Course Description & Focus
This course will introduce students to concepts and the application of Geographic Iformation Systems (GIS), a powerful tools that allows users to compile, analyze, and distribute geographic data electronically. The course is focused on the use of the desktop GIS software package, ArcGIS (v10), from ESRI. ArcGIS requires both an understanding of the computer program and geographic concepts. Because of this, we will review basic spatial concepts in class, as well as more specific GIS concepts. These concepts include scale, map projections, coordinate systems, map projections, nature of geographic data, and basic mapmaking techniques.
The course is taught in a computer lab, and is largely lecture and lab-based. The lecture introduces or reviews GIS concepts, while the labs are designed to assist in learning techniques for navigating through the GIS software. In addition, students will complete a final project as a way to apply what is learned throughout the course. The final project is structured to cater to your individual interests.
There will be times when we discuss concepts and techniques in small or large groups. Students are expected to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in discussions and labs. Active participation enhances the learning process for all group members and will be considered more favorably at grading time.
The course is taught in a computer lab, and is largely lecture and lab-based. The lecture introduces or reviews GIS concepts, while the labs are designed to assist in learning techniques for navigating through the GIS software. In addition, students will complete a final project as a way to apply what is learned throughout the course. The final project is structured to cater to your individual interests.
There will be times when we discuss concepts and techniques in small or large groups. Students are expected to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in 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| GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems, 4th Ed, Paul Bolstad
2| Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, Cynthia Brewer
3| ESRI Help for ArcGIS 10 Desktop
4| ESRI online GIS Dictionary
5| USB Flashdrive (recommended 2GB min)
2| Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, Cynthia Brewer
3| ESRI Help for ArcGIS 10 Desktop
4| ESRI online GIS Dictionary
5| USB Flashdrive (recommended 2GB min)
Sample Course Outline
Week 1.
Introduction to Course
Topic: What is GIS
Lab 1: Intro to ArcGIS
Introduction to Course
Topic: What is GIS
Lab 1: Intro to ArcGIS
Week 2.
Topic(s): GIS Applications, Spatial Data Models
Lab 2: Working with Spatial Data
Topic(s): GIS Applications, Spatial Data Models
Lab 2: Working with Spatial Data
Week 3.
Topic(s): Spatial Data Models, Geographic Coordinate Systems
Lab 3: Map Projections
Topic(s): Spatial Data Models, Geographic Coordinate Systems
Lab 3: Map Projections
Week 4.
Topic(s): Projected Coordinate Systems, Map Design Basics
Lab 4: Map Design Basics
Topic(s): Projected Coordinate Systems, Map Design Basics
Lab 4: Map Design Basics
Week 5.
Midterm
Midterm
Week 6.
Topic: Attribute Tables - Geodatabases & Queries
Lab 5: Attribute Tables
Topic: Attribute Tables - Geodatabases & Queries
Lab 5: Attribute Tables
Week 7.
Topic: Attribute Tables - Joins, Relates
Final Project Overview
Topic: Attribute Tables - Joins, Relates
Final Project Overview
Week 8.
Topic: Data Visualization
Lab 6: Visualization of Geographic Data
Topic: Data Visualization
Lab 6: Visualization of Geographic Data
Week 9.
Topic: Advanced Map Design
Topic: Advanced Map Design
Week 10.
Work on Final Projects
Work on Final Projects
Finals Week.
Final Project Presentations
Final Project Presentations