Geography and Technology
Ready to jump start your future in geography? In this program, students will learn foundational geographic concepts, learning how to make maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS and doing field work. This hands-on experience will teach students map points, lines and polygons in the field, overlay them on aerial/satellite imagery and perform data analysis.
Students will have considerable latitude to create a map based on data from sources like the census, USGS, NASA, government agencies, nonprofits, foreign governments and news or social media. They are expected to come with an idea, source their own data creatively and take initiative to make it happen. Finally, students will write up their experience into a story map and report with publication-ready maps and clear text for a general audience.
Learn more about a major/minor in Geography and career path here.
Learning Outcomes in this course
Gain hands-on experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to analyze and interpret spatial data.
Learn how to use GPS technology and field methods for accurate data collection and real-world mapping applications.
Develop and refine geoprocessing skills in industry-standard software like ArcGIS and QGIS for efficient data management and analysis.
Explore various careers in the field of geography, understanding the different pathways available and the steps to begin a successful career in this dynamic discipline.
When
Session Two
July 20 - August 1, 2025
Tuition
On-Campus Residential
$5,298 USD
Commuter
$2,998 USD
Proposed Activities
Practice mapping skills "in the field" using technology.
Meet with local businesses using geographic technology.
Speak with professionals using a geography degree in various careers.
Instructor
Dr. Andrew Fricker, Instructor at Cal Poly SLO
Dr. Andrew Fricker is a biogeographer who teaches in the Social Sciences Department. He specializes in different mapping technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, LiDAR mapping, urban forests, deep learning and artificial intelligence. He applies his mapping skills to his teaching and research and some current projects include mapping wildfire risk, the spatiotemporal distribution of eelgrass in the Morro Bay Estuary, Urban Trees in CA and Agroforestry in the Amazon Basin. Dr. Fricker enjoys bringing technical skills to non-technical CLA students, showing them how to explore geographic data through their own interests and how a passion for geography can lead to careers.
