Geospatial Science Major

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GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE (Geo)
Offered by the Department of Economics and Geosciences.

Geo 310. Geospatial Information Analysis. Course prepares cadets with the basic tools necessary to make decisions with geographic (geospatial) information. Course introduces data sources and collection techniques (e.g. use of remote sensing and GPS). Cadets learn methods to transform data into geospatial intelligence appropriate for decision making. Military and civilian applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology are examined in case studies, and cadets complete projects to demonstrate the ability to solve an ill-defined spatial problem and make recommendations to a decision maker.

Geo 350. Human Geography. This course is designed to acquaint cadets with geography in general and its human aspects in particular.Cadets will broaden their understanding of the complex relationships between humans and the environment and specifically human movement, language, religion, race, economic activities and urban development.   Each cadet is encouraged to develop a strong appreciation and comprehension of the never-ending and dynamic processes that are continually operating on the Earth and its human occupants.

Geo 351. Introduction to Physical Geography. Study of the Earth System (Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere and Lithosphere). Focuses on the spatial distributions within the system, the use of maps to explain the distributions, origins and processes shaping the Earth’s surface and the influence of man on the Earth system.

Geo 353. Geomorphology. Analysis of dynamic processes, distribution and structure of the Earth’s physical features. Focuses on fundamental concepts of physical geology, climate, soils and vegetation.

Geo 355. Field Methods in Geography. Students learn design and execution of geographic field research. Phase I of the course is classroom instruction on the physical, environmental, cultural and geological aspects of a study site and instruction on specific tools to be used in a field of study. Phase II consists of a weeklong field laboratory where students apply their skills in the natural environment. Phase III returns to the classroom where cadets learn various methods of analysis and discuss results.

Geo 360. Environmental Geography.  Focuses on problems of population growth, planet sustainability and environmental change. Also examines geographic aspects of resource management, conservation, and land use. Environmental issue unique to Colorado are discussed.

Geo 370. Military Geography. Analysis of the significant influence geography exerts on military operations, war and national security. Examines how the physical, cultural, political and economic dimensions of geography and meteorology affect the planning and execution of today's military operations.

Geo 382. Remote Sensing and Imagery Analysis Introduction to photogrammetry using both vertical and oblique imagery. Mechanisms for exploiting the electromagnetic radiation spectrum are investigated using particle and wave theory equations. Digital image processing techniques are presented and applied using the Applied Geography Laboratory facilities and raster data from commercial space borne sensing systems.

Geo 410. Advanced Geospatial Information Analysis. This course equips students with advanced analytical skills to understand and resolve complex geospatial problems.  Discussion and projects will integrate advanced geospatial analysis techniques with real world data to address problems similar to those officers may encounter in the operational Air Force.  Building on knowledge and expertise learned in Geospatial Information Analysis (Geo 310) and Remote Sensing and Imagery Analysis (Geo 382), students will integrate theoretical geoscience concepts with data analysis and information-extraction techniques.

Geo 470. Geography of Europe and Russia. Geographical analysis of the physical and cultural aspects of Western Europe and Central Europe, Russia, as well as the former Soviet states in Europe. Topical analyses include demography, language, religion, industry and geopolitics.

Geo 471. Geography of the Americas. Geographical analysis of the physical and cultural landscapes of Middle, North and South America. Focuses on the regional distribution of resources and land uses, economic structure, industrial development, settlement patterns, demographics and other population characteristics.

Geo 475. Geography of Asia. Geographic analysis of the physical and cultural landscapes of East, Central, and Southeast Asia. Focuses on the regional distribution of resources, economic structure, industrial strength, settlement patterns and patterns of population growth.

Geo 480. Geography of the Middle East and Africa. Geographic analysis of the physical, cultural, economic and political diversity of the Middle East and Africa.  Topical analyses include resources, demography, language, religion, industry, and geopolitics.

Geo 490.  Global Cultural Awareness.  This course will introduce students to major ideas, institutions, and events that shape human cultures and societies.  It will use a comparative approach to the study of cultures around the world, focusing particularly on religions, languages, traditions, ways of life, and perceptions.  The major objective of the course is for cadets to be able to compare and appreciate global cultures in a spatial context.  The course will enable students to interact more sensitively and effectively with people from other cultures in today’s Expeditionary Air Force.

Geo 495. Special Topics. Selected topics in geospatial science.

Geo 498. Geographic Interpretation Analysis and Integration. Capstone course in Geospatial Science. Using field experiences and case studies, the course is designed to assess the student’s ability to integrate and synthesize geoscience knowledge, analytical techniques, and research methods in geospatial science and cognate disciplines as they apply to the support of the battle space.

Geo 499. Independent Study. Independent research under the direction of a faculty member.