3/31/97 CONTACT: Michael Finney, 614/593-4389

ATHENS, Ohio -- Space is still available in a three-day, Ohio University computer workshop designed to give participants a solid understanding of software used to create maps.

The Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development's (ILGARD) three-day workshop will examine the software program MapInfo for Windows and will be held in ILGARD's computer lab, 294 Building 20 on The Ridges, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7-9.

The workshop is aimed at city managers, planning professionals, service directors, engineers and those who work with spatially referenced data and maps, according to ILGARD Associate Director Michael Finney, the course's instructor.

"It gives them a basic understanding of desktop mapping and geographic information systems (GIS)," Finney said.

GIS is a computer software system used to create, manipulate, analyze and plot a variety of map-related data. MapInfo can also be used to map flood potential, roads, bridges, lead paint contamination, poverty rates, population densities and other subject areas.

For more information about the workshop or to register, contact Finney at 614/593-4389.