GIS Courses

GIS 201 - Introduction to GIS
This course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of geospatial technologies, including using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), basics of cartography, remote sensing and spatial analysis. Emphasis will be on hands-on application of these technologies to create maps, to organize and visualize spatial data, and to utilize spatial data to analyze and address social, economic, political and environmental issues. 

GIS 350 - Spatial Analysis & Social Justice: Congressional Redistricting (COLL 350)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be a powerful tool to understand and mitigate the impacts of social inequity. We will analyze how the workings of power and privilege in the United States (US) have led to Black, Latinx, and Native American communities being disproportionately affected by societal problems such as environmental justice, discrimination, economic injustice, or political unfairness. We will also explore how geospatial scientists and community leaders can work together to solve these challenges. For GIS to truly be a tool for social justice, we also need a diverse and inclusive GIS community. We will discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in geographic information science and strategies for overcoming the barriers that currently exist.

GIS 405/505 - Geovisualization and Cartographic Design

Communicating geographic concepts, problems and solutions are key to the geovisualization and spatial design, the modern art and science of cartography.  The foundational principles of the course will be grounded in the fundamentals of traditional cartography using GIS in combination with design and analytical software. This course will immerse students in color theory, symbology, typography, along with 2-D and 3-D design layout within web and print media.  Hands-on learning experiences will emphasize and apply scientific visualization techniques alongside the art of data visualization, both in terms of how to use visualization to understand spatial data and to create strong visual communication.

GIS 410/510 - Introduction to Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the art and science of obtaining information about an object without being in direct physical contact. Students will develop a robust understanding of the tools and techniques used to display, process, and analyze remotely sensed data, while studying the theory, principles, and methodology of remote sensing of the environment for geospatial applications. Emphasis will be placed on designing, implementing, and critically evaluating the processes of image acquisition and data collection in the electromagnetic spectrum from a variety of sensors (i.e. aerial, satellite, multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR) and analysis through data set manipulations. Upon completion of this course students will be able to develop analytical workflows to derive products and extract information from remotely sensed data for a broad range of applications.

GIS 420/520 - Advanced GIS Analysis and Programming

This course extends the existing base of GIS knowledge and skills by amplifying programmatic approaches to spatial data and analysis.  Lectures, labs, and projects emphasize GIS model development, develop spatial database architecture and design best practices, and extend knowledge of web GIS by authoring and consuming geographic web services.  Students will become familiar with methods of leveraging programming languages (such as Python) to make GIS processing easier, faster, and more accurate by scripting and automating data management, production, manipulation, and analysis procedures.  Activities develop GIS analysis skills with examples from government, social science, physical science, and the humanities.

GIS 425 - Mentored Geospatial Teaching

A mentored experience in geospatial technology teaching through selected readings and short discussion sessions. Teaching skills will be developed by assisting in approved GIS classes offered by the CGA. May be repeated for credit with approval from both instructor and Chair of Department/Program Director.

GIS 480/550 - Independent Research

This course provides students the opportunity to create a  project demonstrating an application of knowledge using geospatial technologies such as GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, and spatial analysis. Each student will design and apply practical research methodology for an original project. Projects should involve solving geospatial technology challenges, such as complex data collection, data management strategies, implementing new or experimental analysis techniques, or working with multiple stakeholders in an applied and/or academic setting. Identification of a faculty mentor and agreement on the format of deliverables is required prior to registration for this course.  

The course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 3 credits of GIS 480.

GIS 490/590 - Special Topics

Selected topics related to geospatial technologies (GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing, etc). These courses will be offered as advanced study of topics not routinely covered by existing courses or emerging topics in the field of geospatial technologies. Subjects, prerequisites and instructor  will vary from semester to semester. If there is no duplication of topic, may be repeated for credit.