GEOG

No description.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Learning the craft of scholarly research in geography. GEOG 502 Research Scholarship in Geography (3)Graduate students are expected to make a significant research contribution as part of the requirements for a MS or Doctoral degree in Geography. The Research Scholarship in Geography course provides students with a basic understanding of the craft of scholarly geographic research. It does so by setting research into a tradition of commonalties that shape expectations (e.g., disciplinary and federal IRB ethics standards; ideas of academic freedom and responsibility) and by focusing on the mechanics of key steps in the research process (identifying problems, developing questions and proposals, designing programs of research, executing a systematic program of research, responding to criticism and to opportunities, preparing and delivering oral presentations, and writing and publishing research reports). The course emphasizes important skills in developing research proposals, seeking research funding, writing manuscripts, giving presentations, and publishing research results.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The objective of this course is to examine feminist approaches to traditional research methodologies. The objective of this course is to examine feminist critiques of traditional research. The course will examine the animated and contentious debates among feminist scholars about what constitutes a feminist method. Although there is no single feminist method, this diverse academic community is searching for techniques consistent with their convictions as feminists. For this reason, the course will distinguish between methods, as tools for research, and methodology, as theory about the research process. The course reviews methods such as ethnography, interviewing, oral history, discourse analysis, visual analysis, and mixed method approaches. Cross Listings : GEOG 508 will be added as a cross-listed course.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Analysis of current literature in physical geography focusing on theoretical and methodological debates. GEOG 510 Seminar in Physical Geography (3 per semester/maximum of 18) This seminar explores current issues in physical geography. The focus for each offering of this advanced seminar is on a specific theme of current importance. Recent developments and ongoing research issues within that topic are explored in-depth. Topic examples include, but are not limited to: synoptic climatology and climate dynamics, the cryosphere, remote sensing, ecological biogeography and ecosystem dynamics, landscape and restoration ecology, wetlands ecology and management, and coastal and inland hazards.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Analysis of current literature in human geography focusing on theoretical and methodological debates.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Theory and method in human-environment interaction subfields; may be re-taken when topics vary; readings, discussions, research.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Recommended Preparations: One course in ecological or hydrological sciences. This course explores the diversity, complexity, ecological functions, conservation, and cultural values of freshwater and coastal wetlands through interdisciplinary discussions, readings, projects, and field trips. Learning Outcomes: Students successfully completing this course will gain an understanding about the ecology, management, and conservation of freshwater and coastal wetlands. They will be able to classify different wetland types using multiple methods, understand the breadth of wetland functions, and become familiar with laws, regulations, and approaches to conserve wetlands.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Geographic information science problems/theory, e.g. GIS, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis, modeling.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Examination of geographic information science topics: GIS, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis, modeling, spatial cognition, geospatial semantics, geovisualization.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course constitutes a culminating experience in the MS in Spatial Data Science (SDS). The course includes a semester project that demonstrates an SDS student's ability to apply advanced knowledge and skills related to applying spatial data science principles in a way that makes a substantial contribution to research in Spatial Data Science. Students in this class work individually to design, implement, and report on a project based on the application of spatial data science knowledge and skillsets gained through the SDS curriculum. Students will also collaborate with each other to iteratively develop and refine project topics, methods, and solutions. Students are oriented at the beginning of the course with modules reviewing research methods, public presentation strategies, and scholarly communication skills. Students commence their research immediately at the beginning of the semester and meet weekly milestones through the balance of the semester, engaging in peer review to refine their work in addition to receiving guidance from their instructor.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The main objective of this course is to enable students to develop the research and methodological skills required to effectively analyze current geospatial realities using the prism of cultural geography, and to create a rational predictive synthesis (intelligence summary) about potential human threats to civil security. The world around us comprises a variety of cultural and subcultural groups whose actions, ideologies, and existences may have implications for civil, national, and human security - either as communities that are underserved or marginalized, as groups that are targets of state or substate violence, or as groups that threaten the security of the state or international relations. While traditional, anthropology-oriented approaches to intelligence acknowledge these groups, they typically ignore the critical significance of geography to cultures and subcultures. This course is designed to engage students in theories and methods of cultural geography and to explore its relationship to security. Students will explore cultural geography as both a discipline and a methodological approach and situate research in cultural geography through case studies in homeland security and geospatial intelligence.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Traces of geographic information reflected in digital data continuously increase in volume, variety, velocity, and variability. New geographic data sources, together with advancements in high-performance computing, present opportunities to dissect complex real-world problems in unprecedented ways. Human cognitive capability, however, remains constant, thus limiting our ability to extract value and insight from this data deluge. Geovisual analytics is the emerging science of analytical reasoning supported by interactive geovisualization, computational methods, and user-centered design. Geovisual analytics constitutes an essential subdomain in the broader field of Spatial Data Science. This seminar investigates the role of geovisual analytics in facilitating the human sensemaking process through (a) a survey and synthesis of research challenges surrounding the design, use, and evaluation of geovisual analytics systems and (b) exercises to design geovisual analytics approaches to tackle complex problem contexts such as those found in crisis management, epidemiology, and transportation domains.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

GEOG 581 is for students who are concerned about the ethical implications and social impacts of geospatial technologies and methods. It traces the roots of Spatial Data Science Ethics in moral philosophy, professional ethics frameworks, and critical studies in the geospatial field. Students analyze non-trivial ethical case studies in which right and wrong actions are not clear-cut. They compare and critique relevant legal and policy issues in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, they evaluate the organizational ethics of firms and agencies (including current or potential employers) that provide spatial data science products and services.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on the scientific and technical challenges that lie at the intersection of spatial data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Geospatial data and geographic visualizations are not readily supported by contemporary AI approaches, but development in this area of GeoAI is rapidly advancing. Spatial reasoning, spatial analysis, and cartographic design are all potentially aided via the use of AI in the near future. Students will engage with key theories, methods, and systems to develop new workflows that enable geospatial problem solving with the support of AI. Students will engage with emerging literature to contextualize and critique ongoing scientific progress towards achieving GeoAI goals, including engagement with ethical considerations related to geospatial extensions of AI. They will also develop customized solutions for AI-supported spatial data science tasks through lab exercises. These labs will allow students the opportunity to create and evaluate AI-supported spatial data science workflows with an emphasis on reproducibility and ethical responsibility. A culminating project in the class will allow students to create a new AI-supported spatial data science solution for a real-world application.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Systematic approach to requirements acquisition, specification, design and implementation of geospatial information systems. GEOG 583

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Design, development, and implementation of web mapping applications using OGC standards and open source software. GEOG 585 Open Web Mapping (3)The geospatial industry has developed a culture of open standards and specifications by which both data and mapping tools can be made interoperable. Web Mapping requires the detailed application of a thorough theoretical understanding of these standards, as well as a working knowledge of how these standards are realized through recent information technology advances in web services and middleware. The course gives students the theoretical base from which they can go on to design, develop, and implement custom web mapping applications using open standards and open source software. On completion of the course, students will be able to build and deploy a complete web mapping solution including selecting the spatial data, the server and client software. Students will be able to determine which type of mapping server is required for their needs and to explain why choosing an open standard based solution is better than a proprietary solution. The course will cover a variety of open source software packages for web mapping and will provide pointers to commercial solutions where appropriate. Open Web Mapping is designed specifically for adult professionals. The course will be broken down into ten lessons. Each lesson will take one week to complete and requires a minimum of 8-12 hours of student activity each week, totaling approximately 120 hours of activity. Topics to be covered in each lesson include: Lesson 1 Open Web Mapping Framework International Methods Lesson 2 Web Map Servers (WMS) basics Understanding the structure of a WMS request Understanding the structure of a WMS response Lesson 3 Web Feature Server (WFS) basics Understanding the structure of a WFS request Understanding the structure of a WFS response Lesson 4 Introduction to XML XML and web mapping XML schemas Lesson 5 Styling maps with WMS and Styled Layer Description (SLD) Cascading Web Map Servers Lesson 6 Geographic Markup Language (GML) Application Schemas and Profiles Lesson 7 Advanced WFS Gazettteers Other specialist applications of WFS Lesson 8 Building a web mapping applications Deploying a WMS Deploying a WFS Lesson 9 Building a thin web mapping client Client/Server techniques Web mapping libraries and customizing them Lesson 10 The future of web mapping

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Choosing and applying analytical methods for geospatial data, including point pattern analysis, interpolation, surface analysis, overlay analysis, and spatial autocorrelation. GEOG 586

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Conservation GIS applies geospatial problem solving to ecological research and resource management issues to enhance conservation planning.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on theoretical discussions in spatial data science as well as the application of a range of spatial data science methods and tools to solve real-world problems and model geographic phenomena. Students will read, discuss, and synthesize research articles and develop coding solutions for spatial data science tasks through a series of lab exercises. Discussions will provide a platform for students to address emerging research challenges and coding problems in a collaborative framework. Exercises in this course provide students an opportunity design, implement, and troubleshoot analytical workflows while creating reproducible code for future adaptation. Students will develop concepts presented in readings to compare spatial data science methods and to create a new approach for a semester project.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Highlights emerging theoretical and methodological trends in high-performance remote sensing for geospatial analysis through discussion and laboratory experiences.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Continuing seminars which consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applications and theory in geographic information systems for analyzing the geographic dimensions of human health.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

courseblocktitle_bubble clearfix notinpdf" GEOG 594 **SPECIAL TOPICS** 1-3 Credits/Maximum of 3

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Culminating experiences in current professional and ethical problems facing the geospatial intelligence professional.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course brings together the concepts from the geospatial intelligence program and reinforces the standards of professionalism applicable to geospatial intelligence analysis. The aim is to enhance the student's understanding of the role of geospatial intelligence, develop individual competencies, reinforce professional concepts, and improve geospatial analytical techniques and methods. Students explore and critically analyze a current topic of interest and apply geospatial technical tools, concepts, and theories learned in previous coursework. Students prepare and deliver a formal presentation of the results of their geospatial intelligence capstone research project.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A supervised off-campus, non-group instruction with a geospatial education focus. The instruction may include individual field experience, employment, or internship (paid or unpaid).

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or term.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

courseblocktitle_bubble clearfix notinpdf" GEOG 597A **SPECIAL TOPICS** 6.00 Credits

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

courseblocktitle_bubble clearfix notinpdf" GEOG 597I **SPECIAL TOPICS** 3 Credits

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

No description.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

No description.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

0

Credits (max)

0

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Theoretical and practical aspects of undergraduate instruction in geography.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Foreign study and/or research constituting progress toward the degree at a foreign university.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

No description.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

No description.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

0

Credits (max)

0

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In business, the application of maps and mapping technology ranges from a long-standing presence (commercial real estate, retail, and logistics) to nascent analytical applications across different industries. The momentum for commercial applications that encompass GIS, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) technologies, and geospatial intelligence analysis is growing. In businesses, geospatial attributes are being combined with enterprise-wide databases. GIS and GEOINT tools and methodologies can now be folded into the more mainstream information technology (IT) applications of business intelligence (BI) to formulate location intelligence (LI) applications, products, and services. This course explores and applies the key geospatial intelligence principles involved in site selection, market analysis, risk and crisis management, and logistics, providing opportunities for students to solve those problems with contemporary geospatial tools and datasets. This course provides a foundation for spatial thinking and analysis in commercial settings, and experience with contemporary mapping and analysis tools for professional applications of location intelligence.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course explores the spatial data science and technology associated with the transportation industry. This interdisciplinary field is often referred to as GIS-T. There is a natural synergy between GIS and transportation, which has resulted in a number of specialized techniques and a wide variety of GIS-T applications. To appreciate the value GIS brings to the transportation industry, students need to have some understanding of the business of transportation and the challenges and problems those in the industry face. Consequently, they will learn about a number of subdisciplines within transportation and examine how GIS has been applied to each. Students will also explore some of the key organizations in the transportation industry who use GIS and learn firsthand from transportation professionals, representing a variety of specialized fields, about the role GIS plays for them. Throughout the course, students will study GIS concepts and techniques which are fundamental to transportation, such as transportation networks and linear referencing systems. In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore a number of GIS applications and tools related to transportation. Due to the overall breadth of the transportation industry, the course will focus primarily on the largest application areas: highway and mass transit. We will, however, examine other significant modes, including aviation, maritime, pedestrian, and bike transit. Furthermore, while much of the course content is oriented around the U.S. transportation industry, students will also look at GIS-T applications and trends in other parts of the world.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Geospatial perspectives and technologies have a major role to play in planning for and responding to emergencies. As is true with other analytical paradigms, geospatial systems and technologies - from aerial mapping techniques to data acquisition - are changing rapidly. Emergency management is also changing quickly as the frequency and magnitude of crises and disasters are increasing, and more and more people and places are being impacted. GEOG 858 helps students develop proficiency in the theoretical, analytical, and technical perspectives required to support all stages of emergency (crisis or disaster) management activities with geospatial solutions, ranging from small-scale emergency management efforts to large-scale disasters and humanitarian crises. Topics covered in GEOG 858 will include advancements in geospatial data collection, geospatial data processing and analysis capabilities, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), geospatial artificial intelligence (geoAI), volunteered geographic information (VGI), geospatially-oriented social media, and others.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The course explores three important topics related to georeferenced data: Datums, map projections, and grid systems. Accurate coordinates are the key to successful manipulation in a geographic information system (GIS). The course begins with a detailed look at datums and the role they play in mathematically describing the Earth's shape and size, defining exact Earth coordinates, and establishing the height of a point above mean sea level. Map projections are examined next. These formula-based entities are implemented as algorithms in GIS, remote sensing, and other kinds of mapping and spatial analysis software that systematically take Earth's coordinates and convert them to a planar environment. Grid systems conclude this course with a discussion of their utility when carrying out accurate measurement activities on maps. Collectively, this course provides the theoretical underpinnings and applied knowledge necessary to understand and effectively work with the wide range of available datums, map projections, and coordinate systems that are available today.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Cultivates a working knowledge of current and future capabilities of GPS and the emerging Global Navigation Satellite System. GEOG 862 GPS Modernization for Geospatial Professionals (1) Topic: The Global Positioning System (GPS) includes a constellation of earth-orbiting satellites that broadcast their locations in space and time, a network of ground control stations, and military and civilian receivers that calculate ground positions by trilaterating satellite positions. Geospatial professionals need to posses a working knowledge of current and future GPS capabilities because GPS positioning is so prevalent in geographic information systems (GIS) applications in government, industry, and academia. GPS has always been a dual use system, military and civilian. From the beginning, GPS signals have been available with no direct user fees. GPS is used now in all of transportation-aviation, maritime, railroad, highway and mass transit. Satellite positions also plays critical roles in telecommunications, land surveying, law enforcement, emergency response, precision agriculture, mining, finance, and scientific research. It controls computer networks, air traffic, power grids, and so on. As the scope of GPS has expanded, the system continues to evolve. Course Objectives: GEOG 862 provides students with an opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the Global Positioning System that exceeds the basic awareness that is cultivated in prerequisite courses. For example, while it is useful to know that a minimum of 24 GPS satellites ensure 24-hour worldwide GPS coverage, it is equally important to understand why there are more than the minimum on orbit. Students in GEOG 862 learn that redundancy is necessary in a system upon which much of the U.S. economy now depends. Society's reliance on satellite positioning mandates GPS modernization. Student Activities: The course consists of four weekly lessons. Each lesson will require a minimum of 8-12 hours of activity. Lessons will include weekly lectures (via synchronous Web conference and/or streaming video), threaded discussion, readings, two quizzes and two writing assignments about concepts and tools in GPS Modernization. These assignments are designed to help students progress towards successfully completing the objectives for this course. * Class Participation: Individual participation via online discussion. Students will be encouraged to post and respond to questions and comments in online discussions forums. *Quizzes: There will be a mid-course quiz at the end of Week 2 and a final quiz at the end of Week 4 to test the students' comprehension of class materials and other reading as required. *Papers: There are two writing assignments in this course. The first falls after Week 1 and asks students to prepare a 1200 word paper on one topic covered in "Basic GPS," The first lesson. The second falls after Week 3 and asks the students to prepare a 1200 word paper on one topic covered in either Week 2 or Week 3.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The Internet has greatly extended the reach of GIS beyond the desktop. Geospatial technology vendors and the open-source community have devised web service protocols and web mapping application programming interfaces (APIs) so that third-party developers can create their own applications for use on web-enabled devices. These applications serve a wide array of purposes, including place and way finding, data dissemination, and data collection. For example, tabular crime data published on a city's website can be combined with base data layers such as municipal boundaries and roads to produce a map that is valuable for both the city's police department and its citizens. This course focuses on how geospatial professionals can create such applications using industry-relevant geospatial APIs. Students will build applications using current and emerging web technologies. Topics covered will include the implementation of 2D maps and 3D scenes, understanding API documentation, layer discovery and visualization, user interface development, data querying, and geoprocessing.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Professional practice and ethics in the Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T, a.k.a. geospatial) field requires being both competent in one's work and reflective about its legal and ethical implications. Certified GIS&T professionals are required to affirm their commitment to legal and ethical practice. Fulfilling such commitments requires the ability to recognize and analyze legal and ethical problems and to act with integrity. In this course students investigate the nature of professions generally and the characteristics of the professions that occupy the GIS&T field in particular. Students gain awareness of pertinent legal and ethical issues and hone their moral reasoning skills through methodical analyses of case studies in relation to the GIS Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct. Assignments include readings, case study analyses, interactive discussions, practitioner interviews and preparation of original case studies.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Theory and practical applications of using cloud computing and server resources to solve geospatial problems. GEOG 865 Cloud and Server GIS (3) This course teaches students to use cloud and server GIS resources to solve problems for which geospatial data is an integral element. Students will evaluate and implement systems using three cloud service models; infrastructure services, platform services, and software services. The course involves both lab exercises and critical reading and writing for infrastructure, platform, and software service models. This course presents common methodologies for setting up cloud services for creating maps, to customize cloud services for managing spatial data, and to invoke cloud services for processing spatial data. This course challenges students to apply critical thinking and technical skills to evaluate and develop successful cloud GIS projects. Written assignments focus on helping students improve their ability to explain and execute cloud GIS projects. A semester-long project involves creating a working cloud GIS project, including public presentation of results.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course helps students learn how to create, maintain, and retrieve data from a spatially-enabled database. Access to accurate data is the cornerstone on which all successful professional geospatial organizations are built. The data stewards who maintain an organization's information systems therefore have a crucial role to play. The course begins by introducing relational database theories and structures that are common in both geographic and non-geographic contexts (e.g., Structured Query Language and database design). It then focuses on the special considerations involved in the management of a spatial database by demonstrating two commonly utilized professional approaches

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This capstone course develops Master in Geographic Information Systems students' research and technical competencies to meet degree requirements and to serve their future career goals. Students completing this course will synthesize the learning they have completed in their M.G.I.S. coursework and develop an applied spatial analysis project that utilizes contemporary methods, technologies, and data sources to solve a problem in their field. The course makes use of discussions, presentations, directed independent research, collaborative critiques, and an individual scholarly paper.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In this course, students take a critical look at geospatial project management. Project management is a broad discipline that encompasses both technical methods such as system design and analysis, and interpersonal factors that affect professional relationships. Project management is also a discipline that has matured outside of, but can be incorporated into, geospatial technology.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Orientation to the geographic foundations of geospatial intelligence and its applications in national security, international relief work, and disaster management. GEOG 882 Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence (3)Topic: Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) leverages geographic information science and technology (including cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems) with intelligence tradecraft to develop intelligence products that support national security, disaster response, and international relief efforts. Course Objectives: GEOG 882 is designed to challenge current and aspiring GEOINT professionals to be more than technicians. Students who successfully complete GEOG 882 will appreciate that while geospatial technologies are useful in revealing what, who, and where, and to some extent how events are taking place, they are less useful in explaining why events occur, or what response is most appropriate. Students will learn that the political, cultural, historical, and economic perspectives of human geography are needed to put GEOINT analyses in context. The course will also challenge students to approach analyses critically, to consider alternative viewpoints and explanations, and to question their own assumptions. Student Activities: The course consists of 12 lessons that will span either the 15-week semester or the combined 12-week summer sessions. Each lesson will require approximately 10 hours of student activity. Student activity will include viewing and responding to recorded instructor lectures (delivered by digital video and audio), readings from textbooks or selected library resources, five quizzes on readings, four asynchronous online discussion forums, three reflection papers, and a collaborative role-playing simulation that provides a capstone experience.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

GEOG 883 focuses on the use of medium and high resolution remotely-sensed imagery and elevation data in geospatial applications. This course assumes that students have prior knowledge in the basics of remote sensing, mapping, and GIS, and that they have prior experience with commonly used geospatial software. In GEOG 883, students will develop mastery of the tools and techniques used to display, process, and analyze remotely sensed data. Upon completion of GEOG 883 students will be able to develop analytical workflows to derive products and extract information from remotely sensed data for a broad range of applications using both pixel-based and object-based approaches. GEOG 883 Remote Sensing for the Geospatial Intelligence Professional (3)Topic: Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) leverages geographic information science and technology (including cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems) with intelligence tradecraft to develop intelligence products that support national security, disaster response, and international relief efforts. Course Objectives: GEOG 883 cultivates students' knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of digital remote sensing instruments, processing systems, and derived data products. It helps students master basic skills needed to leverage these data sources and information products in the context of geospatial intelligence tradecraft. Student Activities: The course consists of eight lessons and one capstone group project that will span either the 15-week semester or the combined 12-week summer sessions. Each lesson will require approximately 10 hours of student activity. Student activities will include reading lesson text, online quizzes, and discussions about the ways in which remote sensing sciences is applied to geospatial intelligence analysis.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course engages students with the theory and practice of integrating spatial data science with geospatial intelligence tradecraft in a professional context. The world around us has a variety of competitors whose actions impact civil, national, and international security. Spatial data science can help us to understand and predict a competitor's behavior when integrated with geospatial intelligence tradecraft. Students will apply and critique analytical methods and intelligence techniques through case study exercises. Course lessons engage the technical methods found in spatial data science and geospatial intelligence techniques used to create a rational synthesis, known as an intelligence summary, about a given geospatial intelligence situation.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

GEOG 885 explores the challenges and opportunities created by combining human expertise with structured and automated analytical methods in the field of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The course focuses on the science and technology of human-machine collaboration using geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) in GEOINT and the professional and ethical concerns that must be considered in this rapidly evolving field. Students will be able to explain and apply structured analytic techniques (SATs), automation methods, and GeoAI tools to solve problems. Students will create analysis workflows that ensure the efficiency, credibility, and accuracy of analytical insights. SATs will be evaluated by students to gauge their ability to improve the quality and rigor of analysis. Students will also learn how to apply emerging GeoAI tools to summarize data and perform analytical tasks that have typically required human intelligence. This work is situated in decision-making across a broad range of industries, from defense and intelligence to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The amount of geospatial data available today is overwhelming, but by leveraging the strengths of both computers and people, analysts can gain insights from high-dimensional spatial data and effectively solve geographic problems.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduces theory and methods for operating an unmanned aerial system for geospatial data acquisition and analysis.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject.

Subject

GEOG

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

bulletins.psu.edu