Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online GIS Courses and Classes Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to gather and synthesize data about locations and geology. Online GIS courses are available in remote sensing, programming, modeling, spatial analysis and GIS applications.

Overview of Online GIS Courses

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to collect, organize, store, analyze and present information related to location. Geographers, cartographers, photogrammetrists, surveyors, mapmakers and software designers are all examples of professions that utilize GIS. Universities offer online GIS courses as continuing education or part of a certificate or degree-granting program.

Course Requirements

Taking online GIS courses requires a computer with an up-to-date operating system, high-speed Internet access and word processing software. A sound card with speakers and monitor capable of high-color 16-bit display are also necessary. Some courses or schools may also have specific suggestions regarding operating systems and processors.

List of Online GIS Courses

Remote Sensing Course

Students learn about remote sensing principles, detection technologies, interpretation techniques and real-world applications. Earth-observing technologies covered include satellite systems, aerial cameras and electronic imaging. Students often discuss the electromagnetic spectrum and radiation principles as they learn about detectable energy sources and discover how to attain accurate measurements using photogrammetric techniques.

Data Resources, Spatial Analysis and Modeling Course

This course discusses spatial thinking, analysis and modeling concepts used in GIS technologies and applications. Students learn to identify the type of information needed for a project and determine whether quality data already exists or needs to be generated. A survey of existing technologies for spatial analysis and modeling is provided. Students gain experience utilizing some of these tools as they integrate data and create models to solve spatial problems.

GIS Programming Course

This course provides an overview of GIS database needs assessment, design, development and customization. Students are introduced to programming basics and focus on ways of automating tasks to increase functionality. Students learn to write code and utilize the latest GIS software as they practice creating, maintaining and integrating databases first-hand.

GIS Applications Course

This course covers the wide array of practical GIS uses, including environmental impact assessment, natural resource management, geohazard identification and natural disaster monitoring. Students learn how GIS is used to inform decisions in various fields including strategic planning, marketing, national security and urban planning. Exercises employ GIS data sets and software to provide experience solving real-world problems.

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