GIS Minor

Required Courses

GEOG/GPLN 276: Principles of Geographic Information Systems (Rev.) 3hrs.
Introduction to the concept of computer mapping. Accessing online sources of spatial data; creating digital maps and charts using online data sources; vector and raster data models, spatial data entry and editing; coordinate systems and methods of geo-referencing digital maps; elementary database management and spatial analysis. (Required for GIS minors and Urban and Regional Planning majors. Also suggested for teachers who would like to incorporate digital mapping into their teaching. Appropriate for all other disciplines using spatial mapping.).
Prerequisite or Concurrent registration: GEOG 107 or ESSC 108 or ESSC 110

GEOG 376: Geographic Information Systems Analysis (Rev.) 3 hrs. 3 hrs
A more detailed presentation of theories and procedures associated with geographic information systems. Emphasis will be on data models and advanced techniques in data automation, database management; and spatial analysis. Students will be exposed to a broad range of functionalities within ArcGIS to conduct GIS analyses, including ArcView and ArcEditor for the analysis and management of spatial data, GeoDatabases for managing personal and enterprise GIS, and ArcIMS for dispatching GIS information on Internet or Intranet.
Prerequisite: GEOG/GPLN 276 or departmental permission

GEOG 405: Aerial Photograph Interpretation (Rev.) 3 hrs.
Analysis of black and white and color infrared photographs for land use planning, environmental assessment, geology and resource management. Weekly lab exercises. Optional field trip.
Prerequisites: 100-level Math course and GEOG/GPLN 276 or departmental permission

GEOG 476: Advanced Geographic Information Systems (Rev.) 3 hrs. Advanced concepts and techniques in vector and raster-based GIS. Topics include surface modeling, local, neighborhood and zonal map algebraic operators, geostatistical analysis using raster structures and modeling spatio-temporal processes, multi-criteria decision analysis, point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, regression models, and network analysis.
Prerequisite: GEOG 376 or departmental permission

GEOG 480: Geographic Information Systems Projects (New) 3 hrs.
A study of different ways in which GIS is being used to resolve problems in the public and private sectors and in academia.. Emphasis is on how GIS technology is being used in areas such as facility management, natural resource management, urban planning, environmental modeling, historical preservation, geology, health planning, etc. By working on a number of small, but realistic, projects students learn how to conceptualize GIS solutions to problems and how to professionally implement GIS projects.
Prerequisite: GEOG 376 or departmental permission

Plus one Restricted Elective from the following:

GEOG 107, Introduction to Geography (existing) 3
ESSC 108, Earth Science (existing) 4
ESSC 110, The Dynamic Earth System (revised) 4

Plus one Restricted Elective from the following:
GPLN 215, Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning (existing) 3
GEOG 361, Population Geography (existing) 3
ESSC 485, Remote Sensing (existing) 3