ES 305: Environmental GIS I

Course Description

An interdisciplinary examination of the theory and techniques used in the mapping and geographic analysis of environmental problems. Environmental research increasingly depends on the ability to gather, analyze, and present spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS). Students are introduced to the use of geospatial technologies through the analysis of environmental case studies. Topics include map interpretation, vector and raster data models, map registration and coordinate systems, database design, data entry, and editing, GPS data collection, aerial and satellite imagery data sources, query, visualization, and spatial analysis, and cartography. 

Learning Outcomes

• Understand what a geographic information system is, what it can do, and how to use it

• Discover how real-world entities are represented using digital geographic data models

• Explore techniques for collecting, managing, and manipulating digital geographic data

• Transform existing data into new information through visualization and spatial analysis

• Consider various approaches to communicating results of analysis to decision-makers