand GIS or the data

 Lack of creative control

 Tight deadlines
Software for the GIS
Professional
+ Desktop: ArcGIS, MapInfo, Intergraph,
Autodesk, Bentley, Smallworld, Manifold, QGIS

+ Database: Oracle, SQL Server, ArcSDE, IBM

DB/2

+ Server: GeoServer, Mapserver

+ Spatial ETL: FME by Safe Software

Applications/Publicatio
ns
 ArcGISTwitterExtension

 ArcNews, ArcUser (ESRI publications)

 Directions Magazine
(http://www.directionsmag.com/)

 GeoPlace (http://www.geoplace.com/)
People to Watch

 James Fee
www.spatiallyadjus
ted.com

 Don Murray and

Dale Lutz
blog.safe.com

 Timothy Hales
blog.gispathway.co
m
GITA
 Geospatial Information & Technology
Association

 Cheetahs Program
http://gita.org/resources/cheetahs/index.asp

 Provides young geospatial professionals year

round training, mentoring and opportunities
necessary to develop the next generation of
industry leadership.
Always look ahead
 Keep your skills updated even if you have a full-
time job

 Keep up with trends in the industry for new

opportunities and developments

 Watch for programs, webinars, courses to

improve your skill set

 Get involved in the industry – make contacts,

attend conferences, read blogs/news sources
Contact Information
 geographygeek@gmail.com,
lcerquozzi@pelmorex.com

 Twitter: @geographygeek

 Blog: http://gisgeographygeek.blogspot.com/

 Phone: 905-829-1159 ext.1216