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
How a Dual Career in Music Makes USC’s Robert Vos a Better Professor
“I’ve been pulled in two directions my whole life,” says Robert Vos, an assistant professor (teaching) of spatial sciences and the director of graduate studies at the University of Southern California Spatial Sciences Institute. Robert Vos, Director of Graduate Studies at USC SSI In his role at USC, Vos uses …
The Relationship Between GIS and Marketing
Location has always played an important role in marketing; however, the spatial component of marketing and advertising has grown even more critical in the digital age. As we become more discerning consumers and more adept researchers, advertising and promotion strategies will need to become more precise and more relevant to …
GIS is Rewriting Archaeology Approaches
Geographic Information Science (GIS) has made a major impact in fields like the earth sciences and historical research by opening new avenues for discovery and providing a new perspective on the world around us. Archaeologists were among the earliest adopters of GIS, beginning to utilize geospatial technology for projects in …
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 …
4 Reasons Why City Planners Need GIS Technologies
Urban communities are constantly changing, and city planners must be prepared to adapt. By implementing methods and tools from geographic information science (GIS), urban planners can streamline their work and discover valuable perspective on urgent challenges. Extensive, up-to-date geospatial data offers visibility into a city’s current needs and spatial limitations. …
Spatial Application Development and Mobile GIS
Dr. Jennifer Swift, Andy Gup and Matt Sheehan discuss the Spatial Application Development and Mobile GIS track in the online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) program at USC. The panel is joined by recent MS GIST graduate Chris Weidemann to share insight on what he …
Q&A with USC M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence Student Eli Ibanga
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 …
How to Stay Organized in Graduate School
Enrolling in graduate school is a major life decision — one that often leads to new skills, advanced careers, and a higher salary than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Because of the financial and time commitment required for graduate school, it is important to make the most of this …
GIS as a Platform for Real Estate
Geographic information science (GIS) has wide-ranging applications, providing valuable insights into everyday challenges for city residents, the surfaces of other planets, election results, and more. While many GIS jobs are found in government agencies and civil service, the private sector is also increasingly making use of these systems. Geospatial information …
Geospatial Data Is Super Effective! The Use of GIS and Cartography in Pokémon Go
Augmented reality experiences that are tied to geographic locations have valuable uses for a wide range of industries that use GIS, like performing complex measurements in real time or providing construction crews with vital information about a worksite. On the other hand, the combination of AR and spatial information can …
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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 877-650-9054 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...