Cartography is a fundamental tool of geography; it is also a science and art in its own right. Cartography uses principles of design, perception, statistics, and communication. This course introduces students to cartographic design and production principles, a fundamental skill in GIST. Laboratory exercises give students additional experience with ArcGIS software.

Introduction to the fundamentals of programming for Geographic Information Systems using Python. Students will be taught elements, methods and theories of scripting in Python including how to write and manipulate functions, loops, strings, lists, dictionaries, and classes with an emphasis on how to apply these tools to writing scripts in the ArcGIS environment. The only way to learn programming is by doing, and therefore this course is based on weekly coding assignments, supplemented by traditional readings and lecture materials that will build students’ conceptual understanding of their bourgeoning skills. Assessment will be based on weekly assignments, two midterm exams, and one in class presentation. (Prerequisite: GIST 417)

This course provides students a brief introduction about Open Source software for both desktop and internet GIS applications. Main objective of the course is to expose students to alternative open source tools for practicing GIS besides licensed and conventional GIS software. Students will go through hands on learning about applications hosting, data development, processing, and sharing using open source tools and technologies such as GITHub , Quantum GIS (QGIS), Python, GeoServer and PostGIS. Students will apply technology in lab assignments using real-world data.

Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display.

Examines various areas of advanced GIS applications such as dynamic segmentation, surface modeling, spatial statistics, and network modeling. The use of high performance workstations will be emphasized.

Methods of gathering and analyzing data for the solution of geographical, urban, and regional planning problems, with emphasis on quantitative and statistical techniques used in spatial analysis and cartography, on the one hand, and program planning, on the other.

Use of geospatial techniques and methods (database design, GIS, GPS, remote sensing, programming) to design and development spatial products and applications.  Students are complete an independent project where they design and develop an application and its associated database. (Prerequisites: GIST 417, GIST 330, GIST 315).