I. REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Getting to Know ArcView GIS by Tim Ormsby et. al. ESRI Press, 2001.
 

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
 

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This will include both lectures and in-class labs. Lectures will emphasize general principles and theory in GIS and the application of GIS to environmental and social issues that today’s world confronts . Labs will be oriented towards concepts discussed in class using desktop GIS to display and analyze spatial data. The software we will use is ArcView GIS 3.2a, produced by ESRI. The goal of this course is for students to learn the application of GIS to geographic problems, and have an idea of what data and resources are necessary to solve these problems. Environmental issues and sustainable development will be emphasized

Students should:

• learn the principal applications of computers to geographic problems
• know the types of maps which may be produced with the aid of a computer
• understand the principles and limitations of computer-assisted geographic analyses and mapping
• become familiar with the types and availability of data employed in computer-assisted geographic applications, including mapping
• collect or acquire, apply and analyze geographic data

III. ASSESSMENT:

Students' performance will be evaluated based on the following components:

• 4 non-cumulative examinations (45%)
• Daily exercises (20%)
• Weekly projects (20%)
• Final project (10%)
• Attendance and participation (5%)

IV. EXAM POLICY

There will be 3 tests and a final exam. The lowest of the 3 test grades will be dropped, but the final exam grade can never be dropped. The two test and the final exam grades will each be worth 15% of the final grade. There will be no makeups!
 

V. PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE***

Attendance will be calculated as a percentage of total class periods and will be taken on a regular basis. You will be held responsible for any material covered in class. If you miss more than 4 class meetings, you will be dropped automatically from the class! Remember, a perfect attendace record could make a difference in your final grade

Class attendance is Essential in order to:

1. Obtain lecture material, which may not always be in the textbook.
2. Receive credit for participation and discussion in class.
3. Remain current on exam dates, as the syllabus may undergo revision from time to time.

VI. LATE WORK***

Any late assignment will be penalized with a 10-point deduction for every class period after the date due. Any late work received after 4:00PM on Monday, Dec. 2 will be automatically penalized with a grade of 0!
 

VII. OTHER COMMENTS

Additional time may be required outside of class and lab time to complete daily exercises, weekly assignments, and the final semester project. I would recommend an additional 1 to 2 hours of your time be spen in the lab outside of the regularly scheduled class and lab meetings.

It is your responsibility to turn in assignments correctly and on time. Please keep up to date with due dates and project deadlines.

In completing the final semester project, it is important that students identify their topic early and begin to plan their work appropriately.

Topic	Readings	Important Dates
PART I - Theory: GIS Concepts (Class meets in FH 140A - lecture room)
Basics of GIS (Geographic Information Systems)	Breslin Ch. 1
Spatial Data: Statistical, Field, and Image	Breslin Ch. 2
Map Scales and Projections
Data Modelling: Raster and Vector Data, Topology
Attribute Data and Databases	Breslin Ch. 3
Where to get Data (For Internet access we will meet in lab - FH 137)	Breslin Ch. 5
Data Input, Editing, and Analysis
Data Output	Breslin Ch. 4
Desktop GIS and ArcView	Breslin Ch. 6
GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
EXAM I
PART II - Practice in Using ArcView GIS (Class meets in FH 137 - lab)
Basics of ArcView GIS	Breslin Ch. 7
Getting Data into ArcView GIS	Breslin Ch. 8
Classifying, Displaying, and Symbolizing Themes	Breslin Ch. 9, 10
Working with Spatial Data	Breslin Ch. 11, 12
EXAM II
Querying Data	Breslin Ch. 13, 14
Managing Tabular Data and Creating Hot Links	Breslin Ch. 15, 16
Analyzing Spatial Relationships	Breslin Ch. 17-20
EXAM III
Presenting Information: Charts and Layouts	Breslin Ch. 21, 22
Creating Shapefiles and Themes	Breslin Ch. 23-25
Address Geocoding	Breslin Ch. 26
FINAL EXAM		Dec. 6 - Fri 3:00PM