Foundations of Geospatial Thinking

This course introduces geographic perspectives that are foundational to Geographic Information
Systems, including: human-environment interactions, spatial thinking, and systems thinking. Students
will learn about the power of maps as communicative tools, and the ethical issues in the field of
cartography. Key theoretical topics will include the spatial side of: systems, processes, distributions,
clusters, movement, and networks with special attention to how cultural, biological, and earth systems
interact. Students will interact with existing geographic data portals to explore topics in a region of
interest to them. No previous experience in geography or data science is needed. This course will
prepare students for any GIS course with the ability to think and communicate from geographic
perspectives.