Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS) COURSES :: University of Maryland

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION

SCIENCES

Courses

Masters Degree

Masters Degree Required Courses (12 credits)

GEOG 472
Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis
Digital image processing and analysis applied to satelite and aircraft land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps including calibration and geo registration. Analysis methods include digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification, change detection, and biophysical characterization. One or more application examples may be reviewed. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Click here to view books for the course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 473
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
Analytical uses of geographic information systems; data models for building geographic data bases; types of geographic data and spatial problems; practical experience using advanced software for thematic domains such as terrain analysis, land suitability modeling, demographic analysis, and transportation studies. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Click here to view books for the course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 579
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Professional Studies in GIS program. Credits received for this course will not count toward the MPS GIS degree.
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
An introduction to remote sensing and geographic information systems. Topics include methods of obtaining quantitative information from remotely-sensed images, interpretation of remotely-sensed images for spatial and environmental relationships, characteristics and organization of geographic data including spatial data models for thematic mapping and map analysis and use of geographic information systems in society, government, and business. Practical experience with remote sensing software and geographic information systems.
(2-4 credits)

GEOG 606
Quantitative Spatial Analysis
This course covers the statistical modeling of spatial data and data analysis that are most useful to geographers and others who use spatial data. It provides the student with more advanced methods with an emphasis on practical techniques for problem solving. Home assignments are designed to help the student understand the fundamental concepts and principles in depth and allow the student to gain experience in the use of S-Plus statistical software and two powerful extensions of ArcGIS 9.1: Spatial analyst, and Geostatistical analyst. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 676
Programming for GIS
This course is an introduction to programming for geography graduate students. The foundational concepts of computer programming will be introduced and the Visual Basic programming language will be the implementation medium for those concepts. By the end of the semester students will be able to design and implement programs that are correct, robust, and user-friendly for a variety of situations using both structured and object-oriented programming concepts. This course will also present advanced programming concepts and practice, including modeling environmental situations and ArcObjects, the underlying structure of ArcGIS. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

Advanced GIS (6 credits: select 2 of the 4):

GEOG 673
GIS Modeling
This course introduces advanced techniques in the GIS data manipulation, geostatistics and geospatial modeling. The fundamental theories behind the analytical and modeling techniques are covered in detail. The theoretical knowledge will be enforced by a series of intensive computer exercises using real data sets. It covers descriptive and predictive GIS modeling techniques, including logit modeling (logistic regression), spatial statistics, geo-statistics, environmental diversity indices, Boolean logic, and map algebra. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 674
GIS Spatial Databases
Many GIS functions revolve around spatial attribute data management. Therefore, a good understanding of database design and manipulation is of great benefit for the GIS practitioner. This course uses typical GIS database software and covers data acquisition & database creation, data structure & modeling, data management, information queries, and integration of multiple data sources in GIS. This course will also cover Oracle and Internet database and web services. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 671
Remote Sensing Instruments and Observations
Detailed examination of land remote sensing instruments, observatories and resultant measurements in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that examine the importance of data geo-registration and radiometric calibration in land measurements. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

GEOG 672
Biophysics of Optical Remote Sensing
Biophysical principles, phenomena and processes underlying multispectral remote sensing in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that explore the biophysical basis of land patterns and dynamics observed in remote sensing data. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course.
(3 credits)

Professional Project Management and Final Project (7 credits):

GEOG 795
Professional Practices Seminar
A professional practice seminar will be included to help prepare students for the work place. Topics will include development of a resume, physical preparation of a resume, choosing and helping reference writers, conduct of a successful interview, negotiating an employment package, giving professional presentations, proposal preparation, writing reports, codes of ethics and responsibilities to the broader community including pro bono work. The course will include presentations from practitioners in the GIS field. This course will also include basic project management skills and strategies to help prepare students for undertaking the internship and resultant final project.
(1 credit)

ENCE 662
Introduction to Project Management
Introduction to project management including: overview and concepts of project management (principles, body of knowledge, strategies); planning successful projects (defining, specifying, delivery options, scheduling, budgeting); implementing (organizing the team, work assignments, team building, effective leadership); executing (performance measurement, maintaining the schedule, adjustments/mid-course corrections, record keeping, status reporting, communications, managing conflict, time management); and closeout(performance measurement, maintaining the schedule, adjustments/mid-course corrections, record keeping, status reporting, communications, managing conflict, time management).
(3 credits)

GEOG 797
Professional Project
Each student must undertake a project as a demonstration of his/her competence in geospatial science and technologies. The data and materials for this project can originate from an internship (internal or external to the department), or from relevant work experience at the student’s current employer. The Geography Department will work with each student individually to determine the best mechanism for obtaining the necessary data and experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, the student will prepare a Project Report which shall contain an explanation of the requirements for the work, a technical account of the activities undertaken, including a literature review, a description of the methods and approaches taken, a critical discussion of the results obtained, along with conclusions and recommendations developed from the project. The final project will consist of a full fledged GIS application that is up and running and can be tested. This will enable the student to present potential employers with a portfolio containing an example of their ability to manage and develop a GIS application project and will show that they understand how to apply the technology to real world situations
(3 credits)

Systematic Classes in Graduate Geography (6 credits):

Students will choose one human and one physical 600-level course (3 credits each)

GEOG 600
Introduction to Human Geography
Introduces students to current trends and developments in human geography in the areas of geography as social science, space and place, and human dimensions of global change, and to research procedures in this field.
(3 credits)

GEOG 602
Introduction to Physical Geography
Introduces students to current trends and developments in physical geography and to research procedures in the field.
(3 credits)

GEOG 614
Human Dimensions of Global Change
The intersection of human and biophysical systems from the vantage point of the impact of human actions on the environment are examined. The impact of the biophysical environment on humans is also discussed.
(3 credits)

GEOG 615
Land Cover and Land Use Change
This class provides an examination of land cover and land use change science, addressing the causes, impacts and projection of change. Key concepts of land use science are presented and recent research papers and case studies are reviewed. Class consists of lectures, invited presentations and individual student projects and presentations.
(3 credits)

GEOG 632
Economic Geography
An advanced graduate level introduction to the effects of geography on economic activities and the effects of economic incentives, institutions, and activities on the nature and sustainability of human and environmental geographic systems.
(3 credits)

GEOG 642
Ecosystem Processes and Human Habitability
Biological and biogeographical processes relevant to the capability of the earth's biota to support the demands of its human populations.
(3 credits)

GEOG 645
Advanced Climatology
Advanced study of elements and controls of the Earth's climate. Analysis of the energy and water balances at the earth's surface and their importance and application to life on this planet.
(3 credits)

Graduate Certificate Required

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