M.S. in Geodesign

Course Descriptions

GEOD-610: Introduction to GIS (prerequisite) (Summer) 2-2-3

This course is an introductory course for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is a prerequisite for those in the MS in GeoDesign Program that do not have prior GIS training. GIS is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. Specific GIS methods and topics covered include cartography, demographics, site selection, transportation studies, land use scenarios, and environmental applications. This is a foundation course for the MS in GeoDesign Program.


GEOD-600: GeoDesign Studio I (Fall) 1-4-3

GeoDesign is a planning and design process that is based on physical and biological information, references social and economic information and is holistic and interdisciplinary. In this introductory GeoDesign studio, students will form collaborative teams and work with a client/partner to solve a real urban geospatial design problem. Various GeoDesign techniques, digital technologies and scenario management tools will be introduced and applied.


GEOD-615: Advanced GIS/Geospatial Analysis I (Fall) 2-2-3

This is an advanced course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and an introductory course in GeoDesign.  Students continue their studies in GIS applications and apply them to GeoDesign projects. GeoDesign is an increasingly important integrative design and technology based process for urban design, site design, recreation master planning, visual analysis, comprehensive planning, resource management and public advocacy. Prerequisite: GIS experience/coursework


GEOD-621: Environmental Policy (Fall) 3-0-3

Environmental problems are essentially social, economic and political problems. This course initially traces the evolution of United States environmental policy, legislation and regulations, including the background and context of environmental policymaking; the substantive problems and political process of environmental movements; and contemporary environmental thought with regard to issues of sustainability and environmental justice.


SDN-601: Sustainable Design Methodologies (Fall) 3-0-3

Sustainability is a cultural phenomenon that is reshaping the way architects, engineers, designers and planners conceive of the built environment. This lecture/seminar course will explore changes in culture over the years that have led to the formation and adoption of contemporary sustainable design practices, technologies and processes. Current aspects of sustainability will be explored including the impact of the LEED rating system, legislation, environmental law, corporate culture evolution, integrated design process, energy modeling and economic impacts of land development.


GEOD-602: GeoDesign Studio II (Spring) 2-8-6

In this intermediate design studio, students will form collaborative teams and apply geospatial analysis techniques and information modeling to a more complex urban design problem. Students will work cooperatively with the community client/partner throughout the design process. Community members will be instructed how to use one or more geospatial tools in the decision-making process.


GEOD-616: Information Modeling (Spring) 2-2-3

Geospatial data will be used as the context basis for building information modeling (BIM), which is an integrated process for digitally exploring, defining and optimizing a project's physical and financial characteristics during design and management. The scales of building, campus, neighborhood, city and region will be studied. Principles of GeoDesign, integrated projected delivery and lean design will be discussed in relation to this process.


GEOD-617: Geospatial Analysis II (Spring) 2-2-3

This advance geospatial course will focus on analysis and modeling of urban structure and dynamics. Geospatial analysis and modeling have become important and indispensible tools for understanding urban infrastructure and dynamics. Exercises will include simulating and modeling urban transportation systems, analyzing and modeling urban growth, and predicting urban changes and impacts.


GEOD-605: GeoDesign Applied Research Studio (individual or small group) (Summer) 2-8-6

In this culminating studio, students will work individually or in small groups on an applied research project that was developed through a previous GeoDesign design studio, a technology course, or from an outside source. The applied research outcomes will then be used and tested as part of a community outreach planning and/or design project.


GEOD-607: GeoDesign Explorations (Summer I) 2-2-3

In this seminar/lab course, students learn to explore cutting-edge geospatial techniques, applications, and data sources and determine whether these approaches are appropriate, useful and cost-effective in a production environment. For example, LiDAR-enabled spatial robotics allows for mobile spatial data collection within buildings, but is this an appropriate technique to build a 3D contextual basemap?  And how can this technology be applied to exterior urban spaces?


Graduate Free Elective (Summer II) 3-0-3

[approved by the Program Director]

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