Geography 264. Maps & Geospatial Concepts
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CRN: 43018 |
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Required Course Materials
2| USB Flashdrive (Recommended 2GB minimum)
Course Description and Format
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 on overview of several different geospatial fields and techniques and to provide a solid foundation on which other geospatial courses can be built. The topic covered in this course includes 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. I look forward to learning with all of you.
GIS Software
Assignments and Grading
Labs - 60% - This includes labs to be done both in and out of class. There are a total of 9 labs in the class, generally due one week after it has been assigned.
Exams- 30% - There are two exams that include a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and hands-on application. The midterm will include all the content and materials covered from the beginning of the term. The Final Exam will include the content and materials from the midterm to the end of the term.
Participation - 10%- This includes attendance, participation in class activities and discussions, and general enthusiasm for the course content.
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
Sept 22 / 24 Sept 29 / Oct 1 Oct 13 / 15 Oct 20 / 22
Guest Speaker. Sandra Convey, Society for Conservation GIS Lecture. Intro to Geospatial Technologies Oct 29 Dec 8
Exam # 2 |
AssignmentsRead. The Power of Maps, by Jeremy Crampton Read. Chapter 7: Using GIS to Make a Map Read. Chapter 7. Maps for Political Propaganda, from How to Lie with Maps by Mark Monmonier
DUE: LAB 2 Read. Chapter 2: Where in the Geospatial World are you? Read. Chapter 1: Geospatial Data & GPS DUE: Lab 4 Read. Chapter 4: Finding your location with GPS Read. Chapters 6: Using GIS for Spatial Analysis
Lab 7. Site Suitability with ArcGIS Lab 7. Files DUE: Lab 6 Read. Chapters 9 & 10
Lab 8. Remote Sensing Lab 8. Files DUE: Lab 7 Read. Chapter 13: Digital Landscaping
Lab 9. Digital Landscapes Lab 9. Files DUE: Lab 8 DUE: Lab 9 (Dec 8) |
'How To' Submit an Assignment
2| Do not include any of the lab instructions in your document. Include only the question numbers and text, your answers, and any exported maps.
3| Submit a single document in PDF format. (If creating your document in MS Word, save as a PDF file.)
4| The subject line of your email should reflect the assignment name. For example: Lab1
Backing Up Your Work!
Additional Resources
Attendance
Participation in class is 10% of your grade, which requires that you are in attendance. It will be difficult to keep up with the class material if you do not attend class regularly. 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
PCC is committed to supporting all students. If you plan to use academic accommodations for this course, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Accommodation are not retroactive; they begin when the instructor receives the "Approved Academic Accommodations" letter from you (submitted in person for courses on campus; via email for DL courses). To request academic accommodations for a disability, please contact a disability services counselor on any PCC campus. Office locations, phone numbers, and additional information may be found at http://www.pcc.edu/resources/disability