Geospatial Science, BS
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Program Description
The Geospatial Science Program, available both in person and online, prepares graduates with knowledge and skills for a variety of career paths related to the acquisition, analysis, and management of geospatial data and information. Career paths include pursuing advanced degrees and employment in the fields of Geomatics and Geospatial Information Systems.
Program Educational Objectives
- Geospatial Science program graduates will demonstrate growth and advancement in the surveying profession or geospatial sciences.
- Graduates will be capable of pursuing advanced studies and/or employment in the fields of Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems.
- Graduates will have a pathway to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) and/or GIS Professional (GISP).
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will have:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
- An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
- An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
Program
The Geospatial Science Program provides broad-based expertise and cutting-edge skills that span the growing geospatial field and helps to alleviate the shortage of well-educated geospatial professionals. The program is intended for those seeking to become surveyors, engineers and other geospatial professionals with knowledge and skills in using and managing rapidly developing geospatial technologies.
Our GIS and Geomatics curriculum covers a wide range of geospatial principles. Students engage in activities using a systematic approach to integrate all means of capturing and managing spatial data required for scientific, administrative, legal, and technical operations involved in the production and management of spatial information. These activities include, but are not limited to, cartography, control surveying, digital mapping, geodesy, geographic information systems, hydrography, land information management, land surveying, photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
The curriculum also focuses on computer-based solutions to problems involving the collection, synthesis, analysis, and communication of spatially related information within a geographic jurisdiction or area. It meets the needs of local, state, and federal government agencies and private industries’ transitioning to highly automated graphics systems that integrate digital mapping with computerized databases.
The program prepares graduates for careers in industry and/or science. Students are required to complete a Capstone Project related to one of the above areas of interest. The Capstone Project will be evaluated under the Geospatial Systems Project GISC 4351 Geospatial Science Project (3 sch) course. Students who complete the program have a comprehensive understanding of these disciplines that empowers them to advance their careers in geospatial technologies or to continue their studies to further advance the science.
For Additional Information
Website:
http://gisc.tamucc.edu/
Mailing Address:
Geospatial Science Program, Unit 5797
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5797
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General Requirements
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| University Seminar (when applicable)1 | 0-2 |
| Core Curriculum Program | 42 |
| Foundations Required for the Geospatial Science Program | 7-8 |
| Core Required for the Geospatial Science Program | 65 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 120-123 |
- 1
Full-time, first time in college students are required to take university seminar.
- USSE 1201 University Seminar (2 sch)
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time, First-year Students | ||
| USSE 1201 | University Seminar * | 2 |
| Core Curriculum Program | ||
| University Core Curriculum | 42 | |
| Students must take: | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II (Lecture Component/3 hours) | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| University Physics II | ||
or PHYS 1402 | General Physics II | |
| Foundations Required for the Geospatial Science | ||
| MATH 2414 | Calculus II (included in University Core) | 1 |
| MATH 3342 | Applied Probability and Statistics *,^ | 3 |
| COSC 1435 | Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers I | 3-4 |
| or COSC 1330 | Programming for Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians | |
| Core Required for the Geospatial Science Program | ||
| GISC 1336 | Digital Drafting and Design | 3 |
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| GISC 2301 | Geospatial Systems II | 3 |
| GISC 2338 | Web Map Development | 3 |
| GISC 2470 | Geospatial Plane Measurement I | 4 |
| GISC 3300 | Geospatial Mathematical Techniques | 3 |
| GISC 3320 | GIS Programming and Software Development | 3 |
| GISC 3325 | Geodetic Science | 3 |
| GISC 3412 | Geospatial Plane Measurement II | 4 |
| GISC 3421 | Visualization for GIS | 4 |
| GISC 4180 | Geospatial Systems Internship ^ | 1 |
| GISC 4305 | Legal Aspects of Spatial Information | 3 |
| GISC 4315 | Satellite Positioning | 3 |
| GISC 4318 | Cadastral Systems | 3 |
| GISC 4331 | Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry | 3 |
| GISC 4335 | Geospatial Systems III | 3 |
| GISC 4340 | Geospatial Computations and Adjustment | 3 |
| GISC 4350 | Boundary Surveying and Professional Practice | 3 |
| GISC 4351 | Geospatial Science Project | 3 |
| 6 hours of mathematics and/or sciences. Please note that the courses satisfying a Mathematics Minor are a good choice. 1 | 6 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select two electives from the following designated elective courses, ensuring that at least one is an upper-division course to satisfy the minimum requirement of 45 upper-division semester credit hours. Electives may include any upper-division courses from the following disciplines: Computer Science (COSC), Civil Engineering (CEEN), and Business (BUSI, BLAW, ECON, FINA, MGMT, and OPSY). | 6 | |
| Field Camp | ||
| Hydrography | ||
| Selected Topics (Approved by GIS faculty) | ||
| Total Hours | 123 | |
- 1
Math can be any division math courses. Note: The course(s) satisfies a Mathematics Minor is a good choice.
Science can be any Natural Science course (based on scientific method) above 2000, or any Natural Science course that satisfies the laboratory science group (cannot satisfy both).
Sciences are disciplines focused on knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of natural phenomena. Sciences course(s) consist of chemistry and physics besides the degree required core and other natural sciences including life, Earth, and space sciences.
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Note: A minimum 2.25 TAMUCC-CC major GPA is required in core required classes and designated electives for GISC.
Course Sequencing
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENGL 1301 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| HIST 1301 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 |
| MATH 2413 | Calculus I | 4 |
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| USSE 1201 | University Seminar | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 1311 or ENGL 1302 | Foundation of Communication or Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | U.S. History Since 1865 | 3 |
| COSC 1435 or COSC 1330 | Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers I or Programming for Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians | 3-4 |
| GISC 1336 | Digital Drafting and Design | 3 |
| Math or Sciences Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| University Core Curriculum | 3 | |
| University Core Curriculum | 3 | |
| GISC 2338 | Web Map Development | 3 |
| GISC 2470 | Geospatial Plane Measurement I | 4 |
| PHYS 2425 | University Physics I | 4 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 3412 | Geospatial Plane Measurement II | 4 |
| GISC 2301 | Geospatial Systems II | 3 |
| MATH 2414 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 3342 | Applied Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2305 | U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| GISC 3325 | Geodetic Science | 3 |
| GISC 3300 | Geospatial Mathematical Techniques | 3 |
| GISC 4318 | Cadastral Systems | 3 |
| PHYS 2426 or PHYS 1402 | University Physics II or General Physics II | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 3320 | GIS Programming and Software Development | 3 |
| GISC 3421 | Visualization for GIS | 4 |
| GISC 4350 | Boundary Surveying and Professional Practice | 3 |
| Math or Sciences Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2306 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| GISC 4315 | Satellite Positioning | 3 |
| GISC 4331 | Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry | 3 |
| GISC 4335 | Geospatial Systems III | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 4180 | Geospatial Systems Internship | 1 |
| GISC 4305 | Legal Aspects of Spatial Information | 3 |
| GISC 4340 | Geospatial Computations and Adjustment | 3 |
| GISC 4351 | Geospatial Science Project | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 122-123 | |
Courses
GISC 1301 Physical Geography
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
The goal of this course is to encourage you to think geographically, examining the interactions between physical systems and human activities. Introduction to topics covered include elements of Physical Geography (studies of atmosphere, ocean and land surface environments), Geographic Information Systems (computer systems that capture, analysis, and display of geographic information), and human environmental interactions. Cross listed with GEOG 1301.
TCCNS: GEOG 1301
GISC 1336 Digital Drafting and Design
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)
An introduction to graphic and drafting principles and practices in surveying and mapping science. This course includes the development of the basic drafting skills needed to produce surveying plats and graphical presentations. The elements of descriptive geometry are addressed. A major component of the course is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer-aided drafting (CAD) and design.
GISC 1470 Geospatial Systems I
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and its theoretical foundations. Topics covered include vector and raster data models, acquisition and manipulation of data, cartography, current topics, data quality, and basic spatial analysis. Principles and uses of GIS software also covered. Fall and Spring.
GISC 2301 Geospatial Systems II
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
An intermediate level course in the concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics covered include spatial database design and management, raster analysis, terrain mapping, analysis, and applications.
Prerequisite: (GISC 1470).
GISC 2338 Web Map Development
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
Introduction to the design and development of GIS software to solve spatial problems. Topics covered include programming basics, with design and implementation of common tasks in GIS applications.
GISC 2350 Field Camp
3 Semester Credit Hours
A one-week field camp with intensive field data collection and computations. Traversing between control points. Digital contour data and leveling control. Detail spatial data by total station. Construction set out using total station and steel band.
Prerequisite: GISC 2470.
GISC 2470 Geospatial Plane Measurement I
4 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)
Historical introduction to field measurement and mapping; distance measurement using electronic distance meters; calibration and reduction. Leveling instruments; principles, construction, testing and adjustment; ancillary equipment. Optical and electronic theodolites. Traverse computations and adjustment. Coordinate systems. Map projections. MATH 1316 or placement in a course beyond or at a higher level than MATH 1316.
GISC 3300 Geospatial Mathematical Techniques
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
Characteristics of geographic/spatial information; overview of relevant sections of numbers, algebra and geometry, plane and spherical trigonometry, matrices, determinants and vectors, curves and surfaces, integral and differential calculus, partial derivatives, with an emphasis on geospatial applications. Concepts of geospatial coordinate systems and geospatial coordinate transformations; overview of spatial statistics and best-fit solutions with geospatial applications.
GISC 3320 GIS Programming and Software Development
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
The course focuses on the design and implementation of GIS scripts and GIS applications. Topics covered included GIS programming (i.e. automate GIS tasks using scripting language), GIS tool creation, and advanced user interface design and implementation. This course dedicates time to programming fundamentals so that the skills learned can be applied to languages other than Python.
GISC 3325 Geodetic Science
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
History of geodetic measurement. Description of the geodetic model of the earth. Relationship between the ellipsoid, geoid, and earth's surface. Measurement of long baselines. Gravity and the geoid. Relationship between terrestrial observations and grid coordinates.
Prerequisite: GISC 2470.
GISC 3412 Geospatial Plane Measurement II
4 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)
Principles and reduction of observations and errors in spatial measurement. Techniques of horizontal and vertical angle measurement for precise positioning. Trigonometric heighting and vertical staff tacheometry. Setting out of structures. Design and computation of horizontal and vertical curves.
Prerequisite: GISC 2470.
GISC 3421 Visualization for GIS
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)
Basic elements of thematic cartography, cartographic theory, and cartographic projections. Integration of cartographic principles with GIS visualization. Principles of map design with GIS data. Spring.
Prerequisite: GISC 2301.
GISC 4180 Geospatial Systems Internship
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)
Internship education requires work with approved Geospatial Systems related industry employer. Students provide weekly written reports and final presentation to program at the end of internship. Must have completed 60 semester hours before attempting. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
GISC 4305 Legal Aspects of Spatial Information
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the legal considerations surrounding spatial information and land issues relevant to Land Surveyors, Civil Engineers, and GIS professionals, among others. Topics include the legal ownership of spatial data collected in the public sector, public access to extensive digital databases, and the application of copyright law to spatial data. Students will explore legal issues related to property boundaries, statutory boundaries, voter district boundaries, and jurisdictional boundaries. The course also covers government fees and charges for accessing spatial data, as well as the social and economic value of this information.
Prerequisite: GISC 4318.
GISC 4315 Satellite Positioning
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)
Global reference systems. Use of satellite for navigation and positioning systems. History and review of satellite positioning systems. Measurement techniques using GPS. Point, differential, and kinetic positioning techniques. Error sources in satellite positioning. Future trends in satellite positioning technology. Fall.
GISC 4318 Cadastral Systems
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of land ownership and the development of cadastral systems. This includes land ownership recording systems used in Texas and throughout the U.S. Investigation and research for artificial and natural boundaries. Online resources for title searches, i.e., county courthouse, title plants, and other sources for cadastral research. Riparian and littoral boundaries. Boundary marking and preparation of cadastral plans. Metes and bounds descriptions. Urban and rural cadastral issues. Use of coordinate systems in cadastral mapping.
Prerequisite: GISC 3412.
GISC 4320 Hydrography
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)
Introduction to offshore and inshore hydrographic mapping. Tidal datums and their computation. Review of hydrographic and nautical charts. Electronic position finding and bathymetric data collection. Echo sounding, side scan sonar. Seafloor mapping and underwater locating. Beach (combined land and hydrographic) mapping. Spring even years.
GISC 4331 Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
Foundational topics include remote sensing systems, sensors, and electromagnetic energy propagation. Geomatics topics include airborne and analytical photogrammetry, structure-from-motion (SfM), drone-based mapping, lidar scanning, georeferencing, and data quality control. Additional topics include 3D point cloud data, multispectral image processing, thermal imaging, and geospatial AI. The course provides students with an understanding of the scientific and engineering principles of remote sensing while developing their skills in GIS and geomatics through practical techniques and use of the technology.
GISC 4335 Geospatial Systems III
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
Advanced spatial analysis and modeling in GIS. Topics covered include exploratory analysis of spatial data, network analysis, spatial point patterns, area objects and spatial autocorrelation, and spatial interpolation. Also covers new approaches to spatial analysis.
GISC 4340 Geospatial Computations and Adjustment
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction of spatial information analysis and adjustment computations, drawing on methodologies and tools for achieving accuracy in geomatics and GIS. Students will learn concepts of error analysis and correction techniques, with a strong emphasis on least squares adjustment.
GISC 4350 Boundary Surveying and Professional Practice
3 Semester Credit Hours
This course provides a comprehensive overview of boundary surveying principles and professional practices. Focuses on the methodologies and techniques for processing and reducing digital field data to create final survey deliverables and reports. Students will explore the legal, ethical, and technical aspects of boundary surveying, including land ownership, property rights, and relevant regulations. This course emphasizes the transition from raw data collection to polished, professional outputs.
GISC 4351 Geospatial Science Project
3 Semester Credit Hours
This course allows students to apply a broad knowledge of geospatial science in designing and implementing comprehensive geospatial science projects. Students will select a topic relevant to their interests and develop a spatial analysis to address real-world challenges. Students will employ critical-thinking skills throughout the course to generate, evaluate, and implement geospatial solutions. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, data acquisition, data interpretation, and the integration of geospatial data into decision-making processes, preparing students for advanced research or professional applications in geospatial science.
Prerequisite: GISC 3421*, 4350* and 4335.
* May be taken concurrently.
* May be taken concurrently.
GISC 4590 Selected Topics
1-5 Semester Credit Hours (1-5 Lecture Hours)
May be repeated for credit depending on topic. Variable content.
GISC 4596 Directed Independent Study
1-5 Semester Credit Hours
See College description. Offered on request. May be repeated for credit.