Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

10-806-149 Introduction to G.I.S.

Course Information

Description

Geographic information systems (GIS) provide the ability to automate map production and to integrate earth imagery with other data to produce geo-spatial information. This technology has applications in many fields of science, including environmental assessment, analysis of natural hazards, location analysis, resource management, land use planning, and global change. This course introduces the learner to GIS software, cartographic principles, and data synthesis. Using ArcView 9.0, students learn the fundamentals of ArcView and geo-spatial information science while creating multiple map projects. Learners acquire, sort, relate, and manipulate scalable attribute data for the purposes of measurement retrieval, analysis, synthesis, description, and display of natural and physical features, as well as cultural phenomena, to promote a better understanding of our physical and scalar environment. Using student-acquired and pre-existing data sets, learners focus on how decisions are made regarding land use planning, resource allocation, navigation, shifting populations and more to gain insight into how the earth works and how it is evolving, connecting, and changing.

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Define GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner differentiates between geographical spatial analysis and computer-driven GIS tools

learner lists the advantages and disadvantages of paper and digital maps

learner graphs sample digital data
Compare and contrast electronic atlases with GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner explains how electronic atlases only present information, whereas GIS allows for modification, correction, and further analysis of information
Investigate the significance of spatial information

Assessment Strategies

in a written exam

given sample data

Criteria

learner lists the advantages and disadvantages of paper and digital maps

learner graphs sample digital data
Describe various types of mapping systems

Assessment Strategies

given sample data

given a sample map

in a written exam

Criteria

learner describes two different coordinate systems

learner locates positions on a map using latitudes and longitude

learner locates positions on a map using UTM system

learner lists basic map elements
Describe various methods of projections

Assessment Strategies

using GIS software

in a written exam

Criteria

learner describes equal area projections

learner describes conformal projections

learner selects the best projection for expressing data
Identify the types of GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner lists electronic atlases, thematic maps, and street-based mapping systems in GIS and differentiates between scale, features and locations
Distinguish between the five essential characteristics of a modern GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner lists the five essential characteristics of GIS: spatial data, image data, tabular data, coordinate data, and data dictionary
Differentiate between Raster and Vector data

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner defines raster data as square cells with problems at edges and scale

learner defines vector data as coordinate data
Classify six objects that can be displayed on maps

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner differentiates among points, lines, polygons, images, features, and tabular data
Characterize the three basic shapes used in GIS to represent objects

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner distinguishes between points, lines, and polygons, and relates them to vector and/or raster data
Define features, spatial relationships, scale, attribute, and theme

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner relates attributes to features

learner relates map scale to real-world scale

learner relates themes to features
Differentiate between file types used in GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner compiles a list of GIS file types
Investigate the significance of spatial information

Assessment Strategies

in a written exam

producing a map

Criteria

learner graphs sample digital data

learner produces a map

learner lists advantages and disadvantages of paper and digital maps
Differentiate between ArcView, ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox software packages

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner recognizes that ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox are applications within the ArcGIS software package

learner compares and contrasts the different functions of ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox
Evaluate the properties of ArcToolbox

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner changes map projections

learner converts spatial data types

learner uses ArcToolbox wizards
Assess how ArcView relates to GIS

Assessment Strategies

in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner assesses how the ArcView layers, features, feature attributes, and surfaces comprise a GIS
Examine how to navigate in ArcMap and display features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap to create a map

Criteria

learner explains and assesses how data is displayed in ArcMap

learner differentiates between Map view and Table of Contents

learner activates and deactivates layers

learner uses context menus

learner uses properties dialogue box to assess data

learner uses Zoom-In tool

learner uses Zoom-to-Full-Extent tool

learner uses Zoom-to-Previous-Extent tool

learner uses Select Element tool

learner uses Map Tips tool

learner uses Identify tool
Examine how to get information about map features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap to create a printable map

Criteria

learner uses Pan tool

learner uses Tools Toolbar

learner uses Zoom-to-Layer tool

learner uses Magnifier tool

learner creates Bookmarks

learner edits feature data set

learner uses Measure tool
Discover how to get information about feature attributes

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap to create a printable map

Criteria

learner opens, examines, and edits an Attribute Table

learner sorts fields in attribute table

learner performs statistical analysis of attribute field data
Explore how to browse map data

Assessment Strategies

using ArcCatalog to create a printable map

Criteria

learner opens ArcCatalog application

learner uses Options Tools menu to examine the data types and data listings in ArcCatalog

learner uses Hide File and Unhide File Tool

learner uses Standard toolbar to Connect to Folders

learner uses and edits Catalog Tree

learner differentiates between shapefiles, geodatabase files, layer files, and feature classes

learner displays thumbnails of data sets

learner differentiates between data file icons

learner creates thumbnail icons in map view

learner uses Preview Tab

learner uses Metadata Tab to view information

learner uses Geography Toolbar to highlight features

learner uses Identify Tool

learner uses Preview drop-down lists to access feature data set
Demonstrate how to search for data in ArcCatalog

Assessment Strategies

using ArcCatalog, create a printable map

Criteria

learner uses Search button

learner searches by file name or type

learner searches by geographic location

learner searches by file data

learner searches by Keywords

learner uses Browse button

learner uses Find Data button

learner uses Go-To-Target button

learner acquires raster data set

learner uses Catalog Tree and Preview Tab
Explain how to add data to ArcMap

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create a printable map

Criteria

learner uses the launch ArcMap button

learner renames layer file

learner assesses the difference between a virtual page and data frames

learner uses Data View button

learner changes color of layer file

learner uses color palette

learner creates New Data Frame
Facilitate how to symbolize features and rasters

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a four-part map project

Criteria

learner uses Symbol Selector and edits symbols

learner uses Label Features dialog box to edit symbols

learner changes background colors and symbol colors
Assess how to symbolize features by categorical attributes

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new map 1 of a four-part project

Criteria

learner uses and edits Symbology features to produce a graduated color scheme for a categorical attribute

learner uses Color Scheme drop down list

learner edits new color scheme

learner adds data to existing map

learner creates and edits new layer file

learner creates new map with features symbolized by categorical attributes

learner edits attribute tables for new layer

learner creates new map 1 of four-part project
Assess how to use styles and create layer files

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new map 2 of a four-part project

Criteria

learner adds data to existing file and changes symbols on a point layer

learner uses Symbol Selector for Point Symbols

learner uses Display More Symbols

learner assesses available symbology types

learner changes sizes and colors of symbols

learner saves new symbology as a layer file
Clarify how to symbolize rasters

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, creates new map 3 of four-part project

Criteria

learner clarifies raster data criteria as being a matrix of same-sized cells with value attributes assigned to each cell

learner builds pyramids

learner renames raster data set

learner drags and drops layer files

learner changes colors of raster layer

learner selects values for color ramp

learner edits layer properties

learner adds and edits vector data to layer file

learner creates Bookmark

learner creates new map
Classify features and rasters by standard methods

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new map 4 of four-part map project

Criteria

learner differentiates between graduated color, dot density, graduated symbol, and proportional symbol map types

learner differentiates between quantile, natural breaks, equal interval, defined interval, standard deviation, and manual methods for classifying data

learner sorts attribute fields

learner creates graduated color symbology map by classifying data set using natural breaks method

learner creates histogram of data

learner creates graduated color symbology map by classifying data using equal interval method
Classify features manually

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create new map 5 for four-part map project

Criteria

learner classifies data breaks manually

learner creates histogram of new class

learner edits data set

learner formats labels
Assess mapping density

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create new maps 5 and 6 to a four-part map project

Criteria

learner normalizes data set

learner creates new dot density map of populations

learner creates new graduated color map of population densities
Explore how to use graduated and chart symbols

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create new maps 7, 8 and 9 of four-part map project

Criteria

learner assesses how to create graduated symbol maps

learner selects appropriate symbol for graduated symbol map

learner changes symbol sizes

learner replaces symbol values with descriptions

learner creates and edits new layer file symbolizing energy resources

learner creates pie chart symbols

learner creates new pie chart symbol map
Examine how to label features using dynamic labels

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new printable map using dynamic labeling

Criteria

learner differentiates between dynamic labels and interactive labels

learner edits labels in a layer file by changing colors, fonts, font sizes, and label placement on map

learner creates new dynamic labels in a layer file
Appraise the rules for setting and placing labels

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new printable map

Criteria

learner assesses guidelines for setting rules for label placement

learner uses Label Placement Options and Placement Tab to set guidelines

learner changes location of labels on a layer file

learner changes label priority list to establish new priorities for label placements

learner changes label placement to follow wavy lines such as rivers

learner changes scale range to allow labels to show at appropriate scales
Ascertain how to use interactive labels and creating annotation

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new map with annotated interactive labels

Criteria

learner uses interactive labeling to place labels in preferred places on maps

learner uses annotation to allow for movement and symbolization individually

learner saves annotation as a feature class in a geodatabase

learner edits and creates new labels in the Labeling Options Dialog box

learner uses the Select Elements tool

learner creates new map with annotated interactive labels
Examine how to query, select, find, identify, and hyperlink features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Identify tool

learner uses Set Selectable Layers button

learner uses Select Features tool

learner uses Interactive Selection tool

learner uses Remove From Current Selection tool

learner highlights records

learner finds and uses Hyperlink Tool to get images

learner creates Hyperlinks

learner finds features by using matching addresses
Ascertain how to select features by attribute

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create new printable map

Criteria

learner builds a query to select features that have values and attributes, and specific relationships between them

learner uses SQL to build query

learner uses Select By Attributes box

learner creates map with new selected attributes based on query parameters
Create a report

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a report printout

Criteria

learner uses Create Report and Properties tool

learner creates and edits report

learner preview report with Title

learner Prints report
Join tables

Assessment Strategies

making correct responses to test questions and using ArcView, create new printable map

Criteria

learner differentiates among one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-one relationships

learner joins tables using the Join Table button

learner creates new layer file and prints new map
Relate tables

Assessment Strategies

using ArcView, create a new printable map

Criteria

learner relates tables in a one-to-many relationship

learner creates new layer file and prints new map

learner uses Remove Join and Remove Relate to undo his joins and relates
Assess how to select features by location using location queries

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create a new printable map

Criteria

learner defines distance, containment, intersection, and adjacency as spatial relationships

learner selects features using the Select By Location tab

learner builds location query

learner applies buffers

learner measures and edits distance
Combine attribute and location queries

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, creates new printable map

Criteria

learner selects locations by attributes

learner creates new query by attributes and location criteria

learner applies new query to create new layer file

learner joins attributes by location
Prepare data for analysis by dissolving features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner simplifies data by dissolving features

learner builds new data set by altering attributes

learner creates and edits new layer files
Create graphs

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner compares and contrasts graph types: pie, scatter, column, and area graphs

learner uses Graph Wizard

learner creates and edits new chart

learner compares old and new charts

learner creates new chart map
Simplify data by clipping layers

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Set Selectable Areas

learner selects features to be clipped

learner creates new layer and clips data

learner uses Geoprocessing Wizard
Export data to other files

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner creates new data set and new layer by exporting data

learner uses Export Data tab

learner creates and edits new layer file
Analyze spatial data by buffering features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner assesses the difference between buffers and map overlays

learner uses the Buffer Wizard

learner creates 3 buffers and new layer files

learner edits attributes of buffer layers
Analyze data by overlay method

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner differentiates between union and intersected overlays

learner uses Geoprocessing Wizard to create new union overlays

learner creates and edits attributes of new overlay layer file
Analyze data by calculating attribute values

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner differentiates between numeric and text attribute values

learner builds query using Query Builder

learner writes and edits expression using SQL

learner creates new layer file

learner uses statistical analysis to analyze frequency distributions
Project data in ArcMap for display

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner defines how ArcMap projects on-the-fly

learner uses ArcToolbox Projection Wizard

learner edits Metadata file

learner creates new layer

learner creates bookmark for new layer
Define a projection

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses ArcToolbox to use Define Projection Wizard

learner selects and defines new projection

learner uses Spatial Reference Dialog box

learner creates new layer file

learner
Create a personal geodatabase

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map and in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner differentiates among geodatabases, shape files, layer files, CAD files, coverages and feature classes

learner uses ArcCatalog to create a personal geodatabase

learner uses Geodatabase Wizard

learner imports outside data

learner creates, adds, edits, and modifies geodatabase file
Create a feature class

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner defines parameters when importing data to create new feature data class

learner uses New Feature Data Class Wizard

learner sets parameters for Feature Data Class

learner sets spatial references

learner creates new feature data class
Assess how to add fields and domains to geodatabases and feature classes

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses ArcCatalog to define fields in Feature Data Classes

learner creates, modifies, and edits fields in feature data classes

learner sets domain properties for feature data classes

learner builds new feature data class
Draw features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner defines endpoints, lines, vertices, and edges

learner uses Draw Tools

learner uses Create New Feature Tool

learner uses Arc Tool

learner uses Distance-Distance Tool

learner uses Intersection Tool

learner uses Trace Tool

learner uses Digitizer Tool

learner uses Snap Tool

learner builds new features

learner draws new features
Use feature construction tools

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Sketch Tools

learner creates new features
Create new digital data

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Editor Toolbar

learner creates new features using Angle Command on the Sketch Tool
Elaborate how to edit features and attributes by deletion and modification

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Editor Toolbar to change, modify, and delete features

learner adds, moves, and deletes vertices
Merge and split features

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Split Command to create two features from one feature

learner uses Merge Command to create one Feature from two

learner uses Cut Polygon Tool

learner uses edit Tool to merge polygons
Examine how to edit feature attribute values

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Field Calculator Tool to change attribute values

learner creates new feature using editor Toolbar

learner adds and edits new field to attribute table

learner adds new fields from ArcCatalog
Create a map quickly by using a map template

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses map templates to create a map quickly

learner opens and selects map templates

learner uses Pan Tool

learner uses Zoom to Whole Page Tool

learner edits graticule intervals

learner adds graticules to Data Frames
Add x,y data to an existing map

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner adds x,y coordinate data to existing map

learner renames, edits, and saves new data layer
Draw graphics on a map

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Draw Toolbar to add graphics and text to existing map

learner adds title to map

learner adds text box to new map
Use Geography Network with ArcMap

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Geography Network to access online services

learner adds a map service to ArcMap

learner applies template to a map
Create the layout for a page

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map, and in correct responses to test questions

Criteria

learner differentiates among good map elements: Information, Revelation, Clarification, and Conviction

learner uses layout Toolbar

learner sets map orientation

learner uses guides to set layout

learner resizes and rearranges data frames on layout page

learner drags data frames around map page
Add a title

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses insert menu

learner adds title to map

learner changes font, style, color and size of title

learner adds and edits subtitle to map

learner rotates title bars 90 degrees and places on map

learner draws new rectangle for map
Add a north arrow, scale bar, and legend

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner uses Insert Menu to add, edit, and display North Arrow, scale bar, and legend to map

learner examines available objects and options in insert menu bar
Add final touches and set print options

Assessment Strategies

using ArcMap, create new printable map

Criteria

learner adjusts scale bar sizes

learner adds photo image to map

learner adds borderlines to map

learner uses preview map to check quality before printing