GIS for Environmental Science

Catalog description

"The Geographic Information System (GIS) for Environmental Science course will introduce GIS as it relates to the visualization, analysis, and interpretation of spatial environmental data to understand and present relationships, patterns, and trends. The objectives of this course are to introduce students to GIS theory, environmental data resources and formats, problem solving, and data presentation using a spatial approach. A major component of this course will be introducing and using Esri ArcGIS mapping software (i.e., Pro, and Online) as a tool to achieve these objectives. The class will also introduce open-source GIS resources and free and low-cost GIS software that enrich the toolkits and knowledge base of GIS users. The use of GIS has grown at an exceptional rate in recent years. Once reserved for cartographers, GIS and geospatial data have become a mainstream part of today?s technology ecosystem. Scientists, community planners, first responders, social health scientists, real estate developers, and government workers include just some of the professionals that implement GIS in their day-to-day activities. GIS, as it relates to the environmental field, is an invaluable tool used to understand the interdependency of the Earth?s ecosystems and human impact on the environment. GIS is implemented by environmental professionals at all levels, including government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. After completion of this course, the student will be able to: create geospatial data and perform basic spatial analysis; locate, acquire, and utilize publicly available GIS data sources; understand and perform projections and transformations; create maps for use in live presentations and hard copy map prints; covert data for use in other geographic mapping software. "