Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters

Joseph Kerski and Steven Hick

This 2nd part of the Digital Earth series continues the journey of an in-depth exploration of geotechnologies and their role in addressing social and ecological challenges. Geotechnologies encompass a wide array of tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing through imagery from drones, aircraft, and satellites, and precise positioning using GPS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

This 2nd part of the Digital Earth series continues the journey of an in-depth exploration of geotechnologies and their role in addressing social and ecological challenges. Geotechnologies encompass a wide array of tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing through imagery from drones, aircraft, and satellites, and precise positioning using GPS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

Structured around a rich blend of academic readings, instructional videos, and practical exercises, the curriculum delves into various social and environmental topics across multiple scales. Participants will acquire a thorough understanding of cutting-edge mapping tools and techniques. This includes learning about map projections, the art and science of map symbology, the principles of classification, and sophisticated spatial analysis methods.

A significant focus of the course is on experiential learning. You will have the opportunity to develop your web mapping applications, including interactive dashboards and multimedia story maps. Moreover, the program emphasizes fieldwork, allowing you to gather and integrate your field data into mapping projects.

By the end of the course, you will have honed your skills in utilizing maps as powerful analytical instruments. This expertise will not only enhance your ability to interpret and present data effectively but also empower you to contribute to creating a brighter, more sustainable, and resilient future. The course is designed to instill confidence and proficiency in using geotechnologies, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and to advocate for meaningful change in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

In addition to the course outcomes, you will acquire specialized information regarding:
The importance of digital maps for decision making and sustainability.
How to create vector, choropleth, and isarithimic maps from data classification techniques and symbology.

How to render a digital elevation models into a 3d images for viewshed and line of sight calculations.
How to communicate information through digital mapping.

In addition to the course outcomes, you will acquire specialized information regarding:
The importance of digital maps for decision making and sustainability.
How to create vector, choropleth, and isarithimic maps from data classification techniques and symbology.
How to render a digital elevation models into a 3d images for viewshed and line of sight calculations.
How to communicate information through digital mapping.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters with these activities:

Review your notes from previous GIS courses

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Reviewing your previous knowledge will help you to refresh your memory and to build on what you already know.

Browse courses on GIS

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Gather your notes from previous GIS courses
Review your notes and identify areas where you need additional support

Practice using GIS software

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Practicing your GIS skills will help you to improve your proficiency and to be better prepared for the course.

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Open your GIS software of choice
Create a new map
Add data to your map

Review 'GIS Fundamentals'

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This book will provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of GIS, which will be essential for understanding the concepts covered in the course.

View Geographic Information Systems & Science on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter
Create a mind map of the key concepts

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Organize your course materials

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Organizing your course materials will help you to stay on track and to find the information you need quickly and easily.

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Gather your course materials
Create a system for organizing your materials
Review your materials regularly

Follow the QGIS tutorials

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These tutorials will provide hands-on experience with QGIS, which is the software you will be using in the course.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Complete the 'Getting Started with QGIS' tutorial
Complete the 'Creating a map from scratch' tutorial
Complete the 'Editing data in QGIS' tutorial

Complete the ArcGIS exercises

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These exercises will provide you with practice using the skills you will learn in the course.

Browse courses on ArcGIS

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Complete the 'Introduction to ArcGIS' exercise
Complete the 'Creating a map from scratch' exercise
Complete the 'Editing data in ArcGIS' exercise

Participate in a study group

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Discussing the course material with other students will help you to better understand the concepts and to identify areas where you need additional support.

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