GEOG 20 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Transfer Status

CSU

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
• Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: Study of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Identification and acquisition of GIS data. Assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS. Explores how GIS solves spatial problems, such as those in natural resources, earth and life sciences, environmental planning, local government, business, transportation and other fields. (C-ID GEOG 155).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Define Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
2. Identify and evaluate GIS data sources and the importance of metadata.
3. Demonstrate the process of converting analogue data to digital data for use in a GIS
4. Identify, compare and contrast vector and raster GIS.
5. Evaluate the capabilities of various GIS software programs.
6. Apply cartographic principles of scale, resolution, projection and data management to a problem of a geographic nature.
7. Apply spatial analysis functions on a GIS to solve a Geospatial problem.
8. Plan, evaluate and execute a GIS project: Identify a problem of a geospatial nature; outline a strategy to solve the problem; locate relevant data sources; design and evaluate a plan to acquire the relevant data sources; incorporate data sources into a Geographic Information System and execute strategy to solve a geospatial problem; apply principles of spatial analysis; and present results (Lab activity).

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Class Activities
2. Collaborative Group Work
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Instructor Demonstrations
5. Lecture
6. Multimedia Presentations
7. Reading Assignments
8. AA-T in Geography

1. Quizzes
2. Demonstration
3. Homework
4. Lab Projects
5. Written Assignments
6. Written Examinations
7. Performance Examinations
8. Practical Evaluations

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter "Exploring ArcMap(Getting to Know ArcGIS)," and be prepared to discuss the importance of choosing the correct symbology and various sources of feature classes.
2. Read the journal article found in Module 3: GIS-Based Generalization and Multiple Representation of Spatial Data, and be prepared to discuss the importance of generalization of symbology as a cartographic tool.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a 750 word research paper concerning the applications of mobile GIS, including the implications of this technological advancement.
2. Write a 500 word review of the journal article, "GIS-based simulation of land use change," provided by the instructor.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Find ten examples of cartographic symbology from maps found on the internet, representing the evolution of cartographic symbology over time. Prepare a 500 word paper discussing those changes and include examples of your selection. You may find a large collection of historic and contemporary maps at: http://www.davidrumsey.com/
2. Write a 1,000 word research report comparing the various GIS software programs available, including open-source freeware. Prepare a scientific poster using Powerpoint (or similar program) presenting your results orally in class.

Ormsby, T., Napoleon, E., Burke, R., Groessl, C., Bowden, L. (2010). Getting to Know ArcGIS. ESRI, 2nd.

Bolstad, P. (2012). GIS Fundamentals. Eider Press, 4th.

Law, M. Collins, A. (2015). Getting to Know ArcGIS. ESRI, 4th.

Geography (Masters Required)