Online Courses

Learning modules for five geographic information science (GIS) classes are currently available. The links at right will direct you to these learning modules. Descriptions for each module are provided below.

GSP 101: Geospatial Concepts

General overview: scale, coordinate systems, geodesy, direction, projections, traditional land surveying techniques, global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), cartography.

GSP 216: Intro to Remote Sensing

Introductory course in remote sensing focusing on broad topics pertaining to the nature of electromagnetic radiation, aerial photography and Interpretation, multispectral and thermal sensors, and image data characteristics and processing.

GSP 270: Intro to Geographic Information Science (GIS)

This is a second class in Geospatial Science and requires the completion of GSP 101 or the equivalent. Students should already have experience with: spatial reference systems (datums and projections), the nature of spatial data (points, polylines, polygons, and rasters), and some experience with using ArcGIS for creating simple maps.

This class will provide students with the opportunity to learn how to: acquire spatial data from a wide variety of sources, prepare data for use in a GIS, digitize features to create new spatial data, perform basic spatial analysis, and create reports and maps that include maps and analysis results. We'll also look at the standard methods for using spatial data in ArcGIS and tricks to get work done more quickly and to avoid common pit-falls.

GSP 316: Cartography

Cartographic visualization and map design principles through GIS and illustration programs, the selection of appropriate map projections, data classification, color, visual variables, charts, graphs, and diagrams.

GSP 370: Intermediate Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Data accuracy and quality, standard and advanced geospatial data models, data integration and analysis, constraint analysis, location-allocation analysis, metadata standards and documentation, geospatial ethics, industry applications of geospatial analysis.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid courses are taught in person but integrate elements of online learning. For hybrid courses, lessons and activities are provided to students through HSU's Geospatial Online website.

GSP 318: Geospatial Programming

Programming is becoming critical to many spatial science tasks. This class will teach you the basics of the Python programming language, how to create powerful tools for ArcGIS, and how to use Open Source libraries as well.

GSP 470: Advanced Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Students taking this class will learn to use the advanced features of ArcGIS and OpenSource spatial software. We'll look at how to manage large data sets, automate analysis, and provide results through websites and web services. Students will learn to use ArcGIS and R together to complete more complex processes. While not required, programming experience will make this class easier for most students.

In this class, we will also create more complex projects that tackle some of the most challenging spatial analysis and data problems.

GSP 570: Geospatial Modeling

This class will teach students to use formal spatial modeling approaches to model current and potential future spatial phenomenon.

This is a graduate courses but advanced undergraduates are also welcome to take the course if they have completed a course in GIS at the intermediate level. Programming is not required but will help and broaden the approaches available the students.

EMP 580: Geospatial Research Methods