This core course provides cadets with a fundamental understanding of scientific principles and processes of earth science, meteorology, climatology, geomorphology and environmental systems, as well as an introduction to cultural geography. Further, the course furnishes cadets with the technical skills - digital terrain analysis, image interpretation and spectral analysis, remote sensing, global positioning system, geographic information systems cartography - to delineate the geographic distribution of landforms, weather, climate, and culture systems; and evaluate their potential impact on military operations. Lessons are reinforced by extensive use of in- and out-of-class practical exercises, terrain walks and computer exercises to demonstrate the interrelationship between physical and human systems, and their impact on the environment. Historical vignettes are employed to demonstrate how the factors of weather, climate, terrain, soils, vegetation and culture are important, cogent and frequently decisive in military operations.
