Graduate Courses

Description of Courses

Geography 5310
Geographic Information Systems
A required course for participants in the Graduate Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Through readings, computer exercises, and projects, this course examines the principles and techniques of computer handling of geographic data. The course includes the examination and evaluation of the characteristics, capabilities, and and applications various GIS techniques. Topics covered can include spatial data types and data structures, managing map image files, common analysis functions, data quality and map error estimation, and common applications areas. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: None.

Geography 5315
Mapping Fundamentals for Geographic Information Systems
Since GIS products and reports contain a high proportion of graphic components such as maps, charts, statistical summaries, and diagrams, good cartographic design skills are important to anyone working with GIS technology. Through textbook and journal readings, advanced computer exercises and projects, students enhance their graphic communication skills from both a theoretical and hands-on perspective. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructor.

Geography 5333
GIS for Planning and Public Administration
This course is designed to meet the GIS needs of planners, public administrators, or consultants working with projects for government or NGSs. Topics covered through readings, discussions, and software exercises include the following: projections and coordinate systems (especially State Plane and UTM); TIGER files; the integration of tabular Census data; cadastral mapping; networks (utility, highway, etc.); and demographic analysis. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructor.

Geography 5340
Fundamentals of Database Design and Development
Through readings, discussions, computer exercises, and projects, students will examine the principles of database design; design elements; graphic, topological and tabular data structures; record and file formats; file organization and indexing; and hierarchical DBMSs. The principles and rules for relational, topological and object-oriented DBMSs, will also be addressed along with the development and amendment of prototype systems to meet user needs, specifications and predefined standards of design, testing, and overall documentation. Student projects will include constructing a variety of databases and demonstrating their operation. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructor.

Geography 5345
Digital Image Processing for GIS
Through readings, computer exercises, and projects, this course focuses on digital processing of satellite images and aerial photographs derived from remote sensing platforms for earth resource management applications. The course emphasizes remote sensing processes, data acquisition alternatives, image processing system consideration, image display and scientific visualization, radiometric and geometric image correction, image enhancement and image classification techniques, as well as change detection analysis using remotely-sensed data to solve real world problems. An advanced project utilizing the techniques of satellite digital image analysis with an environmental focus of a selected area of the United States (or other part of the earth's surface) is completed as the final project. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: "Graduate Student License" of ERDAS Imagine. The cost is $250 per year and includes Imagine Professional, Vector Module, and Imagine VirtualGIS. Orders can be placed by contacting Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging at 225-343-3905. Dr. Pearson must verify enrollment before the purchase can be made. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructor.

Geography 6320
Technical Issues in Geographic Information Systems
Through reading and writing, and examining technology, students will become familiar with many of the common, and sometimes, troubling issues in GIS. Some of those issues include the variety of coordinate systems, projection choices, software, accuracy, and rubber sheeting. Much of the course will be comprised of written reports and papers, which discuss and evaluate these issues. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructor.

Geography 6328
Spatial Analysis and Modeling
Through readings, computer exercises, and projects, the course emphasizes the fundamental statistical methods and procedures relevant to geographic data and spatial analysis. Topics included are inferential statistics pertaining to geographic data; Voronoi's diagram and the spatial concept; regression and spatial autocorrelation; point, line, and polygon data patterns and their trend analyses; spatial dependence; interpolation; uncertainty, spatial accuracy assessment and error estimations, overlay analysis, etc. A sophisticated final project, which utilizes statistical and analytical procedures, will be included. Students enrolled in this course must have access to or purchase the following software: ESRI's ArcView 9.x One Year Student License with Extensions. This software may be purchased from Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) by calling 1-800-447-9778 for $100 if proof of enrollment is provided. The course is facilitated through WebCT. Prerequisite: GEOG 5310 or consent of instructo

Geography 6330
GIS Research Methodology
Familiarization and practice with the tools and methods of research in geographic information systems at the graduate level.

Geography 6360
Directed Readings in Geographic Information Systems
Detailed examination of a specific topic in geographic information systems through examination of appropriate scholarly works under the direction and supervision of a faculty member.

Geography 6390
Thesis Research
Research, writing, and oral defense of a Master's thesis on geographic information systems. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

Thesis Policies