2006-2008 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2006-2008 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Geospatial Science & Engineering


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The study of land surface and its modifications over time is a major component of global change research. Land cover change impacts climate, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem function, and the state of human welfare. To study large area land cover dynamics, satellitebased earth observations are required. The Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) is a new collaboration between SDSU and the US Geological Survey EROS Data Center (EDC) with a focus on the science of earth observation and monitoring. EDC is the world’s largest repository of remotely sensed data sets and renowned center of applied earth science studies. The GIScCE is a research partnership of SDSU faculty and EDC scientists that employs the capabilities of geographic information science (GISc), namely remote sensing, geographic information systems, digital mapping, and geostatistics, to document and understand the changing earth. To achieve this, an interdisciplinary center of study is required, one that utilizes engineering principles to efficiently and accurately process earth observation data, geographic principles to create meaningful thematic depictions of land cover and land use change, and applications that focus on the resultant effects of change on the geosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. Through the combined resources of many disciplines, the GIScCE seeks to investigate important questions regarding the dynamic earth system.

The Ph.D. in Geospatial Science & Engineering (GS&E) program provides a multidisciplinary doctoral education that focuses on geographic information science (GISc). GISc is an emerging multidisciplinary field that incorporates research in geography/ geographic sciences, environmental science and engineering, electrical and computer science and engineering, and the social sciences. There are three degree plan options. The student may declare either one of two specializations: (1) Remote Sensing Geography or (2) Remote Sensing Engineering. Alternatively, the student may elect to pursue a degree without a declared specialization. This latter option can provide a significant range of flexibility to customize an interdisciplinary course of study.

NOTE: New courses for the GSE Ph.D. program are currently under development. Please contact Dr. Geoffrey Henebry for further information.

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