ERTH 4520

GIS Applications

Lec 01 and Lab B01 selected

The integration of geographic information systems (GIS) across a suite of disciplines has expanded the application of spatial analysis to varied and complex problems . This course builds on the foundations of GIS taught in ENVS / ERTH / GEOG 3850.03 to explore analytical tools that test hypotheses and aid in decision-making in both the sciences and digital humanities . Topics covered in lecture and lab include advanced methods such as spatial cluster analysis, linear regression, and network analysis.

Sections

Lecture
Lab, pick one

From the syllabus

From the Winter 2026 syllabus by Christopher Greene. Open the PDF

Grading

15%Small lab deliverablesDue Saturdays at 5:00 pm; lowest item dropped
30%Independent lab projects (2)Two projects, 15% each
10%Active learning exercisesLowest item dropped
20%Test 1February 11
25%Test 2April 1

Textbooks

  • Spatial Statistics Illustrated, Bennett & Vale
  • Principles of Geographical Information Systems, 3rd ed., Burrough, McDonnell & Lloyd (optional)

Course rules

Passing threshold
Students must earn at least 275 of 550 theory points and 225 of 450 applied points to pass.
Late projects
Independent lab projects lose 20% per calendar day after the deadline.
Late workshops
Workshop deliverables have no late penalty before the deadline; afterward, the penalty is 100%.
Extensions
Each student starts with five 24-hour extensions for applied assessments and must notify staff before the deadline.
Missed tests
A missed test is made up during the final exam period.
Missed small deliverables
The lowest active-learning exercise and lowest structured workshop score are dropped.
Attendance
There is no direct attendance penalty, but in-class exercises and tests require synchronous attendance.
Generative AI
Generative AI products are not permitted in assessment submissions unless the instructor indicates otherwise.

Have a more recent syllabus for ERTH 4520? Sign in to share it