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Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters

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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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners in geotechnologies

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in mapping

Builds a strong foundation for beginners

Explores advanced geotechnologies, which is standard in industry

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials

This course is taught by Joseph Kerski and Steven Hick, who are recognized for their work in geotechnologies

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Reviews summary

Digital earth: gis for sustainability

According to students, this Digital Earth course offers a deep dive into geotechnologies, emphasizing practical applications for addressing social and ecological challenges. Learners find the curriculum's blend of academic readings, instructional videos, and hands-on exercises particularly effective for developing cutting-edge mapping tools and spatial analysis methods. Many appreciate the opportunity to build web mapping applications and story maps, as well as the focus on integrating field data. While it provides a solid foundation for decision-making and sustainability advocacy, some found the technical aspects demanding, requiring a significant time investment.

The curriculum provides a broad and deep understanding of geotechnologies.

"I found the rich blend of academic readings and instructional videos very thorough and informative."

"The course covers a wide array of tools and techniques from GIS to satellite imagery, which is impressive."

"It really expanded my understanding of how digital maps are crucial for decision-making and sustainability."

Acquiring modern geotechnology skills directly supports professional growth.

"The content on GIS, remote sensing, and GPS is directly applicable to environmental and urban planning roles."

"I feel much more confident in using maps as analytical instruments after completing this MicroMasters."

"This course equipped me with the knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate for change in my field."

The course excels in providing hands-on opportunities to apply geotechnologies.

"The hands-on exercises, especially developing web mapping applications, were incredibly valuable for my skills."

"I particularly enjoyed creating multimedia story maps and seeing how my field data integrated into the projects."

"This course gave me practical tools to interpret and present data effectively, a crucial skill for my career."

The course covers advanced concepts which can be challenging for some learners.

"Be prepared for a significant learning curve if you're new to some of the advanced spatial analysis methods."

"While comprehensive, the depth of topics like map projections and classification required dedicated effort."

"The practical exercises are great, but the software setup and troubleshooting can be time-consuming for beginners."

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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Find a study partner or group
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together on assignments and projects

Create a web map

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This project will allow you to apply the skills you have learned in the course to create a real-world GIS product.

Browse courses on Web Mapping

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Choose a topic for your web map
Collect data for your web map
Create a web map using ArcGIS Online or QGIS

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

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This foundational book introduces the dual-process model of the brain, explaining the intuitive System 1 and the more deliberate System 2. Understanding these systems is crucial for recognizing cognitive biases that influence decision making. It provides essential background knowledge for anyone studying the topic. is widely cited and considered a cornerstone in behavioral economics and the psychology of judgment and decision making.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Hardcover

(Español) Pensar rápido, pensar despacio / Thinking, Fast and...

Digital Earth, Deeper Dive - MicroMasters

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Digital earth: gis for sustainability

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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