NS5001 Internship Assignment: Habimap GIS programme

    

  NS5001 Internship Assignment: Habimap GIS programme

     

Blog 1; Why do an internship 

The reason I want to participate in an internship is because I believe it is an important way to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world experience. Although my classroom knowledge has provided me with a solid foundation in GIS, I believe that putting what I have learnt into practice in a professional environment will help me develop both personally and professionally. This will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. My participation in an internship will provide me with the opportunity to get practical experience, obtain an understanding of the dynamics of the workplace, and develop vital skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. In addition to that, it is an opportunity for me to go further into my hobbies, to make my career objectives clearer, and to gain knowledge from people who have experience working in the sector. To contribute, to learn, and to challenge oneself in ways that are not always possible in a setting that is solely academic is something that I am interested to find out. An internship is something that I consider to be more than just a need; rather, it is an opportunity for me to make an investment in my future and better prepare myself for the career that I am working towards. I decided to do an internship in GIS because I wanted to learn more about the skills required and to experience and learn more about it hands-on, which is my preferred learning style over learning in an academic setting. I learnt about the habimap GIS while working as a habimap field surveyor this summer, and they send out newsletters advertising employment openings and volunteer possibilities. I looked for jobs on the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website and examined the Habimap project to learn about their goals and methods, which were relevant to the job. That is when I saw they are looking for GIS volunteers, and I am interested in helping with data processing, map development, and habitat analysis, as well as working in a office setting at Robinwood Country Park.  

 

Blog 2: Introduction to internship 

Habimap is a citizen science habitat mapping effort run by Gloucestershire Wildlife that combines fieldwork and data collection to improve habitat understanding. GIS work at Robinwood Hill includes processing, cleaning, and intergrading data, managing databases, overlaying new data on existing layers, and creating maps. It evaluates trends, identifies connectivity and habitat quality, assists with ecological planning, and makes recommendations to managers or policymakers. The goal I was working on was to enable the construction of accurate maps depicting the spatial distribution of various habitat types using data obtained through methods such as field surveys. Tracking changes in habitat extent and distribution over time will help identify areas of loss, fragmentation, and degradation, as well as areas with high biodiversity, value, key habitats, and prospective conservation efforts. The project's goal is to contribute to habitat protection, land management, and strategic environmental planning across the country, as well as to develop precise, accurate updated maps based on real-world field surveys, such as UKHab categorisation, and processed using GIS technologies. Also, enhance knowledge of habitat distribution and quality/understanding of what sorts of habitats exist, where they are located, and their ecological condition. Another key effect is that the data informs conservation initiatives by identifying sites for restoration or protection and prioritising land for inclusion in nature recovery networks. 

Blog 3: Reflection of Internship 

As a Habimap volunteer, I gained significant experience that honed both my technical abilities and understanding of applied conservation. With an eagerness to learn real-world GIS in the field of mapping conservation planning. I already had the knowledge from my studies, but I wanted to explore how spatial data is applied to promote environmental conservation. Working on the project, I was involved in several core data activities, including processing habitats using UKhab classification, validating records for spatial accuracy and classification using ArcGIS Pro to update polygons and contribute to the digital country map, producing reports for landowners to show types of habitats, and assisting with data analysis for nature recovery network planning. At the start of the internship, I had a foundation of technical and transferable skills acquired through module development and independent learning. This includes becoming acquainted with the QGIS pro platform, understanding core concepts such as layers, attribute tables, and geoprocessing tools such as buffers and merging, the ability to create well-labelled maps using legends, scale bars, and symbology based on attribute data, interpretation of land cover data and simple spatial patterns, and analysis of habitat types in the context of the UK ecological framework. During my internship, I learnt spatial data editing, map design and layout, attribute management, and evaluating aerial images and field data to determine where restoration should take place, how landowners may receive finance, and what needs to be done to protect biodiversity targets. Other skills I learnt include data processing, such as precisely editing and digitising polygons, utilising tools like intersect and select by attribute, managing/joining attribute tables, understanding the UK hab system, and interpreting field surveys and translating them into geographical layers. I also learnt how to assign habitat codes, apply ecological reasoning in a geographical context, and build management skills while improving my understanding of classification and planning. The internship confirmed that participants not only learnt how to use GIS technologies, but also how to understand ecological data and contribute effectively to local environmental action, as well as how to gain confidence, professionalism, and ecological thinking. The most difficult component was ensuring accuracy/consistency when processing habitat data, which came from many surveyors in varying field situations and had to interpret missing or inconsistent attribute entries. Working with shapefiles, layers, and attribute tables made it difficult to manage and organise complex projects. Understanding the UKhab categorisation system in spatial context requires time, and using habitat types where boundaries are unclear necessitates ecological knowledge, which is currently growing. Finally, with map design, I found it difficult to balance data integrity with audience clarity while also ensuring that it is helpful and easy to read. 

 

Blog 4: Reflecting on CV and interview 

I attended the YFP appointment to see what improvements and feedback I could provide on my CV, as it had been a while since I updated it. From that position, I learnt how to structure into an academic one, what to include in the education part, how to arrange the sections, and what to include about my courses. They also recommended CV websites such as CV360 checker, which was great because it provides fast feedback with a score to help you understand where your CV stands. Some concerns were detected, such as the personal profile being too long, being on two pages rather than one, and having spelling and grammar errors. This input was beneficial since it allowed me to address issues that I was unable to resolve on my own. I was able to recognise my strengths and weaknesses in my talents, including those gained via work experience and volunteer work. 

The other preparation was the formative interview, which is a 20-minute unmarked interview that provides feedback. This feedback was helpful since it allowed me to address difficulties that I was unable to overcome on my own, increasing my chances of getting an interview. I was able to identify my strengths and shortcomings in my talents. In preparation for the appropriate interview, the interviewer questioned the applicant's motivation for wanting the internship. This was helpful to me since I thought about what talents I wanted to improve. The third question was about what abilities I could add to the organisation, and I provided instances of actual skills obtained throughout my GIS program. Finally, a few questions were asked about what talents I wanted to build during the internship and how they could be applied to my future profession. This relates to the development of a wide range of technical, analytical, and soft skills. Volunteering with Habimap and the types of questions asked caused me to reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses. After my interview, I received my feedback form, which showed that I had outstanding indicators of core skills, presented myself professionally, and maintained a confident and optimistic attitude throughout the interview. The interviewer noted areas for improvement, such as my pacing when speaking, pausing to gather thoughts to deliver answers more calmly, and how certain responses might benefit from more specific examples relating to problem solving or leadership. 

 

Blog 5: Application process and interview 

The initial steps in the application process for the GIS habimap volunteering post began when I came across an email that discussed events and responsibilities within the organisation. I registered for the position and made a note of the reasons I wanted to join as well as the experience I can offer to the table. The experience I provided consisted of my GIS modules and the abilities I acquired because of those programs. I was one of the top five candidates out of twenty that were considered for the post, and they asked if I could come in for the training day so that I could become familiar with the software, the organisation, and gain a better knowledge of what may be required in the role.  I was still a little anxious leading up to it, even though the information I received based on my initial interview indicated that it would be easy going and that the emphasis would be placed on getting to know each other. To prepare for the interview with the firm, I conducted research on the company's vision and goals. This research not only enables me to determine whether I am a good fit for the company, but it also assists me in comprehending why they do what they do and where they are headed. Additionally, it allows me to study the company's mission and objectives. To demonstrate how that contributes to those goals, I Trailor replies. Even though the formative interview was conducted over teams, I took the time to contemplate on it because it was a different experience than attending the interview in person. The fact that I do not have to fly and that I can bring in a familiar atmosphere to assist relieve some of my nervousness is one of the benefits of conducting an interview online. On the other hand, I discovered that establishing relationships with teams was more difficult. Additionally, there is a delay in the flow of the conversation, which makes it more difficult to feel totally engaged. I ensured that I was dressed in a professional manner, that I had questions prepared to ask them, and that I thoroughly studied the job description. The questions that were addressed were quite serious, and I was pleased to supply responses that went into detail. I was asked to describe a Geographic Information System (GIS) project that I had worked on, I was asked what role or tools you employ, and I was asked how you have used spatial analysis to affect decision making. As I reflect on the interview, it was successful in general and that it provided me with an excellent opportunity to showcase my abilities and get additional information about the employer. My experience in GIS data analysis or spatial modelling corresponds with the role, and I was able to articulate it with confidence. I was able to convey my background. I was able to expound on both my technical knowledge and how I approach problem-solving during the interview since the interviewers were professional and interesting, and they asked questions that required much thought. Because I was given the opportunity to ask my own questions, I was able to gain a greater understanding of the culture of the organisation as well as the expectations that were associated with the role. There were a few areas in which I believed I could make improvements. An example of this would be that I could have provided a response to the question that was better organised. Taking everything into consideration, the interview heightened my interest in the position. It also provided me with an understanding of how I may improve my ability to express my value and improve my ability to create more targeted examples for future possibilities. 

Blog 6: Reflection of what I learned about myself 

The successful completion of my internship has been an opportunity that has provided me with a wealth of knowledge about myself, both in terms of my professional and personal life. The fact that I am more capable and adaptive than I initially gave myself credit for is one of the most important things that I have discovered. I was forced to step outside of my comfort zone when I was placed in a new environment, along with being surrounded by strange systems and expectations. I gained the ability to ask questions with self-assurance, to better manage my time, and to maintain my composure even when I was under intense pressure. Additionally, I was able to identify the areas in which I excel. For instance, I discovered that I am highly effective in group situations and that I take pleasure in working with other people to find solutions to difficulties. During this time, I came to the realisation that I am the type of person who flourishes when given clear framework, but that I am also capable of taking initiative when it is required. The insights that I gained helped me have a better understanding of my working style as well as the kind of atmosphere that I would like to be in in the future. I was able to better understand my professional objectives because of the internship. Having the opportunity to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of the work has not only helped me become clearer about the path I want to pursue, but it has also taught me areas in which I still have room for improvement. Because of this era of growth, I now have a greater sense of self-assurance in both my capabilities and the path that I intend to take in the future. The capability of geographic information systems (GIS) to visualise and analyse spatial data in a manner that provides support for decision-making in domains such as urban planning, environmental management, and public health has always been something that has fascinated me. I saw the internship as an opportunity to improve my technical abilities, gain experience with software that is common in the field, and gain a deeper comprehension of how geographic information systems (GIS) are utilised in professional settings. By the end of the internship, I had gained a lot of knowledge, not only about geographic information system (GIS) tools such as ArcGIS and QGIS, but also about myself. I gained increased self-assurance in my ability to manage complicated geographical data, to create maps, and to carry out geospatial analysis. Additionally, I gained an understanding of the significance of paying close attention to details in this industry, particularly while dealing with enormous datasets and coordinating with a variety of teams. One of the most important things I learnt was the significance of communication, which I was able to take away. As vital as it is to undertake the analysis itself, it is equally important to be able to explain technical findings to an audience that is not technically orientated. I was also surprised to find that I prefer working independently and solving problems, but that I equally value working with others and gaining knowledge from those who are already working in the industry. My interest in geographic information systems (GIS) was strengthened because of this internship, and I gained a better understanding of the diverse variety of applications that may be made use of it. I gained a better understanding of the career path that I want to pursue because of this experience, which served as a stepping stone in the development of both my professional and technical skills. My knowledge of classification in GIS was fundamental when I first started working on the GIS internship module. I regarded it as a technical procedure, which consisted of organising data into categories to produce maps that were more understandable and visually beautiful. Without having a complete knowledge of the ramifications that the choices I made could have on how the data is interpreted, my thinking was centred on selecting the "right" categorisation approach (such as natural breaks, equal interval, or quantile) based on the size of the dataset. I tended to approach classification in a clear and almost mechanical manner, which consisted of selecting a method, putting it into practice, and producing a map. I did not consider the ways in which various classification schemes could influence the message that is being conveyed or the ways in which map users might interpret the data differently based on the data that they choose to interpret. I began to see that classification is not merely a technical step; rather, it is a type of decision-making that has an impact on the correctness, clarity, and fairness of the final product. This realisation came about as the module proceeded, and I began working on tangible projects. Before deciding on a categorisation method, I started giving more careful consideration to the objective of the map, the people who would be viewing it, and the characteristics of the raw data. Of relying on a single method out of habit, I learnt to test multiple classification approaches and defend my selections based on the context. This was part of my learning process. Because of this transformation in thinking, I was able to comprehend the significance of ethics and communication in geographic information systems (GIS). Clarity of presentation is only one aspect of classification; appropriate data representation is also an important consideration. My approach to each level of spatial analysis has been influenced by this understanding, beginning with the way data is categorised and presented. 

 

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