Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems Geographers use spatial analysis to understand human interactions with the environment and the spatial organization of society. For example, spatial patterns of settlements relative to environmental amenities and risks can reveal who benefits and who is harmed. In this course, we will learn how to use geographic data and geographic information systems (GIS) to support spatial analysis of a range of themes, for example urban, environmental, political, hazards, and/or health geography. We will learn how to use GIS to gather, create, analyze, visualize, and interpret geographic data through tutorials, collaborative labs, and independent work that culminate in cartographic layouts of our results.

Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems Geographers use spatial analysis to understand human interactions with the environment and the spatialorganization of society. For example, spatial patterns of settlements relative to environmental amenities and risks can reveal who benefits and who is harmed. In this course, we will learn how to use geographic data and geographic information systems (GIS) to support spatial analysis of a range of themes, for example urban, environmental, political, hazards, and/or health geography. We will learn how to use GIS to gather, create, analyze, visualize, and interpret geographic data through tutorials, collaborative labs, and independent work that culminate in cartographic layouts of our results.

Walking in Maps Maps are not just for navigation, weather, or borders: they are an important tool for landscape inquiry. In this course we will read, interpret, and navigate with contemporary and historical ecological maps. Through ‘map walks’, hands-on exercises, and field-based map making activities; we will consider the role of maps in constructing field-based knowledge. We will learn to translate between maps and terrain. Our task will be to analyze maps’ accuracy, limits, and embedded perspectives. Throughout the semester, we will deepen our ability to think spatially and learn approaches for representing our landscape observations. Class assignments will include a physical and digital portfolio of maps analysis and re-imagining. Be prepared to spend significant time outdoors, with possible overnight field trips. [two 50-min lec. + 3 extended labs]

Applied Remote Sensing: Land Use in Sub-Saharan Africa Satellite images are indispensable for mapping forest cover, agriculture, and other land uses. Off-the-shelf products struggle to capture features in complex landscapes, such as fine-scale forest  changes, urban sprawl, or small agricultural fields. In this course we will focus on sub-Saharan Africa  to investigate select land uses with remote sensing techniques, discuss their social contexts, and  practice novel approaches for generating land use maps. Students will be actively engaged in  carrying out analyses and critical interpretations throughout the semester. Their work will culminate  in a web-based portfolio, which will provide an opportunity to learn effective communication of  research findings. (GEOG 0251 or GEOG 0252 or by instructor approval) and GEOG 0261 is recommended

Human Geography with GIS How do geographers study spatial interactions between people and the environment? How does socio-economic status relate to spatial patterns of settlement, social organization, access to resources, and exposure to risks? How can geographic information systems (GIS) help geographers explain these spatial patterns and processes? In this course we will apply GIS to a wide range of topics in human geography including urban, environmental, political, hazards, and health. We will learn how to gather, create, analyze, visualize, and critically interpret geographic data through tutorials, collaborative labs, and independent work that culminate in cartographic layouts of our results.

The Global Environment (formerly GEOG 0206) This course will provide an introduction to the study of the physical environment, with an emphasis on how environmental systems interact. The first half of the course will focus on Earth’s climate, specifically, Earth’s energy budget, the greenhouse effect, global wind and weather patterns, and global ocean circulation patterns. The second half of the course will focus on patterns and processes of the Earth’s surface by examining global patterns of vegetation and the creation of landforms by fluvial, glacial, and aeolian processes. We will use this foundation to understand how our rapidly changing climate will alter each of these systems.

The Global Environment This course will provide an introduction to the study of the physical environment, with an emphasis on how environmental systems interact. The first half of the course will focus on Earth’s climate, specifically, Earth’s energy budget, the greenhouse effect, global wind and weather patterns, and global ocean circulation patterns. The second half of the course will focus on patterns and processes of the Earth’s surface by examining global patterns of vegetation and the creation of landforms by fluvial, glacial, and aeolian processes. We will use this foundation to understand how our rapidly changing climate will alter each of these systems.

Urban Africa The era of rural Africa is over. Today, 40% of sub-Saharan Africans live in cities – seen as places with  social services, economic opportunities, and accessible technology. Yet, African cities are also places of unemployment, social services challenges, and increasing inequality. In this course we will take a  cross-disciplinary approach to the study of urban Africa through scholarly readings, media critiques,  discussions, and data analysis. We will identify similarities and differences in the process of  urbanization in Africa vis-à-vis other world regions. Students will actively contribute to our critical  inquiry into African cities through individual research projects and in-class presentations. 3 hrs. lect

Niwaeli Kimambo

Reviews and ratings for Niwaeli Kimambo at Middlebury College.Niwaeli Kimambo teaches Spatial Analysis with GIS, Walking in Maps, Remote Sensing & Land Use and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Niwaeli Kimambo good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I would advise against taking this course. Professor Kimambo is not a good instructor, and has the students teach each other almost all of the course material and lead all of the field trips. One of which she did not attend and informed the class of the trip two days prior that it was occurring. The workload was quite low, but professor Kimambo released prompts on a very last-minute basis, and they were often very unclear. It appeared as though she did not know what her expectations were for an assignment until she began grading. Feedback on assignments came in last minute as well. Professor Kimambo is very kind in person but often believes she is being considerate while throwing wrenches into your planning. If you take this class, expect to be close with your classmates afterward.

I am conflicted about this course. On one hand, the material discussed was incredibly interesting and very relevant in the field. However, standards of evaluation are vague and instructions are often very confusing. Also, I love this professor, but their disorganization really impacted the quality of this class. Remote sensing is somewhat unwieldy, so I want to cut her some slack, as she wanted to cover as much as possible, but I wouldn't take this class again without some modifications. 

Professor Kimabo has standards and reasons for her teaching methods that make sense to her and are important to her. However, I found that sometimes those standards and expectations were not clearly expressed. I respect Professor Kimabo as a teacher; however, this course did not always seem to be a priority for her, and that affected how the class approached the workload.