An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and its practical uses. Topics include history of GIS, geographic data types, primary data structures, system design, map coordinate systems, data sources, metadata, census data, geographic coding and address matching, digitizing, remote sensing imagery, measures of data quality, and needs assessment. An emphasis will be on hands-on instruction using GIS software (ArcView). Students will work with ArcView throughout the term to complete assignments and a class project. Focus areas include archeology, electric and gas utilities, surveying, health and human services, insurance, law enforcement and criminal justice, media and telecommunications, transportation, water and wastewater, and natural resources. The ultimate goal is to use the spatial component of data in conducting analysis and making decisions.
