Geographic Information Science, BS

Program Description

The Geographic Information Science Program 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

  • Geographic Information Science program graduates will demonstrate growth and advancement in the surveying profession or geospatial sciences.
  • Students will be capable of continuing paths towards graduate studies and/or employment in the fields of Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems.
  • Students will be prepared to become Registered Professional Land Surveyors and/or GIS Professionals. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have:

  1. 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.
  2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

Program

The Geographic Information 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, mining 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 Systems 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:   
Geographic Information Science Program, Unit 5868
College of Science and Engineering
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, TX  78412-5868

General Requirements

Requirements Credit Hours
First-Year Seminars (when applicable)1 0-2
Core Curriculum Program 42
Foundations Required for the Geographic Information Science Program 8
Core Required for the Geographic Information Science Program 73
Designated Electives 3
Total Credit Hours 126-128
1

Full-time, first time in college students are required to take the first-year seminars.

Degree Requirements

Full-time, First-year Students
UNIV 1101University Seminar I *1
UNIV 1102University Seminar II *1
Core Curriculum Program
University Core Curriculum42
Students must take:
Calculus I
Calculus II (Lecture Component/3 hours)
University Physics I
University Physics II
Foundations Required for the Geographic Information Science
MATH 2414Calculus II (included in University Core)1
MATH 3342Applied Probability and Statistics *,^3
COSC 1435Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers I4
or COSC 1330 Programming for Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians
Core Required for the Geographic Information Science Program
GISC 1336Digital Drafting and Design3
GISC 1470Geospatial Systems I4
GISC 2250Field Camp I2
GISC 2301Geospatial Systems II3
GISC 2438Geospatial Software Systems I4
GISC 2470Geospatial Plane Measurement I4
GISC 3300Geospatial Mathematical Techniques3
GISC 3325Geodetic Science3
GISC 3412Geospatial Plane Measurement II4
GISC 3420Geospatial Software Systems II4
GISC 3421Visualization for GIS4
GISC 4180Geospatial Systems Internship ^1
GISC 4305Legal Aspects of Spatial Information3
GISC 4315Satellite Positioning3
GISC 4318Cadastral Systems3
GISC 4335Geospatial Systems III3
GISC 4340Geospatial Computations and Adjustment3
GISC 4350Field Camp II3
GISC 4351Geospatial Systems Project3
GISC 4371History of Land Ownership3
GISC 4431Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry4
6 hours of mathematics and/or sciences 16
Discrete Mathematics I
Calculus III
Linear Algebra
One 3 hour upper-division MATH elective
Designated Electives
Select one of the following:3
Hydrography
Selected Topics (Approved by GIS faculty)
Total Hours128
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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
ENGL 1301 Writing and Rhetoric I 3
HIST 1301 U.S. History to 1865 3
UNIV 1101 University Seminar I 1
MATH 2413 Calculus I 4
GISC 1470 Geospatial Systems I 4
 Hours15
Spring
COMM 1311
Foundation of Communication
or Writing and Rhetoric II
3
HIST 1302 U.S. History Since 1865 3
UNIV 1102 University Seminar II 1
COSC 1435
Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers I
or Programming for Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians
4
GISC 1336 Digital Drafting and Design 3
Math or Sciences Course 3
 Hours17
Second Year
Fall
University Core Curriculum 3
University Core Curriculum 3
GISC 2470 Geospatial Plane Measurement I 4
GISC 2438 Geospatial Software Systems I 4
PHYS 2425 University Physics I 4
 Hours18
Spring
GISC 2250 Field Camp I 2
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
 Hours16
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 University Physics II 4
 Hours16
Spring
GISC 4350 Field Camp II 3
GISC 3420 Geospatial Software Systems II 4
GISC 3421 Visualization for GIS 4
Math or Sciences Course 3
GISC Elective 3
 Hours17
Fourth Year
Fall
POLS 2306 State and Local Government 3
GISC 4335 Geospatial Systems III 3
GISC 4431 Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry 4
GISC 4315 Satellite Positioning 3
University Core Curriculum 3
 Hours16
Spring
GISC 4351 Geospatial Systems Project 3
GISC 4340 Geospatial Computations and Adjustment 3
GISC 4305 Legal Aspects of Spatial Information 3
GISC 4180 Geospatial Systems Internship 1
GISC 4371 History of Land Ownership 3
 Hours13
 Total Hours128

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 and design (CADD). Spring.

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 2250  Field Camp I  
2 Semester Credit Hours (6 Lab 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. Taken during the sophomore or junior year. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 2470.

GISC 2301  Geospatial Systems II  
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab 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.  Spring.

Prerequisite: (GISC 1470).

GISC 2438  Geospatial Software Systems I  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

Introduction to the design and development of GIS software to solve spatial problems. Topics covered include programming basics, design and implementation common tasks in GIS applications. Fall.

Prerequisite: GISC 1470 and COSC 1435 or COSC 1330.

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. Fall.

Prerequisite: MATH 1316 or 2413.

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.

Prerequisite: MATH 2413 and 3342.

GISC 3325  Geodetic Science  
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab 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. Fall.

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. Spring.

Prerequisite: (GISC 2470 and 1336*).
* May be taken concurrently.

GISC 3420  Geospatial Software Systems II  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

Advanced programming course focusing on the design and implementation of GIS scripts and GIS web applications.  Topics covered include GIS web applications, web mashups, GIS scripts, GIS tool creation, and advanced user interface design and implementation. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 2301 and (COSC 1435 or 1330).

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)  

Legal ownership of spatial data and information collected in the public sector. Public access to large digital databases. Copyright law as applied to spatial data. Legal issues related to property boundaries, statutory boundaries, voter district boundaries, and jurisdictional boundaries. Government fees and charges for access to spatial data. Social and economic value of spatial data. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 2470.

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.

Prerequisite: GISC 2470 and MATH 2413.

GISC 4318  Cadastral Systems  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Land ownership recording systems used in Texas and U.S. Investigation and research for artificial and natural boundaries. Title searches at the 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. Writing field notes. Urban and rural cadastral issues. Use of coordinate systems in cadastral mapping. Fall.

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.

Prerequisite: GISC 2470 and MATH 2413.

GISC 4326  Geomatics Professional Practice  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

An intensive one-week summer course presented by practicing geomatics professionals covering many of the aspects of operating a professional surveying practice in the State of Texas. Topics cover surveyor responsibility and liability, the surveyor in court, standards of practice, surveying mathematics, Texas coordinate system, celestial observations, and project control.

Prerequisite: GISC 2250.

GISC 4335  Geospatial Systems III  
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab 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. Fall.

Prerequisite: GISC 2301 and MATH 3342.

GISC 4340  Geospatial Computations and Adjustment  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Theory of least squares adjustment of spatial data. Use of matrices for the solution of equations. Propagation of variances and statistical testing of adjustment solutions. Error ellipses and confidence intervals. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 2470 and 3300.

GISC 4350  Field Camp II  
3 Semester Credit Hours (6 Lab Hours)  

A one-week field camp undertaking projects in cadastral, engineering, hydrographic, and geodetic positioning. Reduction of digital field data to produce final plans and reports. Taken during the senior year. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 3412, 4318 and 2250.

GISC 4351  Geospatial Systems Project  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

This course allows students to employ knowledge attained in other courses to create a project to spatially analyze information of interest to you and your field of study.  Students will either undertake a GIS project to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data, or a survey project in cadastral, topographic, engineering, hydrographic, or geodetic positioning survey. Spring. Students who enroll in the project course will need permission from the instructor.

Prerequisite: GISC 4350 or (GISC 3421 and 4335).

GISC 4371  History of Land Ownership  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

This course prepares students by providing proper knowledge of how land transferred throughout history and techniques for researching land ownership in the present. Students receive an overview of legal aspects and other topics relative to land issues applicable for Land Surveyors, Civil Engineers, and GIS professionals, among others. Spring.

Prerequisite: GISC 3412.

GISC 4431  Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Provides the foundations to interpret, process, and apply remotely sensed data acquired by satellites and sub-orbital platforms (aircraft, UAVs) for mapping and analysis of our natural and built environment.  Principles of electromagnetic energy-matter interaction, remote sensing systems and data characteristics, digital image processing, and informaton extraction methods will be covered.  Included is treatment of: aerial photogrammetry; multispectral, thermal, and hyperspectral sensing; earth observation satellites; radar and lidar; emergent topics.  Emphasis will be on their use for geospatial and environmental applications. Fall.

Prerequisite: (PHYS 2425 and GISC 3300) or (MEEN 3310 and PHYS 2425).

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.

GISC 4690  Co-operative Education  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)  

Co-op education allows students to take time off their full-time studies to gain valuable experience-based learning with employers willing to put on students for a semester (14 weeks), six months, or over the summer. The Co-op program allows students to maintain their full-time status as a student (continue health insurance coverage with parents, not effect student loan repayment, access to college activities, etc.) while undertaking work in their field of interest. The Co-op program is a partnership between the employer, the student, and the university.