Our GANS Social Spotlight continues, showcasing the people shaping Nova Scotia’s geomatics community.

Interested in being featured? Visit: https://lnkd.in/e8enpW84
(Keep in mind, you don’t need to be a GANS member!)

This week’s spotlight features Eric Purcell, recent graduate of the GIS Post-Graduate Program at the Centre of Geographic Sciences, NSCC.

Q: What are your future goals in geomatics/geography?
My goal is to find meaningful ways to contribute to the geographic community, particularly through work that supports environmental and climate research. I’m interested in using geography and geomatics to make information more accessible and understandable to a broader audience. Maps and other visual tools can take complex environmental data and present it in a digestible format, helping people better understand issues such as climate change. Ultimately, I hope to apply my skills in a way that contributes to research while also helping connect geographic information with the people who can benefit from it.

Q: What aspects of geomatics/geography peaked your interest most?
I’ve been particularly interested in using mapping and geospatial data to understand how our physical environments are changing. Changes in glacial, Arctic, and mountainous environments are especially fascinating to me because they provide an opportunity to see the effects of environmental and climate processes over time. I’m also interested in the communication side of geography, such as taking complex datasets and turning them into clear, accessible maps that can reach audiences beyond the traditional geographic or scientific community. I think there is a lot of value in using geomatics not only to collect and analyze information, but also to communicate that information effectively.

Q: What advice would you have for people studying geomatics/geography?
Find something within geography or geomatics that genuinely interests you and take advantage of the resources available to you. There are so many different areas to explore, and you don’t necessarily have to know exactly where you want to end up. Ask questions, talk to people in the field, and take every opportunity to learn from others. Just as importantly, share what you learn. Geography is a collaborative field, and exchanging ideas and information can open doors to opportunities you may not have otherwise considered.