The first two times that Business Geographics was offered in the College of Business were during the Spring 1999 and Spring 2000 semesters. These courses were taught by Dr. Richard G. Born, Associate Professor in the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems. The course was offered both times as OMIS 694--Topics in Information Systems as an elective for M.S. degree students in Management Information Systems (MIS). Due to the success of these classes, Business Geographics was offered during the Summer 2000 session at NIU's Hoffman Estates Education Center. This class was open not only to MIS students, but also to MBA students as an elective in their program of study. During the Spring 2001 semester, OMIS 679--Business Geographics was offered for the first time. The major objectives of the course are to learn: Basic components and structure of GIS The types of questions that a GIS can help to answer Concepts and terminology for mapping (parallels and meridians, projections, scale, ellipsoids and datums, grid coordinate systems) Raster and vector formats for representing spatial data Topology as a GIS data structure The major sources of GIS data Inventory and analytic operations Site suitability and GIS models Data issues and problems in GIS operations Operation and use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Applications of GIS in the world of business The coursework includes extensive use of the computer including the following: Windows XP operating system Microsoft Access DBMS Microsoft Map for Excel Microsoft MapPoint Intergraph GeoMedia Professional ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Microsoft Map for Excel is used to create maps from corporate data scenarios as well as from widely available demographic data from the U.S. Census. The students created thematic maps of the following types: Side-by-side column chart maps Pie chart maps Value shaded maps Category shaded maps Graduated symbol maps Dot density maps Microsoft MapPoint is used to create maps that aid in all levels of decision-making within an organization. The students create a variety of maps that pull from spatial corporate databases, including: shaded area maps sized circle maps shaded circle maps pushpin maps In addition, the student learns how to geocode addresses directly onto maps in order to easily visualize corporate information in a way that would be impossible without maps. The student also learns how MapPoint can find the optimal route (either shortest or least-time) between two points that may include several intermediate stops, useful in logistics and transportation applications. Finally, students learn how to create territory maps customized for a specific company's business. Intergraph GeoMedia Professional is used by the student in the creation and implementation of a GIS system. The student does intensive laboratory work including: Creation of a GeoWorkspace Linking the GeoWorkspace to data warehouses Working with legends and thematic maps Building queries Use of buffer zones, spatial queries, and joins Geocoding and spatial analysis Digitization from raster imagery Manipulation of attribute information as well as linking map features to attribute information Each student in the class is asked to prepare a presentation on a topic of current interest to the business geographics and GIS user community. The presentations are made during the last two week of the semester. Students are given the option of either selecting a specific business application of GIS and researching it in depth or selecting a specific GIS software product, profiling it, and demonstrating its functions and capabilities. Alternatively, the students can describe a project making use of either MapPoint or GeoMedia that they have undertaken at their place of work. PowerPoint slides are used to prepare informational material during the presentations. Details on these exceptional presentations can be found by clicking on the Students button in the menu to the right.