In this course you will learn about these different subject areas and, in particular, learn about the spatial analytical research methods used in each. In particular, while considering landscape ecology we will examine the relation between process and pattern; while considering health geography we will examine how perspectives play a role in how we look for patterns / processes; and while considering crime analysis we will examine how the these concepts (processes, patterns, places and perspectives) relate in a practical setting.

Before delving into the different subject areas, it is important that we first consider how and where GIScience and 'geography' fit. We should consider the kinds of questions geographers ask, the data used to answers those questions, the processes used to analyze those questions, and what is done with the answers that we found. It is through geography and geographic analyses that these different subject areas--landscape ecology, crime analysis and health geography--are related. Parts of this introductory lecture (asking geographical questions) are based on Unit 007 of the NCGIA CCII.

A significant component of this course will be the class presentations--everyone will make one presentation in each of the subject areas. In addition, everyone is required to complete a self-directed project.

The Penn State GeoSpatial Revolution video series has a number of episodes directly related to the material covered in this course (such as tracking disease, serving and protecting, and finding a healthy future.