RREN 303
Fundamentals Geospatial System

This course is intended to cover the fundamentals of geospatial information systems. These include the geographic information system (GIS) which represents a computerized data management system designed to input, store, analyze and output geographically-referenced spatial data; the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) which combines globally-functional satellite constellations (including the U.S. Global Positioning System or GPS) with global and regional ground-based reference stations (at accurately surveyed locations) to enhance and broaden positioning; and remote sensing which is widely used to gather information about features on the earth's surface without being in physical contact with these features. The course is designed to provide students who possess limited geospatial technology and analysis background with the ability to gather spatially=distributed and geographically-references data, query data, analyze spatial relationships, and produce professional outputs. The specific topics covered include geospatial data models, geodesy, datums, map projections, and coordinate systems; mapping and cartographic output; data collection and entry; GNSS and coordinate surveying; aerial and satellite imagery; geospatial and tabular data analyses; basic geospatial analysis; advanced geospatial (including terrain) analyses; geospatial estimation; geospatial modeling; and data standards and quality. The laboratory work will focus on the practical application of geospatial information systems following the hands -on approach where the student is expected to gain practical knowledge on using QGIS, ArcGIS for Desktop, aerial and satellite imagery, and a number of positioning and navigation systems.Prerequisite: NATR 213 and RREN matriculation, or permission of instructor4 credits (2 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours), spring semester

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