GPHY 150 - Introduction to Geospatial Technology and Land Information

Credit(s): 2

This course is designed to acquaint students with land information and mapping principles including an introduction to the Public Land Survey System, cadastral surveys and land records investigation. This course also serves as a combined introduction to geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), global positioning systems (GPS), and cartography (the science and art of mapmaking). (Fall Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Use the Public Land Survey System to properly define the division of land used in cadastral surveying.
Perform land record investigations by researching certificate of surveys and land ownership chain of titles.
Produce maps through basic drafting principles.
Analyze and display spatial information using simple GIS programs.
Describe what geographic information is and why it is important to problem-solving, and decision-making in a variety of disciplines.
Give specific examples of how geographic information systems, global navigation satellite systems, remote sensing, and cartographic design are used together to address complex geographic problems.