GIS software packages are used for presenting and solving business-related problems using Business Geographics data, such as boundary files, centroid files, street network files, census data, segmentation systems, location and marketing databases. The spatial aspect is usually missing in most business-related courses offered at universities or colleges. Locational analysis represents the combination of spatial modeling and GIS in location decisions and strategic planning. This type of analysis is presented as a link between traditional nonspatial business-related procedures and GIS technology. The course covers both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Students learn the principles of location theory applied to business-related problems.
Practical assignments concentrate on determining potential markets, trade area analysis, site selection or choosing an optimal location strategy using GIS technology and other specialized software packages. This course focuses on the use of technologies such as the Internet programming, GPS and multimedia. Students use HTML and JavaScript programming for creating complex and interactive Web pages. Practical exercises include creating an e-commerce prototype. Students study how to use the Internet in business-related applications including Internet mapping.