Through this project, web-based instructional modules are being developed to incorporate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software into several foundational civil engineering courses at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The modular development improves the transportability of the approach since a new course in GIS technologies is not required for adoption by other programs but the modules can be used to reinforce basic concepts throughout the curriculum in a comprehensive manner. The GIS applications are in the areas of environmental, geotechnical, hydrology, surveying, and transportation. Since these topics are standard topics in civil engineering programs nationwide, there is the potential for a large impact on undergraduate education through this project. GIS applications enable faculty to bring realistic applications into the classroom in ways that are not possible through traditional instruction. Further, GIS is an increasingly important topic in civil engineering and it is a subject that is largely ignored in the curriculum, so this project fills a need within the civil engineering community.
