Geography 461/561: Urban GIS
Winter 2012: T/Th 9:30-11:20 (Smith 102)
This course builds on your previous introductory-level coursework in GIS, through a more in-depth examination of urban applications of GIS, and the data structures, source, and analysis techniques used in them. We will explore urban spatial analysis and decision making in a GIS environment, including project planning, spatial data acquisition, data preparation and coding, analysis and visualization of project findings, and communication and implementation of project results. You will gain experience in locating and obtaining geospatial data from local, state, and federal government sources; developing primary data for urban spatial analysis; and analyzing and representing these data using desktop GIS software. We examine a range of urban uses of GIS, including crime analysis, geo-demographic analysis, transportation and routing application, environmental justice advocacy, and public health applications. Geography 360/560 or an equivalent is a prerequisite background for this course. Geography 461 is for undergraduate students, and graduate students should register for Geography 561.The course is designed to help you develop:
* An understanding of how GIS is used for planning, problem solving, and decision making in urban places
* Skills for locating, obtaining, and preparing spatial data for urban GIS applications,
* GIS analysis and modeling skills needed to explore key spatial processes and relationships in urban areas
* more experience in digital data preparation and handling in a GIS environment