GEOG 6150 - Geospatial Big Data

Graduate students should enroll in GEOG 6150 and will be held to higher standards and/or more work. This course teaches three essential skills for solving geographic problems using big data and modern computing infrastructure: 1) managing geospatial data (database), 2) leveraging the web (web GIS), and 3) using cloud-based computing services (cloud computing). Scientists, governments and businesses collect spatial data at increasing volume, velocity, and variety due to technological developments such as GPS, mobile devices and remote sensing. However, spatial data involves complex objects and relationships that cannot be accommodated easily by standard database management systems. This course teaches the fundamentals of database design and data management to support GIS and other spatial applications. With the internet being the main source of information and communication for many people, the demand for accessing information via maps is increasing at a rapid pace. GIS are quickly moving towards a web-based environment where everyone can access GIS data/functionality regardless of location and GIS skill level. This course provides an overview of web GIS and associated techniques to leverage web technologies for spatial analysis. Cloud computing is a fundamental component of modern IT infrastructure and application design. Students learn about design and implementation of cloud computing environments and apply the concepts in a lab environment.