Geographic Information Technologies Certificate

Course Descriptions

E&GSCI 265 Computer Applications in Geography (or permission of the instructor)
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
This course teaches the fundamentals and geographic applications of computers. Topics Include components of a computer system and their functions; special hardware requirements for geographic applications; DOS, UNIX, Windows 98, and Windows NT operating systems; software for geographic applications; telecommunications and computer networking; and the uses of computers in spatial analysis, form and process modeling, automated cartography, digital processing and analysis of remote sensing data, and GIS.
Distribution I Area: Natural Sciences
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
E&GSCI 261 Statistics for E&GSCI
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
This course focuses on fundamental statistical concepts, methods in data analysis and applications to earth and geographic sciences. Topics include frequency distributions and graphic representations, measures of central location, probability distributions of random variables. Chi square test, sample size determination and linear regressions.
E&GSCI 266 Introduction to Databases in Geography
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
This course is a hands-on beginner-level database course for GIS users. It covers the basic concepts of database design. It familiarizes students with techniques in using MS Excel and MS Access. It introduces basic programming concepts and techniques in using visual basic for applications (VBA). It also touches upon the basics of ESRI’s Geodatabase, and common GIS database formats.
E&GSCI 360 Computer and Analytical Cartography
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Topics include cartographic design, cartographic transformations, digital data formats, software for automated cartography, generation of computer maps, and cartographic modeling.
Prerequisite: E&GSCI 265.
E&GSCI 370 Remote Sensing
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
This is an introductory course on the principles and techniques of remote sensing. It covers the physical principles of electromagnetic radiation, remote sensing systems, interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite remote sensing data, thermal and radar imagery, and applications of remote sensing.
Prerequisite: E&GSCI 265.
E&GSCI 380 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
This course is concerned with computer handling of spatial data. It covers essential elements of a GIS, hardware requirements, GIS software, data acquisition, data structures, spatial databases, methods of data analysis and spatial modeling, and applications of GIS in solving a variety of environmental and economic problems.
Prerequisite: E&GSCI 265.
E&GSCI 381 Applications of GIS
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
This course is designed to give students an overview of geographic information systems (GIS) applications, a thorough understanding of the design and operation of some commonly used GIS packages, and the practical experience of using a GIS to solve a real world problem. Students go through the entire process from project design to data collection and analysis to the presentation of results.
Prerequisite: E&GSCI 380.
E&GSCI 383 GIS for Water Resources
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
This course is about application of Geographic Information Systems in Water Resources. Course is self contained. It starts with basics for understanding GIS, surface water hydrology, and ArcGIS software. Then we train students to generate topographic and spatial data for uses in hydrological models, such as digital mapping of water resources information, spatial coordinate systems, terrain analysis using digital elevation models, river and watershed networks, and soil and land use mapping. In the later part, the course covers some essential materials on modeling and mapping, such as flood hydrology modeling and flood plain mapping, terrain analysis for hydrologic modeling, and integration of time series and geospatial data.
E&GSCI 416 Visual Basic and ArcObjects
Description Available Soon.
E&GSCI 417 Geo-computation
Description Available Soon.
E&GSCI 418 Spatial Quantitative Analysis
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
The main purpose of this course is to introduce you to the fundamentals of geo-statistics with an emphasis on geographic problem solving. The class will demonstrate how the general principles of probability and statistics can be used by geographers to address problems of space, place, distribution, and location.
E&GSCI 460 Digital Image Processing in Remote Sensing
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Labs Hrs, 4 Credits
This course is concerned with the computer processing and analysis of remote sensing data. Topics include radiometric and geometric characteristics of remotely-sensed data, image processing systems, image restoration, enhancement techniques, thematic information extraction, classification accuracy assessment, and integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Prerequisite: E&GSci 265, E&GSci 370, and MATH 125.
E&GSCI 465 Environment Modeling & Raster GIS
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
This course focuses on two different topics. The first half focuses on the raster data models, their structure and function, and in particular on their use in a modeling context. Because of the enhanced modeling flexibility available in the raster domain we will have the opportunity to examine modeling in more detail than we could in introductory course. Beyond simply learning how to model, we will examine GIS modeling with a larger view toward the design of GIS projects within the organizational context. The successful introduction of complex spatial data handling technology within any organization requires that proven, structured approaches be utilized during the design, implementation and operational phases. Once we have completed the modeling portion of this course, the course will introduce you to the use of modern structured design techniques that are capable of forming a basis for the correct design and implementation of geographic information systems.
E&GSCI 478 Independent Study
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
A course stressing research topics under the direction of individual faculty members. An outline paper is available in the department office which students must read before signing up for this course.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department chair.
E&GSCI 480 Special Topics
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
A Seminar to examine current research in the geosciences. Students and faculty prepare discussion on relevant topics.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.