University of South Alabama Course Syllabus

Course Information

Term: Fall 2016

GIT461/561, section 101, GIS Applications I: Environment (4 semester credits)

Course Format: Web-enhanced

Class days and time: Lecture: T-Th8:00-9:15; Lab: Th15:30-17:30

Building/Room number: LSCB 333 (Lecture & Lab)

Instructor Information

  • David T. Allison, Ph.D.
  • 460-6381 (Earth Sciences mainoffice)
  • Office hours: (updated each term)
  • Life Sciences Bld. #344

Course Description GIT461

Application of Geographic Information Systems to studies of the natural environment. Prerequisite: GIT 460 or permission of the instructor. Minimum grade of “B” needed in course prerequisite. Fee.

Course Description GIT561

Application of Geographic Information Systems to studies of the natural environment. Credit for both GIT 461 and GIT 561 is not allowed. Prerequisite: GIT460 with a grade of “B” or better or permission of instructor. Special project required. Fee.

Course Topical Outline

GIT461/561GIS Applications: EnvironmentCourse Topics
The following topics will be covered during the semester:
WEEK 1:
(Aug16-19) / Introduction to operating systems, computer hardware, and computer software applications relevant to GIS. Concept and planning for capturing map base map data with ArcGIS.
Lab 1: Georeferencing quadrangle base maps
WEEK 2:(Aug 22-26) / Digitizing basic map line work, map projections, creating geodatabase files, feature classes, etc.
Lab 2: Digitizing linear and polygon features for the Yosemite project.
WEEK 3:
(Aug29 – Sept 2) / Digitizing basic map line work, basic map projections, utilizing online DRG web resources. Composing geologic maps with GIS continued.
Lab 3: Using the large-format Inkjet plotter. Digitizing data from assigned USGS quadrangle geologic maps. Projects 1 & 2 Due.
Labor Day Holiday Sept 5
WEEK 4:
(Sept6-9) / Introduction to map projection conversions, Basic ArcGIS, converting projects from various GIS systems, DBMS and posting oriented GPS data on GIS base maps.
Lab 4:Using the large-format Inkjet plotter. Digitizing data from assigned USGS quadrangle geologic maps.
WEEK 5:
(Sept12-16) / Introduction to map projection conversions, Basic ArcGIS, converting projects from various GIS systems, DBMS and posting oriented GPS data on GIS base maps.Project 3 Due
Lab 5: Finalizing and plotting quadrangle geologic map projects. Introduction to ArcGIS system.
WEEK 6:
(Sept19-23) / Geoprocessing (overlays) in ArcGIS.
Lab 6:Finalizing and plotting quadrangle geologic map projects. Introduction to ArcGIS plotting system.
WEEK 7:
(Sept 26-30) / Creating DBMS queries in ArcGIS, integrating DRG and DEM with geologic maps.
Lab 7: Using ArcToolbox to process overlay operations. DBMS queries. Map projections.Project 4 Due.
WEEK 8:
(Oct3-5) / Creating DBMS queries in ArcGIS, integrating DRG and DEM with geologic maps continued.
Lab 8: DBMS queries, Map projections revisited.
Fall Break: Oct 6-7
WEEK 9:
(Oct 10-14) / Processing advanced numerical calculations in ArcGIS and DBMS.
Lab 9: Web resources; utilizing DEM and DRG resources.
WEEK 10:(Oct 17-21) / Processing advanced numerical calculations in ArcGIS and DBMS continued.
Lab10: Web resources; utilizing DEM and DRG resources continued.
WEEK 11: (Oct24-28) / Using advanced multi-step geoprocessing to model species migration and ore deposit economics.Project5 and 6 Due
Lab 11:Web resources; utilizing DEM and DRG resources.
WEEK 12: (Oct 31 -Nov4) / Integrating DBMS with GIS. Advanced map projection conversions
Lab 12: Integrating DBMS with GIS. Advanced map projection conversions. Advanced DBMS calculations.
WEEK 13: (Nov7-11) / Intro to programming with Python in an IDE
Lab13: Lecture on programming basics; Debugging program code.
WEEK 14: (Nov14-18) / Programming continued ….
Lab 14: program testing strategy. Project 6 and 7Due.
WEEK 15: (Nov 21-22) / Advanced programming topics.
Lab 15: Debugging & testing advanced programming concepts.
Thanksgiving Holidays: Nov 23-25
WEEK 16
(Nov 28- Dec 2) / Advanced python programming continued. Review for Final Exam project.
Lab 16: All pending projects due last day of class (Dec 2) except for final exam project.
Final Exam Project: Tuesday Dec 6, 8-10AM

Course Goals and Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the most effective computer-based methods for constructing geoscience maps. Emphasis will be on the production of digital GIS maps from scratch using field data, rather than maps based on previously digitized data sets. The course primarily uses ArcGIS as the fundamental GIS software, however, other applications are also utilized including DBMS (Access), 3D modeling (Surfer) and Map Projection calculations (Mappro) The student will digitize several maps and add data, such as geology polygons or Digital Elevation Models (DEM's), to the base maps. Three-dimensional surface modeling will be used as a visual aid. The student will be familiar with concepts and techniques used in all geographic information systems (GIS). Map projections and coordinate systems will be covered in detail. Several GIS projects will be assigned based on vector and raster GIS data sets. Calculations that involve DBMS queries will be required in two of the projects. Two major GIS assignments consist of a (1) producing a geologic map using a USGS 7.5' quadrangle base map, and (2) analyzing a numerical data set consisting of multiple polygon coverages with GIS so as to produce a composite trend map. Students will publish mapping projects as web page products on theUSAserver.

GRADUATE STUDENTS(GIT561)

Graduate students will complete the above assignments in addition to applying GIS to their graduate research projects. Consultation with the instructor must be made the semester before enrollment to determine the suitability and scope of research projects for GIS analysis. If the student has not yet developed a suitable data set for GIS analysis, the instructor will assign additional components to the geologic map project, such as the construction of a balanced structural cross section based on the quadrangle geologic map.

Course Pre-requisites / Co-requisites

  • Pre-requisite: GIT460

Course Materials:

Ormsby, T., Napoleon, E., Burke, R., Groess, C., and Feaster, L. , 2001, Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, Environmental Systems Research Institute Press, Redlands CA, ISBN 1-58948-083-X

Class Attendance Policy

  • Students who complete less than 50% of assignments/exams will be assigned an F* grade.
  • Students are expected to have access to an internet-connected computer and be familiar with office productivity applications (spreadsheets, web browser, PDF browser, etc.). All projects will require ArcGIS that is available to GIT461/561students in the LSCB 137/ LSCB 146 GIS labs. See the instructor for door code and computer logon password.
  • Late arrivals (> 10 minutes after class begins) will be counted as absent. Attendance is 10% of final grade.
  • You may wish to review the ‘Attendance and Absences Policy’, in the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin for attendance and absences policy

Important Dates

  • Last day to add/changeto audit:Aug 19
  • Last day to drop a course:Oct 28
  • Holidays: See above weekly schedule

Assessments

  • Make-up exams will be given only in the case of a valid, documented emergency
  • There is a weekly lab assignment
  • Late work is not accepted and will be assigned 0 credit
  • No extra credit will be offered

Project Percentage of Final Grade
1. YosemiteValley Land Use10%

2. World Capitals5%
3. Quad. Geologic Map & Cross-section 20%
4. SRWMD Aquifer 10%
5. Lost Creek Mine Economics10%
6. Outcrop Prediction Project10%

7. Python programming project 15%
8. Python Programming project 210%
PROJECTS TOTAL80%

Final Exam Project10%

Attendance10%

Changes in Course Requirements

  • Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified as circumstances dictate. You will be given written notice if the course requirements need to be changed.

Academic Disruption Policy

  • The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The Lowdown, the student handbook.

Disruptive academic behavior is defined as individual or group conduct that interrupts or interferes with any educational activity or environment, infringes upon the rights and privileges of others, results in or threatens the destruction of property and/or is otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of order in an academic environment.

  • At all times students to be cordial, courteous and respectful of faculty members and fellow students.
  • Cellphones, laptops, videotaping and other electronic devices are not allowed in lecture or lab

Student Academic Conduct Policy

  • The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found in The LowdownThe University of South Alabama is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained. The University is committed to supporting the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and the Code of Alabama and to educating students relative to their responsibilities.
  • Violation of academic conduct policy may result in receiving 0 credit for the affected exam/assignment.
  • Students enrolled in online courses are expected to adhere to the Academic Conduct Policy. In particular, students are expected to complete their own coursework and not provide unauthorized information or materials to another student.
  • Policy on plagiarism software.

Students may learn about the meaning of plagiarism and how to avoid it at the following

link:

Students With Disabilities

  • In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will be afforded reasonable accommodations. The Office of Special Student Services (OSSS) will certify a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodations. If you have a specific disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please notify the instructor/professor and provide certification from the Office of Special Student Services. OSSS is located at 5828 Old Shell Road at Jaguar Drive, (251-460-7212).

Course and Teacher Evaluation

  • Student input for course improvement and instructor evaluations are taken seriously and do effect change.

Course Supplements

  • The major software applications used in this course, ArcGIS 10.x and Microsoft Office 2002 have extensive and comprehensive help systems including online resources. In addition, the GIT461/561 student will have access to online course notes and resources organized by the instructor.

Additional Requirements and Recommendations

Online Writing Support

  • The University of South Alabama provides online writing tutoring services through

SMARTHINKING, an online tutoring service. SMARTHINKING is available at

Students may enter the site by logging on with their Jag

number and using the last four digits of the social security number as the password. For

log-on problems, technical questions and/or on-campus writing assistance, contact

the USA Writing Center at 251-460-6480 or e-mail .

  • Information about the University Writing Center and Online Writing Lab can be found

online at

Last Update: 08/12/2016

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