Bowling Green, Ky. - The Center for GIS in Western Kentucky University's Department of Geography and Geology recently hosted a five-day workshop in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for staff at Mammoth Cave National Park.

The workshop, held the week of Aug. 8, furthered participants' understanding on GIS and GPS technology and provided them hands-on experience that will help them to use GIS and GPS more effectively. Participants from the park included facilities management personnel, law enforcement, park rangers and scientists.

GIS is a computerized system that is used to (1) collect, correct and update geospatial data, (2) store and retrieve those data, (3) manipulate and analyze spatial features, and (4) create maps and reports. In a nutshell, GIS links information to location to give us a better understanding of the world we occupy.

A GPS is a system of satellites and receiving devices to pinpoint locations on earth. GPS is utilized in a variety of applications, which mostly consists of navigation and data collection of spatial features.

"GIS is now a mainstream tool that is used in a variety of applications," said Kevin Cary, GIS director for WKU's Center for GIS. "In the Department of Geography and Geology, we continue to expand and strengthen our GIS program because of that fact. As I see it, we are leaving the Information Age and entering the Geographic Information Age. GIS is simply everywhere. And, it keeps pushing the envelope in technology."

For more information on GIS/GPS workshops by WKU's Center for GIS, contact Kevin Cary at (270) 745-2981 or by email at kevin.cary@wku.edu. To learn more about WKU's nationally known GIS program, visit www.wku.edu/gis.

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For information, contact Kevin Cary at (270) 745-2981.