GEOG 884
Spatial Data Science and Intelligence Analysis

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Quick Facts about GEOG 884

Overview

This course will introduce you to Geographic Information Systems for the Geospatial Intelligence Professional. Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) leverages geographic information science and technology (including cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems) with intelligence tradecraft to develop intelligence products that support national security, disaster response, and international relief efforts. GEOG 884 cultivates in students the knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of geographic information systems (GIS) and the skills needed to realize their potential in the context of the geospatial intelligence tradecraft.

There are 10 lessons and a course project. Lesson learning activities include background reading and discussion that outline a current scientific problem or debate, collection and manipulation of appropriate data, and assessment of the results of this work. Students will simultaneously become familiar with the content as well as the practice of science. During the final lessons, students will complete a capstone project which includes performing a GIS analysis based on the topic of their choice.

Learn more about GEOG 884, GIS for the Geospatial Intelligence Professional (1min 40sec)

Click here for a transcript of the course introduction video.

Hi. I'm Todd Bacastow. I'll introduce you to a course, Spatial Data Science and Intelligence Analysis. This course prepares you to use spatial data science as a framework to enhance human abilities in geospatial intelligence or GEOINT. What you learn here applies in defense, human security, or business applications. In other words, any activity that analyzes locations, patterns, or spatial correlations to develop insights. Teaming your cognitive skills with the benefits of computers is natural in this quickly growing discipline. It is the future of intelligence analysis, as the amount and types of data grow at an exponential rate. Working with GIS is an essential part of the GEOINT tradecraft. Using historic and contemporary cases we will introduce you to the theoretical and practical concepts of using spatial tools and intelligence analysis. You will distill mountains of data into useful knowledge. You will experience how intelligence analysis relies on human intuition and know-how. You will combine the benefits of the human and machine to draw insights on a wide variety of data sources. You'll engage with other students to explore real world events after researching relevant literature. Our exercises will stretch your analytic skills. Discussion forums will provide a platform to assess and debate your methods. You will share, practice, and critique your tradecraft. I'm excited about it! I hope you can join us for this innovative course.

Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Want to join us? Students who register for this Penn State course gain access to assignments and instructor feedback and earn academic credit. For more information, visit Penn State's Online Geospatial Education Program website. Official course descriptions and curricular details can be reviewed in the University Bulletin.