May 15, 2019

Vancouver, BC – Spring is here, and that means an increase of crow attacks. Langara Continuing Studies instructors Rick Davidson and Jim O’Leary have re-launched an interactive map to track aggressive behaviour by crows.

CrowTrax is a user-generated map, a geographic information system (GIS), that pinpoints the location and severity of crow attacks in Vancouver. Since 2016, there were a total of 4,500 reports. The website continues to be popular with Vancouverites who have experienced crow attacks.

“CrowTrax collects valuable data for analysis, but it’s also a fun way to show the power of GIS technology,” said O’Leary. “From tracking customers to planning for catastrophes, the fundamentals that power CrowTrax have incredibly broad applications.”

The GIS Certificate Program accepts students from multiple disciplines, including environmental and health sciences, archaeology, geopolitics, and engineering. O’Leary predicts a growing importance for the skills developed through GIS. “Most of our students are professionals who need GIS training to do their work. We look forward to serving the needs of these professionals through the program in the coming year.”

Users who have been recently attacked by a crow can add it to CrowTrax and help develop an accurate representation of crow activity in Vancouver, or elsewhere. As of 2019, there are reports from other countries, including Panama and Croatia.

Registration for the GIS Certificate Program is currently open; classes begin this May. For more information, visit www.langara.ca/geographic-information-systems. 

About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as house of teachings, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located. Langara is celebrating its 49th year on West 49th Avenue with Beyond 49, an integrated celebration, alumni engagement, and fundraising campaign to reconnect with alumni, and raise funds for student support and important College initiatives.

 

Learn more.
Raymond Chow
Program Coordinator, Computer Technology
604.323.5927
rchow@langara.ca