Monroe Community College students are working to build a tool that they hope will help first responders and humanitarian organizations.
In a "map-a-thon" event Tuesday, the students will use geospatial imaging to create maps that can be used in many ways, like tracking COVID-19 rates, monitoring weather patterns or responding to crises.
“After a natural disaster, things change, right? If there's a major earthquake, let's say in Haiti, then all of a sudden, you need supplies to go to some new place, right?" MCC professor Jon Little said. “So someone in Rochester, New York, could be digitizing all of that, to help.”
Geospatial technology uses a mix of geography and location-specific information to create maps. Student Shelley St. John said they’ll be mapping parts of the world using an open-source online database.
“It's a way that you can really see the purpose of what you're doing, like if it's an area prone to flooding, for example,” St. John said. “You can see exactly what part of the world you're working in and feel like you've done a little bit to make a difference for people.”
According to Fortune Business Insights, it’s an industry that’s expected to grow globally from $63.61 billion a year to $147.58 billion by 2028. As of this spring, MCC offers a certificate and associate degree in geospatial technology.
Little said that's significant since many businesses offering jobs in this field are now requiring two-year degrees.
One company that incorporates geospatial information science and technology, or GIST, in their work is LaBella Associates.
“Most information in the world can be tied to a spot on Earth,” said Greg Coniglio, a GIST specialist at LaBella. “We've come to find that just about every discipline utilizes geography and spatial information. So we develop solutions analyses for just about everything … civil engineering, building engineering (and) architecture environment.”
The map-a-thon runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at MCC’s Brighton campus and online. It is open to anyone, Little said.
