This course provides an overview of GIS applications in social science and business
contexts. GIS are powerful tools that we can use to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial
data. Students will leverage GIS to reveal patterns that allow us to better understand, inform,
and address complex societal issues in such fields as urban planning, public health, and
business analytics. In this course, through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical
exercises, students will gain proficiency in GIS software and tools, develop skills in spatial data
collection and processing, and learn techniques for integrating and analyzing diverse datasets.
The course begins with an introduction to key topics, including census geography,
accessibility, mobility, optimization, and machine learning. Then, we transition to a term project
in which students pick one social or business problem to examine and generate deliverables