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Describe GIS theories and analysis techniques
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, exam
Criteria
Differentiate between geographical spatial analysis and computer-driven GIS tools
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of paper and digital maps
Graph sample digital data, meeting expectations as identified by the instructor
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Differentiate various types of mapping systems and spatial data
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, exam
Criteria
Describe two different coordinate systems
Locate positions on a map using latitude and longitude
Locate positions on a map using UTM coordinates
Describe basic map elements
Define raster data, including the data formatting (e.g., square cells with attributes assigned to each cell) and strengths and weaknesses (e.g., edge effects and scale/resolution)
Describe the structure of vector data and discuss its strengths and weaknesses
Differentiate between points, lines, and polygons, and relate them to vector and/or raster data
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Identify information relevant to answering a spatially-explicit question from a variety of sources
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Identify types of data needed to answer a spatially-explicit question
Locate a variety of sources for data needed to answer a spatially-explicit question
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Obtain spatial data relevant to answering a spatially-explicit question from a variety of sources
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Download or otherwise obtain data from a variety of sources to answer a spatially-explicit question
Import obtained data into a GIS
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Digitize and georeference spatial data from a variety of sources
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Create vector layers that accurately represent source material
Create raster layers that accurately represent source material
Georeference locations accurately
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Manage a geospatial database with information from a variety of sources
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Import data into a GIS, taking into consideration aspects of the data (coordinate systems, projects, etc.)
Differentiate among geodatabases, shapefiles, layer files, CAD files, and coverage and feature classes
Join tables, relate features, etc. to maintain a geodatabase
Simplify data or build new data sets by altering attributes
Export data in alternative forms
Create, add, edit, and modify geodatabase files
Maintain geospatial database
Update geospatial database
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Organize spatial data in a logical and consistent manner
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Manipulate spatial data to answer a relevant question
Change, modify, and delete features
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Create clear maps with multiple layers of vector and raster data to convey spatially explicit concepts or relationships
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Create maps displaying spatial data and analysis results
Represent vector and raster data
Include appropriate elements (e.g., title, scale bar, north arrow, legend, etc.) on maps
Use an appropriate scale range to successfully represent the desired information
Change map projections
Export maps for printing, web display, and publication
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Analyze spatial data to find significant connections or patterns related to a spatially-explicit question
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Criteria
Identify different spatial analysis strategies that could be used to address your question
Rank different analyses and determine which ones would most effectively answer your question
Conduct the identified spatial analyses
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Compare GIS software modeling and application functions and modules to determine the appropriate tools to use to answer spatial questions
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Quiz, exam
Criteria
GIS software and tools efficiently and effectively answer spatial questions
Defend choice of tools
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Apply cartographic principles to mapping and database construction
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Quiz, exam
Criteria
Describe different coordinate systems
Relate map scale to real-world scale and work in an appropriate scale for the database or spatial question
Describe different types of projections
Select the best projection for expressing data
Use principles such as coordinate systems, scale and resolution, projections, and thematic mapping techniques in mapping and database construction
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor
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Evaluate findings of spatial analysis for quality and usefulness
Assessment Strategies
Written Product - assignment
Long-term project
Quiz, exam
Criteria
Assess the validity of spatial analysis findings in addressing the intended spatial questions
Identify strengths and weaknesses of spatial analysis findings
Recommend improvements in spatial analyses to improve the validity of findings
Identify misleading or incorrect findings
Project meets specifications as identified by the instructor