This course is an introduction to digital mapping and spatial analysis using a geographic information system (GIS). You will learn how to create your own maps and how to use a GIS to analyze geographic problems using methods that can be applied to a wide variety of subject areas within geography and in other disciplines. In the lectures, we discuss mapping and analysis concepts and how you can apply them using GIS software. The practical assignments provide an opportunity for you to learn how to use the software, gaining hands-on experience with Google Earth Pro* and QGIS*, the two simplest and most popular open-source GIS software and an industry standard in many fields.
The course is designed to accommodate students from a variety of research backgrounds and with no previous GIS experience. The goal is to provide students with a theoretical understanding of spatial data and analysis concepts, and to introduce the practical tools needed to create and manage spatial data, perform spatial analysis, and communicate results using a well-designed map. Successful students will be able to learn new functions on their own and apply what they have learned to their own topics of research.
Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this course and students should not have taken any previous GIS courses. A basic familiarity with computers and Microsoft Windows is assumed. A general understanding of geography is helpful, but no prior geography courses are required.
The course is designed to accommodate students from a variety of research backgrounds and with no previous GIS experience. The goal is to provide students with a theoretical understanding of spatial data and analysis concepts, and to introduce the practical tools needed to create and manage spatial data, perform spatial analysis, and communicate results using a well-designed map. Successful students will be able to learn new functions on their own and apply what they have learned to their own topics of research.
Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this course and students should not have taken any previous GIS courses. A basic familiarity with computers and Microsoft Windows is assumed. A general understanding of geography is helpful, but no prior geography courses are required.