Introduction to GIS and Spatial Mapping

1.5 units

This course will introduce students to spatial thinking, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and their application to solving important problems in the business world. Location plays an important role in business decisions ranging from where to locate a new store, how to efficiently deliver goods and services, to identifying customers and determining common demographic factors that define markets. This course will teach fundamental concepts such as how spatial data is generated, how to evaluate various sources, and common spatial analysis workflows. Students will learn how to use a browser-based GIS application to create maps and perform spatial analysis including geocoding, routing, and data integration. Upon completion students will be able to understand how GIS and Location Intelligence are used in business; confidently use the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform for spatial analysis and mapping; find, evaluate, and manage spatial data sources used for making business decisions; apply demographic analysis to identify customer characteristics using location; perform routing functions and quantify delivery logistics; carry out a Site Selection project to identify the best location for a new store.