Geographic Information Science (GIS) @
George Washington University

A Geographic information system (GIS) is an integrative approach to helping solve complex problems of inter-linking layers of geographic data. Since the early 1960s, GIS has irrevocably altered the way we capture, analyze, store, and present spatial information GIS is much more than a map-making software application. Although it has its roots in cartography and the graphical display of information, its breadth spans from geographic data acquisition, geospatial database construction and management, spatial analysis, and geovisualization. Contemporary GIS-trained professionals work in places like government agencies, utility companies, marketing firms, non-profit organizations, and publishing companies. Federal government agencies such as NGA, FEMA, USGS, DOD, EPA, and NASA routinely recruit Geography majors/minors with strong GIS background.

GIS is transforming the field of Geography into an interdisciplinary science that integrates many specialty areas.

Focal GIS & Remote Sensing Courses (Adobe PDF)

Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL)

The SAL is located in the Geography Department Suite, in Room 223, 1922 F Street, NW. The laboratory consists of 30 networked PC's, featuring the latest in GIS (ArcMap 9.3) & Remote Sensing (IMAGINE) software. It is strictly reserved for students who are enrolled in geography courses and require use of special software. Opening hours for the lab vary by semester, month and day. Please consult the daily/weekly and monthly calenders on the Calender link.

Lab Manager

There is a lab manager (Nuala Cowan) who supervises the SAL, and will assist with GIS course material. You are strongly urged to bring specific questions (lecture materials or assignments) to them in the SAL during lab hours. Requests for help made in person are more effective those made by phone or email.

GIS Minor

Minor in geographic information systems — If you would like to explore GIS as a minor, you are required to take both Introduction to Human Geography (Geog 1) and Introduction to Physical Geography (Geog 2) including the laboratory (Geog 4).  In addition, you must select four courses from the Techniques Group:

104 Introduction to Cartography and GIS (3) Fundamentals of cartography; geographic data structure and information systems.

105 Techniques of Spatial Analysis (3) Nature of geographical inquiry and analytical methods used in the study of spatial processes and patterns.

106 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (3) Principles of geographic information systems and their use in spatial analysis and information management .

107 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3) Remote-sensing techniques using digital satellite imagery and aerial photography. Application to rural and urban settings, archaeology, and environmental monitoring.

121 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3) Integration of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial modeling.

196 Field Methods in Geography (3) Field research in human and physical geography. Students participate in several field exercises and develop their skills of observation, field mapping, repeat photography, and surveys.

If you have further questions or want to fill out a Minor Declaration Form, please contact:

Ms. Nuala Cowan (GIS Minor Advice)