Seminar in Geographic Information Science: Geography and Design

Geographic Information Science is the interdisciplinary study of location-based information, drawing largely from geography, cognitive science, and computer science. Traditionally, it has focused on spatial information that is collected at geographic scales for scientific analysis. In this seminar, we will explore how fundamental concepts and methods of GIScience may be applied to the synthetic problems of spatial design, such as problems in architecture and planning. We will use several case studies to contextualize our exploration of core readings. Students will also develop independent research projects that focus on the conceptual and methodological issues of gathering and applying spatial data in each stage of the design process, including developing a program, formulating and comparing alternatives, implementing a preferred alternative, and evaluating plan function. (GEOG 0320 or consent of instructor; open to seniors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.