Northern Virginia Community College

Introduction to Physical Geography (GEO 200)

Studies major elements of the natural environment, earth-sun relationship, landforms, weather and climate, natural types of vegetation and soils. Introduces the student to types and uses of maps. The course covers basic elements of geography (the size, shape, and movements of the physical earth, major landmasses, and water bodies), representations of the earth, the atmosphere, water resources, landforms, and climates, in addition to an introduction to regional geography.

World Regional Geography (GEO 220)

Studies the physical and cultural characteristics of selected geographical regions of the world, with a focus on each region’s significant problems and those problems’ geographical background. The course emphasizes both the homogenizing and diversifying forces inherent to the globalization process, challenging students to make critical comparisons between the various regions and providing an understanding of the interconnections that bind those regions together. Themes covered for each region are:

  • Environmental geography
  • Population and settlement
  • Cultural coherence and diversity
  • Geopolitical framework
  • Economic and social development

The course also introduces the student to types and uses of maps.

 

Geographic Information Systems I (GIS 200)

Provides hands-on introduction to a dynamic desktop GIS (Geographic Information System). Introduces the components of a desktop GIS and their functionality. Emphasizes manipulation of data for the purpose of analysis, presentation, and decision-making.

Exploring Our Earth: Introduction to Remote Sensing (GIS 255)

Introduces material to understand the fundamental physical and mathematical principles and techniques of remote sensing. Introduces how each part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to gather data about Earth. Describes limitations imposed by satellites, aircraft, and sensors. Surveys various methods to access and apply Earth observation/remote sensing data. Teaches students to use remote sensing software to process and manipulate Landsat, SPOT, photographic, and other imagery in a hands-on approach to remote sensing analysis.

Geographic Information Systems II (GIS 201)

Provides a continuation of GIS 200, with emphasis on advanced topics in problem-solving, decision-making, modeling, programming, and data management. Covers map projections and data formats, and methods for solving the problems they create.

3-Dimensional Analysis (GIS 205)

Introduces GIS three-dimensional (3D) concepts and practices with a concentration on displaying, creating and analyzing spatial GIS data using 3D. Covers 3D shape files, 3D data formats such as TIN’s, DEM’s, grids and controlling the perspective and scale of 3D data through rotating, panning and zooming.

Coordinated Internship (GIS 290)

The internship saw me work with the Ivanovo State Power Engineering University, with which Northern Virginia Community College cooperated as part of the Fulbright Program. My work with ISPEU’s School of Geoinformation Systems and Technologies saw me create 3-dimensional features of ISPEU buildings in Ivanovo, Russia; this required me to learn the use of Sketchup, with which I performed such tasks as extruding edges or faces and “gluing” components to surfaces.