Environmental and land use planners and geographers specialize in developing plans and programs for the use of land. Their input and expert geographic assessments help create strong, healthy communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties and metropolitan areas. With a 6-foot-long unmanned helicopter equipped with a high-resolution digital camera, Central Michigan University geography experts are leading the way in research imaging of Great Lakes coastal wetlands. Through CMU's Center for Geographic Information Science, students gain hands-on experience using the latest GIS hardware and software to provide geospatial research tools for solving academic, governmental and industrial problems. The geography department offers small classes, field trips and opportunities to work in close collaboration with faculty on research projects. Students will also gain professional development, resources and contacts through student organizations such as the Geography Club.