Geography & Geospatial Technology

Outcomes & Performance

The mission of the geography and geospatial technology department is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the world's geography and methods of geographic analysis and to prepare students for careers in geospatial technology and related areas. Department faculty seek to help students understand spatial aspects of geography--connections between geography and regional, political, cultural and environmental problems. Department faculty emphasize problem-solving and critical thought and are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, professionalism and ethical responsibility. Careers include positions in government and the private sector in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial intelligence, remote sensing, location positioning, mapping and related areas.

1. Apply spatial reasoning to their understanding of geography.
   1. Describe and discuss fundamental patterns of regional and thematic geography in relation to human and physical systems.
   2. Identify and describe spatial aspects of regions, including processes of distribution and location and the impact of those processes on people.
   3. Identify and locate places on maps, world regions, countries, cities and physical features around the world.
   4. Describe the linkages between societies and environments around the world.
   5. Analyze the implications of global change for local and regional geographic conditions.
   6. Describe and discuss linkages between local and global environmental problems.
   7. Apply geographic knowledge to analyze regional conflict and the significance of global political change on regions.
2. Apply fundamental geospatial knowledge to problem-solving in further education or a career.
   1. Select the technology and data best suited to the problem or project.
   2. Produce digital and hard copy maps.
   3. Document methods used in geospatial projects.
   4. Differentiate between spatial and nonspatial data and their appropriate use in geography.
   5. Describe workflow processes as related to geospatial technology.
3. Demonstrate effective use of spatial and nonspatial data.
   1. Create spatial and nonspatial data.
   2. Acquire spatial and nonspatial data.
   3. Acquire spatial and nonspatial data.
   4. Implement quality measures for spatial and nonspatial data.
   5. Design and create spatial databases.
   6. Manage spatial databases.
   7. Implement quality measures for spatial databases.
   8. Interpret metadata for spatial data.
   9. Create metadata for spatial data.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills related to geography and geospatial technology.
   1. Analyze spatial and nonspatial data.
   2. Interpret spatial and nonspatial data.
   3. Choose and integrate appropriate tools for data manipulation and analysis.
5. Clearly articulate, discuss, and present geographic information and projects.
   1. Effectively communicate the broad and specific goals of projects.
   2. Present projects in a logical, clear manner.
   3. Engage in an exchange of ideas related to the use of geographic and geospatial methods.
   4. Produce cartographic output.
6. Exhibit professional behaviors needed to function effectively in a career or in higher education.
   1. Demonstrate personal effectiveness competencies required for success in a career or as a student in higher education.
   2. Function effectively as a team member.
   3. Demonstrate professional accountability through the application of ethical standards.
   4. Explain public and private sector career opportunities in geography and geospatial technology fields.
7. Apply spatial reasoning to their understanding of world regional geography
   1. Describe and discuss fundamental patterns of world regional geography.
   2. Identify and describe spatial aspects of regions, including processes of distribution and location and the impact of those processes on people.
   3. Identify and locate places on maps, world regions, countries, cities and physical features around the world.
8. Understand the connection between geography and regional economic, political, cultural and environmental problems.
   1. Describe the linkages between societies and environments around the world.
   2. Analyze the implications of global change for local and regional geographic conditions.
   3. Describe and discuss linkages between local and global environmental problems.
   4. Apply geographic knowledge to analyze regional conflict.
   5. Understand the significance of global political change on world regions.