BET 161Data and Society for the Geographic

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Information Systems (GIS) User Prerequisite: BET 160, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Data is the foundation for all mapping, analysis, and decision-making, and for making data quality critical for continuous assessment and questioning. Scale also plays a significant role, as patterns and relationships may appear or disappear depending on the scale of analysis and the scale at which data is collected and published, influencing observable outcomes. Throughout this course, students will encounter a range of data, from easily understandable to complex, as well as data portals varying in usability. This experience mirrors real-world challenges in working with geospatial data and aims to develop students’ skills in handling these complexities. Although today’s GIS tools and open data portals are more user-friendly, learning GIS extends beyond software proficiency. It involves cultivating a critical perspective on data and GIS tools, acknowledging both their strengths and limitations.