<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Hello all,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>I’d like to announce that the pre-release of a new GeoAcademy workbook named Discover QGIS <a href="https://locatepress.com/dqw">https://locatepress.com/dqw</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Now for the first time, the entire GeoAcademy curriculum has been converted to fit into a convenient workbook format with Locate Press. Originally written for QGIS v2.4, the GeoAcademy material in this workbook has been updated for use with QGIS v2.14, Inkscape 0.91, and GRASS GIS 7.0.3. The material is also backwards compatible to QGIS v2.8 despite minor GUI changes. It therefore represents the most up-to-date version of the GeoAcademy curriculum!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>This workbook covers GIS fundamentals, spatial analysis, data management, cartography and remote sensing. There are solution files for each exercise and most exercises have a challenge exercise. Discussion questions are also included at the end of each exercise. Some of the many highlights include learning how to: work with coordinate reference systems, create data via georeferencing and geocoding, using GRASS to conduct a supervised classification of satellite imagery, and how to work with both QGIS and Inkscape to create a publication quality map. Thought was given to improving the content and organization for both hardcopy and electronic readers. The GeoAcademy data was reorganized to match a chapter structure. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Changes were made to several exercises, reflecting the newly updated integration of GRASS GIS with QGIS that came with QGIS v2.10. Portions that include working with GRASS vector maps include both GRASS 6 and GRASS 7 versions of the exercise databases. The portions using the free software Multi-Spec were rewritten using QGIS. Efforts were also made to incorporate some of the exciting new QGIS features such as Live Layer Effects into the Challenge Assignments. It also includes a forward by Dr. Phil Davis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The book can be purchased now as a digital preview version for $24.95 <a href="https://locatepress.com/ebooks">https://locatepress.com/ebooks</a>. It is a preview release as we work out a few minor formatting issues and go through final review. In short order it will be available as the official release both in digital and hard copy formats. Purchasing the preview entitles you to all updates, and the final version when released. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Kurt Menke<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>**************************<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Kurt Menke, GISP<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Bird’s Eye View <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>3016 Santa Clara Ave SE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Albuquerque, NM 87106<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><a href="http://www.birdseyeviewgis.com/" title="http://www.birdseyeviewgis.com/"><span style='color:blue'>www.BirdsEyeViewGIS.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Cell: 505-362-1776<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Work: 505-265-0243<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Fax: 505-265-0243<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Co-Author: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Mastering QGIS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1F497D'><a href="https://www.packtpub.com/application-development/mastering-qgis"><span style='color:blue'>https://www.packtpub.com/application-development/mastering-qgis</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Discover QGIS <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1F497D'><a href="https://locatepress.com/dqw"><span style='color:blue'>https://locatepress.com/dqw</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>