Caitlin Dempsey
R Packages for Spatial Analysis
Looking for R spatial packages? Listed here is a brief look some of the spatial packages in R that are available.
El Niño Has Arrived
After a triple dip of La Niña conditions spanning three years, researchers have officially declared the onset of El Niño on June 8, 2023.
Where Should You Ask Your GIS Questions?
Here are some excellent resources for you to get peer assistance for your GIS related questions.
Causes of Wildfires in the United States
Every year, thousands of wildfires rage across the United States, consuming millions of acres.
Wildfire Smoke From Canada is Affecting Parts of the United States
Smoke from the June 2023 Canadian wildfires is affecting the Midwest and northern regions of the United States.
Chaparral in California
Chaparral ecosystems in California are characterized by dense shrubs and rocky terrains and span from maritime zones to mountain slopes.
Blue Carbon Explained
Blue carbon is the carbon captured and stored by the world's oceanic and coastal ecosystems.
Certification in GIS
GIS certification is a professional credential that validates an individual's proficiency in using and understanding geographic information systems.
Geography of Vultures in the United States
Discover where turkey vultures, black vultures, and California condors live across the United States and what shapes their distribution.
Basic Uses of GIS
What are the basic uses of GIS? This article reviews some of the most common and basic users of GIS including mapping data, proximity analysis, buffers, cluster mapping, and querying a geographic area for features.
Scurry Zones Around California Shrubs
Scurry zones are areas of low-lying vegetation that form a ring about some shrubs in Northern California near grasslands.
Examples of Absolute and Relative Location
Here are some examples of the same location described as a relative location and an absolute location.
How the Earth’s Terminator Changes With the Seasons
The Earth's terminator is the shifting boundary dividing day and night as a result of our planet's rotation and its position relative to the Sun.
Free Ways to Learn QGIS
If you want to start learning how to use QGIS, a free and open source GIS software package, there are some excellent free resources out there.
Snowmelt is Starting in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains
Due to colder weather and more strong atmospheric rivers, the 2023 Sierra Nevada snowpack levels in California are significantly above average.
Networking in GIS: Peer-to-Peer Support in the GIS Community
List of peer-to-peer resources that GIS professionals can tap into for assistance with their technical queries and to connect with others in the field.
Painted Lady Butterflies Have the World’s Longest Known Migration
Learn how painted lady butterflies complete the world's longest known butterfly migration, traveling up to 9,000 miles between Europe and Africa.
Sargassum in the Atlantic Ocean Reaches a New Spring High
Researchers using remote sensing data from NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites have measured the largest ever March density in the Great Sargassum Belt.
How California’s Ancient Tulare Lake Reappears
Tulare Lake used to be the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
Which Country Has the Most Time Zones?
Find out which country has the most time zones and how many countries in the world have at least two time zones.
Learn GIS for Free
There are a few online options to learn GIS for free. Take advantage of resources that provide you access to free courses from some of the world's best universities and institutions.
How to Learn GIS
There are many ways to learn GIS. Listed here are guides to learn GIS in a classroom, online, or through self-guided methods.
Finding the Right GIS Program
Choosing the right GIS educational program to set you on the right path towards a GIS career, so be sure to consider all your options before making a decision.
What is the Difference Between a Sea and an Ocean?
A look at the geographic definitions of oceans and seas.
Why Salt Flats Have a Honeycomb Pattern
Recently published research explains the scientific reason behind the honeycomb shapes found in salt flats.
Dissolve Features Based on Attribute in QGIS
This GIS tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to dissolve features in QGIS based on an attribute field.