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            Geography 265: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

            CRN: 46550
            Fall 2011                                                                          
            Sylvania Campus, HT301
            Office Hours: MW 2pm - 3pm or by appointment                                                     
            M W  6:00 - 8:50 p.m.
            971-722-4072
            christina.friedle@pcc.edu

            Course Text (required):  GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods, 4th Edition, David M. Theobald
            GIS Dictionary (ESRI)
            Other Requirements:  USB Flashdrive (1GB minimum)

            Course Description and Focus

            This course will introduce you to concepts and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a powerful tool that allows users to compile, analyze, and distribute geographic data electronically.  We will focus on the use of the desktop GIS software package ArcGIS 10 from ESRI Corporation. 

            ArcGIS requires both an understanding of the computer program and geography.  Because of this, I will be reviewing some basic spatial concepts in class prior to diving into ArcGIS software, as well as more specific GIS concepts.  These concepts include: scale, map projections, locational reference systems, the nature of geographic data, and basic mapmaking techniques.

            This class is designed to have both a lecture and lab component.  I will structure class so that each class begins with a lecture / discussion of the concepts and techniques for that day.  The remainder of the class will be spent applying those concepts using ArcGIS.  I expect all students to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in both discussions and labs.  Active participation in class will not only make the class more interesting and beneficial to the learning process, but come grading time, I will look more favorably on those students. 

            Course Format

            This course is taught in a computer lab and is focused on hands-on instruction. Approximately half the class will be dedicated to ArcGIS instruction and application, while the other half is dedicated to lecture and discussion.

            GIS Software

            This course uses ESRI's ArcGIS software program. It is available in the following classrooms: Sylvania HT 301, Rock Creek Bldg 5 Rm 125, and the CRC at Sylvania, Rock Creek & Cascade campuses.   

            Additionally, an education license of the software will be given to all students enrolled in the course for use outside of class on your personal computers.  

            Assignments and Grading

            Labs – 50%. This includes labs and activities completed both in-class and at home.  There are a total of six labs.  In general, labs are due one week after they are assigned. 

            Midterm – 25%. The midterm will consist of short answers, essay questions, and a computer-based application.  The exam will be completed in-class and at home.

            Final Project – 25%. The final project will integrate all aspects of GIS and mapping that you learn throughout the quarter.   I will introduce the guidelines in the seventh week of class and you will be given class time to work on the project, but will also be expected to work on it outside of class.  The guidelines are open-ended to allow you to pursue a topic of your choice.   

            Final grades will be based on the following scale: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60). 

            Course Outline
            *Course schedule is subject to change and will be updated throughout the quarter.

            Topics

            ----------------------------------------------------------
            September 26 / 28

            Introduction to Course
            Lecture. Intro to Geographic Concepts
            _____________________________________

            October 3 / 5

            Lecture. What is GIS ?

            Demo. Intro to ArcMap & ArcCatalog

            ArcGIS Software Installation Help & Resources

            ArcGIS v10 Hardware Requirements
            _____________________________________

            October 10 / 12

            Lecture. GIS Applications

            Lecture. Geographic Files & Data

            _____________________________________

            October 17 / 19

            Lecture.  GIS Data Sources

            Lecture. Geographic Coordinate Systems 

            Demo. Georeferencing tools

            _____________________________________

            October 24 / 26

            Lecture. Map Projections & Projected Coordinate Systems

            Demo.  Coordinate systems in ArcMap

            _____________________________________

            October 31/ November 2

            Guest Lecturer.  Tim McCarthy, "Data Management & Naming Conventions"

            "Color & Fonts"

            Midterm Exam (11.02.11)

            _____________________________________

            November 7 / 9

            Lecture. Data Visualization - Part I

            Demo.  Symbolization tools

            Introduce Final Project
            _____________________________________

            November 14 / 16

            Lecture. Data Visualization - Part II

            Demo. Labels & map layout tools

            _____________________________________

            November 21

            Map Critique 

            NO CLASS ON NOVEMBER 23
            _____________________________________

            November 28 / 30


            Lecture: Databases

            _____________________________________

            December 5 / 7 

            Work on Final Projects
             - joining tables with census data
             - geocoding
            _____________________________________

            December 12

            FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
            _____________________________________

            Assignments

            ----------------------------------------------------------

            Lab 1. Introduction to Geographic Concepts with Google Earth

            _____________________________________


            Read Chapter 1. Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS


            Lab 2. ArcMap & ArcCatalog
            Lab 2. Data


            DUE. LAB 1 (10.05.11)
            _____________________________________

            Read Chapter 2. Geographic Data

            Lab 3. Geographic Data

            DUE. LAB 2 (10.12.11)

            _____________________________________


            Read Chapter 3. Scale, Coordinate Systems, and Projections

            Lab 4. Coordinate Systems & Projections (Parts 1 & 2)
            Lab 4. Data

            _____________________________________


            Lab 4. Coordinate Systems & Projections (Parts 3 & 4)


            DUE. Lab 3 (10.24.11)

            _____________________________________





            DUE: Lab 4 (Due 10.31.11)




            _____________________________________

            Read Chapter 4 - Cartography & Geographic Visualization

            Lab 5. Data Visualization (Parts 1 & 2)
            Lab 5. Data

            Final Project Guidelines
            _____________________________________


            Lab 5. Data Visualization (Parts 3 & 4) 

            Read. A Guide to Visual Design

            DUE. Final Project Outline (11.16.11)
            _____________________________________


            Lab 5. Bring Multnomah County map to class

            DUE. Lab 5 (11.21.11)
            _____________________________________

            Read Chapter 5 - Querying Spatial Data


            Lab 6. Querying, Joins & Relates
            Lab 6. Data  _____________________________________



            DUE. Lab 6 
            (12.07.11)


            _____________________________________




            _____________________________________

            'How To' Submit an Assignment

            1| Your last name should be the first part of the file name, followed by the lab number or assignment name.  For example: friedle_Lab1

            2| Submit a single document in .pdf format - do not submit exported maps as individual files - paste them into your lab document

            3| Include the question number and question with answer or map

            4| Do not include any of the lab instructions in your doc - only questions and answers, maps, or other outputs

            5| The subject line of your email should reflect the assignment name.  For example: Lab1

            Additional Resources

            ArcGIS Desktop Tips & Shortcuts

            ArcGIS Desktop Version 10 - Service Pack 1 download
                                                          Service Pack 2 download
                                                          Service Pack 3 download

            Attendance

            Although attendance is not officially a part of your grade, it will be difficult to keep up if you are not regularly in class.  If you need to miss class or leave class early, talk to me beforehand to make arrangements.  If you have a personal problem that is inhibiting your performance in this class, please come talk to me as soon as possible so that we can discuss options to make your efforts in this class successful. 

            Academic Dishonesty

            Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work (Dictionary.com).”  This is unacceptable.  Cheating is also unacceptable.  If you have any questions about the college’s academic policy, see pages 9-11 of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, online at http://www.pcc/edu/about/policy/student-rights/student-rights.pdf.  

            Students with Disabilities

            Students with disabilities wishing services and/or accommodations are required to register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).  Please contact the OSD office as soon as possible so that services can be arranged and provided in a timely manner.  The OSD phone # is 503-614-7409.