2016-2017 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Geographic Techniques Minor
The Geographic Techniques minor is housed within the Department of Geography and Sustainable Planning (www.gvsu.edu/geography) and focuses on expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), satellite and aerial remote sensing, and manipulation of large digital data sets. It allows for the analysis of complex geographic relationships, essential to understanding underlying social, political, and/or environmental processes.
Reasons to take Geographic Techniques minor:
- An emerging field. Geospatial technology is one of the most important emerging fields in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Marketability. Geospatial technology offers top jobs in a wide variety of sectors.
- A competitive edge. Studying these "smart" technologies will give students an edge over peers in the job market.
- Practical application. Students will learn practical skills that will benefit their future careers.
- Flexibility. Any major combined with the geospatial technology creates a new hybrid skill set.
Our alumni have found rewarding careers such as:
- Environmental specialist
- Transportation analyst
- Urban planner
- Business GIS analyst
- Regional intelligence analyst
- Lead digital mapper
- International organizations
Topics include:
- Computer Cartography
- Geographic Information Systems
- Remote Sensing
- Digital Image Processing
- Environmental, Social and Business Applications
Requirements for a Minor in Geographic Techniques
Students will complete a minimum of 25 credit hours and gain an enviable - and marketable - set of "smart" tools. This minor is skills-oriented and compliments a wide variety of majors. Please, contact the Geography and Sustainable Planning department if you have questions about the course order and possible substitutions
Required Courses:
- CIS 160 - Programming with Visual Basic Credits: 3
- CIS 230 - Hardware and Software Credits: 3
- GPY 200 - Computer Cartography Credits: 3
- GPY 307 - Introduction to Computer Mapping/Geographic Information Systems Credits: 0 or 3
Electives:
- CIS 162 - Computer Science I Credits: 4
- CIS 260 - Application Development in Visual Basic Credits: 4
- GPY 370 - Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 3
- GPY 407 - Advanced GIS Credits: 4
- GPY 470 - Digital Image Processing Credits: 3
- NRM 250 - Resource Measurement and Maps Credits: 3
- NRM 350 - Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing of the Environment Credits: 4
- NRM 395 - GIS Applications in Resource Management Credits: 3