Geospatial Information Science Major

Geospatial Information Science Major

Geospatial Information Science

Major

Geospatial information science (GIS) courses are taught with extensive hands-on use of digital technology in the Geographic Science Laboratory (GSL) and in the field. Cadets use Global Positioning Systems (GPS), view and analyze satellite imagery, build map databases and produce maps with state-of-the-art hardware and software.

Geospatial information science has countless applications whether in the military, civilian, government, or non-profit sectors. The military relies on geospatial technology and data to achieve information dominance on the battlefield. Examples include: GPS, satellite imagery, real-time force tracking, sensor integration, and massive geographic databases. 

GIS majors collect geographic data using drones, survey equipment, or manually. They then analyze that data in a geographic information system in order to understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context. Finally, they find various ways to visualize geographic data artfully and effectively convey information about real things that matter to people. This is a hands-on major, in which cadets not only learn theoretical concepts, but also apply those concepts to solving real-world problems. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data with all types of descriptive information. This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry.  

Graduates of the geospatial information science program receive a space enabler Additional Skill Identifier (ASI), 3Y, on their official military record. Additionally, those who branch Engineers can receive the Geospatial Engineer Officer ASI, W2, or even earn the Space Badge upon graduation. 

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering.

Required Courses

EV377 REMOTE SENSING

EV378 CARTOGRAPHY 

EV398 GEOG INFORMATION SYSTEMS 

EV477 ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING 

EV478 MILITARY GEOSPATIAL OPERATIONS 

EV498 ADV GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYS

EV365 GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CULTURES

 

Sample Electives

EV379 PHOTOGRAMMETRY 

EV380 SURVEYING

CE371 SOIL MECHANICS/FNDTN ENGNRG 

CS393 DATABASE SYSTEMS 

CY383 SECURE INTERFACE DESIGN 

EV387 METEOROLOGY 

EV388A PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 

EV388B GEOMORPHOLOGY 

EV391B NATURAL HAZARDS AND RISK 

EV471 ECOLOGY 

EV487 ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY 

MA366 APPLIED ENGINEERING MATH 

ME202 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN 

PL377 SOCIAL INEQUALITY 

SE370 COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEMS ENG 

SP471 ASTRONAUTICS 

SP472 SPACE PHYSICS 

SS381 CULTURAL/POLIT ANTHROPOLOGY 

SS464 HOMELAND SECURITY 

SS465 TERRORISM: NEW CHALLENGES

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Geospatial Information Science Major Curriculum.

Cadets in this minor can work with one of the Geography and Environmental Engineering Department’s research centers and engage in any number of domestic or international Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience.

Honor Societies:
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering or the Center for Environmental and Geographic Sciences (CEGS).