COURSES
GEOG 2650
Introduction to Geospatial Technologies
​
Introduction to technologies used for visualization, measurement, and analysis of features that occur on earth. Students are introduced to fundamentals of cartography, global positioning system (GPS), geographic information science (GIS), and remote sensing of the environment (RS). Topics will include nature and characteristics of geospatial technologies, concepts and characteristics of spatial data, principles and methods of capturing and representing spatial data, and methods of analysis and interpretation of spatial data. Students will have hands-on experience in working with the full range of geospatial technologies and products including maps, air photos, satellite images, GPS, as well as current GIS software.
GEOG 5670
Spatial Analysis
​
This course provides an introduction to techniques for spatial data analysis in geographical research. Topics include: experimental design and sampling; spatial data visualization and exploration; analysis of clusters and point patterns; global and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation; basic concepts of geostatistics; and an introduction to spatial data analysis. The main focus will be on data description and exploration.
GEOG 3020/5020
Cartographic Design and Geovisualization
​
An introduction to the theory, art, and science of mapmaking and cartographic design, specifically focusing on production and evaluation of thematic map products. Students will employ cartographic design principles to create and edit effective visual representations of geospatial data (e.g., maps, virtual environments) in a variety of formats (e.g., print, digital, animated). Specific topics include the history of cartography, map projections, data classification, symbolization and the visual variables including color and shape, typography, thematic map types (e.g., choropleth, dot, flow, proportional symbol, cartogram, multivariate), and web-based and interactive maps.
GEOG 5830
Remote Sensing
​
introduction to the concepts and foundations of digital earth image acquisition, interpretation, processing, and analysis. Emphasis is placed on analysis of land cover/land use change and vegetation health and abundance using imagery obtained by satellites and aircraft including low-altitude Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) otherwise known as UAVs or drones. Additional remote sensing data sources are examined including light detection and ranging (lidar) and radio detection and ranging (radar).
GEOG 3030
Geographic Inquiry
​
Students will be introduced to geography as a field of study, research and professional opportunity. Students will have an opportunity to investigate social and environmental problems through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and graphic and written presentation. The emphasis throughout will be on the application of inquiry models to geographic and environmental problems.
GEOG 5840
Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) Data Capture, Processing, and Analysis
​
Theoretical foundations and applied demonstration on how to: (1) acquire remotely sensed low-altitude aerial imagery and other aerial data utilizing Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) otherwise known as UAVs or drones, (2) process aerial imagery using Structure from Motion (SfM) computer vision algorithms and other techniques to generate accurate geospatial data products such as two-dimensional (2D) orthophotomosiacs and three-dimensional (3D) point clouds, and (3) analyze these datasets for a variety for geospatial applications (e.g., forestry, agriculture, land cover change, terrain modeling).
GEOG 2344 [OSU]
Digital Tools for Environmental Exploration
​
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of environmental problem solving through the use of digital geographic technologies that have emerged in recent years. These technologies include the Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and satellite remote sensing as well as mainstream computer mapping technologies like Google Earth. Additionally the course introduces students to the emerging use of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to collect environmental data and perform scientific research.
GEOG 4203 [OSU]
Fundamentals of GIS
​
This introductory GIS course is designed to cover the fundamental principles and concepts of geographic information systems (GIS) and to provide hands-on experience with GIS software (Esri ArcGIS 10.3). Lecture topics will include basic map concepts, GIS data input/output, GIS data models, GIS data quality and standards, GIS analysis functions, and GIS issues and prospects.
GEOG 5343 [OSU]
Advanced GIS: Resource Management Applications
​
This advanced GIS course builds upon the spatial analysis principles and concepts of the intermediate level course and is designed to cover more advanced analytical techniques and tools. The goal of the course is to teach students to make decisions for natural resource management issues by creating, analyzing, and interpreting spatial data. Resource management applications are one of the leading uses of GIS data and this course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to solve spatial problems in this field. This class assumes that students have taken at least an introductory and intermediate level GIS class and are well-versed in basic and intermediate GIS processing techniques.
GEOG 4263/5263 [OSU]
Geospatial Applications for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
​
Provides theoretical foundation for use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to collect geospatial data for analysis. Examines principles of remote sensing, photogrammetry, and GIS relevant to UAS. Enabling technologies (sensors, GPS), data collection procedures, data processing (Structure from Motion algorithms), data products (point clouds, orthophotos), and appropriate analysis techniques are investigated. Geospatial application areas include terrain modeling, resource management, agriculture, forestry/vegetation, natural disasters, and geomorphology.