GIS-224 Intro to Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools for mapping, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of GIS and geospatial analysis. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on computer-based exercises, and web-enhanced modules, students will explore key topics including GIS software and hardware, data acquisition and management, spatial databases, data structures, cartographic design, spatial analysis, and geospatial modeling. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications of GIS across disciplines, with projects that address environmental science, urban planning, public health, and resource management. Students will also engage with emerging trends such as cloud-based GIS platforms, open data sources, and story mapping. This course fulfills the General Education requirement for Scientific Reasoning and serves as a core requirement for Environmental Science programs. It may also be taken as a stand-alone course to complement a wide range of academic disciplines interested in spatial thinking and analysis.
Class Meets 1.5 hr lec; 7.5 hr lab

Prerequisites MAT-181 or MAT-099 or placement, minimum grade C
Gen. Ed. Course Yes
Mass Transfer Course Yes
Credits: 4