Author Archives: socalgovgis - Michael Carson

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About socalgovgis - Michael Carson

Michael Carson, GIS Manager (retired) for the City of Burbank and President of Southern California Government GIS User Group. Currently teaching GIS at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita.

GIS Programmer Analyst @ Ventura County

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Do you have 4 or more years of recent experience using ESRI GIS software? Do you have experience editing, analyzing, and managing GIS data in geodatabases? Do you have experience with GIS application development and implementation of related technologies? Can you work collaboratively with external and internal customers?

If so, the County of Ventura is looking for you to join their GIS Team in the Information Technology Services Department. Example of duties may include but not limited to:

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2025 ESRI UC

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The 2025 ESRI User Conference is wrapping up. The Thursday night party is at Petco Park this year … unfortunately you cannot run the bases!

If you have not seen the Plenary videos, you can view them here.

I would say the most interesting thing for me at the conference were the new AI Assistants in ArcGIS Pro. Be part of the beta program for 3.5. The 3.6 beta will be available in September 2025.

Another thing that was interesting was the soon to be available Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles in ArcGIS. Read more about it here.

CGIA Awards Social @ ESRI UC 2025

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Dear SoCalGIS,

Get ready to celebrate innovation in geospatial technology!

The California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) is thrilled to invite you to our annual **CGIA Awards Social**, where we will honor California’s most innovative geospatial projects and ideas.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join us for an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration with fellow professionals. We’re excited to announce that this year’s social is generously sponsored by **ParcelQuest**.

**Event Details:**

* **What:** CGIA Awards Social
* **When:** Tuesday, July 15, 2025
* **Time:** 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
* **Where:** Revel Revel, 868 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Enjoy **complimentary food** throughout the evening, and be sure to arrive early – the **first 75 guests will receive a drink voucher!**

Don’t miss out on this exciting event. Please RSVP at cgia.org.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Best regards,
Tracy Tober
CGIA CHair

USGS Data Collaboration Announcement Webinar

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On August 6th at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, USGS will host an informational webinar to provide an overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) Data Collaboration Announcement (DCA) for the 3D Hydrography Program | U.S. Geological Survey (3DEP) and the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP).

For more info and to register, click here.

Fireworks 2025!

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Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks!

Yes, it is almost July 4th again and our famous SoCal Fireworks app has been updated for 2025.

For this year the City of Orange has joined the other cities that allow fireworks. Sadly the City of Carson and City of Inglewood decided to ban fireworks for this year.

Use the app to view cities that allow the sale and discharge of fireworks in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Included are days and times when fireworks will be sold and when you can light them up, as well as links to city websites and telephone numbers. Data was collected from municipal codes, websites, and/or contacting each city. Data provided as is. Some cities are allowing sales now. Check it out and be safe!

LA Riot Map

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Is LA really under siege with all these riots? This article and map shows it really is not.

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area that’s home to nearly 13 million people. Unlike a lot of big cities, it doesn’t have one main population center. Angelenos are much more spread out than New Yorkers or Chicagoans. Most of the protests this week have taken place in a radius of just a few blocks of downtown L.A., where City Hall, LAPD headquarters and a federal detention center are clustered together.

Maps of WWII @ LOC

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The Library of Congress will have a webinar tomorrow on Maps of World War II. Register here: https://loc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/8717489749718/WN_-3eNMamQR1y7mybLbU1d5Q#/registration

Reference librarians will give a brief overview of maps and other cartographic items from World War II that can be found in the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress. This session will highlight items made by American forces, as well as captured maps made by the Axis powers. The breadth and content of these items and how they came to the Geography and Map Division will be discussed. Participants will learn how to search for and access them online or in person. The focus of the session will be on maps and online resources available to all patrons any time or place in the world, but attendees will also learn how to prepare for a future trip to the reading room. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees.

GIS Technician Position @ Culver City

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The City of Culver City has an opening for a GIS Technician. This position is responsible for installing and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application software and computer hardware; analyzing, designing, developing, testing, maintaining, and documenting GIS computer software programs for the network, web and microcomputer environments.

For more info and to apply, click here.

One-Year MS in GISci @ CSULB

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The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) in the Department of Geography at California State University, Long Beach is accepting applications for our 1-year 30-unit MS degree starting in Fall 2025 (August 25, 2025 to August 14, 2026).

This graduate degree provides students with advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies and professional skill building to prepare graduates for the geospatial workforce. The culminating team-based applied research project is informed by industry professionals.

Why CSULB?

  • We are the #1 Geography Program in the CSU, #5 in CA, #9 in the West and #28 in the USA!
  • CSULB Geography alumni are among the highest wage earners in 2-year income post-graduation from the College of Liberal Arts.
  • Join a network of over 200 MSGISci graduates.
  • You will receive excellent mentorship, instruction, and skill development to support your future professional goals.

Please visit www.BeachGIS.com to learn more about our program and register for an upcoming information session. Act Soon! Applications must be submitted via Cal State Apply by the June 1st deadline.

CalGIS Conference

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The CalGIS Conference offers valuable content specific to the California Geospatial Community, allowing attendees to engage in hands-on mini-workshops and user experiences to collaborate to support their geospatial organization at a state level. Connect with professionals from various sectors to share insights, best practices, and innovations. Learn about critical updates and solutions that enhance location-based services and improve public safety efforts through more efficient and accurate geographic data management. 

Attending CalGIS 2025 is a strategic investment in professional development, networking, and contributing to the future of geospatial technology. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, the conference offers a rich and rewarding experience for all attendees. The CalGIS community is welcoming and passionate about everything geospatial! Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and explore the possibilities!

For more info and to register, click below!