Post by jeff on Apr 25, 2019 22:17:33 GMT
When people talk about learning GIS, what comes straight to their mind, is that they need to learn some software like ARCGIS, QGIS, GRASS GIS and some other software. However, GIS is more than the software, the applications are just part of the whole GIS system.
Looking at it Holistically, GIS composes of the Computers (hardware and software), people or personnel who operate, and data. So therefore, it is imperative that GIS students who look forward to becoming GIS analysts or professionals in future, must look beyond just the understanding of some software.
If a GIS student studies just a software, he or she would just be a trained ‘buttonologist’ and he won’t be able to effectively proffer solutions when needed. The height of human intelligence is to be able, to critically provide solutions to problems when needed, but if all you do is to, study clicks and buttons of a software, it will reduce the human to only reason like a computer.
GIS software are built using some algorithms, written by humans. So the best way to understand GIS is to know why those algorithms work, and the function they intend to achieve.
For example, something as basic as digitizing involves clicking points and converting them to digital features, a GIS analysts should ask questions like why should I use polygons for buildings and use polyline for roads and rails. Asking questions like these, would broaden the horizon of the learner.
In this world, where learning and innovation is on the increase every day, it is important that GIS enthusiasts develop a cognitive and inquisitive approach to learning it.
GRACIAS.
Looking at it Holistically, GIS composes of the Computers (hardware and software), people or personnel who operate, and data. So therefore, it is imperative that GIS students who look forward to becoming GIS analysts or professionals in future, must look beyond just the understanding of some software.
If a GIS student studies just a software, he or she would just be a trained ‘buttonologist’ and he won’t be able to effectively proffer solutions when needed. The height of human intelligence is to be able, to critically provide solutions to problems when needed, but if all you do is to, study clicks and buttons of a software, it will reduce the human to only reason like a computer.
GIS software are built using some algorithms, written by humans. So the best way to understand GIS is to know why those algorithms work, and the function they intend to achieve.
For example, something as basic as digitizing involves clicking points and converting them to digital features, a GIS analysts should ask questions like why should I use polygons for buildings and use polyline for roads and rails. Asking questions like these, would broaden the horizon of the learner.
In this world, where learning and innovation is on the increase every day, it is important that GIS enthusiasts develop a cognitive and inquisitive approach to learning it.
GRACIAS.