An introduction to research techniques for the incoming Environmental Geography major. An introduction to computerbased map production, including cartographic principles such as figureground relationships, data representation and symbolization, generalization, titling and labeling. Basic geographic database management will also be introduced. Survey of GIS hardware and software, spatially referenced database management and querying. The latter part of the course will integrate multispectral satellite imagery into GIS, with an emphasis on data processing and interpretation.
Laboratory exercises supplement lecture topics.
Laboratory exercises designed to form a cartographic and software portfolio for students. Students will learn which issues need to be considered when proposing and implementing a GIS and will have opportunities to evaluate how a GIS can be used to solve specific planning problems. Introduction to planning for economic development, service provision and resource management at scales larger than municipalities with an emphasis on the environmental impacts of planning policy and regulation. A detailed examination of atmospheric motions and climatic controls including the Earth's radiation and energy balance, air mass dynamics, weather systems, and past and present climates of the Earth. An introduction to surface and sub-surface hydrology, examining components of the hydrologic cycle.