Welcome to GEOG653 – Spatial Analysis !

I would like to give you a brief introduction to this class: GEOG653 in general is the first class you would take in this program. The topics cover various spatial analysis methods/techniques of different features from 0 to 3 dimensions. We will also cover some software tools other than ArcGIS, such as the open source QGIS. It is clear that ArcGIS Pro is going to take over Desktop ArcGIS (e.g. ArcMap, ArcScene, etc) in next few years. Therefore, it is important to start the process of migrating to ArcGIS Pro and we are going to do it in this class.

Some of these topics may sound familiar to certain students due to the fact that you all have unique academic background and/or working experiences. On the other hand, there are some students who are relatively new in GIS field. Therefore, this first class will be designed to accommodate different levels. To achieve this, in each lab assignment, there will be a bonus task (usually more challenging) for those of you who have more time and interest to work on. Also the lectures or lab assignments will not simply teach you how to use the software. Instead, you will be required to understand and practice certain mathematical formulas and learn how to compute manually. There will be 11 exercises that are optional and for your practice only. Finally, there is the final project which requires to apply your knowledge and skills in real test. Hopefully these strategies can help meet your specific needs.

As of the software, we will be using ArcGIS Pro 2.3 and desktop ArcGIS 10.6.1. We will also introduce other software at the end of the term. I will provide the license code to each of you so that you can install it on your own computer. In addition, you can access to the software through our VMware server. 

The syllabus has been posted. It is subject to changes and open to any suggestions you may have during the first few weeks of class. I have also posted some exercises for those of you who want to do some practice early. 

I look forward to seeing you soon.

*****
Jianguo (Jack) Ma, Ph.D. 
Program Director 
Master of Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences 
University of Maryland 
Department of Geographical Sciences 
2181 LeFrak Hall 
College Park, MD 20742 
Tel: (301)405-3861 (O)