Advanced Spatial Analysis and Integration

This unit advances students from foundational GIS skills into applied spatial analysis, data integration, and map production. Students will use raster and network algorithms, APIs and databases, open data sources, and GIS tools to build reproducible workflows, create deliverables, and prepare interactive maps and apps for decision support.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze raster and vector datasets using interpolation, map algebra, hydrologic flow, and network algorithms to model functional distance, water movement, one-way paths, and spatial relationships
• Apply API/web service connections, SQL queries, and authoritative sources (e.g., Natural Earth, IPUMS NHGIS) along with desktop and cloud GIS tools to acquire, convert, and manage geospatial data while implementing metadata, interoperability, and security standards
• Demonstrate the design and construction of reproducible GIS models and workflows that incorporate remote sensing data, perform map layout and conversion to digital formats, and produce exportable print and web-ready map deliverables
• Evaluate analysis results and interpret outputs to support decision-making by developing interactive maps and apps that follow GIS best practices and by articulating relevant GIS career pathways