My Journey into GIS
My name is Kelsey and I would like to give some insight on how my journey into GIS started and where it has led me so far.
I am 23 years old and began working as a GIS Field Technician when I was 21 years old. I wanted to shed some light on how I was introduced to GIS and the path I am on working towards my GIS Certificate. I look forward to this course with each and every one of you.
This is the Boynton Inlet in Boynton Beach, Florida where I am originally from. I would spend most of my time either taking a boat through this inlet to fish tournaments or just sit on the pier and watch sunsets. (Image Source: Kelsey Smela)
In November of 2019, I began travelling between Louisiana and Florida often. The image above is the first picture I took of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, Louisiana. This is relevant to my journey into GIS because this is where I met the people who introduced me to GIS. (Image Source: Kelsey Smela)
May of 2023, I began my first project as a GIS Field Technician on a natural gas pipeline going into Plant City, Florida. Part of my job was to utilize a Trimble to capture geospatial data such as points for welds and lines for joints. (Image Source: Morgan Wood)
Due to the nature of my job, I am constantly travelling from one place to the next. I have had the opportunity to see some amazing places. I wanted to figure out a way to stay in the field of GIS but work closer to home. I became intrigued by the maps I would use to collect data and I was determined to learn how I could build those maps too. (Image Source: Kelsey Smela)
The University of West Florida's GIS Certificate Program was recommended to me by a GIS Analyst that I had previously worked on projects with. I began my journey with UWF in the Fall of 2024 and has been a incredible experience. I look forward to the lessons that will be learned this semester. (Image Source: UWF)
