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Skidmore College
First-Year Experience

Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description

Location, Location, Location: An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Instructor(s): Robert Jones, Economics

Do you think that the people of New Orleans think that location matters? Location does matter, and throughout history people have devised ever more complex and innovative ways of mapping their location. In this seminar, we examine the various historical modes that people have used to map the world around them, including the most important contemporary mapping technology, GIS (Geographic Information Systems). All forms of mapping, including GIS, draw from sociology, economics, business, political science, history, biology, environmental science and geosciences. Students will explore the theory behind and the applied applications of GIS and other mapping systems within and across these different fields of study. We will end the course with an examination of the role GIS and other mapping technologies played in predicting and tracing the path of Hurricane Katrina, and how it may help in the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast.


Course Offered