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Digital Earth, Deeper Dive

Mapping and geotechnologies are an exciting way for you to put your interest and passion for all things about the Earth and the Environment into action in ways that are in demand in the workplace by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academia, and private industry and incredibly relevant to our 21st Century world!

All 21st Century issues—water quality, inequalities, human health, habitat loss, energy, climate, natural hazards, invasive species, and many more—take place somewhere. These issues, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global issues that increasingly affect our everyday lives, our society, and our environment. These issues often exhibit spatial patterns that can be mapped and analyzed and require the analysis of data in the form of 2D and 3D maps, aircraft and satellite imagery, real time data feeds from the Internet of Things, and much more. We have a dynamic planet with natural forces shaping what is on, under, and above the surface, along with 8 billion humans as change agents, and thus key to understanding our world as it was, is, and should be in the future is mapping and analyzing change over space and time!

In this course, through a series of readings, videos, and hands-on exercises covering a variety of social and environmental themes, issues, and scales, you will learn the fundamentals of exciting and dynamic mapping tools, including projections, symbology, classification, and analysis. You will build your own web mapping applications such as dashboards and multimedia story maps. You will collect and map your own field data. You will gain skills and confidence to empower you to be able to use maps as analytical tools to build a brighter, more sustainable, more resilient tomorrow!

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What's inside

Learning objective

The purpose of this course is to continue the foundation gained in the digital earth coruse for your successful use of mapping tools by introducing you to the ways that digital maps from gis can be created, symbolized, and used in visualizations to solve problems and serve as communication tools to address key 21st century issues. through this course, you will gain fundamental skills in problem solving through spatial analysis through hands-on work. but equally importantly, you will gain understanding of the technological and societal implications that these tools have on 21st century society and how you can chart your own pathway forward using these tools and perspectives.

Syllabus

This 10-Module course, designed for both audit and verified tracks, offers a comprehensive online, asynchronous learning experience.

Each module includes:

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Provides context and significance for maps in today's world and the broader field of geotechnologies

Introduces the fundamentals of mapping tools, enhancing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills

Promotes hands-on learning through exercises that allow for practical application of mapping concepts

Balances technical skills development with exploration of societal implications of mapping technologies

Develops skills in creating interactive web mapping applications, empowering learners to communicate spatial information effectively

Uses a combination of readings, videos, and interactive exercises to provide a comprehensive learning experience

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Reviews summary

Gis for global environmental & societal issues

According to learners, this course offers a practical and relevant exploration into mapping and geotechnologies, emphasizing their application to critical 21st-century issues like climate change and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students appreciate the hands-on exercises, which include building web mapping applications and collecting field data, providing a strong foundation in GIS fundamentals. The asynchronous format allows for flexible learning, enabling students to progress at their own pace. While providing essential skills in spatial analysis, the course also encourages reflection on the societal implications of these tools, bridging technical learning with broader context.

Offers flexibility for self-paced study.

"The asynchronous format worked perfectly with my busy professional schedule."

"I could learn at my own pace, which really helped me grasp complex ideas thoroughly."

"Appreciated the flexibility to revisit materials and activities whenever needed for review."

Establishes essential mapping and analysis fundamentals.

"I gained a solid understanding of projections, symbology, and classification."

"The course helped me solidify my GIS basics before moving to more advanced topics."

"It's a good continuation from the previous Digital Earth course, adding more depth to my skills."

Connects mapping tools to critical global issues.

"I appreciate how the course connects mapping to real-world problems like climate change and SDGs."

"It really shows how geospatial tools are vital for addressing complex 21st-century challenges."

"The focus on contemporary societal and environmental issues made the concepts highly relevant for my career."

Strong emphasis on practical, applied mapping skills.

"Building my own story maps and dashboards was incredibly valuable and practical for my work."

"The hands-on exercises helped me apply concepts immediately, not just learn theory."

"Collecting and mapping field data was a unique and engaging experience that solidified my understanding."

Could clarify specific GIS software/platforms used.

"I wish there was clearer information about which specific GIS software would be used."

"More explicit guidance on tool interfaces for different GIS platforms could enhance the learning."

"It would be helpful to know if particular software licenses or access are required beforehand."

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 with these activities:

Participate in Peer Review Sessions

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Foster a sense of community and encourage critical thinking by engaging students in peer review of assignments and projects.

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Form small groups with classmates.
Share work-in-progress or completed assignments for feedback and constructive criticism.
Provide constructive feedback to peers, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.

Read 'The Map and the Territory'

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Provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and history of mapping, helping to build a strong foundation for the course.

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Read chapters 1-5 to gain an understanding of the basic principles of mapping and their historical evolution.
Analyze the author's perspectives on the relationship between maps and reality.

Practice Spatial Analysis Exercises

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Reinforce understanding of spatial analysis techniques through repetitive exercises, improving accuracy and efficiency in data interpretation.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

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Obtain datasets related to course topics, such as population distribution or environmental data.
Perform spatial analysis tasks, such as buffer analysis, overlay analysis, or hot spot analysis.

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Complete QGIS Tutorials

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Provide hands-on experience with QGIS, a leading open-source GIS software, reinforcing practical skills covered in the course.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Follow the official QGIS tutorials to become familiar with the software's interface and basic functionality.
Complete additional tutorials on specific topics relevant to the course, such as data visualization or spatial analysis.

Develop a Web Mapping Application

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Challenge students to apply their knowledge by creating a web mapping application, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Web Mapping

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Design the application's purpose, target audience, and key features.
Choose appropriate data sources and prepare them for use in the application.
Use a mapping library or framework to develop the interactive map component.

Prepare a Policy Brief on a Geospatial Issue

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Integrate course knowledge with real-world applications by requiring students to analyze geospatial data and develop policy recommendations.

Browse courses on Policy Analysis

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Identify a geospatial issue relevant to a specific policy area, such as land use planning or environmental management.
Collect and analyze geospatial data to support the analysis.
Develop policy recommendations based on the analysis and present them in a concise and compelling manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Earth, Deeper Dive 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.

Python for Data Analysis

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The third edition of the essential guide to data wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter in Python. Updated for newer versions of the libraries, this book remains a core resource for anyone performing data analysis in Python. It widely used textbook and reference for its clear explanations and practical examples.

Digital Earth, Deeper Dive

What's inside

Learning objective

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Gis for global environmental & societal issues

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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