The field of GIS requires many different skills in a variety of areas. To find out what these are check out my article on “Building a Career in GIS”

GIS stands for "Geographic Information System," a computerized system for the capture, storage, management, analysis, and display of digital maps, images, and related databases that are referenced with geographic coordinates. Currently, the Survey is engaged in an aggressive program to map the coal beds of West Virginia using GIS technologies and methodologies.

There are many places and ways to start learning GIS. If you want to try learning on your own start by taking online GIS Tutorial course. For a more guided independent study course you might want to explore Distance Learning. More and more institutions are offering on-site GIS courses and certification.

Check out the Reference Center. Listed there are links to bibliographies, dictionaries, guides to software and more.

Try the Subjects and Industry category for case studies of the application of GIS. You can also browse through Bibliographies to find articles on GIS.