Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Spring 2008

Vicki Drake, InstructorOffice hours: Tuesday5:30-6:30 pm

Office: DH 314 MWeb page:

Phone: (310) 434-8652Email:

Course Description

GIS are computer-based systems used to collect, store and analyze geographic information. This course will present the concepts upon which this technology is based. Through lectures and exercises, the student will gain an understanding of GIS and how it can be used to create maps, charts, images and other types of presentations. Other related technologies, such as map reading, remote sensing and basic cartographic skills will also be explored.

Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing this class will have a greater understanding of maps and the skills needed to manipulate spatially-oriented data in the map format. Special skills to be learned through lecture and lab include:

1)fundamental cartographic knowledge of map projections, scale, coordinates and mapping accuracy.

2)understanding geographic data’s four components: position, attributes, spatial relationships and time to aid in retrieving, manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatially-referenced data.

3)a working knowledge of GIS software and associated hardware to determine appropriate use of the technology.

4)specific training in the use of ArcView/ArcINFO9.2, developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), Redlands, California

Required Text/Equipment

An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 3rd edition, by Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver

Introduction to GIS: Beginning ArcView 9.x Exercise and Workbook; by Vicki Drake (in bookstore)

USB flash drive (minimum1 Gb)

Evaluation

Grades will be determined by lecture/lab attendance and class participation, completed lab and class assignments, ArcView workbook and Data Dictionary, a GIS Project, three ‘lecture’ exams, and a final “practicum” exam (a practicum in ArcView). The first three exams will consist of objective questions and essay questions pertaining to lecture discussions and ArcView/ArcINFO concepts. Everyone must take the final practicum exam: failure to do so will result in a grade of FAIL no matter the grade going into the final exam. Grades will be computed mathematically based on the number of total points for the semester.

Three“lecture” Exams 30%

“Practicum” Final Exam 20%

Completed Class Assignments 20%

Completed Exercise Workbook

and notebook/Data Dictionary 10%

Final GIS Project20%

Keep your attendance regular and punctual, absences in excess of 3 may result in exclusion from the class. Arriving late for class is disruptive for everyone, and habitual tardiness may result in exclusion from class.

Getting Help

If you are having difficulty with the concepts presented in class, I will be happy to help you. Please see me after class or during the office hours if you are having problems. You may leave a message for me on my voicemail (310-434-8652) or contact me through e-mail (mailto: ). Getting help early in the semester will ensure a more successful course grade.

Classroom Conduct/Academic Honesty

Students violating college policies regarding personal conduct and academic honesty subject to disciplinary measures. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in temporary (or permanent) removal from the class. Additionally, cheating, copying, and plagiarism (either from another papers, from a pre-written assignment, or downloaded from the Internet) will result in removal from the class, a grade of F for the project (and possibly the semester) along with possible expulsion from Santa MonicaCollege.

COURSE OUTLINE

(Tentative Schedule – Subject to Change!)

Lecture Topics: Week 1 and 2

Intro to GIS; History of GIS; Geographic Concepts; Map Basics (Chapters 1,2 and 9)

Components of a GIS

  • The Success with which a GIS can be used
  • Geographic Data
  • GIS vs. CAD vs. DBMS vs. computer mapping
  • Land Information Systems
  • Why use a GIS? Who uses a GIS?
  • Applications of GIS

Introduction to GIS (Chapters 1 and 9)

Introduction toArcView

Coordinate Systems, Datums and Projections Outline (Chapter 2)

Reference Ellipsoids

Assignment # 1: Three definitions of GIS taken from books, journals, and/or the World Wide Web. Each definition should include the source. Due 2nd week of class (February 19).

Assignment # 2: Follow this link, read the “History of GIS”, prepare a one-page summary using MS Word, or a Wordprocessor. of GIS. Due 2nd week of Class (February 19)

Assignment #3: Comparing Projections: Advantages and Disadvantages (link to assignment). Due 3rdweek of class. (February 26)

Assignment # 4: Comparison of Data Classification Methods using ArcView 9.0 (link to assignment). Due 5thweek of class (March 11).

Classification Methods in ArcView

Making a Map in ArcGIS

Lecture Topics: Week 3, 4 and 5

GIS Data Models (Chapter 3)GIS BasicsData Format and Database Development

  • Vector Models
  • Raster Models
  • Modeling Surfaces: Raster vs vector

Database Management (Chapter 4) Data Management (Part 1) Data Management & Structure (Part 2)

Data Management – Structure & Models (Part 3)

Database Models

GIS database applications

  • Data Management (Part 1)
  • Data Management & Structure (Part 2)
  • Data Management – Structure & Models (Part 3)

Data Input, Editing and Output (Chapter 5)GIS Data Input and Output

  • Data Entered into a GIS
  • Methods of Data Input
  • GIS Output

Assignment # 5: Analyzing Demographic Data – Ft. Bend, Texas) (link to assignment). Due 8th week of class (April 1).

FIRST EXAM: CHAPTERS 1-5, assignments and ArcView basics (Exercises 1-5) (March 18)

Lecture Topic: Week 6

Remote Sensing (Chapter 5: pages 146-148)

  • History of Remote Sensing
  • Remote Sensing Resolutions
  • Remote Sensing Sensors
  • Steps Used to Analyze Remotely Sensed Data
  • Applications of Remote Sensing to GIS

Remote Sensing (Part 1)Remote Sensing (Part 2)

Lecture Topic: Week 7

Data Quality (Chapter 10)

  • Components of Data quality; accuracy and precision
  • Sources of Error

Data Quality (Part 1)

Data Quality (Part 2)

Lecture Topic: Week 8

Analysis of Spatial Data (Chapter 6)

Cartographic Modeling

  • Divisions of GIS Functions
  • Maintenance and Analysis of Spatial and Non-Spatial Data
  • Integrated Analysis of Spatial and Attribute Data
  • Output Formatting
  • Network Analysis and surface analysis

GIS Analysis Functions (part 1)

Week 9 (spring break)

Lecture Topic: Week 10

Analytical Modeling in GIS (Chapter 7)

Creating, using and analyzing ‘process models’ in GISGIS Analysis Function (part 2)

Maps and Output (Chapter 8)(Review “Making a Map in ArcGIS” lecture)GIS and Cartography

Assignment #6: Mining Data on the Internet (link to assignment)THIS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE YOUR TERM PROJECT – REQUIRED OF ALL STUDENTS – I ENCOURAGE YOU TOWORK IN GROUPS!

DUE MAY 27, 2008 –PRESENTATION DATE

SECOND EXAM: Chapters 6,7,8,and 10, Remote Sensing topics, assignments and ArcView Exercises 6-11 (April 22, 2008)

Lecture Topic: Week 12, 13,14

GIS and GPS

Legal and Ethical Issues in GIS

Implementing a GIS (Chapters 11, 12)

Future of GIS (Chapter 13)

THIRD EXAM: CHAPTERS 11-13, assignments and ArcView Exercises 12-16 (May 27, 2008)

WEEK 16: PRESENTATIONS OF TERM PROJECTS: May 27, 2008

FINAL EXAM: TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008- AN ARCVIEW ‘PRACTICUM’ – A GIS ANALYSIS USING ARCVIEW 9.2.

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Introduction to GIS

Spring 2008