Currently the Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers three courses in GIS and related technologies. Together (with one elective) they form the Department's Visual Planning Technology (VPT) Specialization / Certificate program.

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 and policy environment.
• Give students a comprehensive survey of the technology used by public and private agencies in terms of strategic planning and policy formulation at local, regional and national levels.
• Provide hands-on experience with GIS, 3D mapping and visualization software packages.

MURP* Core Class

• URP 6270, Introduction to GIS in Planning

This basic GIS course is a prerequisite to this certificate. Topics 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.

VPT Specialization Graduate Courses

• 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 builds on the introductory GIS course and covers topics such as database design and development, suitability analysis and network analysis. It is designed for those individuals specifically interested in a variety of planning related applications in the fields of land use and environmental planning, community and economic development,  and urban design. Each student is expected to complete an individual GIS project of their choice by the end of the semester.

• One elective related to computer-aided planning; computer programming, CAD/3D modeling; graphic design; or advance web-page development. Students are encouraged to review course offerings from departments of Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, GeoSciences, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology and Operations Management. Please seek prior approval from the VPT Director if the course is offered at the undergraduate level.

The basic GIS course, URP 6270, Introduction to GIS in Planning, is a core course and a prerequisite to the specialization.

Registration Procedure**

Fill out certificate application form and submit to:
Dr. Ann-Margaret Esnard, Director
Visual Planning Technology Lab
111 East Las Olas Boulevard, HEC 610B
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

*Master of Urban and Regional Planning

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

Contact Information:
Ann-Margaret Esnard, Director
Visual Planning Technology Lab
Department of Urban & Regional Planning
(954) 762-5646