Geography (GEOG)

GEOG 1400 Mapping Technologies 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the use of mapping technologies in the creation, integration, and visualization of spatial data through the use of open source, free, and proprietary software. Students will use mapping technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and other desktop, web, and mobile applications.

(4 contact hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 1500 Introduction to Geography (OT36) 3 Credits

This course introduces students to geography, including the use of maps and geospatial technology in geography. Major topics include geographic literacy, theories and methods of geography, population and migration, cultural patterns and processes, economic geography, globalization, natural resources, geopolitics, human impact on the environment, and urbanization.

(3 contact hours)

GEOG 1550 Physical and Environmental Geography (OT36, TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the field of physical geography, including the spatial study of the Earth systems in relation to weather, climate, landforms, vegetation and plant distribution, soils, and human interaction with these systems.

(4 contact hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 1600 World Regional Geography (OT36, TAG) 3 Credits

This course examines world regions and their environmental, cultural, social, geopolitical, and economic processes. It views regions and places within the broader context of world change and the interface between globalization and local places. The course is organized around regional themes and students will study all major regions of the world.

(3 contact hours)

GEOG 1700 Map Design and Interpretation (TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to map interpretation and analysis, including earth coordinate systems, map projections, scale, topographic mapping, thematic mapping, spatial analysis methods, and mapping accuracy and error assessment. Students will learn and apply fundamental geographic information systems functions to the interpretation and analysis of maps.

(4 contact hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 1740 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the principles, regulations, and application of uncrewed aircraft systems(UAS)and FAA guidelines for the operation of UAS. Topics include drone types and their use in the geospatial industry, applications, weather, safety risk management, crew resource management, careers that use UAS, and FAA regulations relevant to prepare for the FAA Part

(3 contact hours: 1 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 2700 Geographic Information Science (TM) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ITIS 1007 or permission of instructor or department chair.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of geographic information science through computer-based processing tools, including geographic information systems (GIS). Students will study fundamentals of GIS components, spatial data models, integration of coordinate systems, digital data sources, spatial database functions, terrain analysis, spatial analysis, thematic mapping, and data quality. Applications include land use planning, landform assessment, environmental management, site analysis, and demographic mapping.

(4 contact hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 2740 sUAS Flight and Planning 3 Credits

Prerequisites: GEOG 1400, GEOG 1740, ITIS 1007 or permission of instructor or department chair.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and application in geospatial technologies through flight collection and computer-based processing tools, including sUAS and geographic information systems. Students will study the fundamentals of sUAS components, flight planning, regulations, flight operations, equipment selection, weather conditions, flight management, data collection, data processing, quality controls for data, flight records, and incident reporting. Applications include emergency response, agricultural management, site analysis, volume measurement, and structural assessment.

(4 contact hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)

GEOG 2780 Internship and Seminar in Geospatial Technology 2 Credits

Prerequisite: GEOG 2700 or permission of instructor or department chair.

Students will work for 100 hours under the direction of a qualified professional in geospatial technology. Students will work in a private or public agency with a focus on geospatial technology functions, including data acquisition, management, report and map making, or other geospatial tasks. The classroom seminar provides students with an overview of procedural, professional, and ethical issues faced by a geospatial technician on the job. Students will prepare a summary project for presentation to the class. Students may take this course up to two times for credit.

(8 contact hours: 1 lecture, 7 clinical)

GEOG 2781 Internship and Seminar in sUAS Applications in Geospatial Technologies 2 Credits

Prerequisite: GEOG 1740, GEOG 2740 or FAA Remote Pilot 107 certification.

Students will work for 100 hours under the direction of a qualified professional in small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) geospatial applications. Students will work in a private or public agency with a focus on sUAS functions. The seminar provides students with an overview of procedural, professional, and ethical issues faced by sUAS practitioners on the job. Students will prepare a summary project for presentation to the class. Students may take this course up to two times for credit.

(8 contact hours: 1 lecture, 7 lab)