Geospatial Science (GSS)

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Course numbers with the # symbol included (e.g. #400) have not been taught in the last 3 years.

GSS 800 - Elements of Geospatial Science

Credits: 4

This on-line course lays the foundation for Geospatial Science (GSS) thinking by exploring the definition, methods, data types, data sources, software, and equipment used within the field of GSS. The importance and structure of the regional GSS industry is discussed with emphasis on how GSS is used across multiple disciplines. Course includes some guest lectures from industry professionals. Lectures and tests are conducted on-line. Students are required to download and install some software and data to complete assignments.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GSS 805 - Applied Geographic Information Systems

Credits: 4

This course teaches concepts and applied techniques of Geographic Information System technologies to solve real world Geospatial Science problems across multiple disciplines. Technical topics covered include geospatial data collection, management, analysis, scripting, visualization, and 3D mapping. Student hands-on-lab and independent exercises use the latest version of the world's most popular professional GIS software, ArcGIS Pro. Development and implementation of independent projects are completed by students to forward their professional, academic, or research interests.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GSS #807 - GIS for Earth and Environmental Science

Credits: 4

This course teaches concepts and applied techniques of Geographic Information System tools and technologies to solve Geospatial Science problems for Earth Science and Environmental Engineering. Technical topics covered include geospatial data collection, quality, conversion, management, analysis, visualization, and dissemination. Students hands-on-lab and independent exercises use the latest version of ArcGIS and other GIS software. Development and implementation of a project proposal and an independent project are completed by students related to course topics.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GSS 827 - Applied Drone Remote Sensing

Credits: 2

Within this course, students will learn concepts and applied methods of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone operations for remote sensing across multiple disciplines. Concepts to be covered include the types, costs, and uses of various UAVs and UAV sensor systems for scientific remote sensing. Learned skills will include flight operations, aerial data collection, image registration, data processing, image classification, data analysis, and visualization. Students will utilize class-provided, hands-on UAVs and software to complete daily exercises and labs. Final project reports will be turned in on the last day of class.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply the key theories, concepts, definitions, and terminology of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technologies.
  2. Have a strong knowledge of the types and uses of UAVs and UAV Sensor Systems across multiple disciplines.
  3. Discuss topics on good use practices of UAV Remote Sensing technologies.
  4. Utilize UAV flight planning, Image Processing, and GIS software for UAV remote sensing purposes.
  5. Become familiar with hands-on UAV operations and remotely sensed areal data collection.
  6. Understand how to register UAV acquired imagery to real world coordinates using ground control points and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies.
  7. Have the ability to create products such as digital elevation models, land-cover classifications, and final map products from UAV derived imagery.
  8. Build and implement a full UAV data collection, image processing, and mapping workflow from start to finish.

View Course Learning Outcomes

GSS #850 - Crowd Source Mapping

Credits: 4

Locational crowdsourcing is one of the most exciting new areas of data generation and delivery of geographic information. Traditionally, GIS has emphasized mapping and analyses based on layers produced with a high degree of quality control, but in the age of Web 2.0, data as collected from the general public has been increasingly utilized for emergencies and everyday use. This course will teach this form of data collection and use with hands-on labs exclusively online.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GSS 996 - Geospatial Science Independent Study

Credits: 1-4

May include research project, fieldwork or a relevant internship where students will build or apply GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, or other Geospatial technologies. To be elected only with permission of program coordinator and with qualified supervision.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes