Earn an Online Certificate in Geospatial Data Science from Michigan Tech.
Geospatial data, quite simply, is any data with a location component, such as a latitude and longitude. This data can be collected using a variety of methods, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, lidar, GIS (geographic information systems), machine learning algorithms, photogrammetry, and visualization software. Geospatial data can also be collected from smartphones, IoT (internet of things) devices, and other sources.
Geospatial data science and technology, then, is the application of data science techniques to this data. The field involves collecting, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data to gain insights, make predictions, and inform decisions, both large and small. For instance, satellite and aerial imagery may be used to monitor changes in the environment, such as deforestation, fire risks, or urban development. Lidar, a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances, is in used surveying, engineering, environmental monitoring, and even filmmaking.
In our online geospatial data science certificate, you'll develop skills and competencies in applying and analyzing this data as well as completing applied statistical tasks in geosciences. You'll dive into the theory and applications of geospatial data mining through open-source data and systems crowdsourcing; as well as social media, imaging, and visual analytics. You'll analyze real-world scenarios such as autonomous navigation, smart cities, and the Internet of Things. You'll explore trajectories, images, natural language mining, open depositories, and social media.
Whether you’re in civil, environmental, geological, computer engineering, data science, or forestry, now is the time to equip yourself for a geospatial big data and technologies-driven world.
Learn about Michigan Tech's interdisciplinary Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Institute.
Why Earn Your Online Geospatial Data Science Certificate at Michigan Tech?
When you earn your online certificate in geospatial data science, you'll get a quality education. In fact, Michigan Tech is ranked the #3 best accredited online college in Michigan.
You'll also earn a practical, interdisciplinary certificate. This program was developed by experts from these MTU departments: Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering; Forest Resources and Environmental Science; Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences; and Social Sciences.
Online Geospatial Data Science and Technology Courses
Each student in this online program will begin their educational journey with the same two 3-credit courses: R for Geosciences in Applied and Fundamental Tasks and Research (SU 5601); and Geospatial Data Mining and Crowdsourcing. Thereafter, they will take one 3-credit elective from a list.
Choice of Electives
- Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis (FW 5550)
- Python Programming for GIS (FW 5553)
- Advanced GIS Concepts and Analysis (FW 5555)
- Advanced Geoinformatics (GE 5515)
- Special Topics in Physics (GE 5950)
- GIS Applications for the Graduate Researcher (SS 5049)
- Advanced GIS Methods and Projects (SS 5050)
- Cadastre and Land Information Systems (SU 5011)
- Geospatial Monitoring of Engineering Structures and Geodynamic Processes (SU 5300)
Learn more about these courses.
What Do Geospatial Data Science Professionals Do?
Geospatial data science is used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, defense, engineering, healthcare, and transportation. For example, in agriculture, professionals might apply geospatial data to analyze soil conditions, crop yields, and weather patterns. In defense, geospatial data is analyzed for surveillance and navigation; in engineering, for mapping, surveying, and conducting environmental impact analysis; in transportation, for analyzing traffic patterns, mapping routes, and planning public transportation.
And respected public health institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) use geospatial data to visualize disease outbreaks and make important decisions about public health.
Geospatial data experts may also be responsible for designing systems to support geospatial data analysis, creating algorithms to make predictions, and developing data visualizations.
Possible Career Paths
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- Geospatial Data Scientist
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Developer
- GIS Engineer
- Remote Sensing Engineer
- Geospatial Analytics Engineer
- Geospatial Solutions Architect
- Geographer
Get Started On Your Online Geospatial Data Science Certificate.
Take the next steps on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.