Dr. Danny M. Vaughn, Director

Department of Geosciences

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah 84408-2507

Geomatics encompasses several related disciplines under the umbrella of the applied mapping sciences. Rather than identify a single discipline such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for a Certificate, this program provides a broad foundation in GIS, remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping, computer-assisted cartography, and image interpretation. The program is grounded on fundamentals in each of the mapping sciences, and functionally provides a suite of research tools actively used to resolve "real world" geospatial (geo – earth, spatial – any feature that resides on the Earth’s surface) problems. Computer-assisted methods and procedures; mapping theory, concept, and design; and image interpretation and analysis are emphasized through a rigorous set of laboratory exercises using digital data, maps, and imagery from a variety of resources (Internet web sites, local, state, and federal agencies).

A Certificate is awarded to recognize satisfactory completion of a prescribed set of courses that address principles in Geomatics (applied computer mapping). This program is suitable for anyone who currently holds a degree, or is actively working towards the completion of a degree. The certificate is particularly attractive to people in the professional workforce that are engaged in applied spatial analysis*, and who would like formal instruction and training resulting in a certificate without pursuing a major area of study leading to a baccalaureate degree. Participants in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree, however, may also select the certificate program when it is not practical to include a minor in geospatial analysis (e.g. Applied Environmental Geoscience majors) (http://weber.edu/Geosciences/spatial.htm.). A selected sample of degree programs that will compliment the Certificate include Applied Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Geography, Archaeology, or a combination of three emphasis areas for a bachelors of integrated studies (B.I.S.) degree. The Certificate will serve to improve employment opportunities for students engaged in the mapping sciences.

* Spatial analysis is a study of the distribution and association of earth phenomena, including cultural and social concerns, that include singular or multiple processes operating in concert about some identified region. Earth surface phenomena are analyzed using computer-assisted techniques in Geographic Information Systems and digital image processing of remotely sensed imagery (satellite imagery and aerial photographs). Given the complexity of natural and societal processes, geographic information systems and remote sensing aid in providing a mechanism to simplify multi-variate spatial phenomena.

A selected sampling of agencies that may opt to send their employees to this program include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Native American Tribal Governments, Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously called the Soil Conservation Service), Environmental Protection Agency, local and county level planning agencies, and state environmental and natural resources agencies.

A certificate in Geomatics requires 16 units of course credit from the Department of Geosciences, and 6 units of course credit from either the Department of Information Systems and Technologies or the Department of Computer Science. Prerequisites (courses or permission from an instructor) must be met prior to enrolling in each course in the Certificate program. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required for the six core courses to receive a certificate. Registration procedures are outlined on the Weber State University web site at http://www.weber.edu/prospective.asp. Additional information pertaining to the Certificate and Geospatial Analysis programs and Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Laboratory (RSGISL) may be found at: http://www.weber.edu/Geosciences/.

Geosci 3400 - Remote Sensing I (4 credits).

Geosci 4400 - Remote Sensing II: Advanced Digital Image Processing (4 credits).

Geosci 4210 - Introduction to Computer Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (4 credits).

Geosci 4220 - Technical and Application Issues in Geographic Information Systems (4 credits).

IS&T SI2110 – Software Development I (3 credits).

IS&T 2130 – Software Development II (3 credits).

IS&T 2510 – Database Design and Implementation (3 credits).

CS S11022 - Software Development Using Pascal and Delphi (4 credits).

CS S11023 - Selected Programming Language (4 credits).

· Spatial Theory

· Mapping the spherical Earth including, geodesy, grids, datums, and projection systems.

· The map as a medium for locational and positional information.

· Spatial elements

· Spatial measurement levels.

· Spatial patterns.

· Map scale, minimum mapping unit, and map accuracy.

· Map classes.

· Data structures.

· Raster/Vector data models

· Data compaction methods

· Data input, vector/raster transformations, digitizing, and scale variances.

· The role of remote sensing in GIS applications.

· Editing and storing spatial data.

· Elementary spatial analysis.

· Fundamental questions in any spatial query.

· Storage/retrieval functions.

· Constrained queries.

· Boolean operators.

· Causal relationships in scientific inquiry.

· Measurement.

· Lengths (radius of curvature, sinuosity, edginess).

· Polygons (area, perimeter, shape).

· Functional distances (friction, impedance, incremental, cost).

· Classification

· Range graded.

· Normalization.

· Constrained math.

· Neighborhood functions.

· Filters.

· Buffers.

· Terrain reclassification (slope, aspect, profiling, intervisibility analysis).

· Surfacing Algorithms.

· Isarithmic maps.

· Continuous surfaces.

· Regular gridding (DEM’s).

· Irregular gridding (TIN’s).

· Interpolation Algorithms.

· Weighted.

· Trend surface.

· Problems associated in interpolation algorithms.

· Saddle point problem in contouring.

· Slope and aspect algorithms.

· Slicing the statistical surface.

· Cut & Fill.

· Density slicing.

· Dot distribution maps.

· Choropleth maps.

· Natural breaks classification.

· Quantile classification.

· Equal area classification.

· Equal Interval classification.

· Standard deviation.

· Normalizing data.

· Spatial arrangement.

· Point patterns.

· Line patterns.

· Polygon patterns.

· Thiessen polygons and Delaunay triangles.

· Nearest-neighbor analysis.

· Quadrant analysis.

· Spatial statistics.

· Cartographic overlay.

· Point-point.

· Point-line.

· Point-area.

· Line-line.

· Line-area.

· Area-area.

· Boolean operators.

· Overlay theory.

· Cartographic modeling.

· Location-allocation model.

· Gravity model.

· Innovation/diffusion model.

· Quantitative models.

· Cartographic output.

· General reference maps.

· Thematic maps.

· Mapping conventions and principles.

· Map design process.

· Non-traditional cartographic output.

· Fishnet maps.

· Wireframe maps.

· Block diagrams.

· Animation.

· Shaded relief maps.

· Digital orthophotographs.

· Tables, charts, and graphs.

· Global Positioning Systems.

· Theory and field application.

· Differential processing with a Community Base Station.

· History and principles.

· Geometric transformation.

· Electromagnetic radiation.

· Radiation laws.

· Electromagnetic spectrum, its role in remote sensing.

· Spectral properties of earth surface features.

· Additive color theory.

· Atmospheric interactions.

· Photographic sensors.

· Black and White film processing.

· Color film processing.

· Contrast, brightness, gradation in imagery.

· Geometry of aerial photographs.

· Orthophotos, orthophotomaps, and mosaics.

· Digital data.

· Binary and Hexadecimal principles.

· The role of digital data in remote sensing applications.

· Image interpretation.

· Interpretation processes.

· Elements of interpretation.

· Interpretation strategies.

· Basic equipment.

· Scale in imagery.

· Land observation satellites.

· Applicational and technical concepts of the Landsat program.

· Applicational and technical concepts of the SPOT program.

· Other programs, e.g. India, Russia, China, Japan, European space agency.

· Thermal remote sensing.

· Thermal radiometry.

· Thermal properties of objects.

· Thermal image interpretation.

· Image resolution.

· Spectral differentiation.

· Spatial differentiation.

· Radiometric differentiation.

· Preprocessing digital data.

· Radiometric preprocessing.

· Image restoration.

· Atmospheric correction.

· Destriping.

· Image enhancement.

· Contrast stretch.

· Piecewise contrast stretch.

· Histogram equilization.

· Sinusoidal stretch.

· Initial display alternatives.

· Univariate and multivariate statistics in remote sensing.

· Georectification, registration, and mosaicing.

· Density slicing.

· Class Intervals.

· Equal size.

· Equal area.

· Natural breaks.

· Video displays and color look-up tables.

· Intensity, Hue, Saturation color system.

· Red, Green, Blue color system.

· Spatial filters, edge enhancement, and directional filters.

· Fourier transform.

· Principal component analysis.

· Ratioing techniques.

· Vegetation indexes.

· Normalized difference vegetation index.

· Tasseled cap transformation.

· Microwave sensing (RADAR).

· Classification.

· Unsupervised.

· Supervised.

· Global positioning systems

· Theory and field application.

· Differential processing with a Community Base Station.

· Introduction and applications in a selected programming language.

· Emphasis is on solving technical and scientific problems.

· Language selection by demand.

· Elementary Visual Basic software development.

· Emphasis is on tools, techniques, logic, and flow control.

· Intermediate Visual Basic software development.

· Emphasis is on program constructs, file management techniques, and software development and practices for a multi-tiered distributed computing environment.

· Designing, implementation, and management of databases.

· Use of Structured Query Language (SQL)

· Applied Pascal programming to the solution of technical and scientific problems.

· Developmental applications for Windows using Borland’s Delphi Rapid Application Development system.

· Introduction and applications in a selected programming language.

· Emphasis is on solving technical and scientific problems.

· Language selection by demand.

There are three basic forms of communication recognized by the human community. One includes an ability to express vocally (articulate) our thoughts by combining coherent sounds that form a systematic set of meaningful utterances that we call language. By extension, these vocal utterances are assigned symbols that we term an alphabet. These alphabetic symbols combine to form words, which are the basic elements of any written language (literacy). The third form of communication actually represents an ability to convey spatial objects through graphic expression (mapping, drawing, or illustrating).

This is perhaps the most illuminating form of communication since humans tend to assimilate spatial objects with complex thought. It follows that the mapping sciences, when employed as a system of analytical tools, will provide a visual means of identifying spatial objects and their associated attributes for the purpose of analyzing surface features and processes (physical, social, & societal) operating about the Earth.

Dr. Danny M. Vaughn

Professor of Geosciences & Certification Director

2507 University Circle

Ogden, Utah 84408-2507

(801) 626-7954 voice

(801) 626-7445 fax

dvaughn@weber.edu