SBS 361 - Introduction to GIS

Both as citizens and as participants in the labor force, university and college graduates are confronting issues and problems that require geographic knowledge and spatial perspectives–ranging from environmental degradation to local impacts of global economic change and effects of changing national demographics on the U.S. economy.  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology that deals with digital maps and images. As the development and application of GIS continue to grow in both public and private sectors, GIS education and training have become very popular around the world. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the theoretical background, methodological foundations, and software skills needed to conduct geographical research utilizing both primary and secondary data. Students gain practical experience in geospatial visualization & analysis through the use of location-based data, learn about the many services and benefits of GIS in communities, and become informed citizens and consumers.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): (Prereq: GE Areas A1 and A2 and A3 and B4 with a C- or better)
General Education: UDB Integrated Scientific Inquiry and Quant Reason, UDB4 Math
Typically Offered: Fall term only

Units: 3