COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION
TO GIS
LECTURE HOURS LAB/SHOP/CLINIC SEMESTER
PER WEEK 3.0 HOURS
PER WEEK 0.0 CREDIT
HOURS 3.0
PREREQUISITES: MAT 100
Provides an introduction to the field of geographic information systems (GIS).
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of GIS. The students will learn basic GIS functionality through hands on experience with a selected GIS package. The course will include lectures, class discussion, assigned readings, and hands on exercises.
Heywood, Cornelius and Carver, An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 3rd Ed. Prentice-Hall.
Some method to back-up class data and exercises such as a USB flash drive
APPROVED BY: ______________________ DATE: ______________
Department Head
APPROVED BY:
______________________ DATE:
______________
Division Dean
NAME: Amy Daniels
OFFICE HOURS: Posted on Webpage
LOCATION OF OFFICE: ET 317
PHONE NUMBER: 250-8141
FAX NUMBER: 250-8149
EMAIL ADDRESS: amy.daniels@gvltec.edu
The Student will be able to:
1. Discuss the components of a geographic information system (GIS).
2. Locate GIS Materials for research in campus library and in electronic library holdings, including Text, Periodicals and other GIS literature.
3. Discuss the major GIS terms and acronyms used in the workplace.
4. Basic understanding of map scale and coordinate systems.
5. Discuss the major characteristics of raster and vector data formats.
6. Basic understanding of GIS data acquisition methods.
7. Basic understanding of common geographic data problems.
8. Demonstrate basic functions and queries within the selected GIS software.
9. Describe topology.
10. Perform basic tabular and spatial queries in the selected GIS software.
1.
This class will involve hands on experience with GIS software (ArcExplorer). Class
time will be spent on these exercises but additional time outside of class will
be required to complete some exercises.
2.
During the third week of class, a campus library orientation session
will be held. Students will visit the library and become familiar with library
GIS holdings, periodicals and text locations. Students will also learn to
accesses the library electronic database.
3.
Each individual student is responsible for the safety of computer files
for this class. It is highly recommended
that the student purchase a CD-RW to backup their exercises & projects.
4. Tests may involve sections requiring the use of ArcGIS to determine the answers.
5. Tests will have a time limit. If there are concerns regarding these time
limits then they will need to be addressed on an individual basis with the
instructor.
6. While taking a test, all other materials must be off of the
desk.
7. Surfing the internet or playing games on the computers
during class will not be tolerated. This
is detrimental to the student involved as well as to others in the class.
TOPIC CLASS
HOURS
1. What is a GIS? Why is it useful? 2.5
2. GIS Concepts & Digital Mapping Technology 7.0
3. Spatial Data Concepts 5.0
And organization
4. Spatial Data Modeling 4.0
5. Spatial Data Management 2.5
6. Data Input and Editing 4.0
7. GIS Data Analysis 5.0
8. Analytical Modeling 5.0
9. GIS Practical Exercises 10.0
______
Total 45.0
EQUIPMENT USED:
PCs networked in Lab for class projects.
PROJECTS
None
COMPUTER USAGE
Students
will have access to computers throughout class as needed for demonstrations and
exercises.
SOFTWARE USAGE
ArcExplorer Education Edition, Internet Browser.
CAMPUS LIBRARY USAGE
Library Orientation scheduled during third week
DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARY USAGE
Student will use Dept library located in GMT Lab
as needed.
INTERNET LIBRARY USAGE
Several exercises will utilize accessing information from the Internet.
Class Participation 10%
Exercises/ Quizzes 20%
Midterm Exams 40%
Cumulative Final Exam 30%
100%
The student will be able to:
1. Identify major components of a GIS.
2. Be able to locate GIS materials in Campus library.
3. Define the major GIS terms and acronyms used in the workplace.
4. Identify sources of existing digital data.
5. Explain different methods of creating digital data.
6. Identify basic types of data errors and provide general steps to correct or prevent errors.
7. Explain the importance of map scale, projections, datums, and coordinate systems in relationship to data use and analysis.
8. Demonstrate basic types of spatial analysis.
9. Critique map layouts
10. Provide examples of how GIS may be used to make better decisions.
1. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe manner in the
classroom and the laboratory.
2. Horseplay may result in a grade reduction or disciplinary action by the
school.
It is the policy of
administratively withdrawn if they miss more than 10 percent of the contact hours
in a given course without notifying the instructor and clarifying reasons for absences prior to exceeding the 10 percent limit. The instructor will decide the
validity/acceptability of excuses in light of course requirements and student
performance.
Also, a student can withdraw or be administratively withdrawn (for absences) with
a grade of “W” until the 50th day of the 15-week semester. After the 50th day,
withdrawals will not be processed and students will receive the earned course
grade. For a 10-week semester, a student can withdraw or be administratively
withdrawn (for absences) with a grade of “W” until the 35th day.
A student missing an exam or test because of illness must:
1. Call the instructor before the test period. A valid excuse must accompany
each request.
2. Be personally responsible for setting up a make up date and time with the
instructor. The make up must be done within five class days of missed
exam or test.
3. Unexcused absences involving tests may be made up only at the discretion of the instructor.
See attached for Dates to Remember
CONTACT INFORMATION
Department Head
Sid Shrum 250-8423 sid.shrum@gvltec.edu ET-318
Sid Shrum 250-8555 sid.shrum@gvltec.edu ET-111A
Administrative Assistant to Dean
and Division
Pam Apple 250-8189 pam.apple@gvltec.edu ET-111
Department Secretary
Teresa
Ballard 250-8838 teresa.ballard@gvltec.edu ET-336
Students
with Disabilities:
All students who have a disability and need accommodations should visit,
call or email Student Disability Services. The office is located in the
involving equal access to education
and employment opportunity to all, regardless of sex, race, age, religion,
color, national origin or disability.
The college complies with the provisions of Titles VI and VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972 and the Higher Education Amendments of 1986; Sections 503 and 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the South Carolina Human Affairs Law of 1972;and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990. For assistance in these areas,
contact Jackie Bradham, the college’s 504 and Title
IX coordinator for students, at 250-8176 v/TDD or Helen Clarkson,