GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) - GEOG 341
DR. SHAWN HU - EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
PLEASE NOTE:
- This is a hybrid course:
- Week 1 and 2 will be taught online May 17, 2026 - May 30, 2026
- Week 3 at Chincoteague Bay Field Station May 31, 2026 - June 6, 2026
- The CBFS deposit and invoice will be issued based on a one-week class duration, aligning with a one-week campus stay.
Course Description: This course will provide a general introduction of geographic information systems (GIS) that helps study the spatial phenomena in computer systems. The goal of this course is to help students understand basic concepts, theories and techniques of Geographic Information Science, and GIS operations with state-of-the-art software and hardware. Students will also learn the basic skills on data collection with GPS unit in field investigation. After successfully completing this course, students are expected to be familiar with basic GIS principles and techniques, fluent in using a cutting-edge GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Version 10.x), capable of organizing geographic data and conducting GIS analysis for basic real world applications (i.e. in Marine Science field). Students will also learn how to use Trimble GPS unit and field survey equipment for beach profiling and analyze the data with Arc GIS software.
Marketable Skills Gained from this Course:
General Description of Field Activities:
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
33%
Prerequisites:
GEOG 120 Physical Geography or any equivalence approved by instructor.
Required Textbooks or Supplies:
Recommended Textbooks or Supplies:
Number of Students in Course:
10-15
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee:
1 week course; housing and meals included
Hybrid Fee: $810
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
Marketable Skills Gained from this Course:
- GIS software understanding and experience
- GIS analysis
- Field survey and data collection methods
General Description of Field Activities:
- Beach profiling with total station.
- Beach mapping with Trimble GPS units.
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
33%
Prerequisites:
GEOG 120 Physical Geography or any equivalence approved by instructor.
Required Textbooks or Supplies:
- Required Textbook for Lectures: Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., and Rhind, D.W. 2015. Geographic Information Science and Systems (GISS), 4th Edition. John Wiley & Sons. Website: www.wiley.com ISBN: 978-1-119-03130-7
Required Textbook for Labs: Michael Law and Amy Collins, 2018, Getting to Know ArcGIS, 5th edition, ESRI: Redlands, CA.ISBN: 978-1-589485105 - Students need to have their own laptops and flash drives.
Recommended Textbooks or Supplies:
- TBA
Number of Students in Course:
10-15
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee:
1 week course; housing and meals included
Hybrid Fee: $810
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
