Learn How to Plan for a Natural Disaster Using GIS Technology

AURORA, Colo. - November 17, 2011 - When disaster strikes, geographic information systems (GIS) technology is there.

Join American Sentinel University's Devon Cancilla, dean, business and technology and Michael Tuffly, principal for Environmental Resource Inventory and analyst for ERIA Consultants, LLC for a free Webinar, 'Planning for a Natural Disaster with GIS,' on Tues., Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. EST.

Tuffly and Dr. Cancilla will discuss the critical role of geospatial information systems in forest fire prevention and management and detail how spatially explicit models are used to evaluate and mitigate fire risks in the forest lands in Colorado and Wyoming.

Free Webinar: 'Planning for a Natural Disaster with GIS'
Register for the Webinar, 'Planning for a Natural Disaster with GIS,' at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/484220169.

Tuffly notes that many have heard of the native mountain pine beetle infestations in the western forests in the U.S., but many do not know that their presence has actually increased wildfire potential in those areas.

"To ensure our woodlands are around for future generations, long term forest management plans must address and reduce the chances of these fires and that's where GIS technology comes in," says Tuffly.

GIS technology can transform society through better decision-making using a geographic perspective and has become an essential tool for natural disaster research to predict damage as well as assessing post-disaster damage.

"Effective natural disaster planning programs can help save lives and reduce the level of damage that occurs during catastrophic natural events," says Dr. Cancilla. "GIS professionals need sound technical skills and that's why American Sentinel University positions their GIS students for success in the industry."

To learn more about the role of GIS in Disasters, read American Sentinel University's two-part IT blog series available at http://www.americansentinel.edu/blog/2011/11/14/fight-fire-with-gis/.  The blog series offers additional insight from Michael Tuffly, along with tips and GIS resources.

Learn More About American Sentinel University's GIS Degrees
American Sentinel is one of the few higher education institutions to offer two undergraduate GIS degrees, not just certificates, which have been offered for more than four years. The university's GIS associates and bachelors programs teach fundamental business and information technology skills and the specifics of geographic information systems.

American Sentinel's GIS programs prepare students for entry into the GIS field and also provide training in information systems that benefit other business areas. Learn more about American Sentinel University's GIS degrees at http://www.americansentinel.edu/online-degree/bachelor-degree-online/bachelor-gis-degree.php.

Learn more about American Sentinel's IT distance education programs at http://www.americansentinel.edu/information-technology.

For more news updates, information and special offers, follow American Sentinel University on Twitter @amersentinel and become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/americansentineluniversity.

About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of accredited associate, bachelor's and master's online degree programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors, including information technology, computer science, GIS, computer information systems and business intelligence degrees. The university is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.