Environmental Studies - ENVR 245

Course Description

This course examines intermediate level use of geographic information systems (GIS), including spatial analysis, such as classification, density analysis, overlay analysis, geoprocessing, measuring geographic distribution and analyzing patterns. Spatial data is used to describe and analyze spatial problems in natural and social sciences. GIS is used in decision making in a variety of fields, including planning, natural resource management, policy and economics. Course requirements include the completion of GIS labs and a final course project. The project consists of a conference presentation-ready product of an individually selected topic related to a geographic problem. Development of a project topic, construction of a hypothesis and selection of research strategy are accomplished through consultation and faculty-directed study throughout the semester.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the importance of cartographic elements, including scale and projection, when solving or describing a geospatial problem.
• Manipulate spatial and tabular data in a Geographic Information System.
• Explain the relationship between Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information Systems.
• Describe the importance of metadata.
• Explain why data standards are an important issue in Geographic Information Systems.
• Recognize the contribution of Geographic Information Systems in the decision-making processes for both the public and private sectors.
• Incorporate online spatial resources into a Geographic Information System.
• Import data from advanced data sources, such as LIDAR, aerial photography and US Census data into a Geographic Information System.
• Solve problems that might be encountered when conducting data analysis with Geographic Information Systems.
• Evaluate online data sources that can be used in a Geographic Information System.
• Collect field data in an electronic format that can be imported into a Geographic Information System.
• Create a geodatabase that can be used to describe a geographic problem.
• Create a conference-quality deliverable, such as a poster, web map, presentation or story map.

Course Schedule

Currently no sections of this class are being offered.