Spatially Connected

Geography 266: Geographic Information Systems Analysis

CRN: 43955
Fall 2009                                                                            
Sylvania Campus, Bldg SS, RM 202
Office Hours: By appointment                                                         
T TH 6:30 – 9:20 p.m.
christina.friedle@pcc.edu

Course Text:  GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods, 3rd Edition, David M. Theobald

Course Description and Focus

This course is the continuation of GEO 265 and will introduce you to concepts and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). While GEO 265 focuses on basic data manipulation and representation, this class covers advanced database techniques, geocoding, and other spatial analysis.  We will continue to focus on the use of the desktop GIS software package ArcGIS 9.2 from ESRI Corporation. 

This class is designed to cater to the individual interests of the students.  The majority of work will be done independently and at your own pace.  Although the class is largely lab-based, there will be times when we discuss concepts and techniques as a group.  I expect students to come to class prepared to think, observe and participate.  The labs are designed to assist in learning the techniques for conducting spatial analysis.  The independent projects are a way for each student to pursue skills and topics that can be useful to you in the future.

Assignments and Grading

Labs – 75%. This includes labs completed both in-class and at home. There will be a total of 7 labs.

Final Project – 25%. The final project will be an independent study.  I will provide the details of the project further into the quarter.

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

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.