Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses are offered through the Department of Geography-Anthropology.

For scheduling and locations, please see MaineStreet

If you would like to register and are not in a degree program, instructions are at the non-degree students page.

Courses Typically Offered in the FALL:

An introduction to the ArcGIS software, stressing basic operation of this popular GIS package. Topics covered include system navigation, data display, data download, and printing public domain and user-created geographical data sets.

Students are introduced to vector-based geographical information systems (GIS). Topics include overviews of geospatial technologies, spatial analysis, GIS data, system operation, the interpretation of results, and professional practices. The course comprises a weekly lecture and laboratory. Students are evaluated with tests, laboratory assignments, and on the basis of a substantial project. Prerequisite: one of the following: ESP/GEO 108, GEO 208, GEO 305, GEY 202, GEY 204, GEO/GEY 340, or permission of instructor.

An introduction to the use of digital computers for problem solving, employing the Java programming language as a vehicle. Content includes elementary control structures and data representation methods provided by Java and the object-oriented programming methodology. Course requirements include a substantial number of programming projects. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 170. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: successful completion of the USM mathematics proficiency requirement.

Computational experiments will be designed to teach students how to construct reliable software using Java. Topics to be covered include: Windows system, conditional program flow, iteration, procedures and functions, and symbolic debugging. Offered each semester. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 160.

Courses Typically Offered in the SPRING:

An introduction to the ArcGIS software, stressing basic operation of this popular GIS package. Topics covered include system navigation, data display, data download, and printing public domain and user-created geographical data sets.

An introduction to the use of remotely sensed data for the study of human and environmental phenomena. Image-processing software is used to analyze satellite images; raster GIS is used to explore a variety of geographical modeling, spatial, and data presentation techniques. Prerequisite: recommended as a companion course to GEO 208 and GEO 308

Students explore the use of geographical information systems (GIS) in research and professional environments. Building upon knowledge and skills developed in GEO 308, students design and execute a substantial project. Project design focuses on generating hypotheses, planning time lines and individual work assignments, and identifying technical and data resources. Projected execution is undertaken using a variety of raster, vector, and graphical user interface (GUI) software, as appropriate. Prerequisite: GEO 308 or permission of instructor.

Students are exposed to the latest digital survey gear and integrated techniques with applications in geosciences, geography, and environmental science. Instrumentation includes both static and real time kinematic GPS (global positioning system) and autolock servo-driven electronic total station. Detailed precision survey data are combined with geo-referenced maps and imagery in GIS software. Six hours lecture/lab. Prerequisites: introductory course in GEY, GEO, or ESP and additional 200-level course in any of the above areas.

An introduction to the use of digital computers for problem solving, employing the Java programming language as a vehicle. Content includes elementary control structures and data representation methods provided by Java and the object-oriented programming methodology. Course requirements include a substantial number of programming projects. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 170. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: successful completion of the USM mathematics proficiency requirement.

Computational experiments will be designed to teach students how to construct reliable software using Java. Topics to be covered include: Windows system, conditional program flow, iteration, procedures and functions, and symbolic debugging. Offered each semester. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 160.

Course Descriptions

GEO 108/PPM 522 Introduction to ArcGIS: An introduction to the ArcGIS software, stressing basic operation of this popular GIS package. Topics covered include system navigation, data display, data download, and printing public domain and user-created geographical data sets.

GEO 305/505/605 Remote Sensing: An introduction to the use of remotely sensed data for the study of human and environmental phenomena. Image-processing software is used to analyze satellite images; raster GIS is used to explore a variety of geographical modeling, spatial, and data presentation techniques. Prerequisite: recommended as a companion course to GEO 208 and GEO 308

GEO 308/508/608 GIS Applications I: Students are introduced to vector-based geographical information systems (GIS). Topics include overviews of geospatial technologies, spatial analysis, GIS data, system operation, the interpretation of results, and professional practices. The course comprises a weekly lecture and laboratory. Students are evaluated with tests, laboratory assignments, and on the basis of a substantial project. Prerequisite: one of the following: ESP/GEO 108, GEO 208, GEO 305, GEY 202, GEY 204, GEO/GEY 340, or permission of instructor.

GEO 408/518/618 GIS Applications II: Students explore the use of geographical information systems (GIS) in research and professional environments. Building upon knowledge and skills developed in GEO 308, students design and execute a substantial project. Project design focuses on generating hypotheses, planning time lines and individual work assignments, and identifying technical and data resources. Projected execution is undertaken using a variety of raster, vector, and graphical user interface (GUI) software, as appropriate. Prerequisite: GEO 308 or permission of instructor.

GEO 438 Independent Study in GIS: Students will work closesly with a faculty member to develop and complete a course of study in a specialized area of the field.  Variable credits will be offered.  Prerequisite: GEO 308 or instructor permission.

GEO 448 GIS Internship: Students work with a public agency, private firm, municipality, nonprofit organization, or researcher, using geospatial technology to complete a clearly defined project. At the course’s conclusion, students submit a portfolio including a log, samples of the work completed, and an evaluation from the on-site supervisor. Prerequisite: GEO 305 or GEO 308, and instructor permission.

GEO 458 Research Application in GIS: An advanced workshop in geographical information systems (GIS) in which students undertake an original research project. The objective of the course is to generate a product which meets professional standards for publication or presentation at a professional meeting, allowing students to build resumes and gain exposure to a professional audience. Prerequisite: GEO 308.

GEO 340 Digital Mapping: Students are exposed to the latest digital survey gear and integrated techniques with applications in geosciences, geography, and environmental science. Instrumentation includes both static and real time kinematic GPS (global positioning system) and autolock servo-driven electronic total station. Detailed precision survey data are combined with geo-referenced maps and imagery in GIS software. Six hours lecture/lab. Prerequisites: introductory course in GEY, GEO, or ESP and additional 200-level course in any of the above areas.

COS 160 Structured Problem Solving: Java: An introduction to the use of digital computers for problem solving, employing the Java programming language as a vehicle. Content includes elementary control structures and data representation methods provided by Java and the object-oriented programming methodology. Course requirements include a substantial number of programming projects. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 170. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: successful completion of the USM mathematics proficiency requirement.

COS 170 Structured Problem Solving Lab: Computational experiments will be designed to teach students how to construct reliable software using Java. Topics to be covered include: Windows system, conditional program flow, iteration, procedures and functions, and symbolic debugging. Offered each semester. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 160.