Geographic Information Systems

Program Overview

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) classes are designed to provide students with software knowledge to manage information or attributes that have a geographic reference point attached. Different attributes and types of information can be displayed as maps. This allows analyzing data with respect to its spatial relationships. Geographic Information Systems are software and hardware that electronically manage these spatial data sets on virtual or real maps. Their use is revolutionizing spatial analysis in forestry, fish and wildlife, population studies, land-use planning, marketing, and other fields that involve the integration of information and geography. Advanced uses integrate GPS data management with mapping and displaying software.

GIS software is used by environmental managers, city and county administrations, natural resource managers, fish and wildlife managers, sales analysts, utility companies, and real estate agents.

See also Environmental Conservation  

Certificate Options:

Program Map - Geographic Information Systems Certificate  

Learning Outcomes:

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Geographic Information Systems program will be able to:

• Understand and apply GIS software to create and manage spatial datasets.
• Manage spatial datasets at appropriate precision and scales.
• Integrate and manage remote sensing, aerial, and physical attributes.
• Utilize and incorporate local, regional, and federal datasets appropriately.