(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 7, 2013) - - - Because we live in a rapidly changing world, our future is contingent on what we do today. We need greater knowledge of our environment and our relationship with it, as well as an awareness of how to protect its valuable resources. Geographical Information Systems help us better understand the world so we can meet global challenges. The technology is growing rapidly as cities and counties have begun to investigate GIS as a solution to their information processing problems. How can GIS help your company?

Columbia State Community College's Williamson County campus is offering the Introduction to Geographic Information Systems course beginning Monday, March 25. Upon completion of this 15-hour course, students will be able to display data, search data, edit and produce maps. In addition, students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned to projects similar to what they would do on the job.

To register for this or any of Columbia State's professional development courses, please visit http://registration.xenegrade.com/columbiastate. For additional information on class times, location or pricing, please call 931.540.2659.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.