GIS Foundations and Spatial Analysis

This unit introduces core GIS concepts, including raster and vector data models, attribute structures, cartographic principles, and basic spatial analysis workflows using industry tools. Students learn to assess and improve data quality, symbolize and measure spatial features, build simple overlay and visibility models, and explore scripting, AI/ML, and open-data integrations to prepare for advanced geoprocessing in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and compare raster and vector data models, their storage structures, attribute linkages, and suitability for specific GIS tasks and analyses
• Apply cartographic design and symbology principles in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, OpenStreetMap workflows) to produce accurate, readable map products
• Demonstrate techniques for assessing data quality, performing spatial queries and measurements (including absolute measurement and polygon searches), and building basic overlay and viewshed models to answer spatial questions
• Evaluate and integrate scripting, AI/ML tools, and open-data sources to automate cartographic models, recognize spatial patterns, and recommend GIS-enabled organizational workflows