Mark Maguire

Epsilon Associates

Mark Maguire is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager at Epsilon Associates, a Massachusetts-based environmental consulting firm. He utilizes GIS and related technology to analyze geographic data for natural resource mapping, site assessment, and visual impact analysis for the firm's environmental and development projects. Mr. Maguire also has background in wetland science, in particular vernal pool ecology, and has used GIS to analyze these important resources. As a graduate student in the Department of Geography at Boston University, he received an EPA Fellowship to study vernal pool and associated amphibian habitat using GIS/GPS tools, as well to develop outreach materials through a series of teacher workshops. Mark is a member of the Board of Directors of the Vernal Pool Association, a non-profit organization, and is a Certified GIS Professional (GISP). He holds a master's degree in Geography and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Analysis & Policy, both from Boston University.

Title of Talk: Beyond Maps: The Wide World of GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful tool for displaying and examining the geography of the world around us. With the advent of GoogleEarth, many of us are becoming exposed to GIS through aerial photography, but this is only part of the picture. An overview of GIS as a concept and scientific toolset will be presented, using real world examples of spatial data and less-than-ordinary maps. The presenter will explain the utility of GIS and "spatial thinking" in a variety of fields, drawing upon personal research and career experience. Finally, the presenter will provide a number of examples of how GIS is employed in his company's environmental consulting practice, illustrating both traditional GIS applications (site mapping, data overlay) and non-traditional procedures and projects (3-D modeling, photo-simulation, multimedia).