This course focuses on the uses and applications of GIS techniques in solving practical geographic problems. It introduces a generic process for applying GIS techniques in geographic problem solving. The process includes conceptualization of a geographic problem and development of strategies for solving the problem in a GIS environment. The conceptualization focuses on decomposing of a given geographic problem into smaller but interconnected components. The development of strategies looks into specific GIS techniques for solving each of the smaller components so that the overall question can be addressed using GIS. The emphasis is not on the specifics of particular GIS techniques rather on the selection and use of various GIS techniques based on the domain knowledge dictating the problem at hand. The process is further illustrated via the analyses of several case studies of GIS applications in geography. These case studies range from human to physical geography. The course is divided into three basic components: introduction of the generic process of GIS application, case studies illustrating this process, and students projects using this process. Students are encouraged to select the disciplinary domains for their projects.
2) To provide student the practical experience on managing GIS projects.