Fort Lewis College 1999-2000 Catalog
Fort Lewis College Student Responsibilities Academic Calendar Degree Checklist Campus Map
General Information
Admission
Fees and Expenses
campus Life
Academic Programs
Programs of Study
Arts & Sciences
Business Administration
School of Education
Course Listings
Administration & Faculty

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

Program Coordinator - W. Scott White

A Geographic Information System (GIS) combines computer-based mapping software with a spatial database management system into a very useful tool designed to help us explore the spatial relationships among objects in our environment. GIS merges both practical and theoretical aspects of geographic analysis across many different disciplines, such as archaeology, biology, agriculture, engineering, geology, computer science, business administration, and, of course, geography. A GIS is used to build map databases, create attributes for map information, analyze spatial relationships in the mapped information, and provide a means of geographic visualization that has not been traditionally present in manual mapping procedures. Students in GIS and surveying courses gain experience using PC-based GIS software, as well as familiarity with various modern field mapping procedures, including GPS (Global Positioning Systems). Completion of the minor will provide the student with skills and experience that are in great demand in today’s workplace.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR
IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS):

1. GIS Courses:
Geog 250T Introduction to Computer Mapping and GIS ..........4
Geog 300 Intermediate GIS: Vector-Based Analysis ..........3
Geog 400 Advanced GIS: Network and Spatial Analysis ..........3
Geog 499 Independent Study ..........1-3

Total ..........11-13

2. Surveying Courses:
Engr 205 Surveying I ..........4
Engr 305 Surveying II ..........4

Total ..........8

3. Computer Courses:
CSIS 106 Introduction to Programming in Visual Basic ..........4
OR
CSIS 110 Introduction to Programming in C++ ..........4
OR
Engr 104 Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers ......3

Total ..........3-4

Total hours for the minor ..........22-25

Additional courses recommended as good electives but not counting towards the minor:
**=May also be counted toward TS I requirements
**Geol 107Nx Earth Systems Science ..........4
**Geol 113Tx Physical Geology ..........4
Geol 325 Introduction to Remote Sensing ..........4
Geol 405 Geologic Data Analysis and Modeling by
      Computer ..........4
Engr 103 Computer Aided Drafting ..........3
CSIS 230 Object-Oriented Programming in C++ ..........4
CSIS 350 Database Management Systems ..........3
Math 201, BA 253, or Psyc 241 Statistics ..........4

 

School of Arts & Sciences Main Page