Advanced GIScience Modeling

This course focuses on advanced methods for spatial analysis, geographic modeling and the implementation of GIScience workflows. Students learn to integrate diverse spatial datasets, apply analytical and modeling techniques and evaluate geographic patterns and processes using modern GIS technologies. The course combines theoretical foundations with hands-on applications, emphasizing problem solving, spatial reasoning and the development of analytical workflows

Course at a Glance

Focus: Advanced GIScience, spatial modeling and workflows
Approach: Hands-on, analytical and problem-oriented
Core Skills: Geoprocessing, spatial modeling, decision support, 3D analysis, field data collection, collaborative GIS
Key Technologies: ArcGIS Pro, ModelBuilder, geodatabases, 3D GIS, mobile GIS, ArcGIS Online, Web GIS

Why Advanced GIScience Modeling?

Modern GIScience extends far beyond creating maps. Advanced spatial workflows allow us to model geographic processes, integrate diverse datasets, evaluate alternative scenarios and support complex spatial decisions. This course develops the skills needed to move from individual GIS operations to structured and integrated geospatial workflows.

Course Objectives

  • Advance GIS capabilities for applications in environmental sciences and related fields
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of advanced GIS functionalities and spatial-analysis workflows
  • Apply advanced GIS tools, modeling approaches and geospatial technologies to diverse spatial projects

View / Download Syllabus → (currently not available)

Course Content

Explore advanced GIScience concepts and technologies through spatial modeling, geoprocessing, decision-support methods, 3D analysis, field data collection and integrated desktop and web GIS workflows:

Lesson 1: Introduction to GIS concepts and ArcGIS Pro

This lesson introduces the theoretical foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their role in analyzing and managing spatial information. Students will become familiar with the ArcGIS Pro environment, including project organization, data management and core GIS functionalities. The course objectives, assessment methods and expectations for successful participation will also be presented.

Students will learn the principles and techniques of georeferencing maps and aligning spatial datasets to coordinate systems. The lesson covers the creation and editing of spatial and temporal data, attribute management and quality control procedures. Students will also develop map layouts that effectively communicate spatial information using accepted cartographic design principles.

This lesson presents the fundamentals of spatial modeling and introduces ModelBuilder as a framework for automating GIS workflows. Students will learn how analytical processes can be structured into repeatable models that improve efficiency and transparency. Practical exercises will demonstrate the application of model-based approaches to spatial problem solving.

Students will examine the theoretical and practical aspects of geoprocessing within vector and raster data models. The lesson includes topology concepts, spatial overlay operations, raster processing techniques, and data validation methods. Emphasis will be placed on selecting appropriate analytical tools based on the characteristics of different spatial datasets.

This lesson explores the principles of relational database design and their application in GIS environments. Students will learn how to establish and manage relationships between spatial and non-spatial data, perform database queries, and maintain data integrity. The lesson also introduces collaborative workflows that support data sharing and teamwork in GIS projects.

Students will investigate cost-based analytical methods commonly used in spatial decision-making processes. Topics include cost-distance analysis, suitability assessment, and least-cost path modeling. Through guided exercises, students will apply these techniques to real-world scenarios involving planning, resource allocation, and environmental management.

This lesson introduces GIS-based hydrological analysis and the modeling of water movement across landscapes. Students will work with flow direction, flow accumulation, watershed delineation, and stream network extraction tools. Applications in water resource management, environmental assessment, and landscape planning will be discussed through practical examples.

Students will be introduced to the concepts, data structures, and applications of three-dimensional GIS. The lesson covers the creation, visualization, and editing of 3D spatial data, including terrain models and urban environments. Particular attention will be given to the advantages of 3D representations for spatial analysis and decision support

Building on the previous lesson, students will perform analytical operations using three-dimensional spatial data. Topics include visibility analysis, surface analysis, volumetric calculations, and the integration of 3D datasets into broader GIS workflows. The lesson demonstrates how 3D analysis can provide enhanced insights into complex spatial phenomena.

This lesson examines the use of mobile GIS technologies for collecting, managing, and updating spatial information in the field. Students will explore mobile applications, location-aware services, and real-time data synchronization techniques. Practical examples will illustrate how mobile GIS supports efficient data acquisition and decision-making in professional settings.

These lessons introduce the concepts and architecture of Enterprise GIS and cloud-based geospatial platforms. Students will learn how ArcGIS Online supports data sharing, collaboration, web mapping and hosted GIS services. The lessons also provide an overview of Web GIS application development and the growing role of web technologies in modern geospatial systems.

The final lesson synthesizes the key concepts, methods, and technologies presented throughout the course. Students will review major analytical workflows and revisit core theoretical principles to strengthen their understanding of GIS. The session will also provide guidance and preparation strategies for the final examination.

Tools & Technologies

The course provides hands-on experience with a broad range of advanced GIS technologies and workflows. Students work extensively with ArcGIS Pro for spatial data management, editing, geoprocessing, raster and vector analysis and cartographic production; ModelBuilder for automated and reproducible spatial workflows; geodatabases for relational and collaborative data management; and GIS tools for hydrological modeling, spatial decision support and three-dimensional analysis. The course also introduces mobile and field GIS technologies, ArcGIS Online, enterprise GIS concepts and Web GIS applications.