Brad, thank you for your interest in the maps. No, I do not have a degree or formal training in GIS, although I find it to be an intriguing science. My brother was a pioneer in GIS using it in managing tens of thousands of acres of Georgia pulp woodlands. My part-time day job is mechanical engineering. I'm simply a self-taught graphic illustrator and cartographer wannabe. Others on this message board may have some insights. Also you might be able to hook up with someone on the GIS area of
CartoTalk , a forum for cartography and design. I wish you well in pursuing this.
JF