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Course Syllabus

GEO 1700 Fundamentals of GPS and GIS Navigation

  • Division: Natural Science and Math
  • Department: Chemistry and Geology
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Corequisites: None
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 30

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to mapping, navigation, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn to interpret maps, use GPS and compasses, collect and analyze geo-spatial data, and apply GIS tools to visualize, edit, and interpret geographic information. Emphasis is placed on spatial analysis, map design, and real-world applications, culminating in a student-designed project.

Justification

This course provides an introduction to GIS for students interested in careers that rely on spatial data and analysis. Emphasis is placed on building foundational navigation and mapping skills that are essential for professions in natural resources, geology, agriculture, and other outdoor fields. By mastering these basics, students will be better prepared to focus on advanced GIS software applications in future coursework.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand basic concepts of map reading, navigation, compasses, and GIS and how they are used for decision making.
  2. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to classify, symbolize, and label map features to support data visualization and interpretation.
  3. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create and edit geographic data to accurately represent real-world objects.
  4. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create a geo-spatial project that performs spatial analyses and designs high-quality maps and reports.
  5. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explore careers in the geo-spatial industry.

Course Content

This course covers reading topographical maps and navigating with GPS units and compasses, understanding basic GIS concepts and their role in decision making, and collecting geo-spatial data. The course includes experience working with GIS maps, including classifying, symbolizing, and labeling map features to support visualization, creating and editing geographic data to represent real-world objects, and performing spatial analyses. In addition, the course addresses designing high-quality maps and reports to communicate analysis results, exploring career opportunities in the geo-spatial industry, and completing a geo-spatial project that applies these skills in a real-world context.