1 reply to this topic

[UpstateGIS]

Hello all. My name is Rick, and as made obvious in the post title, I'm in Upstate NY (the real upstate in cow country, not just outside NYC - that's "downstate" people). Anyway, after working in a community planning firm for seven years, and an environmental consulting firm for four years before that, I decided to go out on my own this past spring as an independent GIS Specialist and Environmental Planner. My background is actually in geology with degrees from Union College and Brown University. Along the way I discovered GIS, and having loved maps growing up I had a natural interest. Between my last two jobs I completed a post-Baccalaureate certificate in GIS through the Penn State World Campus (I definitely recommend their program, FYI). I've always tried to push the aesthetic abilities of GIS, and often bring Adobe products in to add the finishing touches. I am always looking at old maps trying to figure out ways to incorporate some classic design elements into my work (now I just need to find some clients that will appreciate the time a high-quality map requires). I look forward to "meeting" many of you and learning from your cartographic expertise.

[Hans van der Maarel]

Hi Rick, and welcome to Cartotalk! I hope you'll find this a very useful and informative forum.