Enhancing the Use of Python in GIS and Remote Sensing

This abstract outlines the development of a geographic information systems (GIS) Programming and Remote Sensing course at American River College using Python and Opticks (http://opticks.org) open source image processing software for use with remotely sensed imagery. The author has developed a fully on-line GIS course and text for developing and using Python for ArcGIS in addition to developing and using the Opticks Python scripting extension for a remote sensing course. The ability to use Python in both open source and commercial GIS and remote sensing software is becoming common place and a skill this is widely sought after. This paper will describe some of the knowledge, abilities, and skill sets that employers are seeking and how the author has developed the courses and texts using Python and Opticks in GIS and remote sensing to help students build these skills.

See www.jenningsplanet.com and http://opticks.org for more information.