On-Line Internet Learning Resources for Distant GISEducation

Knowing where to find GIS-related information in Cyber Space for beginners of GIS is crucial. This paper provides some of the important Universal Resource Locator (URL) addresses for various GIStopics. The intent is to encourage distantlearning in Geographic Information System (GIS). It is hoped that this paper will encourage on-line learning and will provide an opportunity to seek knowledge from the vast on-line Web-based resources for novice distant learners of Geographic information System (GIS). It will also provide flexibility toward timeand place-constraints as is with the traditional methods of classroom oriented environment. Distant Learners in GIS can set their own pace of learning fitting to their own circumstances. A word of caution regarding the limitations of which and how much is possible and which and how much is not possible through the Web-based Distant education in the context of GIS is highlighted. Among the search engines to access Web-base GIS topics, Lycos, AltaVista, InfoSeek, Excite Search and LookSmart were among the best search engines recommended for GIS servers. However, the GIS learner has to physically sit in front of a computer terminal and perform GIS application skills and analysis specific to the real-world problem at hand. Also, as there is a minimal-to-none face-to-face interaction of one human element to another, and since user-interacting-only-tocomputer in a stand-alone mode, there is irrecoverable risk of loosing appreciation for human passion, social-bounds, and human culture.