Advanced Methods in GIS

Catalog description

This course explores advanced methods in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with emphases on both theory and practice. Topics in cartography and GIS are explored, including fundamental principles (the First Law of Geography and the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem), satellite technology, computer ontology, automated/scripted GIS, Open Science, numerical modeling, and watershed delineation. Curriculum design and professional certification are also explored to prepare students for graduate studies and/or a professional career. The GIS laboratory offers students an opportunity to use advanced functionalities in industry-standard GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and R) to improve their conceptual understanding and technical skills. In the laboratory, GIS concepts are reinforced through database management, spatial analysis, and open notebook development. Throughout this course, students carry out a research project using GIS software. (3 lecture and 1 laboratory credits)