Every environmental consulting project has a location—and every location has a story. The November Membership Meeting will introduce the fundamentals of GIS by exploring the history of mapping, the different types of maps used in environmental work, and how modern GIS technology helps professionals visualize data, identify patterns, communicate findings, and make better decisions. Whether you're new to GIS or simply curious about its role in environmental consulting, this presentation provides a practical foundation and real-world examples that demonstrate why GIS has become an indispensable tool in the environmental profession.

During this session, the speaker will:

• Explain the historical development of mapping and its progression to modern GIS.
• Distinguish between common map types and identify appropriate uses in environmental projects.
• Describe the fundamental principles and capabilities of GIS.
• Identify examples of GIS applications throughout the phases of environmental consulting projects.
• Explore opportunities to incorporate GIS into environmental practice to improve efficiency, analysis, and decision-making.

Time will be provided at the end for questions with the audience.