Undergraduate Bulletin

Fall 2024

GSS: Geospatial Science

GSS 105: Introduction to Maps and Mapping

An introduction to the study and design of map formats, symbology, coordinate systems, and how maps record the historical patterns of human behavior. The course will also examine maps as a tool to analyze human activity and societal development, and include important aspects of map data collection, processing, the Global Positioning System (GPS), quantitative mapping, and GIS-based mapmaking techniques.

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS

3 credits

GSS 309: GIS and Cartography

Cartography is the knowledge associated with the art, science, and technology of maps. Digital computer cartography still follows the same fundamental principles and still requires a broad understanding of graphicacy as a language (as well as numeracy and literacy). This course will provide an introduction to cartographic principles, concepts, software and hardware necessary to produce good maps, especially in the context (and limitations) of geographic information systems (GIS).

Prerequisite: GEO 102 or GSS 105 or MAR 104 or SBC 113 or instructor consent

3 credits

GSS 313: GIS Design and Application I

Provides the basic concepts underlying modern geographic information science and technology. Emphasis is placed on the principles of GIS for characterizing environmental systems and computer-based techniques for processing and analyzing spatial data. The course is three credit hours of lecture. This lecture course must be taken in the same semester as the associated laboratory, GSS 314. Not for credit in addition to GSS 317.

Prerequisite: MAT 125 or MAT 131 or AMS 151 or instructor consent

Corequisite: GSS 314

SBC:     TECH

3 credits

GSS 314: GIS Laboratory

Practice using the GIS techniques and tools learned in the lecture (GSS 313), work on exercises, and process and analyze the spatial data for the course project. This laboratory course must be taken in the same semester as GSS 313.

Corequisite: GSS 313

1 credit

GSS 317: Geospatial Narratives: Deep Mapping for Humanities and Social Sciences

Building on formal methods in qualitative reasoning, spatial and temporal representation and geospatial science, this course will explore state-of-the-art methods for humanities and social sciences students to visualize and drill down data. Hands-on exercises of deep mapping will cover how to collect, analyze and visualize quantitative and qualitative data, spatial data, images, video, audio, and other representations of places and artifacts in humanities and social sciences. This course will also discuss models of reasoning about events, actions and changes that are spatially contextualized. Not for credit in addition to GSS 313.

Prerequisite: WRT 102

Advisory Prerequisite: some working knowledge of spreadsheets

SBC:     TECH

3 credits

GSS 323: GIS Database and Design

Concepts of geodatabase design and management in geographic information systems (GIS), SQL statements, geographic data types and functions, data entry, techniques of geographic information structure applications. This is a Windows based computer class with the majority of students work involving GIS computer software.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 325: GIS Design & Applications II

The course builds upon the topics covered in GIS Design and Application I. It emphasizes the applications of GIS in solving real-world problems. Students are expected to gain an understanding of GIS theory, methodology and most importantly application. Students are also expected to demonstrate abilities of spatial thinking, spatial analysis, and be able to solve practical spatial problems utilizing a GIS. Because GIS is both a tool for analysis and the visual communication of these data, students will be required to develop a GIS presentation, much as would be expected in a professional setting. This independent project will constitute a substantial portion of the final grade. This is a Windows based computer class with the majority of students work involving GIS computer software.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 326: GIS Project Management

The course addresses issues unique to a GIS operation such as implementation issues, decision making procedures, strategies for success, legal issues, involvement of management, marking within an organization, strategic planning, and industry outlook.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 350: Applied Spatial Data Analysis

An introduction to geospatial statistical analysis that aims to provide students with the background necessary to investigate geographically represented data. The specific focus is on spatial data analysis, such as the analysis of autocorrelation, principles of geostatistics and analysis methods that are relevant in the fields of public health, environmental/earth science and social science. An important aspect of the course is to gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques with GIS and spatial analytical software, and essential methodological and practical issues that are involved in sophisticated spatial analyses.

Prerequisite: AMS 102 or equivalent and GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

GSS 354: Geospatial Science for the Coastal Zone

The use of spatial data is becoming increasingly critical in the decision management process and planning of the coastal zone. This course will use GIS and Remote sensing tools to collect and analyze data for integrating into the management, planning, and monitoring of the coastal geomorphology and ecosystems.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 355: Remote Sensing GIS Data

Provides a basic overview of the technology by which aircraft and satellite images of the Earth are produced as well as hands on experience manipulating and interpreting. Students gain practical experience in environmental analysis using satellite imagery and commonly used sensors and analytical methods for the Earth sciences.

Prerequisite: GSS 105 or MAR 104 or GEO 102

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

GSS 360: LiDAR Remote Sensing

Introduces principles of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) remote sensing, LiDAR sensors and platforms, LiDAR data, processing, analysis, and applications. Students will master basic skills of LiDAR needed to leverage the commercial LiDAR sources and information products in a broad range of applications, including topographic mapping, vegetation characterization, and 3-D modeling of urban infrastructure. Students will learn several software packages for LiDAR data displaying, processing, and analyzing. Students will link social and geospatial sciences through mapping projects and analysis.

Prerequisite: GSS 313, GSS 314, and GSS 355

3 credits

GSS 390: Topics in Geospatial Science

Course will present special interest topics or recent software enhancements in the rapidly developing field of Geospatial Science. The course will include a mixture of core geospatial techniques and recently released methodology. Course content will include a diversity of Geospatial topics and include discipline specific topics relevant to majors in physical sciences, social sciences, business and engineering. Repeatable as the topic changes to a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status or permission of the instructor

3 credits

GSS 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum

Work with a faculty member as assistant in a regularly scheduled course. The student must attend all classes and carry out all assignments; in addition the student will be assigned a specific role to assist in teaching the course. The student will meet with the instructor on a regular basis to discuss intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and undergraduate director

SBC:     EXP+

0-3 credits, S/U grading

GSS 487: Geospatial Science Research

Qualified advanced undergraduates may carry out individual research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits

GSS 488: Geospatial Science Internship

The GSS Internship is designed to provide students experience in the real workplace. Interns are expected to function as a GIS/Remote Sensing professional and work within the existing host facility structure or on a free standing project. Interns will complete assigned tasks by hosting facility such as GIS data entry, data retrieval, remote sensing analysis, GPS field work, documentation, or general GIS facility duties. These activities will be monitored by both a representative of the host facility and the instructor. May be repeated to a limit of 12 credits.

Prerequisite: U3/U4 status and permission of the Undergraduate Program Director

SBC:     EXP+

0-12 credits, S/U grading