H. John Heinz
Geographic Information System (
Click on the above links for GIS instructional videos or GIS PowerPoint Slides.
206B, College of Fine Arts, 2102A Hamburg Hall
e-mail : email@example.com
Course WEB Site:
This course uses a Blackboard WEB site. Assignments, readings, correspondence, etc will be posted here.
Be sure to check this site regularly for updates.
URL to Course: http://www.cmu.edu/blackboard
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computerized systems designed for the storage, retrieval and analysis of geographically referenced data. GIS uses advanced analytical tools to explore at a scientific level the spatial relationships, patterns, and processes of cultural, biological, demographic, economic, geographic, and physical phenomena.
This course covers underlying geographic concepts (world coordinate system and projections, vector map topology, tiled and layered maps), map design and outputs, geodatabases, importing spatial and attribute data, digitizing, geocoding, spatial data processing, and advanced spatial analysis. Other topics such as raster integration, Internet enabled GIS, 3D analysis, network, and advanced spatial analysis will also be addressed. The technical focus of the course includes computer lab tutorials and case studies using the leading desktop GIS software, ArcGIS, from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI)
Application areas covered in this course include city and regional planning, community planning and economic and development, education, election, and environmental studies, housing and property evaluation, transit and transportation issues, land use, historic studies, crime analysis and policing, emergency management, public works utilities, census population and demographic studies, health, and business uses including marketing, advertising, and site selection.
By the end of the course, students will have sufficient background to identify spatial characteristics of diverse application areas enabling them to integrate spatial thinking and GIS analysis into their academic research and careers.