The objective is to provide the student with the ability to analyze GIS data of all
sorts, and to understand the uses and limitations of GIS data.  Emphasis is placed on
both theoretical aspects of GIS data analysis and geo-computation, as well as
hands-on familiarity with basic GIS software applications.


This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the
specific learning objectives listed below:

Communicate effectively through writing.  This is met by a series of writing 
assignments associated with supplemental reading and data analysis.
 
Communicate effectively through speech.  This is met by oral presentations, 
discussion leading, and classroom participation.

Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty 
electronic interaction, data analysis activities and assignments, and exposure to 
GIS technologies.
 
Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and are 
developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry-
based learning efforts.

Quick Overview: Classical Statistics-hypothesis tester 
Intro to spatial data; what’s “special” about it?
Exploring spatial data visually
Point pattern descriptors
Spatial autocorrelation; Point pattern analysis
Spatial regression
Local analysis (GWR)
Geostatistical models - kriging 
Polygon pattern analysis (brief overview)