Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 2.00
- Lecture: 17.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 68.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to applied Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and provides the knowledge and practical experience necessary to develop skills in the acquisition of Global Positioning System's (GPS) data and its application to (GIS) for presentation and use in precision agriculture, field biology/botany, natural resources and park-land management, as well as heavy equipment operation. No previous GIS experience is assumed.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Use various types of GPS and GIS equipment and software
- Acquire and store digital GPS data
- Locate waypoints using maps and GPS equipment
- Convert GPS data and digital maps from one form to another
- Apply appropriate projection for a given objective
- Map engineered grades, landmarks and boundaries
- Map migration corridors, and temporal home and transitional ranges of wildlife
- Compile information from GPS data, aerial and topographical maps to analyze and present spatial configurations of natural resources
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 2.00 |
| ArcGIS Desktop | 2.00 |
| Getting started with maps and data | 2.00 |
| Displaying data | 2.00 |
| Getting information about features | 2.00 |
| Analyzing feature relationships | 2.00 |
| Presenting data | 3.00 |
| Summary and Testing | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 17.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Introduction | 3.00 |
ArcGIS Desktop | 3.00 |
Exploring ArcMap | 3.00 |
GPS data acquisition and adding data to ArcMap | 3.00 |
Symbolizing features and rasters | 3.00 |
Mapping Density | 3.00 |
Using Dynamic Labels | 3.00 |
Preparing data for analysis | 3.00 |
Analyzing Spatial data | 3.00 |
Projecting data in ArcMap | 3.00 |
Creating Features | 3.00 |
Editing features and attributes | 3.00 |
Making maps from templates | 3.00 |
Making maps for presentations | 6.00 |
Project presentations | 6.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Group Discussions
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
- Hands on computer based activities using GIS software and the Internet
Methods of Evaluation
- Oral Presentation
- Homework
- Performance Examinations
- Essays and research papers
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read a peer-reviewed journal article about the use of GIS for wildlife management. Be prepared to discuss in class.
- Read an article on using GIS in the management of a forest in California. Evaluate the benefits of GIS as opposed to historical methods.
Writing Assignments
- Write a 1 – 2 page synopsis on the use of GIS in mapping of soil types in an agricultural field.
- Write a three page report on mapping vegetation types on serpentine outcroppings in northern California.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Collect GPS data points of features around your city and map them using GIS software.
- Using GPS data points provided by your instructor, map winter and summer home ranges, and migration corridors of wildlife for a final project using GIS software.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Ormsby, T.J. (2013). Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop. ESRI Press, 3rd.
Minimum Qualifications
Forestry/Natural Resources
Geography (Masters Required)