Clark University has been a leading institution in the
development of GIS and GISci since its early development in the mid-1980's.
Clark offers four closely linked programs of study in
GIS:
BA in Geography with a specialization in Geographic
Information Science
Accelerated MA in Geography with a specialization
in Geographic Information Science
MA in GIS for Development and Environment, jointly
offered by Geography and IDCE.
Ph.D. in Geography with a specialization in GIS
In addition, the Department of
Economics makes active use of GIS and has research strengths in the
subfield of Spatial Econometrics. Similarly, students in the Ecology
program with the Department of Biology commonly include Geography courses
in GIS in their program of study, with the option of taking a Minor in
Geography or a Dual Major.
In 1987, Professor Ron Eastman
released the first version of the
IDRISI GIS and Image Processing System. Since then it has grown to
become one of the most widely distributed raster GIS software systems,
with over 35,000 registered users world-wide. Development of the IDRISI
system is ongoing and provides many opportunities for students to become
involved in algorithm development, programming and technical support.
The IDRISI Project is one of
several research and development projects housed within Clark Labs -- a
research center within the George Perkins Marsh Institute at Clark.
On-going research and development programs include:
The IDRISI GIS and Image
Processing software system
The CARTALINX Spatial
Database Builder software system
Technology Transfer for
International Development
GIS Training
Educational Materials
Development
Clark is a charter member of
the University Consortium on Geographic Information Science (UCGIS). Clark
faculty and students regularly participate in national and international
conferences and workshops on GIS.
Clark is the home of the
Central Massachusetts Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO). The
HERO project examines human/environment relations in the Central
Massachusetts, using GIS as a primary vehicle for research.
Clark faculty are very active
in GIS research. For current projects, go to GIS Research at Clark.
What is Geographic
