Geodesign (GEOD)

Geodesign is a planning and design process that is based on physical and biological information, references social and economic information and is holistic and interdisciplinary. Allied design professionals need to communicate, analyze, and model the impacts of change in the built environment. In this introductory course, students will begin to apply state-of-the art 3D geospatial modeling technology to solving real-world urban planning and design problems. Various geodesign techniques, digital technologies and scenario management tools will be introduced and applied.

This course introduces students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is a prerequisite for those accepted in the MS in Geospatial Technology for Geodesign program who do not have acceptable prior GIS training or professional experience. GIS is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and help solve real-world problems. Specific GIS methods and topics covered include digital cartography, geoprocessing techniques, demographics analysis, site selection, raster analysis, 3D GIS, land use scenario development, and environmental applications.

This advanced GIS course will cover topics in geospatial technology as related to the allied design disciplines: landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, planning and geodesign. The course prepares students to apply GIS within practical design processes such as site preparation and analysis; modeling terrains and hydrologic processes; integration of sustainable design criteria; and modeling the built environment in 3D. While this course will cover a broad suite of tools within the Esri ArcGIS platform, it will place heavy emphasis on raster-based GIS processes. This course will also feature workshops and/or presentations by professionals who use geospatial technology in various design disciplines.

Geospatial data will be used as the basis for advanced information modeling which is an integrated process for digitally exploring, defining, representing, analyzing and visualizing a project's physical and cultural characteristics during design and management. The scales of building, campus, neighborhood, and city will be studied. Principles of spatial modeling, integrated project delivery and lean design will be discussed in relation to this process.

This advanced GIS course will focus on analysis and modeling of urban structure and dynamics. The focus of this course is on preparing students to apply GIS processes within practical situations such as market research, real estate development, transportation modeling, and socio-economic analysis. While this course will cover a broad suite of tools within the Esri ArcGIS platform, it will place heavy emphasis on the real world context of data collection, cleaning and preparation for urban analytics. Exercises will include simulating and modeling urban transportation systems, analyzing and modeling urban growth, and predicting urban changes and impacts. This course will also feature workshops and/or presentations by professionals who use geospatial technology in various design disciplines.

This course introduces students to online geospatial technology tools applicable in various fields including planning, landscape architecture and real estate development. Software utilized in this course aids professionals in site analysis, land planning, urban design, real estate development, market research and feasibility analyses. Emphasis is placed on the ArcGIS Online platform, an instrument used to evaluate site potential, analyze geographic datasets, host and share impactful and informative applications. Students will utilize tools and data pertaining to landscape planning, the dynamics of neighborhood change and spatial growth modeling.