COURSES

GEOG 2552: INTRODUCTION TO MAPS AND CARTOGRAPHIC METHODS
This is a non-technical course introducing the fields cartography and other mapping sciences such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasis is put on the history of map-making and the appreciating of maps and map-like images, rather than on the professional techniques of map production and other related activities. The purpose of the course it twofold: on one hand, it provides a general orientation to map history, use, and techniques for students in any discipline, and on the other it is the basic course in the sequence of cartography, GIS an remote sensing and therefore, important for students majoring in geography and specializing in the mapping sciences. We will define a map and consider maps as communication tools. We will explore the effects of scale projection, cartographic symbolization and generalization on the mapping process. We will compare spatial data models and types of spatial data, and explore how classification and symbolization methods influence the representation of spatial data. Lastly, we will look at alternative, or nontraditional map representations.

GEOG 4563: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
To review hardware and software, and to explore several GIScience applications, data structures and data models, and basic analysis functions. Specifically, students completing this course will learn to:identify and describe hardware components of a GIS; state differences between databases and models; describe and evaluate methods of data capture and specific data sources; discuss the nature and characteristics of spatial data and objects; list and define typical GIS operations; identify types of products from GIS; classify systems according to their characteristics; discuss differences between raster and vector data models. The software that we will be utilizing in the lab is IDRISI.

GEOG 4580 - IN TRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING AND IMAGE INTERPRETATION
Introduces basic concepts of remote sensing of the environment. Intended to provide the background information necessary to successfully use remotely sensed imagery in conjunction with GIS technology to answer questions about the world in which we live.

GEOG 5541: ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATION OF GIS
This course will introduce students to learn and apply the main functions of a GIS package (Arcview) as a tool for the analysis of spatial data and as a means for environment management. The course is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have had some previous experience in the GIS field. Three components are included: (1) the main functions of ArcView such as getting data into ArcView GIS working with spatial data, querying data, managing tabular data, network analyst, spatial analyst, and 3D analyst; (2) modeling techniques in GIs environments; and (3) the applications of GIS in evaluations of natural hazards, contaminated sites remediation, habitat assessment, forest management, and soil erosion control. The course will couple lectures with practical experience in the lab using ArcView 3.x and ArcGIS ArcView 9.x software.

GEOG 5995: GIS IN RESOURCE AND POLICY MANAGEMENT
This course serves to provide students with a basic background in GIS an opportunity to explore the many applications of geographic information systems in natural resource land-use planning, transportation, utilities management, development, and community planning. Students will learn how GIS can be used to effectively carry out urban and regional planning tasks in site selection, zoning, transportation, utilities management and representing community values. Several 1-3 week lab projects will be focused around advanced tasks in GIS analysis using land-use planning subject areas. Students will learn where to obtain datasets, how to apply aerial photography, link multiple varied sources of tabular data to spatial datasets, perform surface interpolation and cost-distance weighting, design GIS questions, and analyze geographic patterns and change. Students will gain a basic understanding of GIS project planning and data management. Towards the end of the course, students' input will be used to select an advanced topic for discussion and lab focus. Software used will be ArcGIS ArcInfo 9.x.