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USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute

GIS Fieldwork on Catalina Island

While taking SSCI 587: Spatial Data Acquisition, 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 to USC’s Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Graduate Certificate in RSEO students may also choose the SSCI 587: Spatial Data Acquisition course as an elective and would participate in this field excursion as a requirement of the course.

During their week-long trip, USC GIS graduate students will:

  • Study GPS and unmanned autonomous systems (UAVs) and related sensors and the potential they offer for acquiring spatial data in an outdoor environment
  • Conduct their own research project under faculty direction
  • Build lasting personal and professional relationships with classmates and instructors
  • Conduct spatial data collection and analysis, and deliver a presentation of your work
  • Meet scientists from around the world who are engaged in investigative studies
  • Take advantage of down time to relax, hike, swim or explore the island

Upon returning from Catalina, we offer a visit to the USC main campus and the USC Bookstore, a tour of the Spatial Sciences Institute and drinks and appetizers with faculty, schedules permitting.

“As a traveling training consultant, I needed a master’s program that I could complete while on-the-road. I am also a very social person and I like getting to know my classmates on a personal level. The week-long fieldwork excursion to USC’s Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island was a huge win for me. It provided the opportunity for me to really build relationships with my professors and fellow students.”

– Brandon Brooks M.S. GIST, Class of 2018

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Fill out the information below 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.


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