20806236Introduction to GIS
Course Information
Description
This course offers an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are used in a wide variety of fields to describe, analyze, manage, and map spatial data. Students develop highly marketable skills in GIS by learning fundamental principles and applying the concepts to real-world scenarios in a variety of natural resource, social science, health, and business fields.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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