August 31, 2007

August 31, 2007

I had some trouble understanding vectors and rasters while reading Chapter 2, but the lecture helped to clarify the difference between them. Of course, we'll find out how much I learned when it is time for the test. The lab exercises are very helpful at explaining how to navigate through ArcCatalog and ArcMap, although I'm not necessarily learning why. I'll definitely need to spend some time outside of class reading through the exercises more carefully.

On a side note, my husband and I found a stray kitten over the weekend and we've been trying to find a home for it. I've been a bit stressed out trying to entertain the kitten and protect my bird. And the stress level will continue through next week since my parents and grandmother are coming for an extended visit.

August 24, 2007

I was a bit nervous returning to a classroom after 8 years out of college, but the class seemed more similar to a seminar than a lecture. Pete's style of teaching is very straightforward and simple; it was difficult at times to remember we'll be tested on this information. The students seem very excited to put GIS to good use and I think there is good mix of personalities to make the semester intersting. I'm always surprised by the small town feel of Asheville and the surrounding areas. During my five years in Philadelphia it was rare to meet people who lived or worked nearby; this is definitely not the case living in Asheville and working in Fletcher.