This project improves and expands an undergraduate digital laboratory to teach digital cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS) in the Department of Geography and Earth Science. These fields represent the latest developments in present day mapping sciences. Because of the rapid conversion of traditional cartographic and mapping methods into the world of high technology, applications that revolutionize all mapping sciences, GPS, GIS, and digital approaches to remote sensing need to be included and expanded in the curriculum. Three new courses in the mapping sciences have been developed which will be greatly enhanced by the equipment purchased in this project. The instrumentation and laboratory funds to equip a laboratory provide undergraduate students with hands-on computer experience in the mapping sciences while supporting both theoretical and practical pedagogic values. These experiences can have a profound and lasting effect on students' understanding of science and their motivation to pursue further study.
