Introduction to Geographic Information Systems


Course Description

2+2, Cr. 3. An introduction to the theory and practical use of geographic information systems. These powerful research tools combine computer mapping and databases to provide diverse combinations of spatial information and modeling capabilities to enhance decision-making processes and planning. GIS usage is also highly multidisciplinary; the class may be of interest to students of several other programs such as civil engineering, biology, business, health sciences.

 

Source: The Geographer's Craft

About GIS and this Course

GIS represents a rapidly growing field today, affecting both academic and applied geography, as well as the business community, urban and civil planning, environmental management, public utilities, and numerous government agencies. In fact, GIS proves useful to anyone needing to manage and manipulate data for the purpose of answering spatial questions or queries: Where is it? Where should it be? Where shouldn't it be? This introductory course will provide an overview of the field, including its history and development, current usage, and future possibilities. It will also provide hands-on experience with the technology, specifically ESRI's ArcView GIS package and several of its extensions. The course will make use of a variety of lectures, tutorials, and lab exercises.

Texts

Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver, An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. (Longman, 1998).

Mark Monmonier, How to Lie with Maps, 2nd ed. (University of Chicago Press, 1996)


Schedule | Assignments | Policies | Resources


Revised October 23, 2001. JTK.