Course Description & Focus
This course introduces principles and concepts needed to understand the use and interpretation of maps, geographic information systems & science. We will focus on the introduction to various geospatial technologies - what they are, how they operate, and how they are used. The course is meant to provide an overview of several different geospatial fields and techniques, and to provide a solid foundation on which other geospatial courses can be built. The topics covered in this course include Google Earth, GPS, GIS, Remote Sensing, Map Use & Interpretation, Coordinate Systems & Map Projections, Scale, and Digital Landscaping.
This course is taught in a computer lab, and is largely lecture and lab-based. The lectures introduce or review Map and/or Geospatial concepts, while the labs are designed to assist in learning the techniques and technologies. There will also be times when we discuss concepts and techniques as a group. All students are expected to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in both discussions and labs. Active participation enhances the learning process for all group members, and will be considered more favorably at grading time.
This course is taught in a computer lab, and is largely lecture and lab-based. The lectures introduce or review Map and/or Geospatial concepts, while the labs are designed to assist in learning the techniques and technologies. There will also be times when we discuss concepts and techniques as a group. All students are expected to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in both discussions and labs. Active participation enhances the learning process for all group members, and will be considered more favorably at grading time.
Course Materials
1| Introduction to Geospatial Technologies, Bradley A Shellito, 1st Edition
2| USB Flashdrive (recommended 2GB min)
2| USB Flashdrive (recommended 2GB min)
Sample Course Outline
Week 1.
Topic: Maps, Maps, Maps
Lab 1: Mental Maps
Topic: Maps, Maps, Maps
Lab 1: Mental Maps
Week 2.
Topic: Map Scale, Elements & Use
Lab 2: Google Earth
Topic: Map Scale, Elements & Use
Lab 2: Google Earth
Week 3.
Topic: Geospatial Technologies
Lab 3: QGIS
Topic: Geospatial Technologies
Lab 3: QGIS
Week 4.
Topic: Coordinate Systems & Map Projections
Lab 4: Coordinate systems, projections, & Georeferencing
Topic: Coordinate Systems & Map Projections
Lab 4: Coordinate systems, projections, & Georeferencing
Week 5.
Topic: Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Lab 5: Global Navigation Satellite System
Topic: Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Lab 5: Global Navigation Satellite System
Week 6.
Midterm Exam
Topic: Intro to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Midterm Exam
Topic: Intro to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Week 7.
Topic: GIS Analysis
Lab 6: Analysis in QGIS
Topic: GIS Analysis
Lab 6: Analysis in QGIS
Week 8.
Topic: Intro to Remote Sensing
Lab 7: Using Remotely Sensed data
Topic: Intro to Remote Sensing
Lab 7: Using Remotely Sensed data
Week 9.
Topic: Interactive Maps
Lab 8: Web Maps
Topic: Interactive Maps
Lab 8: Web Maps
Week 10.
Topic: Digital Landscaping
Lab 9: Digital Physical Landscapes & the 3D Environment
Topic: Digital Landscaping
Lab 9: Digital Physical Landscapes & the 3D Environment
Finals Week.
Final Exam
Final Exam