The Human METAR

One of the biggest weaknesses I have is lack of knowledge with the Geographic Information System (also known as GIS). There is no undergraduate or graduate meteorology class that deals with programs like ArcGIS or ArcView. There are 2 GIS labs on the Plymouth State campus, but we do not utilize them with the meteorology department.

I think that this is a big flaw in the meteorology curriculum. Everywhere I look at to apply to I feel that GIS is one of their top priorities. Especially with the National Weather Service, who now uses Google Maps for their detailed point forecasts. Many maps provided by NOAA and the NWS can now be added to Google Earth for real time visualization.

More importantly, many companies, such as the NH Department of Transportation use Google Maps to plot information about weather stations, road closures, and traffic notifications. This is starting to become a large part of the workforce and I feel that all meteorology students should at least have a handle with Google Maps.

Because of this, I have taken it to the next level. Using the Google Maps API, I have started to get a handle of the syntax and logic of Google Maps. It uses the Javascript language, and since it is similar to Java, I can learn the constructs fairly quickly. My overall goal is to plot data on specific points on the map, but I am slowly getting there.

For a look at what I have been working on, take a look at this. Obviously all credit goes to Google, and it is nowhere near the goal I would like it to be. But if you haven any suggestions let me know!

After weeks of back and forth edits with the committee, the thesis is finally completed. If you dare read all 134 pages, just click here. I will be making one final trip to Florida to present my final work to the NASA / Air Force Community.

With the thesis finally finish and my Masters Degree completed, all that is left is find a job. The job hunting has been tedious and ongoing since January, but I am staying positive and hoping something bites soon.

I am now reaching out to you to give me any pointers when it comes to the job hunt. I have my umpteenth version of my resume on the right, and it would be really awesome if I could get some feedback.

Thanks!