Geographic Information Science
Have you ever wondered how digital maps, navigation applications, or disaster monitoring technologies work? Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the key to unlocking these technologies and applying them in real life. Let’s explore this fascinating and promising field together!
Introduction to the Major
Geographic Information Science (GIS) is an interdisciplinary field that combines geography, computer science, and information science. This major equips students with knowledge in spatial data collection, management, analysis, and visualization, serving fields such as urban planning, environmental protection, disaster monitoring, and GIS system development. After graduation, students can work in government agencies, enterprises, and research institutions.
Educational Objectives
The program aims to develop high-quality human resources with comprehensive ethical, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor competencies, along with an international vision and a strong sense of patriotism. Graduates can work in government agencies, research institutes, and enterprises in fields such as resource investigation and monitoring, disaster tracking and assessment, spatial planning, cartography, and ecological environment protection. Students will be equipped with the following abilities:
- Mastery of knowledge in geography, mathematics, computer science, and information science.
- Proficiency in collecting, managing, analyzing, and applying geographic information data.
- Capability to develop and apply GIS systems.
- An innovative mindset and a global vision to adapt to the development trends of the industry domestically and internationally.
Graduation Requirements
Knowledge Requirements
- Fundamental knowledge of social sciences and humanities.
- Basic knowledge of natural sciences (mathematics, statistics, etc.).
- Basic knowledge of geography (physical geography, human geography, surveying, cartography, etc.).
- Core knowledge of GIS (GIS principles, remote sensing technology, spatial analysis, etc.).
- Knowledge of computer programming and system development.
- Knowledge of industry policies and regulations.
Skill Requirements
- Ability to collect and process data.
- Ability to manage and analyze spatial data.
- Skills in cartography and information visualization.
- Ability to design and develop GIS systems
- International vision and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Communication and teamwork skills.
- Lifelong learning and innovation capabilities.
Personal Qualities Requirements
- Political integrity and social responsibility.
- Professional ethics and legal awareness.
- Scientific thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Core Courses
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Cartography
- Principles and Applications of Remote Sensing
- Spatial Analysis and Modeling
- Principles of Geographic Information Systems
- Database Principles and Spatial Databases
- Programming and GIS Development
- Statistics and Data Analysis
Main Research Directions
- Remote Sensing for Resource and Environmental Monitoring
- GIS Application and Development
- Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization
- Intelligent Geographic Information Technology
- GIS Applications in Urban and Regional Planning
Degree Awarded
- Students who meet the graduation requirements will be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Information Science.
- Graduation credit requirements: 150 credits (major), 119 credits (for international students).
Career Prospects
After graduation, students can work in the following fields:
- Geographic information services and system development
- Resource investigation and monitoring
- Ecological and environmental protection
- Urban planning and land management
- Intelligent transportation and logistics management
- Disaster monitoring and risk assessment
Related Majors
- Remote Sensing Science and Technology
- Surveying and Mapping Engineering
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Computer Science and Technology
Top Universities Offering Geographic Information Science Programs in China
- Nanjing Normal University
- Wuhan University
- Peking University
- Beijing Normal University
- East China Normal University
- Nanjing University
Curriculum Plan
General Education Courses
- Political Ideology Courses: Ethics and Law, Modern Chinese History, etc.
- Natural Science Courses: Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics, etc.
- Language and Computer Courses: College English, Fundamentals of Computer Science.
- Physical Education and Career Development: Physical Education, Career Development and Employment Guidance.
Specialized Courses
Fundamental Courses
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Cartography
- Surveying
- Statistics
Core Major Courses
- Principles and Applications of Remote Sensing
- Principles of Geographic Information Systems
- Spatial Data Analysis
- GIS System Development
- Thematic Map Design and Compilation
Practical Training and Experiments
- Surveying Internship
- Digital Remote Sensing Image Processing Internship
- GIS System Development Internship
- Field Comprehensive GIS Internship
- Graduation Thesis and Internship
