How Remote Sensing Saves the Earth
Remotely gathering spatial information is a powerful means to understand and respond to urgent humanitarian and environmental problems. But, for many years, it was challenging to get the information required to take action as remote sensing data was limited and difficult to acquire. Now, with the combination of new data …
Predicting and Managing Chaos: How GIS Has Transformed Natural Disaster Relief
Hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides and other natural disasters can cause considerable chaos — damaging the environment, affecting communities and complicating rescue/relief efforts. But thanks to GIS, emergency management professionals are better equipped than ever to help communities prepare and recover. From tracking and predicting disasters to assisting in rescue, recovery and …
The Many Applications of GIS
Tweet While maps and cartography was once limited to a handful of uses, geographic information systems (GIS) and geographic science spans nearly every field. GIS, which uses the science of geography plus many types of data to reveal insights and patterns that help people make better decisions, is used in …
How Local and Federal Government Use GIS
Geographic information science and technology have a long history with both federal and regional government. In fact, the Library of Congress contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of maps, and geospatial intelligence has played a vital role in resolving numerous historical conflicts between nations. But how does the government use …
How GIS Can Help with Emergency Management
In the wake of a disaster, data-driven maps that harness technology can be a true lifesaver. Using geographic information science (GIS) in emergency management can make an enormous impact in mitigating, responding to and recovering from a major event. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, darkness fell across …
The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
The mystery surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has continued to haunt searchers – an international contingent of experienced rescuers and scientists who have been persistently seeking answers on behalf of victim’s families, the airline itself and a concerned public. The cartography of the search is of particular interest – understanding …
Hot or Cold: How GIS Changes Our Perceptions of Climate Change
Developments in geographic information science (GIS) have transformed how researchers in a variety of fields gather and analyze information about the world around us. Scientists gain valuable insights in areas such as geology and meteorology by gathering remote sensed data and implementing geospatial tools. The perspective offered by GIS technology …
All About 3D GIS
Geographic Information Science (GIS) has established mapping and spatial reasoning as essential methods for problem-solving. Geospatial professionals use GIS to develop buildings, manage disaster response, address public health concerns and much more. For all these innovations, however, traditional GIS systems can be limited by working with only two dimensions. As …
3D GIS and Mapping Will Be Crucial in Restoring the Notre Dame Cathedral
The fire that engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019 is tragic, with early estimates putting the cost of rebuilding in the billions. While the event led to catastrophic damage, restoration efforts have a unique advantage in the digital age. The use of 3D GIS modeling …
The Role of Geospatial Intelligence in the Response to Hurricane Florence
At 7:15 am on September 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The Category 1 hurricane brought sustained winds of up to 90 miles per hour. The storm’s windspeed had already dropped significantly from the maximum of 140 mph it previously reached offshore as a Category …
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To learn more about the University of Southern California's online GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.
Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...