Fundamentals of spatial data, geographic information systems, and geospatial technology for ecological mission, including introductory spatial analysis, programming, and modeling. Applications, challenges, and limitations of these technologies are discussed. Students receive extensive hands-on instruction in the use of current software packages for geospatial science.
God calls His people to join Him on mission as stewards of His creation with humility and care. This course equips students with fundamental techniques for using geospatial tools to describe and analyze God’s created world with spatial detail.
God’s creation is vast and infinitely complex, yet all things are held together by Him. Description and analysis of the created world varies spatially in a myriad of scales, intricacies, and interconnections that benefit from or require sophisticated geospatial tools.
Isaiah 40:12 says, "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?" Technologically sophisticated tools are required to even begin to describe and analyze God's vast and intricate creation.
God's people are called to join Him on mission as stewards of His creation with humility and care that requires spatial information and analysis.
GIS is useful for organizing, analyzing, and displaying information that informs spatial context.
Spatial description of the Earth, its inhabitants, and its resources requires the full array of creation and all cultures therein.
The world varies highly by location in limitless ways. Geospatial tools provide practical ways to describe and analyze spatial variation and interconnectedness of all things that can be measured, counted, or categorized.
GIS facilitates experiencing spatial relationships visually and analytically that might otherwise remain hidden.
