Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Course Descriptions
Introduction to GIS
GISC 200 Introduction to GIS (4 credits)
Introduction to GIS focuses on the theory and application of GIS technology. The course combines theory and laboratory assignments in an effort to provide students with the knowledge required to plan and undertake a project that has a GIS component. The course uses ArcGIS for practical laboratory work and to illustrate theoretical concepts. There are three main components to the course. The first focuses on a brief introduction of GIS, the nature of geographic data, map projections, and data integration. The second deals with the various types of spatial data and the tools, technology, and utilities available to work with spatial data. The third focuses on the various forms of spatial data, vector and raster, and their associated extensions and tools.
GEOG 250 Introduction to GIS and Cartography (4 credits)
This course serves as an introduction to the principles of GIS and cartography and their use in presenting and analyzing geographic information in the laboratory.
GEOL/EESC 205 Computer Applications in Environmental Science and Geology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOL 112 or EESC 110
This course emphasizes the acquisition of spatial data and their display and manipulation within geographic information science software. The class also includes an introduction to the use of global positioning system instruments for data collection.
Intermediate GIS
GISC 220 Advanced Spatial Analysis (4 credits)
Prerequisite: GISC 200, GEOL/EESC 205, or GEOG 250
This course develops hands-on skills with industry-standard GIS software beyond the level acquired in the introductory courses GISC 200, GEOL/EESC 205, and GEOG 250. Students complete assignments in a wide variety of applications, including urban infrastructure management, environmental modeling, and demographic analyses. The course focuses on GIS as an analytical research tool. Upon completion, students have a thorough understanding of the various forms of spatial data and an understanding of their structure. In addition, they convert and integrate data in ArcGIS, create GIS layers (themes) in multiple formats, conduct geographic analyses, customize software applications through scripts, and draw and present conclusions and results. Students also acquire the necessary skills to independently complete a GIS project including establishing objectives, reviewing literature and/or practices elsewhere, and identifying, acquiring, editing, correcting, and modifying GIS layers. Students are also introduced to alternative GIS applications providing a broader perspective of applications that are used in industry.
GEOG 351 Applications of GIS (4 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 250
Students learn about the concepts and applications of GIS in this course. Laboratory assignments emphasize the use of GIS as a method for analyzing and solving geographic problems.
Programming in GIS
GISC 350 ArcObjects Programming (4 credits)
Prerequisite: GISC 200, GEOG 250 or GEOL/EESC 205
This course teaches the fundamental concepts of VBA, OOP concepts and ArcObjects. Students are introduced to ArcObjects libraries for Visual Basic Applications and develop custom applications and solutions that extend core ArcGIS functionality to build GIS applications. Students learn to apply object-oriented programming concepts as they develop VBA resources to create applications and tools that perform specific GIS tasks as map navigation, feature selection and rendering. Course includes hands-on programming exercises, where students write code that exposes them to many ArcGIS tasks and commonly used ArcObjects.
Electives
GISC 390 Geodatabases (4 credits)
Prerequisites: GISC 200, GEOG 250, or GEOL/EESC 205
This class presents a theoretical study of the concepts of geodatabase modeling, including datasets, domains, relationships, spatial rules, and map layers. Throughout the course, a methodology for building geodatabases is discussed, case studies are used to evaluate existing geodatabase designs and implementations, and the importance of industry standards is emphasized. Lab exercises are used to build geodatabases and provide students with practical applications of the uses for geodatabases in the public and private sectors.
GISC 471 Special Topics (3-6 credits)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
This is an advanced course in GIS. The topic is selected in advance by the instructor.
GEOG 225 Mobile Geographic Information Systems and GPS
This course is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of field mapping using Mobile GIS and GPS.
GEOG 340 Remote Sensing and Air Photo Interpretation (4 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 250
This laboratory class focuses on the analysis of remotely-sensed images with emphasis on the interpretation of aerial photographs and the use of imagery in geographical research.
Capstone Experience
GISC 491 Directed Study in GIS (3-6 credits)
Prerequisites: GISC 200, GEOG 250, or GEOL/EESC 205
Intensive individual research using GIS under the guidance of a faculty member. Must be taken during last term of student’s program.
GISC 499 Internship (3-6 credits)
Prerequisites: GISC 200, GEOG 250 or GEOL/EESC 205 and permission of instructor
The Professional Experiences and Networking (PEN) Program at CGPS offers students opportunities to experience various fields of employment while working with a variety of organizations on important and challenging projects. These experiences augment classroom learning while allowing on-the-job training. Interested students should contact the program director for additional internship information.