RA508
Internet Mapping Services (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA554 and RA660
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.

RA554
GIS Analysis (3 cr.)
This course introduces the concepts of spatial analysis. Emphasis is on developing proficiency with database development, using ArcGIS ArcInfo, ArcGIS ArcEditor and 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.’

RA556
Spatial Data Methodology (2 cr.)
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 transit and stadia surveying, total station and topographic surveying; use of global positioning systems (GPS); and preparation of data for conversion to a digital format.

RA632
Programming Languages (3 cr.)
This course covers foundational programming skills in applications programming with Visual Basic in this course using Microsoft VB.Net and the Python programming language. 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 applications to Microsoft Access databases. Course emphasis will be on working with Visual Basic.Net

RA642
Database – SQL (2 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA554 and RA660
This course introduces 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 tenets of database development, table creation and the concepts of database ‘normalization’. SQL query development with ESRI ArcSDE is also imbedded in the course.

RA660
Introduction to ArcGIS (1 cr.)
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 the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) mapping software family.

RA536
Communication Strategies/Grants (3 cr.)
This course will stress effective communication, with emphasis on speaking, writing and graphics, and varying aspects of grant writing/fund solicitation. Developing oral and graphic presentations is stressed, as well as dissecting and understanding the research requirement associated with the graduate project. Additional emphasis is placed on examining and understanding the graduate portfolio requirement, and understanding practical ethics in day-to-day activities . Fund solicitation studies include discussions of grant and contract sources, writing and reviewing preliminary proposals, writing and reviewing full proposals, and proposal reviewing.

RA693
Graduate Project I (2 cr.)
This independent study course will build upon all technical merit students have accumulated throughout their tenure as RA students. The purpose of this course is to develop a sound research proposal and initial data augmentation for the capstone project. As two (2) of four (4) “project” credits, students can expect to benefit from a thorough understanding of one’s topic that is built from scholarly works of literature and efficient project planning resulting in effective research design. This course will promote progress toward the subsequent two (2) project credits (RA694) that entail project analysis, development of the project manuscript, and final presentation.

RA694
Graduate Project II (2 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA693
As the second two (2) of four (4) “project” credits, this course will continue to build upon research established in RA693. This course will promote 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 analyses of data, and/or statistical analyses used in confirming hypotheses or beliefs. Research findings will be written in a professional journal-style project manuscript that conforms to the RA Handbook. The researcher will also defend/present their findings and project understanding through a public presentation. It is expected that learners are fully committed to their research topic. Learners must have successfully completed course requirements of RA693. Learners are encouraged NOT to register for this course if there are uncertainties of their project proposal, timelines, and/or if a major change in project scope is envisioned.

RA695
Graduate Project (4 cr.)
This is the capstone course of the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science. Students are required to complete an investigation appropriate to their interest and one that requires them to collect and interpret data. Furthermore, as a product of this study, students are expected to write a ‘journal style’ final paper and deliver a professional presentation on the project. The paper is published on the departmental website (www.gis.smumn.edu) and in the department’s annual issue of “Papers in Resource Analysis.”

PRM600
Fundamentals of Project Management (3 cr.)
This foundation course examines the project management framework. Students are introduced to key terms used in project management. Students examine project management knowledge areas and practices and study how they are integrated into the project management process.

GM600
Management Principles (3 cr.)
This course provides an overview of key organizational and behavioral concepts, which underlie effective management practice in private and public sector organizations around the world. Comparative management systems are examined in terms of global applications. Special attention is given to defining and interpreting cross-cultural differences and influences. The course emphasizes the approaches of collaboration that especially addresses the expectations, needs and performances of people in organizations and gives attention to the external, internal and global cultures that influence organizational structure, behavior and change.

RA601
Community Growth (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies to facilitate urban planning and infrastructure development for community growth. It introduces to students various aspects of urban growth, such as the effect of urbanization on local and regional environments, and the impact of urbanization on the biophysical characteristics that influence human health. Other important issues, such as urban growth and economic development, public health and safety, traffic and transportation infrastructure, and quality of the life are also explored.

PRM601
Project Planning and Estimating (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: GM660 and PRM600
This course examines activities related to project initiation and requirements definition. It examines the use of various techniques in managing budgets, schedules, and human/material resource allocations. Planning activities associated with quality, communications, risk, and procurement are addressed.

RA602
Decision Support Systems (3 cr.)
The course contains information about Decision Support Systems (DSS) from a general data processing point of view. It presents background in the decision making process and then guides the learners through the design of system to support the analysis of multiple criteria used in the decision making process. The major components of the course are divided into three major sections. These are elements of decision analysis, evaluation of multiple criterion, alternative, and decision rules and evaluation of outcomes and alternatives.

RA645
Project Management (3 cr.)
This is a basic, introductory graduate course, which will present concepts related to management/supervisory skills necessary to effectively and proficiently implement multi-sized projects and/or programs. Project Management will not require any prerequisites, although some coursework or experience in GIS, government, or business will be helpful. Course elements will include, but are not limited to: management, administration, strategic planning/controlling/ executing, scheduling, budgeting, GIS project integration, analyzing WBS, report writing/presentation, project infrastructures, and risk management.

RA651
Spatial Analysis of Geohazards using GIS (1 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA660
Geologic hazards loom all around. As population growth forces more communities to expand into areas at risk, concern increases about the danger that geohazards pose to people, property, and the environment. This course shows how GIS can be used to determine where geohazards are likely to occur and assess their potential impact on the human community. Participants work with GIS software to analyze and map a variety of geohazards. A better understanding of these events is the first step toward effective disaster planning.

RA652
Solving Disaster Management Problems using GIS (1 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA660
GIS is a powerful tool that can assist decision making in all phases of the disaster management cycle. This course teaches how to apply GIS to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure from natural and human-caused disasters. Using ArcGIS Desktop software, students learn how to perform tasks such as vulnerability analysis, multihazard mapping, and shelter planning. In course exercises, students identify and create data necessary for disaster planning and recovery and present GIS data in ways that support emergency management analyses.

GM660
Financial Management (3 cr.)
This course introduces, discusses, and analyzes financial issues facing profit, not-for-profit and governmental organizations in today’s domestic and global business environment. The course provides the general manager with an ethical financial manager’s perspective by way of examination of various financial areas including: types of organizations; sources of capital; investment in the U.S. and in foreign countries; asset management; time value of money; international payments and foreign exchange rates; trade theory and policy; and financial statement analysis.

RA506
GIS Customization (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA554, RA632 and RA660
This course focuses on customization of a GIS through programming and scripting languages including VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), Avenue, and Java Script. 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 program 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.

RA559
Introduction to Imagery (3 cr.)
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 completed using image analysis software.

RA560
Arcview (1 cr.)
This course introduces students to the functionality and applications of the Arcview desktop GIS system. Included are how to access data from ArcInfo for use, conduct queries, and analysis of data, prepare simple and complex graphical analyses and presentations integrating maps. Additionally students complete a demographic data analysis using Arcview.

RA563
Advanced Modeling and Analysis (2 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA554 and RA660
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.

RA570
Advanced GIS (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA554 and RA660
This course builds upon RA554 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 9 ArcMap environment.

RA Directed Studies (1 cr)
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.