Whether it’s used to navigate an unfamiliar neighborhood or track down anything from a missing cell phone to the world’s most wanted criminals, location technology permeates every aspect of modern life.

As an introduction to the dynamic field of location technology, or geospatial science, Elmhurst College will offer a free, four-week massive open online course (MOOC), Skills for the Digital Earth, beginning on March 1.

Skills for the Digital Earth explores why the technology of “where” is vitally important to myriad disciplines in our digital world. Course participants will learn what location technologies are used for, as well as fundamental geospatial concepts, skills and applications.

Taught through video lectures, interaction opportunities and discussion forums, the course enables participants to complete exercises and run through real-world examples using online spatial software that works on any device with a Web browser. The lead instructor is Judith Bock, director of the geographic information systems (GIS) and applied geospatial sciences (AGS) programs and a lecturer in the Department of Geography & Geosciences at Elmhurst College.

The MOOC is designed for those with no prior experience with geographic information systems software all the way to advanced users. Participants will earn badges after each module. Those who complete six of the course’s seven modules will receive a certificate of completion that may be used as a waiver to GIS 100, the first course in the Online Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems program at Elmhurst College.

An additional certificate will be awarded for the completion of all seven modules. That certificate may be used to waive AGS 500, the first course in the Online Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate in Applied Geospatial Sciences program at Elmhurst College.

Skills for the Digital Earth begins March 1 and runs through March 28. You can register or learn more online.