This course introduces the hardware and software components of Geographic Information Systems and reviews GIS applications. Topics include data structures and basic functions, methods of data capture and sources of data, and the nature and characteristics of spatial data and objects. Upon completion, students should be able to identify GIS hardware components, typical operations, products/applications, and differences between database models and between raster and vector systems. 

This course also covers the advanced spatial analysis and modeling functions of GIS and offers both fundamental theoretical background and extensive hands-on experience in spatial analysis and modeling. Major topics include network analysis, surface modeling, spatial patterns analysis, spatial data visualization, and basics of spatial statistics.