Geography (GEOG)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

GEOG 5075. Selected Problems in Geography. 1-3 Hours.

This course is designed for individual students who wish intensive supervision in their research or study of special topics in the field of Geography. Variable Credit (1-3)..

GEOG 5310. GIS Project Management. 3 Hours.

Management strategies for GIS are examined by presenting GIS as an integrated system of people, computer hardware, software, applications, and data. The course may include design of implementation plans as case studies to explore various techniques associated with each step of this process.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362.

GEOG 5311. GIS in Law Enforcement. 3 Hours.

The primary foci of this course are the application of geospatial technologies in law enforcement and national security. Course topics may include the characteristics of geospatial intelligence and crime incident data, the use of GPS imagery, and the application of other geospatial technologies. Students use methods of spatial analysis to study a variety of public safety phenomena, such as heat mapping, change detection, and geographic profiling.

GEOG 5312. GIS ModelBuilder. 3 Hours.

Students focus on theories, topics, and concepts that provide students with a strong understanding of ModelBuilder, a program designed to create automated routines and workflows within a GIS environment. Through the development of skills and techniques with ModelBuilder, students learn how to create, use, and share interactive models within the ArcGIS platform. They also learn how to document models so others can use them for their own intended purposes.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5362.

GEOG 5313. Ethics in GIS. 3 Hours.

Students learn and examine the ethical guidelines for professionals who use GIS and geospatial technologies. Topics include the ethical issues that arise during data collection, data use, and data display, as well as the obligations of GIS professionals to society, employers, colleagues, and the profession.

GEOG 5314. GIS for Professionals. 3 Hours.

Students solve problems by visualizing, querying, creating, editing, analyzing, and presenting geospatial data in both 2D and 3D environments using ArcGIS mapping applications and/or similar applications.

GEOG 5315. Spatial Database. 3 Hours.

Students examine and apply the theoretical and practical aspects of a spatial database. Specifically, students create, use, edit, and manage spatial and attribute data in a spatial database and define domains, subtypes, and relationship classes. The focus is on the successful design, implementation, and management of a spatial database.

GEOG 5361. Geographic Information. 3 Hours.

Students examine how geospatial data are obtained, created, edited, and utilized. This includes examination of the availability and accuracy of geospatial date, geospatial portals, and the digitizing and scanning of geographic data. The creation and structure of attribute databases, and relational and object-oriented date structures also are discussed.

GEOG 5362. GIS Principles and Application. 3 Hours.

Students address the basic principles of geographic information systems and their application. Structure and functionality of raster and vector based GIS, history of GIS development and evolution, management of attribute data, creation of geospatial data, and applications in numerous fields are covered as well as new developments in the field.

GEOG 5363. Internet GIS. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to the principles and practices of interactive mapping and GIS data distribution across the Internet. Students learn to develop, customize, and publish GIS applications and geoprocessing tasks and share information through web services using ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online.

GEOG 5364. Spatial Analysis. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to the fundamental knowledge and techniques of spatial analysis. Students learn how to effectively use various spatial data to solve real-world problems. Topics covered may include spatial data structure, multiple layer operations, point pattern analysis, and network analysis. Prerequisite GEOG 5361.

GEOG 5365. Digital Image Processing. 3 Hours.

Students develop theoretical understanding and technical proficiency in remote sensing image analysis. Students perform image processing functions and are exposed to all critical phases of project implementation expected of an image analyst. Extensive lab exercises are required.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361.

GEOG 5366. Cartography And Visualization. 3 Hours.

Students develop theoretical understanding and technical proficiency in the art, science, and techniques used in modern automated cartography and visualization. Emphasis is placed on different mapping techniques and surface rendering. Extensive computer lab exercises are required.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361.

GEOG 5367. GIS Programming. 3 Hours.

Students learn to use Python programming to develop customized GIS applications. Students become familiar with the fundamental concepts in object-oriented programming and develop programming skills.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361.

GEOG 5368. GIS Program Use and Applicatns. 3 Hours.

This is an Internet-based course that requires the successful completion (as indicated by printed certificates) of ten related courses pertaining to GIS program use and applications. The course is taken through the Environmental Systems Research Institute's (ESRI) on-line virtual campus.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362, GEOG 5364.

GEOG 5369. Internship in GIS. 3 Hours.

Students work for either a business or government agency to obtain applied experience in the use of GIS. Students must be supervised by a member of the graduate faculty, who determine whether the nature and amount of the work performed satisfies the requirements for graduate credit. In addition, students must be evaluated by their employer, and this information must be submitted to the Department Chair to be used in assignment of a grade for the course. Students are encouraged to maintain a journal and to present a paper recounting their internship experiences.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362.

GEOG 5371. Geographic Information Systems in Engergy-Related Fields. 3 Hours.

Students focus on the use and application of GIS and related geospatial technologies within a variety of energy related fields. Technological applications within pipeline routing, reservoir mapping, evaluation and visualization, and environmental assessmen serve as the primary foci. Geospatial aspects of oil and gas production and distribution also are explored, as will GIS mapping and the management of GIS facilities.

GEOG 5373. Introduction to LiDAR & Radar. 3 Hours.

Students focus on the concepts and applications of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and Radar systems. Topics may include accuracy assessment and appropriate use of LiDAR, Radar, and GPS data products. Students master the skills needed to use these data products in different applications such as topographic mapping, flood inundation studies, vegetation analysis, and 3D modeling. Course components may include lectures, labs, and field work.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361 or instructor's consent.

GEOG 5374. Advanced GIS Analysis. 3 Hours.

Students learn to systematically and effectively formulate, organize, and implement an advanced GIS analysis project. Topics may include defining research problems, collecting and preparing data, designing analytical methods, and interpreting results. Students perform geostatistical analyses and will learn how to build, modify, and streamline geoprocessing models. Credit 3
Prerequisite: GEOG 5364.

GEOG 6061. Graduate Seminar In GIS. 1-3 Hours.

This is a graduate seminar featuring results of faculty research projects, research work by graduate students, and discussions by invited speakers from government and industry who are using GIS and related technologies.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362, GEOG 5363, GEOG 5364, GEOG 5367.

GEOG 6099. Thesis II. 1-3 Hours.

The student completes a thesis involving research and study of the applications of geographic information systems and related technologies. The work involved includes research on the approved thesis topic, preparation of a draft, and a final thesis. The thesis must be at minimum of thirty pages in length and must be suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal on the topic. Students must also make a 30-minute Power Point presentation on the approved topic. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362, GEOG 5363, GEOG 5364, GEOG 5367, or consent of graduate supervisor.

GEOG 6398. Thesis I. 3 Hours.

The student begins work on a thesis involving research and study of the applications of geographic information systems and related technologies.
Prerequisite: GEOG 5361, GEOG 5362, GEOG 5363, GEOG 5364, GEOG 5367.