Geographic Information Science

GIS Course Descriptions (WKU Undergraduate Catalog)

GEOG 316 Fundamentals of GIS
4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite:  GEOG 100, GEOL 102 or GEOL 111
Lecture and Lab
Fundamentals of GIS data management and cartographic design for GIS. Topics include data organization, map projections, scale and accuracy.  Hands-on work in geospatial data acquisition, base map development and map production (course fee).

GEOG 317 GIS
4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 316 with a grade of "C" or better and GEOG 100, GEOL 102 or GEOL 111; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course is an introduction to the principles and applications of computer-based GIS.  Spatial information sources, data encoding, storage, mangement, analysis, and display are highlighted throughout the application of GIS techniques to problems in a variety of fields, including land use and natural resource management, transportation, and urban and regional planning.  Students will become acquainted with both raster and vector data models using GIS software (course fee).

GEOG 318 GIS for Engineers
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: MATH 227, CE 160 and CE 161; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
Applications of fundamental methods of GIS with applications in surveying, water resources, traffic engineering and construction.  This course is co-taught by the Department of Geography & Geology and the Department of Engineering (course fee).

GEOG 414 Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course studies the fundamentals of remote sensing theory and application, including the electromagnetic spectrum, history of remote sensing, sensing platforms, system limitations and applications for vegetation studies, land-use change and environmental management (course fee).

GEOG 417 GIS Modeling & Analysis
4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course develops expertise with a broad range of spatial analysis and modeling functions using GIS.  A problem-oriented approach stresses the utility of GIS analysis to fields such as agriculture, biology, business, engineering, geology, natural resource management and uban planning.  The objectives of this course are:  (1) to develop familiarity with digital spatial data sources, types, and access issues; (2) to develop working knowledge of spatial analysis functions supported by a GIS; (3) to develop competency with cartographic modeling using desktop GIS software; and (4) to develop experience with production and presentation of a GIS project (course fee).

GEOG 418 Internet GIS
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: CS 170 and GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better ; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course develops an understanding and expertise in utilizing different techniques for creating, analyzing and disseminating GIS data and services via the internet/web.

GEOG 419 GIS Programming
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: CS 170 and GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
Planning and implementing GIS within an organization.  Designing and developing GIS applications to support spatial decision making.  The objectives of this course are:  (1) to develop familiarity with the theory and design of decision support systems; (2) to develop understanding of cognitive psychology and models underlying decision support systems; (3) to develop competency with programming skills for writting GIS applications; and (4) to develop understanding of issues and steps involved in implementing and managing a GIS (course fee).

GEOG 423 Urban GIS Applications
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This GIS specialty course explores some selected issues related to urban applications of GIS. Students are expected to develop analytical capabilities, including data collection, data analysis, and mapping, by using a number of GIS techniques for transportation, urban management, locational analysis and business geographics (course fee).

GEOG 443 GIS Databases
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: CS 170 and GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
An introductory to the concepts and principles of GIS database planning, design, implementation and administration.  This course will focus on the ESRI geodatabase model in ArcGIS Desktop software along with spatial databases engines (ArcSDE) used with database management sytems software (MS SQL) (course fee).

GEOG 475 Independent Research in GIS
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better.
Seminar
Independent research on a selected problem under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the faculty member you wish to work with on a research project/problem.

GEOG 477 Special Topics in GIS
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Seminar
Special topics in GIS involves directed research of a selected problem under the supervision of a faculty member.  Contact the faculty member you wish to work with on a GIS area.

GEOG 492 Advanced Spatial Analysis
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better and GEOG 391
Lecture and Lab
This course examines multivariate statistical methods for analyzing and modeling spatial data and processes.  Regression methods, including spatial autocorrelation and spatial varying parameter models, are explored, along with kriging and other multivariate methods (course fee).

GEOG 495 GIS Internship
3 to 6 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better.
Internship
This course offers supervised intern experience in a cooperative government or private agency or in a business utilizing GIS.  Contact organization you wish to work with on an internship.