GEOL 4812 - GIS Applications to Geology
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43545,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Thomas Jordan, PhD, PG
Course Description
4812. GIS Applications to Geology. This course covers a variety of geologic applications of GIS software; topics covered include: flood mapping, landslide hazard mapping, modeling soil erosion, watershed delineation, etc. Although you will be exposed to the basic functions of ArcGIS, the course is designed primarily to provide experience in obtaining, managing, interpreting, displaying, and presenting geo-spatial data in a meaningful context. Prereq.: GEOL 3701, GEOG 2611. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | No Readings |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | 8/27 | Introduction, Data Sources, & Working with ArcPro, YSU Campus Map Project | |
| Thu | 9/3 | Introduction to Project #1: Property Development - Pennsylvania USGS Earth Explorer Resource and Georeferencing Historical Aerials & Maps Project Setup, Goal, and Deliverable Discussion | |
| Thu | 9/10 | Project 1 Continued: Building the Geodatabase and Discussion on Data Needs | |
| Thu | 9/17 | Intellectual Diversion: Image Processing and Machine Learning Methods - Missoula, MT Site | |
| Thu | 9/24 | Applying Machine Learning Lessons to Project 1 | |
| Thu | 10/1 | The Geologic Base Map – Living off the Grid! (Examining Common Gridding Algorithms & Outcomes for Geological Applications) Kickoff Project #2: Structure Contour Map of the Faulted Pocono Formation, Lock Haven Quadrangle. Project Setup, Goal, and Deliverable Discussion | Draft Project 1 Report Due |
| Thu | 10/8 | Project #2 Continued: Examination of Gridding Outcomes and Fault Boundaries, Discussion of Local / Regional Geology | Final Project 1 Report Due |
| Thu | 10/15 | Project #3: DEMs and the Carolina Bays – What the heck are these things? Project Setup, Goal, Background Information, and Deliverable Discussion, Additional Sources of Data | Draft Project #2 Due |
| Thu | 10/22 | Using AI to Create Python Scripts for Processing Project #3 Data Testing & Debugging Custom Python Scripts | Final Project #2 Due |
| Thu | 10/29 | Compilation of Carolina Bays Results, Interpretation, & Discussion | >>> Proposal for Final GIS Project Due <<< |
| Thu | 11/5 | Introduction to Fracture Trace Analysis Methods for Abandoned Mines, Dams, and Other Sites of Interest Continue Work on Project #3 | |
| Thu | 11/12 | Intellectural Diversion: Let there be LiDAR! Surface Features from a Former Electronics Facility, New Jersey | Draft Project #3 Due |
| Thu | 11/19 | Intellectual Diversion: DEMs and the Hydrology Tool Sets – Crab Creek Example Using Model Builder to Automate Workflows | Final Project #3 Due |
| Thu | 11/26 | Thanksgiving Holiday!! | |
| Thu | 12/3 | Intellectual Diversion: Working with Landsat, NAIP Color IR & NDVI Remote Sensing Data - In-Class Exercise Mineral Deposits at Laramie Mountains, WY, Avella, PA Landslide Evaluation | |
| Thu | 12/10 | Final GIS Project Presentations |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.