Miami, March 9, 2023 –Miami Dade College’s (MDC) School of Engineering and Technology (EnTec) will begin offering a new set of free, online courses in Urban Environmental Risk Analytic Tools, designed to provide students with valuable skills and knowledge about Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other vital tools in the field of urban planning and environmental management. Enrollment will begin Wednesday, March 29.
“Miami Dade College’s School of Engineering and Technology recognizes the importance of educating the public on the impacts of climate change and the need for sustainable urban planning,” said Dr. Carlos Genatios, EnTec’s director. “Our hope is that these courses will not only inspire students to pursue careers in this field but also empower them to make a positive impact in their communities.”
Open to anyone, in or outside of the U.S., students will gain a deeper understanding of the environmental hazards that their communities may face and the role that GIS technology (drone data treatment and flooding simulation) can play in helping to mitigate these risks. Courses will be taught in English by EnTec faculty and external academic specialists. No prior experience required and students who complete all four classes will receive a certificate.
The Urban Environmental Risk Analytic Tools curriculum includes:
- Introduction to GIS: A course that will provide students with the fundamentals of GIS technology and its applications, including spatial analysis and data management. (March 29 – June 7, 2023).
- Open-Source GIS: A class that will explore open-source Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software and its applications, including how to create, analyze, and share spatial data. (June 14 – July 19, 2023).
- Drone to Map: This course will teach students how to use drone technology to capture and process high-quality imagery for use in mapping and analysis. (Available for fall 2023).
- Flooding modeling: Will provide students with an understanding of flood modeling, including flood risk analysis and floodplain mapping. (Available for fall 2023).
These courses are a key component of EnTec’s Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement (GISEC) program, aimed at creating a pathway for students in GIS technology and to enhance technological applications of public interest with an emphasis on environmental hazards awareness and community engagement in Miami-Dade County, an urban area significantly impacted and perennially at risk for natural disasters. GISEC is supported by a grant from the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN). Learn more at https://www.mdc.edu/entec/grants/gisec.aspx.
For more information, please visit the EnTec website at https://www.mdc.edu/entec.