Abstract: Geographic information science involves geography, surveying and mapping, mathematics, computer science and other disciplines. In terms of cultivation, geographic information science emphasizes knowledge learning of geography and surveying and mapping science on the one hand, and it emphasizes quality education represented by mathematical literacy on the other hand. This paper focuses on the relationship between mathematical literacy, core elements and professional course learning, and takes the grades of students majoring in geographic information science of Wuhan University as an example to analyze the correlation between mathematical literacy and professional course learning. The results show that mathematical literacy is helpful to the study and deepening of geographic information science. The teaching of professional courses in geographic information science should stimulate students’ mathematical thinking, which is not only conducive to the improvement of students’ mathematical literacy, but also conducive to the understanding and sublimation of professional courses. At the same time, practice is the best way to test and exercise mathematical literacy, students should constantly improve their mathematical literacy and comprehensive ability in practice.

Key words: geographic information science, mathematical literacy, quality education, mathematical thinking, practice