Business GIS utilizes geographic analysis to inform business decisions. A GIS can be used to conduct a site analysis of a proposed new store location, map and better understand consumer behavior, use a gravity model to predict returns on investments, estimate market penetration of various locations, and many more business analyses. Any business decision that has a geographic context will benefit from GIS.
West Chester Business majors who elect to take Business GIS have a decided advantage in their careers. Most business decisions have a geographic aspect. Understanding the impacts of geography--and being able to demonstrate that impact--will give a graduate marketable skills. Business students at West Chester University can choose to minor in GIS.
The Business GIS Lab is located in 220 Anderson Hall. Software available to students and used in the classes includes MapInfo, Arcmap, IXPress, and others. The lab boasts twenty-four GIS desktop systems, a large format plotter, several printers, and an overhead projector, used by instructors to demonstrate lessons.
The Lab is funded and maintained by the College of Business and Science. The primary objective is to support Business students and their projects. Both GEO 325, Introduction to Business GIS, and GEO 425, Advanced Business GIS, are taught in this lab. Secondary objectives of the lab are to supplement the Center for GIS and Spatial Analysis.
Course Materials
Wesley Thomas, Ph.D., Director
Center for Geographic Informations Systems and Spatial Analysis
Looking for the GIS lab for Geography and Planning? Click here.
Looking for a clickable campus map. Click here.
