Specializing in GIS and Computer Cartography

Requirements for the GIS & Computer Cartography Specialization

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Geography with a specialization in Geographic Information Science and Computer Cartography (22061) is designed to give students the technical skills needed to acquire, manage, and analyze large amounts of geographic data.  Students will get computer training in digital processing of remote sensing observations and cartographic vector data, spatial analysis, and the display of information products. 

In order to specialize in GIS and Computer Cartography, a student must complete all University CORE requirements, a minimum of 35 credits in Geography, and 15 credits in a supporting area.  Of the 35 credits in the Geography department, students must take 8 credits of Geography primary requirements,  6 credits of gateway courses (human and physical), and 6 credits of upper level non-technical Geography systematic electives.  The remaining 15 credits of Geography coursework are to be selected from upper level technique courses.  The 15 credits of supporting area courses are taken outside of the Geography department.  Since GIS and Computer Cartography is a technical specialization, the supporting area should be made up of quantitative courses in departments such as Math, Computer Science, Biology, Physics or Meteorology.  The supporting area must be developed in conjunction with a Geography advisor and must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.  You can download a curriculum worksheet for the GIS and Computer Cartography specialization from the Information Brochures page.

Primary Course Requirements (8 credits):

  The primary requirement consists of four 200-level courses that introduce the major areas of geographic research and prepare students for upper level courses.  These are normally taken before doing upper division work in the Department:

GEOG 201 Geography of Environmental Systems (3 credits)
GEOG 211 Geography of Environmental Systems Lab (1 credit)
GEOG 202 The World in Cultural Perspective (3 credits)
GEOG 212 The World in Cultural Perspective Lab (1 credit)

Gateway Requirements (6 credits):

Students who specialize in GIS and Computer Cartography must also select one human and one physical gateway course.  In selecting these courses, a student may wish to determine courses that would be most applicable to his or her area of interest.

Human Gateway Courses:

GEOG 310 Maryland and Adjacent Areas
GEOG 312 The United States and Canada

GEOG 313 Latin America
GEOG 330 Cultural Geography
GEOG 331 Introduction to Human Dimensions of Global Change
GEOG 334 The American City: Past and Present

Physical Gateway Courses:

GEOG 340 Geomorphology
GEOG 342 Introduction to Biogeography
GEOG 345 Climatology

Upper Level Geography Systematic Electives (6 credits):

Students are encouraged to concentrate within one sub-field of Geography, but may select any combination of courses.  Follow this link to view a course list  that describes suggested areas of concentrations, and the geography advisors will work with students to develop a personalized curriculum.

Upper Level Technique Courses (15 credits):

Students should choose five courses from the following list:

GEOG 372 Remote Sensing
GEOG 373 Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 375 Computer Cartography
GEOG 472 Advanced Remote Sensing
GEOG 473 Advanced Geographic Information Systems