Visual Planning Technology Lab

This four-course certificate program is designed to build working knowledge and skills in understanding, applying, and managing geographic information systems (GIS) as well as other visual technologies within the planning environment. This program gives students a comprehensive survey of the visual technologies used by public agencies as geographic information for strategic planning and policy formulation. The program also provides hands-on experience with one of the GIS software packages – Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) ArchInfo, ArcView, Network Analyst, and Spatial Analyst.

This program is designed to:

• Build working knowledge and skills in terms of understanding, applying, and managing geographic information systems as well as other visual technologies within the planning environment.
• Give students a comprehensive survey of the visual technologies used by public agencies in geographic information in terms of strategic planning and policy formulation.
• Provide hands-on experience with one of the GIS software packages- Environmental systems Research Institute's (ESRI) Arcinfo, ArcView, Network Analyst, and Spatial Analyst.
• Collaborate over the internet, learning how GIS/Visual technologies are used every day by government planning agencies to track where customers (citizens) and resources are located, to guide the delivery of - products and services, and to determine the best locations for new facilities (I.e. comprehensive planning and site suitability).

The Visual Planning Technology Certificate consists of four graduate courses:

• URP 6270 - Introduction to GIS
  This basic GIS course is a prerequisite to this certificate. Topics in this course include: the history of GIS development and related geographic concepts; data formats and sources; map design and visualization techniques; map projection, metadata, basic spatial analysis techniques, and web-GIS applications. Students also learn how to use and apply ArcGIS software functionality as part of weekly lab sessions.
• URP 6272 - Managing GIS Projects
  This course draws from the experiences of GIS professionals who have
  implemented and managed GIS. It focuses on planning and implementing a GIS, with emphasis on organizational planning, the project proposal, resources commitment, requirements evaluation, preliminary design, the acquisition plan, and system life cycle planning.
• URP 6277 - GIS Applications in Planning
  This course is designed for those individuals specifically interested in urban and regional planning applications of GIS. It includes demonstrations of a diversity of planning related applications in the fields of environmental planning, community and economic development land development, and urban design. Students have the opportunity to use GIS as a tool for decision-making within the planning field.
• One elective

*The basic GIS course, URP 6270, Introduction to GIS in Planning is a prerequisite to this certificate.

To Register for this Program:*

Fill out certificate application form and submit to:

Dr. Jaap Vos, Chair
Department of Urban & Regional Planning
111 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1008E
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Fill out non-degree enrollment application form (if applicable)
Fill out non-degree residency classification form (if applicable)
Fill out Immunization form (if applicable)
Fill out course registration form
Take all forms to a Registrar's Office at any FAU Campus
All fees should be paid at the Cashier's office

*Current FAU students enrolled and taking courses may also register on-line for certificate courses.

Contact Information:
Dr. Jaap Vos, Chair
Department of Urban & Regional Planning
(954) 762-5653

Visual Planning Technology Lab Home Page