Geographic Information Technology Laboratory and Certificate Program

该项目正在调整、实施和完善以全国现有成功的地理信息系统项目为蓝本的地理信息系统课程；以及2)建设一个更完整的地理信息系统计算机实验室，用于地理信息系统和遥感技术的教学和应用型本科研究。该实验室的主要用户是大学地理信息系统证书计划的本科生。这个地理信息系统证书计划的目标包括提供一门为SMET和非MMET学生设计的应用技术课程。参与课程的学生正在学习空间分析入门技术。他们还有机会与从事使用地理信息系统研究的教师合作。科学的探究方法在整个项目中都得到了加强，以帮助学生完善他们的批判性思维和解决问题的技能。该项目是从其他大学的几个NSF资助的地理信息系统项目中改编和修改的，特别是北阿拉巴马大学、纽约州立大学奥尔巴尼分校和佐治亚大学，并遵循NSF《塑造未来》报告(NSF 96-139,1996)中的建议。通过利用其他地理信息系统项目的优势，并吸收《塑造未来》的建议，KSU正在建立一个坚实的基础，并开发一个专门为其学生群体量身定做的创新项目。虽然这一计划已经超过了试点阶段，但仍有必要继续保持课程的最新水平，特别是在地理信息系统等快速变化的技术领域。该项目正在完善现有课程，并扩展课程，以服务于其他系的学生，包括化学、生物和市场营销。这一开发项目旨在为其他规划地理信息系统技术项目的机构提供一个地方、地区和国家的模式。

This project is adapting, implementing, and refining a GIS curriculum modeled on existing successful GIS programs across the country; and 2) constructing a more complete GIS computer laboratory for instruction in GIS and remote sensing technologies and applied undergraduate research. The primary users of the lab are undergraduates enrolled in the University's GIS certificate program.The objectives of this GIS certificate program include offering a course of study in applied technology designed for SMET and non-SMET students. Participating students are learning introductory spatial analysis techniques. They also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty conducting research in using GIS. The scientific method of inquiry is reinforced throughout the program to help students refine their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.This program was adapted and modified from several NSF-funded GIS programs at other universities, notably Northern Alabama University, SUNY-Albany and the University of Georgia, and guided by the recommendations from NSF's "Shaping the Future" report (NSF 96-139, 1996). By capitalizing on the strengths of other GIS programs, and incorporating recommendations from "Shaping the Future," KSU is building a strong foundation and developing an innovative program tailored specifically for its student body. Although this program has moved beyond the pilot project stage, there is still a need to continually keep the curriculum current, especially in a rapidly changing technological field as GIS. This project is refining the existing curriculum and expanding the curriculum to serve students from other departments, including chemistry, biology and marketing. This developing program is intended to serve as a local, regional and national model for other institutions planning GIS Technology programs.