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Geographic Information Systems at the University of Southern Maine

GIS courses offered at USM

 

GEO 108 Introduction to ArcGIS                             return to top

An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), stressing the practical applications of popular graphical user interface (GUI) software packages such as ArcView. Topics covered include displaying, downloading, editing, analyzing, and printing public domain and user created geographical data sets. The main emphasis of the course is on the acquisition of system operation skills. 3 Credit Course.

GEO 305 Remote Sensing                                       return to top

An introduction to the use of remotely sensed data for the study of human and environmental phenomena. Image-processing software is used to analyze satellite images; raster GIS is used to explore a variety of geographical modeling, spatial, and data presentation techniques. Prerequisites: recommended as a companion course to GEO 208 and GEO 308. 3 Credit Course

GEO 308 GIS Applications I                            return to top

Students are introduced to the skills necessary to run a vector-based geographical information system (GIS). Topics covered are the characteristics of line, point, area and boundary data, numerical data entry, digitizing, data manipulation, and output generation. Possible sources of confusion and error, both of system operation and of output interpretation, are reviewed. The course comprises a weekly lecture and a weekly laboratory. Prerequisite: one of the following: ESP/GEO 108, GEO 205, GEO 208, GEY 202, GEY 301, GEO/GEY 360. 4 Credit Course.

Geo 408 GIS Applications II                                    return to top

This weekly seminar emphasizes the use of geographical information system (GIS) in research and professional environments. It has two components: project design and project execution. Project design focuses on hypothesis generation, planning time lines and individual work assignments, and identifying technical and data resources. Projected execution is undertaken using a variety of raster, vector, and graphical user interface (GUI) software, as appropriate to the project in hand. Prerequisite: GEO 308. 4 Credit Course.

Geo 448 GIS Internship                                                return to top

Students work with a public agency, private firm, municipality, nonprofit organization, or researcher using geospatial technology to complete a clearly defined project.  At the course's conclusion, students submit a portfolio including a log, samples of the work completed, and an evaluation from the on-site supervisor.  Prerequisite: GEO 305 or GEO 308, and instructor permission.

GEO 458 Research Application in GIS                                return to top

An advanced workshop in geographical information systems (GIS) in which students undertake an original research project. The objective of the course is to generate a product which meets professional standards for publication or presentation at a professional meeting, allowing students to build resumes and gain exposure to a professional audience. Prerequisite: GEO 408. 3 Credit Course.

GEY 360 Field Mapping in the Island Environment:             return to top
Data Collection to GIS

The coast of Maine provides a unique laboratory for teaching environmental mapping, data compilation, and data management. In this course students are trained and equipped to use kayaks as the platform from which to conduct survey work for the preparation of small-scale high-resolution analytical maps of natural, historical, and archaeological phenomena. Field techniques used include topographic surveying, global positioning system (GPS) operation, and field mapping of geological and geographical features. Minimum impact methods are used throughout. Laboratory techniques used include air-photo interpretation, traditional cartography, and geographic information system (GIS) operation. The course culminates in the completion of a portfolio of maps and a GIS database covering the area surveyed. This course may be repeated once for credit. Offered Summer Session only. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 6 Credit Course. This course is closely tied to the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program at USM.

GEO/GEY 340 Digital Mapping                                               return to top

Contemporary map-makers and geographic information system (GIS) users in geography, geosciences, anthropology, and environmental sciences increasingly employ high-precision digital equipment for data gathering. Two essential tools are global-positioning systems (GPS) and electronic total stations. Students are taught the theories on which digital mapping techniques are based. They are trained to use both GPS units and total stations in laboratory and field settings. Topics covered include designing a survey strategy, operating the instruments, downloading and editing data, and articulating digital mapping data with other digital data sources. By the course's end, students are able to establish and differentially correct a GPS datum, use survey-grade GPS to establish baselines, to map surface features to +/- 1 cm in 3 dimensions using real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS, and to program, set up, and run an electronic total station, mapping surface features to +/- 1 mm in 3 dimensions. 4 Credit Course.

CPD 625 Community Planning Analysis
and Land Use Modeling                                                   return to top

Introduction to estimating and projecting the demand for land, housing, and public space for long-range land use planning; developing future growth scenarios at the town and regional scale; and using GIS tools such as buildout calculators and planning support systems to organize and visualize these analyses.  Prerequisites: GIS course and CPD 660 or CPD 661 or instructor permission.  3 Credit Course

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