Join us for the Graduate GIS Programs Information Session 
Welcome to our geographic information science (GIS) and technology blog. We feature a mixture of GIS academic articles, news, USC student stories and interesting GIS application articles. We recommend visiting frequently if you want to find out more about what excites us as GIS practitioners and academics — we aim to provide a mixture of interesting GIS news articles, career information and highlights from the GIS programs at the University of Southern California. Some of the key topics you can expect to find within our blog include:
- Profiles of cutting-edge GIS research from USC faculty and students
- Innovative use of GIS technologies and forward-thinking analysis
- Careers in GIS and key skills to advance in the field
- GIS applications in specific industries and sectors, like urban planning, environmental science and more
If you’re interested in receiving updates about the GIS graduate degree and certificate programs at the University of Southern California, request information to reach an enrollment specialist; you’ll also receive emails with important program updates and when we publish a new blog article.
Geographic Information Science and Technology in the Intelligence Community
In the era of big data, few industries have experienced as much growth as those that take advantage of geospatial data. In fact, the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management project estimates that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created daily, and that a “significant amount” is location-aware. The proliferation …
Innovation in the Unexpected: SSI Founder John P. Wilson On Career Surprises and the Future of GIS
Professor John P. Wilson has built his career on finding innovation in the unexpected. In a recent conversation with geographer and educator Joseph Kerski on the Geoinspirations Podcast, he talked about two surprising moments that led to big changes in his life and ultimately the field of geospatial sciences. The …
How Drones Are Improving Emergency Wildfire Response
The California wildfires of 2020 captured the country’s attention as the blazes set sobering records for damage to property and life. It was an intense situation that mobilized GIS professionals at the University of Southern California and beyond to push the capabilities of their technologies. This was especially true for …
Collaboration is Key: Q&A with Professor Steven Fleming, Ph.D.
This is a segment of our multi-part series honoring the active service members and veterans who have taken or who teach USC’s Geographic Information Science and Technology graduate programs by allowing them to share some of their most memorable experiences. For today’s article, we talked with COL [R] Steven D. …
First Build Trust, Then Make a Case for GIS: A Q&A With Alumnus Kevin Loberg
Geographic information science influences nearly all of modern life, and, because of that, the career opportunities in the field are uniquely diverse. GIS graduate programs offer benefits that extend beyond basic technical proficiency, such as developing spatial reasoning skills and building lifelong professional networks. For GIS Specialist Kevin Loberg, joining …
How GIS Helps to Overcome Urban Food Deserts
Many of us take access to a broad selection of food for granted, but a wholesome, balanced diet makes a big difference in our lives. Your nutritional choices affect productivity and can contribute to preventing illness. Guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture recommend an eating pattern that features: …
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 …
3 Big Opportunities for Growth in GIS
Geographic information science (GIS) presents exciting opportunities for strategic decision-making and professional advancement. A 2018 study from Geospatial Media and Communications estimated that the GIS and spatial analytics market, which includes areas like satellite navigation and 3D scanning, will be valued at $88.3 billion by 2020. There are many reasons …
Q&A with USC M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence Student Elin Henningsson
Our online Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence program offers a unique opportunity to better understand how governments, military and humanitarian organizations mitigate damage from threats ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks. Our inaugural class has brought together individuals with a wide range of expertise and …
USC GIST Alumna Applies Spatial Science to Cancer Research
A community’s environment can have an enormous impact on public health. Local risk factors — like poor air quality or a contaminated water supply — affect the well-being of residents, and the accessibility of care may determine whether individuals become aware of the dangers early enough. These connections make geospatial …
Request Brochure
Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
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...