Northeastern University

College of Professional Studies
Cordula A Robinson, PhD, Academic Specialist
14 Ho, 360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617 373 2585
E-mail: c.robinson@neu.edu

Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Technology (GIT)
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing

Program Description

The College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University is currently offering 3 online programs. They provide students with the opportunity to learn with ESRI software, as well as how to customize it for their own needs. Also offering classes in Internet GIS, where students have the opportunity to learn about cutting edge open source software, and remote sensing. Instructors have extensive experience in their respective fields and are highly qualified.

Course Listing

Description of Courses

GIS3100
This course introduces students to the use of a Geographic Information System. Topics include applications of geographic information; spatial data collection; data accuracy and uncertainty; data visualization of cartographic principles; geographic analysis; and legal, economic, and ethical issues associated with the use of a geographic information system.

Co-requisite: GIS 3110 Fundamentals of GIS Analysis.

GIS 3110
This course explores the practical application of GIS to support geographic inquiry and decision making. It focuses on technical knowledge of the common tasks that a GIS analyst faces in applying GIS to a variety of spatial problems. Students will gain hands-on experience with a leading commercial GIS software package.

RS3100
The course provides an overview of remote sensing principles and their earth and environmental science applications. The course will cover four general categories: 1) physical processes/theories involved in remote sensing, e.g., the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, and how it is affected by interactions with the atmosphere and Earth's surface; 2) different sensor types, including optical, thermal, and microwave systems; 3) different applications of remote sensing, such as land-use, land-change, vegetation, natural environmental, natural hazards, planetary environments, and military; and 4) methods of remote sensing, as applied to analyzing images and extracting desired information. Such methods will be studied and practiced during lab classes, using industry-standard image processing programs. Students will be required to complete assignments that address both theoretical and practical aspects of the course.

GIS3130
This course will provide an in-depth evaluation of theoretical, mathematical, and computational foundations of GIS. Topics include spatial information theory, database theory, mathematical models of spatial objects, and GIS-based representation. Advanced concepts and techniques in raster-based GIS and high-level GIS modeling techniques are examined.

Electives Course List

GIS3140
This course focuses on customization of a GIS through programming and scripting languages including Visual Basic® and software-specific languages such as ArcObjects, Avenue, and ArcMacro Language.

GIS3150
This course examines strategies for successful GIS management and implementation in an organizational context. The course investigates four primary issues: implementation planning; data management; data and technology assessment; and organizational setting.

GIS3160
This course is designed to develop the student’s skills in acquiring and building spatial data and maintaining spatial databases. This course will analyze fundamental theoretical knowledge about information systems and the unique demands created by geographic information. It includes data modeling and knowledge representation for spatial data, database schemas and models, and architectural principles for geographic information systems.

GIS3170
This course introduces students to the basic concepts associated with publishing spatial data and serving maps on the Internet. It examines the use of internet mapping software, as well as the basics of designing and operating an effective map publishing and customization environment.

GIS3185
This course introduces students to the principles and concepts essential to thoughtful, informative and aesthetic map composition and layout. Topics include color theory, typography, data classification and symbology, cartographic design and production, and the relationship between cartography and GIS mapping.
Prerequisite: GIS 3130 Advanced Spatial Analysis.

GIS3190 This course explores the use of a Geographic Information System for business applications. Students will be introduced to spatial data analysis as it applies to sales, marketing, and demographic analysis; service and sales territories; call planning and routing, and reporting and presentation mapping. Students will gain hands-on experience with the basic functionality of industry standard business mapping software.

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