Geospatial information has played an important role throughout the human history. However, over the last five decades, how we gather and use geospatial information has been profoundly altered by modern electronics and computing systems. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based systems to aid in the collection, maintenance, storage, analysis, display, and dissemination of geospatial data and information. GIS has become an essential tool in business, government, and non-profit organizations. In recent years, GIS have been used to cope with natural disasters, treat epidemics, reduce pollution, integrate renewable energy into electric grid, and improve the management of public infrastructure. In short, GIS have demonstrated their utility in addressing some of our most pressing societal problems. This course will enable students to understand the fundamental principles behind different components of modern GIS tools. The course will also provide students an opportunity to utilize these GIS tools for developing a geospatial decision-support system that helps to make better decisions about an issue of interest for some business, government, or non-profit organization.
