Course Category: Geography

This course provides a framework for understanding the aerial and spatial interrelationships and processes that operate in the physical environment in order to develop a better comprehension of the physical world around us. The content of the course will examine Earth-sun relationships, latitude, longitude, maps, plus the physical factors associated with meteorology, climate, and earth surface processes.

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and supporting facts about contemporary world geography. Emphasis is placed upon component countries' world roles, physical and cultural characteristics, relation to other world areas and associated problems. The course examines population, economic activity, landforms, climate, cultural conflict and other pertinent natural and human processes that underlie the areal and spatial differentiation of the world.

This course introduces students to both historic and contemporary theories and techniques of cartography. Mental maps, the map as a physical object, and the mapping process are examined. Students apply techniques and tools to construction and use of maps in spatial analysis including gathering, manipulation, and representation of geographic data with an emphasis on thematic mapping and maps as a communication medium. The course covers introductory GIS, GPS, projections, and datum. Mapping projects may involve the surrounding community.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are an increasingly important analysis tool in many fields. In this hands-on course, students develop spatial reasoning ability and sharpen their skills in analyzing spatial data. Topics covered include principles of storing, analyzing and displaying spatial data; procurement of spatial information, and data manipulation and display techniques. Students will learn practical applications of GIS and the use of common spatial analytical techniques.

Students will apply spatial analytical techniques and modeling to geographical problem solving in business, urban planning, natural resource management, and other fields.

An understanding of the principles of remote sensing requires knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum, interactions of electromagnetic energy with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, and remote sensing sensors and platforms. Students will learn to accurately interpret aerial photographs and to procure and process satellite imagery for use in mapping and decision support. Applications of GIS and remote sensing will include global monitoring, agriculture, and oceanography.

Students will utilize scripting and other techniques to perform spatial analysis, automate tasks and develop custom extensions. These techniques and capabilities are an essential foundation for more powerful analyses, efficient data pre-processing, and developing user interfaces and tools to provide access to GIS functionality to non-expert users across an organization.