Division: Technology
Department: Engineering
Subject Code: GIS Course #: 141
Course Title: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at a minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]
1. Digital Description:
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 2.0
Lab hours: 3.0
BL: []⅓ [X]½ []⅔ [ ] Other (Indicate fraction or percent)
2. Catalog Description:
Introduces the principles of physical geography and database administration. This course covers specific skills such as map and database editing, spatial operations, integration of multiple data sources and the basics of cartography. Students are also introduced to related technologies, such as remote sensing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Building upon the introduction to GIS, students then explore applications in various sectors. Practical examples from government, environmental studies, and the utility industry are discussed. Hands-on experience using the analytical tools provided by GIS, such as spatial analysis, is applied to solve case studies. The class culminates in individual projects using multiple sources of GIS data to solve problems in the student’s area of interest. A course fee is required. (Core B)
Minimum Grade Required
3. Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Other:
4. Learning Outcomes
[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential
knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
· Apply GIS to basic concepts and ideas in geography
· Utilize GIS to describe human geography in terms of its population, cultures, political entities, economic activities, and development
· Utilize various location-based technologies to interpret and analyze spatial phenomenon
· Utilize the physical geography principles used in GIS such as datum, projections, and coordinate systems
· Describe the database administration principles used in GIS, such as data models, tables and relationships
· Utilize GIS technologies and terminology
· Examine map accuracy issues
· Utilize multiple GIS data sources, including CAD/GIS integration issues
- Use project tools for data creation, editing and output
· Perform cartographic layout creation
· Identify standard GIS analysis tools
· Examine common GIS applications and uses, including environmental studies and civil technologies
- Apply ArcGIS extensions and customization options
· Apply first-hand experience with GIS analysis from start to finish through individual projects
· Utilize GIS to describe and understand various regions of the world
5. Planned Sequence of Learning Activities
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]
A. Overview of physical geography and databases
B. Introduction to GIS: terminology, various software and on-line tools
C. ArcGIS basics (getting data into ArcView and displaying themes)
D. ArcGIS basics (creating, editing and quality checking data)
E. ArcGIS basics (querying and spatial analysis)
F. Mapping basics (Datum’s, Projections, and Scale)
G. GIS data sources (Shape file, CAD Files, etc.)
H. Cartography basics (creating layouts)
I. GIS Applications
J. Remote sensing
K. Global Positioning Systems
L. Using coordinate data
M. Geocoding
N. Individual work on GIS projects
6. Assessment of Student Learning
[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed above.]
Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by AP 765, is part of regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan has been determined by the pertinent faculty involved and is kept on file in the division office.
7. List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning Materials (code each item based on instructional use): C-Lecture/Laboratory, A-Lecture, B-Laboratory, LC-Lecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,
BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,
F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily accessible to students.]
8. Prepared by Faculty Member: Nicole Ernst Date: 6/28/11
9. Approved by Department Chairperson: Rob Shoaff Date: 8/22/11
10. Approved by Academic Division Dean: Date:
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335, subchapters A / B.
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the policies, standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is consistent with the college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar courses generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and universities.
11. Director, Curriculum Compliance:
Date:
12. Provost & VP, Academic Affairs:
Date:
13. Original Date of course approval by the college: 200520
14. Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]:
4/17/06
2/17/07
9/15/08 – Prerequisites; Type of Instruction; Learning Outcomes; Assessment of Student Learning;
7/7/10 – Textbook Change
2/11 – textbook & learning outcome changes
6/11 – Catalog description Change, Learning Outcome Changes & Planned Sequence of Learning Activities Changes
12/1/04
Review and updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09
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