How can spatial data reveal patterns in transportation, crime, environmental conditions, and economic activity across a city? In this course, you learn how advanced GIS and spatial analysis techniques help planners and urban professionals understand complex urban issues. The course is organized in three parts. First, analyzing the city, where you apply advanced spatial analysis methods—such as point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and network analysis—to uncover patterns and relationships in urban data. Second, sensing the city, where you learn how spatial data is created through digitizing, field-based data collection with tools like ArcGIS Survey123, and emerging technologies such as LiDAR. Third, visualizing the city, where you transform analysis into clear insights using StoryMaps or interactive dashboards. Through hands-on projects, you will investigate real urban challenges and learn how to communicate spatial insights to support planning, policy analysis, and public understanding. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data to inform evidence-based urban decision-making.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.