This past July, I had the opportunity to attend the 2010 ESRI International Conference. At the beginning of the conference, on my way to the Map Gallery I could not help but notice the empty Employment Posting Board.  However, I did notice a few job postings before leaving the conference, but nothing like in previous years.  It is clear that GIS Jobs are also suffering from the downward spiral in the economy, but to what extent?  How many GIS jobs have been lost here in Nevada?  I know of at least four in Southern Nevada and there might be more.  Although, it does appear that most public and private sectors are attempting to keep their GIS professionals as much as possible, due to the value that GIS offers an organization.

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor identified Geospatial Technology as a high growth industry and in April of 2009 California appointed their first Geospatial Information Officer in order to implement a statewide strategy for more efficient use of geospatial data throughout state and local governments.  According to a 2009 study by Daratech, a market research firm specializing in GIS, the overall government sector will remain strong consumers of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial hardware, software, services and data.  In 2009, the public sector accounted for 40 percent of the $5.3 billion worldwide market for GIS and geospatial products.  Key product categories include data, geo-enabled engineering, global positioning systems, photogrammetric and remote sensing.  Worldwide growth in 2009 was forecast to slow to 1%, down from 11% in 2008, say Daratech researchers.  The private sector is cutting back on its purchases of GIS/geospatial gear.  Public sector purchases, however, are expected to grow, reflecting the sector's continuing deployment of GIS technologies at all levels of government.

The North American GIS market has not been as adversely affected by the downturn as the rest of the world because of the ongoing needs of Homeland Security and continuing investment in GIS by the public sector.  But after all this, where are the GIS jobs?  Looking at different job websites it appears there are GIS jobs everywhere in the country. However, more jobs are requiring GIS professionals with a higher level of knowledge in programming and Information Technology. As the demand for more multitasking GIS professionals grows; a new type of GIS professional will need to emerge.

Sources: GOVPRO, GOVTECH and the U.S. Department of Labor

GIS Humor  

Our everyday lives are filled with responsibilities, ups & downs, and stressors.  It's important to take a moment or two for humor to lighten the load and provide us with a refreshed outlook.  And, as the doctor always says, "laughter is the best medicine."

You might be a GIS Professional if. . .

     * you hear the words spatial and enterprise and do not think of Star Trek

     * your idea of curling up with a good book is with a Rand McNally Atlas

     * you can give directions without mentioning McDonalds or Starbucks

     * you find errors on the AAA travel atlas and try to get a refund

     * FGDC metadata does not put you to sleep

     * you find yourself critiquing Mapquest maps

     * the Map Store is your favorite store at the mall

     * when told to turn "East" you know which way to go

     * you get excited thinking about the next census!

Source:  gishumor.com 

As temperatures drop during the autumn months, we are reminded that winter is just around the corner.  Preparing for the cold months ahead will save you $$$ and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.  Keep in mind that everything you do can and does help!

• Reduce the temperature on your thermostat.  NV Energy recommends setting it to 68 degrees when you're at home and down to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you're not at home for more than four hours.
• Open window coverings on the "sunny side" of your home to take advantage of heat from the sun.  Remember to close them at sunset and/or on cloudy days.
• Caulk windows and doors.  In addition to caulk, the use of weatherstripping for your exterior doors will reduce drafts and help keep your home warmer.
• Use room or ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home.  Fans will help cool your home in the summer too.

Have a "green" tip you would like to share?  Send it to ngis_geospeak@live.com and it may be included in a future issue.