This course introduces students to effective use of the internet as a medium to publish map data. It examines the basic implementation details associated with serving spatial data over the internet. Students are introduced to internet mapping software as well as the particulars of designing and operating an effective map publishing/customization environment.

This course introduces basic and fundamental statistics with emphasis on the more sophisticated tests and analysis common to biologists and other researchers. Substantial attention is given to analysis of variance and experimental design.

This course introduces the concepts of spatial analysis. Emphasis is directed to developing proficiency with database development, using ArcGIS ArcInfo, ArcGIS ArcEditor an ArcGIS ArcScan. Additional importance is placed on foundational theory and concepts, and on understanding and utilizing standard operation procedures (SOP) as well as understanding and generating supplemental "metadata" to accompany database development. Data models covered in the course include the 'Coverage', 'Shapefile', and 'Geodatabase'.

This is a field and laboratory course which introduces methods basic to the collection of data in a manner suitable for spatial analysis. Topics will include basic plane table, total station and topographic surveying, use of global positioning systems (GPS), and preparation of data for conversion to a digital format.

This course builds on fundamental and advanced GIS concepts that promote problem-solving, modeling, and critical thinking. The course explores and maximizes the functionality of ArcGIS and ArcView through solving spatial and analytical challenges. The course addresses real world problems in business, natural resources, emergency management/homeland security, and other areas. Problem-solving approaches for advanced challenges using ESRI and user developed scripts, extensions, and other analytical enhancement tools are studied.

This course covers the foundation programming skills in applications programming with Visual Basic in this course using Microsoft VB.Net and the Python programming language. Java programming will also be briefly explored. Examples of topics covered include form controls and their properties, altering and enhancing properties at run time, variables, decision-making, looping and data and control programming, and connecting Visual Basic application to Microsoft Access databases.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop custom applications and interfaces
2. Demonstrate the concepts and logic of structured computer programming
3. Apply the concepts and logic of object-oriented, event-driven programming with Visual Basic in application development
4. Develop applications that offer a functional sophisticated interface to the user
5. Demonstrate knowledge and and analytical skills needed for certification

This course introduces to the core functionalities of the personal DBMS encapsulated in Microsoft Access as well as the enterprise database management system exemplified by SQL interface communications. Additionally, students learn basic tenants of database development, table creation and the concepts of database ‘normalization'. SQL query development with ESRI ArcSDE is also imbedded in the course.

This course is intended to introduce students to the basics of working with ESRI's ArcGIS. Elements of study will include working with graphical spatial data, tabular data, image data in the geodatabase format and creating simple and somewhat more sophisticated layouts. Additional effort will be directed at learning/reviewing basic GIS principles and concepts as well as understanding the varying elements of the suite of Environmental Systems Research Institute's mapping software family.

This course examines effective research methodologies best used in understanding requirements and expectations associated with the graduate research project.  This includes formatting and graphic requirements, literature review development,graduate proposal design,and expectations of the final journal-style graduate project manuscript.  Additional emphasis includes ethical frameworks of research in technology as well as research relating to varying aspects of grant writing/fund solicitation.  Grant writing studies include discussions of grant sources, needs assessment, budgeting principles, developing full proposals, and proposal evaluation.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Synthesize research utilizing various formats to formulate reviews of literature and proposals suited to graduate research project preparation.
2. Translate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
3. Understand the need to respect human beings with regards to the multiple diversities each person represents.
4. Plan and organize the allocations of human, financial, and information resources.
5. Evaluate strategies and motivate people to accept and promote them.

This independent study course builds upon all technical merit students have accumulated throughout their tenure as RA learners.  The purpose of this course is to develop a sound research proposal and initial data augmentation for the capstone project.  Learners can expect to benefit from a thorough understanding of a topic that is built from scholarly works of literature and efficient project planning resulting in effective research design.  This course promotes progress toward the subsequent two project credits (RA694) that entail project analysis, development of the project manuscript, and final presentation. 

This course continues to build upon research established in RA693.  This course promotes progress toward successful completion of the master's degree in Geographic Information Science (MSGIS).  The purpose of this course is to implement the tasks of the graduate proposal, write the final research manuscript, and present research findings through a defense/public presentation. Research tasks may include, but are not limited to refining and /or automating data, developing appropriate analysis of data, and/or statistical analysis used in confirming hypotheses or beliefs.  Research findings are written in a professional journal-style project manuscript that conforms to the RA handbook.  The learner also defends/presents findings and project understanding through a public presentation. It is expected learners fully commit to a research topic.  Learners are encouraged NOT to register for this course if there are uncertainties in their project proposal, timelines, and/or if a major change in project scope is envisioned.

This independent study course is designed to engage students in the instructor mentored environment. In this instance, the student, mentored by a university instructor, is encouraged to explore GIS and computer-mapping applications in the area of his/her interest. The course culminates in a written paper and a seminar presented to students of the university.

This course focuses on customization of a GIS through programming and scripting languages including VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), Avenue, and JavaScript. Emphasis of the course is on customization of the ArcGIS software including modifications of the user interface, and building custom applications through use of the ESRI COM object library. Secondary emphasis is on programming with the Arcview 3 programming language. The objective here is to assist learners in understanding and working with Avenue code such that they might develop success in rewriting Arcview 3 custom application to the ArcGIS environment.

This course introduces the use of imagery to resource analysis. It covers working with aerial photographs, interpreting photos, optical rectification and zoom transfer. It also examines major satellites in use, acquiring available imagery and working with those images. Imagery analysis work is done with ENVI software.

This course builds upon and emphasizes spatial analysis, modeling and advanced presentation techniques. Substantial effort is directed towards developing proficiency with raster cell analysis as well as integration of analyses utilizing both vector and raster elements simultaneously. Advanced presentation techniques involving 3-D modeling, analytical view shading and more are included. Emphasis is on the ArcGIS 8.x ArcMap environment.

This experience is arranged individually for interested students and provides an opportunity for the student to work with/for a public or private entity in the resource analysis area.  The internship, while flexible, must be a genuine learning experience related to the student's graduate program.  Internships, and the credit amount, are approved by the student's graduate committee prior to registration.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand opportunities in working with diverse populations.
2. Integrate technology and related skills into the work environment.
3. Apply both basic and advanced GIS techniques in the learner's field of study.
4. Evaluate productive and ethical working and learning work environment.
5. Apply GIS competencies in the learner's area of discipline.