And here we are into another year.

I had some professional resolutions in 2017, which I somehow pulled off. I wanted to get my GISP, which finally came through in July, tra-la, tra-la. And I wanted to start a geolibrary at the office, which we kicked off on GIS Day this year. My initial booklist is below if it interests you. Geoawesomeness has a list of books, you should read in 2018, and I think I’m going to track a couple of those down so we can expand.

Programming

• Learning Python
• ArcPy and ArcGIS
• ArcGIS Web Development
• Javascript: The Definitive Guide
• Python for Data Analysis

GIS

• Designing Better Maps
• Esri ArcGIS Desktop Associate Certification Study Guide
• The ArcGIS Book: 10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where
• The ArcGIS Book: 10 Big Ideas about Applying Geography to Your World
• Esri Map Book, Volumes 28, 30, 32
• Introduction to Geometrical and Physical Geodesy
• Past Time, Past Place
• GIS, Spatial Analysis, and Modeling

Out of the ArcBox

• Atlas of Lost Cities
• How to Lie with Maps
• Strange Maps
• Infinite City:A San Francisco Atlas
• You Are Here
• Longitude
• Mapped
• Map Addict

2017 saw an unexpected shift in the way I see myself fitting into my profession. My focus in the last few years has been on the developer edge. I’ve been taking JavaScript classes and reading python books, building web apps and trying to get to a place where I’m sort of at peace with ArcGIS Pro (work in progress there...) Then in September, I suddenly found myself in a supervisory role holding a toolbox with all the wrong sorts of tools in it.

It feels a little like realizing that you have been hand-placing annotation on a map in the wrong projection. I need to look at everything from a slightly different angle now.

So, 2018... I’m looking towards resources that will make me a better teacher and a better leader. (Now accepting suggestions...)

I’m trying not to look at it as trading in one set of dearly acquired tools for another, though I think I have to accept that I’m not going to be able to play with my old toys as much if I want to do my new job well. And doing my new job well is really important so that has to be the priority.

So here’s to 2018, as the world gears up for another trip around the sun. May we map it well.