Geographic information system (GIS) technology has become a valuable tool for environmental science professionals. By incorporating GIS into college-level course curricula, agricultural students become better qualified for employment opportunities. We have developed a case study-based laboratory exercise that introduces students to GIS and the Natural Resource Conservation Service soil survey geographic database for evaluating land use issues associated with septic systems. The primary objective of this laboratory exercise was to teach students how GIS and digital soil surveys can be used as tools to make environmentally based land use decisions. Before the start of the course, all students indicated that they knew little about GIS and were interested in learning more. Using information they acquired in lecture concerning soils and the requirements for the installation of septic systems, students completed an exercise in which they evaluated land development possibilities on a 42-hectare site. All students indicated that the laboratory exercise enabled them to understand the functions of GIS, with respect to land use decisions. They were enthusiastic about their results and indicated that the laboratory provided an adequate summary of the material presented throughout the course. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)